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Post by strick on Mar 22, 2008 23:03:13 GMT -5
I purchased a new (to me) bike today, 1978 SR500e, and immediately got on board here. So first - hello to everyone!
I have been into motorcycles my whole life, but just recently got the street tracker bug. I purchased a 1980 XS650 special to start on a street tracker project. It runs and is in nice shape. I discovered a 1978 SR500 today on craigslist for $175 (complete w/siezed motor), so off I go to grab that thing. I have always loved the looks of the SR500. I also know that the SR makes a great street tracker. This bike had sat outside (I think) for several years. It has 12900 miles on it and was last registered in 1995.
I get the bike home, tore it apart, squirted LOTS of Marvel Mystery Oil in every orifice (intake port, exhaust port, spark plug hole, intake valve, and exhaust valve. I let it sit for around an hour or so and try to get it to kick over - nothing, it won't budge 1mm! There is a lot of surface rust on some of the parts, but the carb looks terrific and operates well. I drained the oil and it looked to be full, and found no surprises. The gear shift operates well: 1st, neutral, 2nd & 3rd, I couldn't get 4th or 5th but didn't try hard.
Here is my question for you guys in the know: Given the bike has sat for 13 years in damp (Washington) climate. Do you think it is just the top end that need attention or do you think the whole motor is toast? I am not in the frame of mind right now to split cases and completely rebuild this beast. If you say it may just be top end, is that very difficult? It is just about the same as a Honda XR, right (which I could rebuild the top in a dimly lit bathroom).
Finally, if you guys say that it is definitely a total rebuild, what is a COMPLETE (except for center stand) 1978 SR500e really worth with a siezed motor. I really do mean 100% complete, every part is there, except it does have a supertrapp exhaust and a K&N filter. Did I pay too much at $175 or will this be easy to off? If you say it is just the top end (i know nothing is for sure), how much and where do I buy all the top end parts?
Thanks guys, and sorry my first post here was so long!
Strick
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Post by chew652 on Mar 23, 2008 9:04:03 GMT -5
It really depends on why it siezed. If it is just because it was sitting it is most likely the rings rusted to the cylinder. I have heard of people putting oil in the sparkplug hole and working the crank back and foth with a wrench on the flywheel nut or the primary drive nut. On the other hand if was parked because it siezed when running you will have to tear it down to see what is damaged.The only problem with that is that the motor must be removed from the frame to disassemble anything. If it was me I would do that. I would at least take the head off to assess the damage and the reassemble it if I didn't want to fix what I found. If any of that intimidates you leave it assembled and Ebay it. The filter and exhaust alone are worth $175 if they are in good shape.You got a deal. All the parts are available at the Yammy dealer or aftermarket.Mail order here. www.yamahasportsplaza.com/pages/parts/viewbybrand/default.aspx |
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Post by strick on Mar 23, 2008 9:56:34 GMT -5
Chew, thanks for your insight! I am going to tear the top end off to assess. I can always re-assemble. The guy I bought this from was given the bike from his brother and told me that it was a running bike 13 years ago. The sieze is due to sitting. This guys was very straight up, and I trust him.
I really want to thank you for letting me know about taking the motor out of the frame, for sure! Motorcycle rebuld & repair do not intimidate me, as classic cars are also a hobby of mine. I just don't want to mess with a lower rod bearing, because of don't the the equipment to pop and press the crank in my shop (if that is how the SR rod/crank assembly is designed). I will give it a little more attention today and post back.
Also, is there an online manual located on the internet somewhere. I don't have one yet. The SV650 I owned had one posted on-line and so does my XS650.
Thanks,
Strick
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Post by chew652 on Mar 23, 2008 11:29:26 GMT -5
Try this 4megaupload.com/index.php?q=yamaha+edition. I don't know what you will get. When I bought my SR the PO gave me 3 manuals. I passed 1 on to my son. The SR bottom end is a ball bearing crank and generally perceived as bulletproof. I doubt you will have any problems there. |
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Post by davewfc603 on Mar 23, 2008 19:25:23 GMT -5
For $175 it is a great deal, if you haven't torn it down yet & the rear tire is off the ground, turn the wheel (easy... ) in the highest gear & that ratio might free it up a little to give a better guess on just the rings, clutches are probably just sticking from that length of time & sometimes free up nicely. The more you read about SR500 the more you see a great little bike.
Have fun!
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Post by G Man on Mar 23, 2008 19:38:26 GMT -5
... Also, is there an online manual located on the internet somewhere. I don't have one yet. The SV650 I owned had one posted on-line and so does my XS650. Thanks, Strick Try this one out Strick. Should help somewhat. www.slash5.net/sr500.htmlAlso, search under JohnOldgit's posts. He has a link to something on his website as well. Good luck, G Man |
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Post by strick on Mar 23, 2008 21:40:49 GMT -5
O.K. - problem identified. Still no shop manual, but disassembly is not problem (lot's of experience). STUCK EXHAUST VALVE- wide flippin' open! It is so wide open I am wondering if the inner valve spring broke and stuck. It is more open than it should be (I think). The reason the engine would not turn over is due to the piston striking the WIDE open valve. Once I got the head open I could use the cam/cam chain to turn the motor back and forth --> boy was I happy! The cam and bearings look great. The cylinder looks terrific just surface rust. The piston had a lot of crud on the top of it and the rings were stuck it. The bottom end (rod play) seems very acceptable.
The piston mic'd at 86mm, is that stock?
I am going to take my head down to a friend who is a mechanic at a local bike shop and have him mess with the stuck valve and put new valves in. I will tackle the piston and slap it all back together.
So guys, I guess I will be selling the XS650 that I was going to use for my street tracker project and use this 100lb lighter, single cylinder beast!
Who sells SR500 street tracker stuff? I was going to use Omar's for the 650, but it isn't real clear if he sells parts for the SR.
Thanks again for all the replies. I will have to order a manual (from somewhere) right away for reassembly specs.
Strick
I don't have a valve spring compressor (I always borrowed them), but I could not free the valve up. WD-40, Marvel Mystery Oil, tapping with a hammer- oops, snapped the valve! Even with just the stem in the head and all the pressure of the
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Post by milkman on Mar 23, 2008 23:26:20 GMT -5
A lot of the 650 gear is suitable for the SR also. Maybe try the flattrack resources direct if you're in the states For sale page on Vintage Flat Track vft.org/vftforsale2.html |
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Post by StewRoss on Mar 24, 2008 1:20:55 GMT -5
Here's an idea for you...Deus machine using Japanese parts...  SR  |
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Post by marlon on Mar 24, 2008 6:48:59 GMT -5
Is it my imagination, or is that bike getting better looking every time I see it?
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Post by strick on Mar 24, 2008 11:28:18 GMT -5
Stew - I sent you an e-mail regarding your bike.
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Post by strick on Mar 24, 2008 18:05:39 GMT -5
I have MANY questions about that bike in the picture, but don't want to hijack my own thread.
I noticed you kept the passenger peg part of the frame, do you need to, or can it be removed? What were you thinking there?
Did you custom make your battery box?
Is the frame powder coated or did you spray it yourself?
Where did you get the fender/seat and was it a direct bolt on?
Where and what brand it the tank.
--> if it isn't your bike, is the owner a member here?
Thanks!
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Post by colinjay on Mar 24, 2008 21:17:55 GMT -5
Strick,
Good to hear that you found the problem. The exhaust valve sticking open was/is not an unkown problem with the XT/TT/SR500 engine, as the valve tends to run a bit hot and is not really well lubricated.
It is always good practice to leave the engine on compression (in and ex valves closed) if you are going to leave the bike stored for a while.
CJ
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Post by milkman on Mar 24, 2008 23:26:10 GMT -5
Marlon, have you been watching On Any Sunday again? I know where you're coming from but try wearing a helmet, and being sober, and not around a kids swing set if you take up flattrack again  |
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Post by marlon on Mar 25, 2008 8:22:34 GMT -5
Milky, I've officially barred myself from watching "On any Sunday" drunk, near a chook chaser and close to a public park. My foray into flattracking wasn't exactly an glorious one, but it was short lived and spectacular.
Maybe some other time...
Strick, that's a Deus Ex Machina bike. Most parts are bolt on, and the seat and tank can be yours for around $1700. Good looking, quick way to do a flattracker, if somewhat expensive. I think some early 00's series SR400's came with a silver frame stock.
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