Are Old Dirt Bikes Worth Restoring? 1983 Honda XR500 Barn Find

[@_ivrd9313]

I have question! During Covid I got a 90 XR 600, it ran when I bought but I havent been able to crank it since, where is a good place to start troubleshooting. I cleaned the carbs and reset them, new plug, oil etc. But I havent touched anything inside the case. any suggestions?

[@SteveStomber]

If you have spark, Id check out the valve clearances and compression on the motor. Check the online manual on detailed instructions on compression test since the decomp system can mess up your reading. Another thing to check would be the timing but this is not as likely of an issue as the above. Since it ran before without smoking etc its most likely the valve clearances are too tight

[@kaydonmaglaughlin7126]

My sister has two in her garage from the older gentleman that sold them the house. Got to figure out the paperwork first but I was told I could have them of I pick them up so I can't wait!

[@SteveStomber]

hell yeah! nice brother

[@rinaharosh]

Glad it’s working! You put a lot of time and effort into it

[@SteveStomber]

Thanks!

[@chrisfederoff1047]

Old bikes are great. We have nothing but XR’s and if they have net been destroyed by years of abuse they are bullet proof. I usually clean the carbs, do general service, fix what’s been neglected and ride them. Sure newer bikes are shiny and have modern suspension and all the bits. But the new bikes also won’t be around in 20,30, or 40 years as in the case of some of our bikes. It’s just like some people have to have the newest shiniest car every year they come out. Good video and good luck.

[@SteveStomber]

Thanks! My only issue with old bikes is parts availability, XRs are usually okay in that area. I had the XR500 and XR600R with the dual carbs I hated those things

[@Fieldyfan94]

How strong is the paint you used? And when are you going to make a top end rebuild.

[@SteveStomber]

I used an enamel paint to resist gas and oil. And this bikes long gone, rode it way too much knowing it needed top end work (Piston/Rings at minimum) and ended up breaking the timing chain. Wasn't worth the $$ to rebuild it with new bearings/seals etc so I parted her out

[@roylafleur1584]

Thanks for the video. Is it street legal. I'm about to buy a 1983 xr500 but not sure if I can make it street legal.

[@SteveStomber]

If your in Cali, you want to see just a normal motorcycle classification on the title, If the title says off road use only, it will be a long an uphill battle

[@robertjarboe300]

That's the same 9ne I got 83 xl500r. Also paid $500 for it.

[@SteveStomber]

Yup you can score em pretty cheap if non running

[@JamesZweng]

It's burning oil a ton

[@SteveStomber]

Yeah she def needed a top end, rings at the minimums

[@Acthungbaby]

Yuk colour terrible on the frame

[@SteveStomber]

I like it!

[@philipketchell8369]

It's burning oil big time..

[@SteveStomber]

Burns more oil than my 2 stroke 😂

[@billyotoole-o1u]

it doesnt look as good as orig paint

[@rinaharosh]

Glad it’s working! You put a lot of time and effort into it

[@SteveStomber]

Sure did! Thanks!