Free Abandoned Yamaha XT 500 Find. Will It Run? (Starts On Fire)

I work on this free Yamaha XT 500 and try to get it to run. It has been sitting for over 20 years. Will this bike run? #Yamaha, #XT, #500cc,
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The following video features activities performed in controlled environments by knowledgeable persons. DO NOT attempt to duplicate, re-create, or perform the same or similar activities at home, as personal injury or property damage may result. 2vintage( Joe Weber, the persons shown in this video and ANY CONTRIBUTOR, ARE NOT LIABLE FOR ANY such injury or damage. ALL 2vintage( Joe Weber) CONTENT IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY.
2vintage (Joe Weber) makes no representation about the sufficiency of any safety precautions and equipment used in this video.

[@2vintage]

My leg got a little hot for a second there! These xt500s are a beast to kick over! Please SUBSCRIBE and LIKE the video if you enjoyed! It really helps me out a lot! Check out my Instagram: 2_vintage_ Thank you for the support!

[@itsnotnewo5254]

No problem for the best youtuber

[@dextonmason3447]

can you make a top speed test on it when it’s finished?

[@maico4902]

Hi you might need the battery on to help with the spark and low compression could be decomposition stuck open just suggestions keep up the great videos

[@jonmelvin5682]

Please get this running ......its not hard to kick ....yet

[@matthewsizemore3701]

nice im gonna love watching these types u fix try checking wiring maybe i don't know

[@joshbannon8989]

Joe. Google the starting procedure. You have to use the decompression release to get it to the compression stroke. Then release the compression lever. Then kick it all the way through. 120psi it should run. If you can get it to start compression will come up too. Try a new plug as well. If you use the correct starting procedure it won’t wear you out starting that big bore bike. If it doesn’t start on the first or second kick somethings not right. Valve seats. Pipe needs to be on for back pressure. Air box lid on. Good luck.

[@OldestYoungenInGuidePost]

Josh Bannon One of the most helpful comments I've ever seen 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👍🏼

[@kermit8619]

Easy start : Turn the engine until you feel the compresion . Pull the decompressor lever and slowly turn the engine until you see the little metallic tab trough the little window on the right side of the cylinder head . Release the decompressor and kick it hard with the choke on . I learned to ride motorcycle on those things 😁

[@dockspa]

You got it right Kermit. I had the XR version and it was the same process... Never had to worry about anyone stealing it though.

[@xjm.fitness]

the bike catching in fire was probably one of my favorite 2vintage moments and trust me theres been a lot of em lmao.

[@blaydenm8917]

What time did it happen

[@tybarrington6664]

He didn’t put gas in one of his quads in one video and it receding up so high it could’ve blew up

[@tybarrington6664]

Reved not receding

[@willyhillstrom7816]

That's its spirit animal, fire breathing dragon. 27hp and 666ft lbs of torque. When you crash it sets its self on fire. Maybe it tricks you into going high side, and throws you over the saddle. Maybe you run over your own foot, takes your shoe off and tares a hole in your sock. You have to throw some dirt on it to put the fire out. That's just the way it works. Better be quick.

[@slickricktheruler]

Look up starting procedure for xt500. You have to use the decompression lever and line up the timing mark through the little sight glass on top cam cover. Clean it off with a tooth pick or qtip. I had the exact bike in the 80’s. Repeat it’s not the timing you just have to get the procedure correct. Hope this helps.

[@NewBeRVer]

Always great content! I learn a lot, thanks for sharing!

[@sprintcarsandguitars959]

a few more steak dinners,then you'll be ready to start a thumper!

[@cwatson42785]

I couldn't help but laugh when the bike started roasting and you're standing on it 🤣

[@kellyburton]

Watching you try and start that beast reminded me of when I had an old XT650- Single Cylinder no compression release. I am only 5"8 and it was a bear to start. Always was cold blooded even after a full rebuild. But once it as going was an awesome machine. I ended up selling as it was two tall and heavy for me. Anytime I fell over on a steep trail needed help getting it back up lol.

[@robindonders804]

I own a sr500(street version of the xt500)and it’s a pain in *** to start. You have to get it just right. Kick until you feel you are on the compression stroke and your kick pedal is basically stuck. Then use the decompression lever and kick it 2 inches further. Let off the decompression lever and let the kick pedal come all the way up again. Then kick with everything you got. No throttle and full choke. I never use the looking glass, its more accurate if you do it by feel. I think your carb is from an sr500 btw, they have an accelerator pump. The carb has multiple diaphragms that are very fragile and sitting for so long I would be surprised if they are still able to hold a vacuum. So that’s the next thing I would check. Good luck. If you get it running, it’s a blast.

[@logankinneyyy8030]

Dude where the hell do y’all “find” all these bikes. 😂

[@deborahchesser7375]

Man I need a Free XT 500 real bad ya know?

[@easylee1417]

When yor that guy known to fix shit people tend to give you there broken stuff . Put ads on Facebook and Craigslist saying you'll move old bikes and motorcycles out of peoples yards or that you'll buy there old machines and eventually someone that dont know what they got will come bye and drop something good off.

[@cwatson42785]

@@deborahchesser7375 What state are you in Deborah? My father has one he's looking to find a good home for

[@greengoat5654]

My boss has three just laying around in assorted states. Like an extra engine and frame too. These were boom era bikes so money money, people buying a new bike every year

[@greengoat5654]

Tt500s especially literally fall from the skies.

[@JDawgBuilds]

Good luck man! I hate when they sound like their about to start and gives you hope, but doesn't start no matter how much you try. I'm working on a 1976 CB550F that was left outside for over 15 years and was parked because it wasn't running before that. It's been a struggle, but she's running and idles! I haven't got to the higher RPMs since it's not "Street legal" right now. I subbed. Hopefully you get her to run!

[@michaelbrodison2482]

I am liking these fix up videos a lot at the moment. Keep up the good work hopefully you get that beast going

[@dextonmason3447]

wow what a classic

[@SkillzImakegoodcontentlol]

This is amazing! My 2001 Husqvarna 50 pit bike has the same problems but instead of fire its RAW Gas.

[@dave9398]

Thank you for this video. I've learned so much and now I'm hyped.

[@gtisid]

the luck you have is astounding !! my first encounter with a motorcycle was on the back of one of these as a 13 year old, they are leg breakers with the compression and a proper wheelie machine

[@bigospig]

I have a 1985 XT600 and had to learn the ONLY way to start it is getting the piston at TDC before kicking it. Also, when it is cold the choke has to be FULLY engaged, not 80%, not 99%, but 100% CHOKE. Of course, the 500 and 600 have different carbs, but that is what mine needs to start. BTW, I think 100 pounds of compression is fine.

[@SeaWolfEntertainment]

I have a 1983 XT550J dual sport and had a new electrical harness made. Can hardly wait to get it running

[@dirtyhooliganmx4337]

Cool bike for sure hope it gets running would like to see an oldie get back going again

[@eugenesbackyardrepair4593]

Funny watching you get for mice. I remember buying a tractor out of guys yard. Got home thought I'd take out of truck to look for mice damage instead backnof truck had 4 snakes in it. Guess snakes lived in mower catching mice that wondered in. Lol

[@myslash09]

I like how you get all these machines running . I’ve had a lot of these machine as a kid . great videos keep up the great work!

[@benrodeheaver701]

Would you know where I could find a rebuildable motor ? At this point either TT or XT will work. Thanks, Ben R.

[@alankarvel441]

it amaze's me that you get those carbs together without getting dirt in them from working on a dirty surface,! just saying

[@gordonwbell]

sweet project. keep up the good work. Even though you ultra sonic cleaned the carb, did you confirm that all the passages were clear by blowing air or carb cleaner through them? did you remove the accelerator pump and clean those passages? the passages in the float bowl as well? if you're going to use carb cleaner make sure its stripped of all the rubber bits otherwise, they may get ruined. I've ran into this problem a few times - I always ensured if there is a passage that its clean, including mixture screw, etc. If it has spark, fuel, compression and air, it should fire, but that being said, without the filter, it might be too lean as well. Like some of the comments said, it could be the shear key - but unless someone has been in there before, I doubt that it would be sheared. they usually shear if someone doesn't re-install the flywheel correctly - super clean crank (no oil on the taper) and proper nut torque.

[@nasirharris4026]

I love you video’s man keep going

[@ironlungs1626]

My father has just finished restoring one of these. The exhaust that you have is the original and is very very expensive. Also, with a tank in that condition... you are one very lucky man. These beasts when tuned right are absolute tractors. I would recommend taking the original exhaust off to keep it safe and put a "hotdog" straight through pipe on the back. Makes it sound like claps of thunder

[@MichaelandCathy1999]

I had and drove an ‘81 Honda XL 500 single , a true tank of an off road rocket. A solid ride for Fireroads and Medium Rock trails. BUT it was a beast to start when it was morning cold, it too had a decompression lever, thank God! But if you follow the manual or try asking other big bore riders, THEY’LL know what to do. Just watch for kickbacks, it’ll put a thorn in your day. Good luck and happy berming. 👍🇨🇦

[@quentinblanchard3022]

I kept waiting for the kickbacks lol

[@Gruxxan]

check the oil level when oil is hot. when its cold all the oil is in the sump especially after standing a long time

[@glenbalk8350]

👌🏼Awesome video!! Great work and what an amazing place to live. Hi from Australia 👋🏼

[@phillmitchelllpool2092]

They have a key on the flywheel and the shear off when they’ve been sat , I’ve owned 2 of theese and funny enough both had the same issue, Plus you don’t just keep kicking them prime the fuel throttle closed with the prime pump on the carb stroke it a few times decom in then kick it with decom out it might help ,also get some oil in the chamber and let it sit a while if your getting different pressure readings the rings will be stuck good luck I’m waiting for the next video patiently 👍🏻

[@OldestYoungenInGuidePost]

Phill Mitchell Lpool A great comment👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼, very informative and will probably be ignored 🤔

[@deancooper7952]

I dreamed of owning an xt 500 as a young man , finally got one in 1985 , never have I had so much fun riding a trials motorcycle on and off road , (I am from south wales in the uk , )I rebuilt the motor , ported , polished and applied know-how to the build torque and rideability was amazing for next to no cost . I still regret selling mine , brilliant , versitile bike , I envy you . Still miss the huge grin I got every time I rode mine .👍😎 mine always started first kick once dialled in , you will get the knack.

[@eugenesbackyardrepair4593]

Ok u win . I've fix aot of off road stuff but have not come across one with accelerator pump on the carb.

[@RamblinGarage]

That thing honestly looks super clean... but FREE?! Making me think I overpaid for my '73 Z90 lol also, you're in Wisconsin, which is awesome, I'm down in Janesville!

[@felixftacnik5873]

Hello; Firstly this is a Monocylinder , if your kick starter is not in a VERTICAL POSITION AT THE TOP ", you will never get 2 rotations of the engine after having pass the " top head center" ; and the spark plug will never fire. Please, pass the "top head center " with the decompressor , (use the help of a top dead centre indicator if you like ), MOVE BACK UP YOUR KICK STARTER ,put the choke on , don't touch the accelerator ( never when the engine is cold ) that will make the gas poorer .....(that undo the fonction of the choke ) Secondly ; Be carefull with the kick starter, hundred and hundred kick like that, could damage a small piece inside . I have a SR 500 ( 1978 ) at home , it the same engine , if you do correctly the procedure you will be able to fire up at the first kick ( in cold or warm condition ) Good luck . Greeting from France. Félix

[@grayfool]

Love these bikes. Light and fun. You need a full swing of the kick start to fire up this thing. Use the decompressor to get it on the compression stroke then give it a full swing.

[@rigguyjt]

You should know that those bikes are notorious for kicking back hard when the cylinder gets charged up.

[@kevfinn8232]

Very hard and it hurts like hell...

[@shotgunz1248]

I got a good laugh when it was on fire and it took u some time to find it lolol did your leg get hot bud

[@reedsmechanical3663]

Hey man, i was wondering where you find most of your deals that you get. Do you have a bulk search tool that searches on both craigslist, FB marketplace etc?

[@ferrumlynx1914]

They are really expensive and collectiable here in Denmark

[@troyrosenbaugh9935]

Had one identical to it back in the day, great bike, powerful as hell. Be careful.

[@charlienower9736]

AT 23 min in. does he put in oil? or did that off-camera?

[@heikoganzel9267]

Yeah !! Dear 2vintage Your vids about this bike are very interresting to me bcause my first bike was the xt 500 ,and i shaked for laugh by your kiking of the old lady ,i nowhet the white spot...very very funny to me after 60000 km on this thing,please go on making vids,and thanks for your work!

[@dustincartner9773]

I have the brown 1977 version of this bike done lots of work to it and ride it on and off road all the time

[@jobucklandbuckland8031]

had the SR500 , your starting is 2 stroke style , 4 stroke singles , ease up to compression , nudge it over to about half kick start travel , let lever back up then a good swing , not a shabby kick a good swing and bang should start , this works on velds as well a well known difficult starter

[@garrettdownes3309]

I just got a 74 kawasaki f11. It looks a lot like this. I am currently working on it. Thanks for the video While I was working on mine I noticed it has small spark. I checked the points and mine were stuck. After I cleaned them I have a ton of spark and now it runs. You might want to try that.

[@HockeyVictory66]

Yes, I have watched enough of these videos and points are part of the spark/ignition and just as important as checking spark and fuel. They get sticky and the contacts oxidize.

[@thecannabiskidfortier6219]

Hey have you thought of getting an impact screwdriver? It would make taking out screws that are stuck in.

[@Kosmonooit]

Nice bike - that was the model with the Al tank, beaut! Check the points? Missing the bash plate btw.

[@rozzyretreat3300]

Had 2 my favorite xt 55O had 2 BEST days 1982 thanks informative video time gets everything thats LIFE LOL

[@mrwhite834]

Grate looking bike classic my kind of bike I would drive about in, best of luck getting her running 👍

[@dano8389]

The thingy on the carb you were looking at as a "primer" is an accelerator pump or booster pump. You may want to look into that. If its clogged it's not getting the boost of fuel.

[@preez77]

I got curious and looked it up, that carb has 2 separate accelerator pumps and an enrichment pump! Pretty complex for a 500cc thumper

[@dano8389]

@@preez77 my guess is one or 2 flicks of the throttle should prime it enough to fire over. To much throttle could flood it quick. I had the same issues with a boat that had a 2 barrel. Accelerator pump was a pain.

[@lawrencefunk6520]

Love to see a tt500 conversion, the motor can be an absolute beast.

[@gbarratt1416]

Was waiting for the kickback 😁

[@Oyvind88]

Great video😁😁

[@kylewaz3077]

Glad I’m not the only one that struggle my 550 xt a pain to start

[@koos690]

Timmingis quite easy on cam and chain. You have that small glas cap that show you TDC without to remove the valve covers. Right side there is a plastic cover that looks like a huge bolt that is you timing chain tensioner. Timing on chain to valves an be slightly adjusted there to get perfect TDC. Then you check your spark on the points distributer rotor..then check spark on plug. Try again start and please put your tank on connected with the fuel that gives gravity feed to your carb and suction ballance your air fuel mix can be even for proper combustion on spark. No short cuts with XT500. Build 12 of them in my life.

[@cheeseeater1349]

She looks like a true classic Would be a nice ground up build to restore all the way worth top dollar long run 💯💪🏿 She’s a beauty

[@RpmAuto]

I almost broke my leg one time trying to crank one of those. It hit and kicked back. I always told to lean the the bike all the way over to one side to flood carb and then do the cranking procedure. Check timing. And get a truck and tow rope. Put it in high gear and pull start it. Or order you a new leg😁

[@FIVESTAR79]

I love this bike I had one back in 1985 and it was a bad ass bike really strong and tuff to start but worth every min of riding it

[@darrinwoodward14]

Those bikes were a bear to start even when they were new.its all in the starting procedure and how you kick it.thats an accelerator pump on that carb.assuming the diaphragm is good,every time you twist the throttle,it squirts gas directly into the throat of the carb.so keep that in mind every time you twist it,easy to flood is what I'm getting at.

[@jefftheaussie2225]

No accelerator pump on the 500.

[@paulvansteen9310]

@@jefftheaussie2225 Here in the states the XT500 did come with accelerator pump carb after '79 or '80... I have a '77 XT500 with no accelerator pump.... Cheers mate from the XT lovin' yank in the states... 😮👍😎

[@jefftheaussie2225]

@@paulvansteen9310 Mine is a 78 E with no acc pump. We got the US version here, different to the European ones. The one in the video looked like an E. I have owned mine for more than 40 years. Jeff

[@user-fi3fx5my2s]

Love that bike!!!! Miss my old 77 XT 500.

[@jefflocke8042]

Just went through the same thing on an XT 250 you either have to put a battery in it or short the battery leads and give it a shot of ether it’s best to replace the battery though good luck

[@jeffhunter2553]

I love all the 500cc one lug Thumpers. I very nearly bought a bike like this in the mid-80s I just couldn't get the money together fast enough. I did eventually get an sr500 and I rode it as if it were an Enduro.

[@undftv5512]

You have to prime it to get the piston at tdc once there pull the decompression and then kick it over I had one of these

[@CalebRobles-vx6tb]

Hey quick question if you don’t mind me asking ? How much do you usually spend on your projects? I finished one of mine and now I feel like everything is too expensive.

[@staceysmith6518]

The reason your tank is perfect on the inside is because it is aluminum, from 1980 on the app or all aluminum, good job on working on the bikes I really like watching your channel

[@g3ges3]

I’m glad you said that saved me a job

[@matt12251975]

Where did you get the new petcock? Great bike, thanks for sharing, as always.

[@evanhough60]

Also the thing you were asking about on the carb is the throttle adjustment

[@fire_node2416]

Looks pretty good for sitting 20 years and it being an overall old bike lol.

[@markbrown-us4xe]

It cost $1440. out the door in 1978. Plenty of fun and mine was once towed from where I was working midnight shift. The guard's didn't like the fact that I would use the outer edge of a mile long parking lot to practice wheeling and the head light told on me. One morning I went to report it stolen and they laughed and said it was towed. Had to hitch a ride to the tow shop and wait for it to open. $50 and a long delay for my hour ride home. I learned something that day. BTW a 38 mukini will wake it up. Really nice find!!!

[@evanhough60]

You definitely need that decompression valve to start that bike there should be a sight glass on the valve cover and you should line up a white dot to that window and the bike will be a lot easier to start

[@420motoripper2]

To start the thing get it to tdc then pull in the decomp lever and go a tiny bit past, let off decomp and let kickstart come back up and give it a nice hard kick it’ll fire right up

[@markdonofrio6101]

There is a sight glass window on top of cam cover on the right side. Clean the tint window (circular) and there is a visible white ball in that window when that model is at top dead center.

[@wisecampmotorcycles8258]

He prefers to learn the hard way, by not taking any advice.

[@fromex2lsturbo]

Today’s lesson is... Joe needs to quit skipping leg day at the gym... 😂

[@OldestYoungenInGuidePost]

Eric Scarano In Britain on tv in the 80's there was a show called: "Only fools and horses" and there's a character called "Rodney Trotter" Joe reminds me of him 🤷🏽‍♂️🤷🏿‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏼‍♂️ check it out 😂🤣🤣

[@koos690]

Did you check the spark point and condenser. Right side of engin 3 Allen key bolts to loosen. Gap setting if I remember correctly 00.25

[@AndreyNikolo]

HI, just a quick question: (probably asked many times) What you do or plan to do with all restored bikes and atv's? You can open exibition soon!

[@9927longboard]

this is sweet that’s a lucky find these go for a lot of money in france!

[@troyrosenbaugh9935]

FYI, If it has compression release, use it!!

[@hoffmanshaven]

Check the points!! You want a nice big fat spark. I used to have a couple Kawasakis like this one a 250 the other a 500. Both were a pain in the ass to make them run right but when they did, oh boy!

[@thatcoalminer275]

I know on Yamahas "newer" (yz400,426,450) had the same oil checking system. I found that the accurate way to check the oil is run the bike for a few minutes, don't know if same is that bike but thought this might help

[@danielspataru6372]

That thing run with no compresion it never dies 👌🙆‍♂️ I have an yamaha TTR 600 and never start without the air filter check the cdi maybe 20 y cook that cdi capacitors are drying over time

[@rigguyjt]

The tight valves explain why it hasn’t killed your leg yet.

[@markmathews6876]

it sounds not to bad to me, get some spark & polish up your starting procedure ( some of those CDI's (if it has one ) can play up with age or heat), your feeling stronger in the right leg already , good stuff !

[@mikeyyoyo6464]

One of them completely restored will fetch 10grand here in the UK

[@Mukeman]

The Yamaha XT Blow Torch - No problems riding this baby in the winter with standard heated seat and mouse extractor. Yeeoowza!?

[@2vintage]

Lol

[@ni_wink84]

I feel your pain, that is like trying to kick over my old XR650, and we wonder why we have knee problems 🤣

[@scottthompson8100]

There is a littel galas eye at the top ove Wright side of cam shaft you Line it Up with the kicker thai tells you are at top dejad. Cinter then it socios smart

[@2clappedout477]

FREE!?!!?!? wow. Great deal! I have actually never heard of that modal of bike before. cool!

[@mototommy5525]

Lots of them over here in the uk

[@2clappedout477]

@@mototommy5525 lucky!

[@mototommy5525]

Maybe you probably have bikes over where u are we don't have

[@2clappedout477]

@@mototommy5525 Yeah. I live in New England, There are a few good deals, mostly more expensive items however. I have had some good luck when i comes to getting cheep dirt bike/atcs/atv/ect.

[@2clappedout477]

@@mototommy5525 yeah. Do you have lots of KTM's?

[@jorgeporfil9028]

Keep it coming more Awsome

[@copperaudio9664]

I had the same year and model. I always just bump started it in 2nd gear.

[@traceries589]

A really common issue with those old yamahas is a lot of the electrical components just stop working and parts are kinda scarce so good luck to ya😂

[@outoftheshed2112]

Why not use the compression release for starting on the handlebars?

[@wisecampmotorcycles8258]

Because he doesn't know how.

[@susanbutler2498]

Back in '81 (age 14) I never had any prob starting exactly this 'bike! (It was WONDERFUL, like riding God's 'Bike!) Over 40 yrs later, a 1979, 6volt version TT gave me nothing but trouble starting! Either I got old, or the Yammie did! : ) : ) Great work Mate, Persevere! At least you didn't pay $8 grand like I did.

[@noahloh6817]

What is the stuff you use to restore your plastics?

[@Codyjames83]

Think we know where the air filter went lol 🔥

[@timothyqueen7286]

To get it on TDC put it in gear and role it backwards until the rear wheel locks or skids then take out of gear and kick hard. Repeat untill she fires or get a buddy to help push it off.

[@keshmo12]

I bet if you towed it down the road and popped the clutch it would start way easier lol. Hard to start when they've been sitting awhile!

[@dillonadams4281]

I’ve got a 1971 Suzuki ts90 with the high-low trans 😂

[@mikescott6647]

23:34 Joe "I smell something burning.......why is my leg hot"

[@cwatson42785]

You need to get one of those little gas bottles like Mustie has.