Just Bought an XL500

[M6NTL]

Hi Everyone,
My name is Mark and I just bought an XL500.
(Blimey, that sounded like an Alcoholics Anonymous greeting - or so they tell me anyway!!!).
So, the bike is an import - the V5 says imported in 2000, declared manufactured 1982.
However, the V5 has no model name on at all, just Honda 500cc (which is incorrect, it's 496 or something I'm sure)...
Does anyone know how I can find the exact model (perhaps from the frame and engine numbers)? - Also, it has a disc front brake (which is a bonus), I thought they were all drum front brakes in the early '80s...

Anyway, I can't wait to get some use out of the old thumper!!!

[catteeclan]

First part of the chassis number should tell the model. If we can't www.davidsilverspares.co.uk
should be able to.

[Wakner]

Or you could ring Honda UK (0845 200 8000 or 01753 590510
).

I had the same issue with an XL500S and an XL500R ... they provided all I needed over the phone plus more (factory it was made in!!!).

Cheers

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[M6NTL]

Thank you guys, I will give Honda a bell tomorrow!!!
Meanwhile, the Frame number starts PD02-500**** and the Engine number PD02E-501****

Cheers, Mark.

[catteeclan]

Meanwhile, the Frame number starts PD02-500

Cheers, Mark.

Same as my xl500r.

[M6NTL]

Thanks dude.
Does your's also have a disc front brake?
I rang Honda UK and they told me that I have to write in as they no longer hold details of bikes so old - I'll do just that!!!

As for riding the thing, I might be slightly delayed as the bike has an oil leak from the top of the engine - it appears to be coming from the cover on top of the cylinder head, the screws don't look too clever, someone has fitted nuts onto two of the bolts part way down and at least one bolt is stripped...

Looks like I have a little tinkering to do...

[catteeclan]

No drum brake on mine.

Took me a few attempts to get mine oil tight, took a few thread repairs too.

Alot of the time the oil comes passed the O rings on the rocker shaft. If you have to take the top off I'd be wise to fit new.

Any pics?
Here's one of mine. No I didn't paint it, that's how I got it.
Just picked it up off the floor.

[M6NTL]

Just the picture off the ebay advert at the minute...



I'll do the o-rings when I take the cover off dude, thanks for the advice.
Do you have any tips on where I can buy a GOOD workshop manual for the bike at all?

Cheers dude, Mark.

[catteeclan]

Haynes do one which is ok I've got the workshop jobbie if you want to pm me your email.
Prob have to send it bit by bit.

Look better than mine, original colours too.

[M6NTL]

It's not bad is it?
Sounds superb with the silly exhaust it's got on too!!!
Thanks for the offer dude, I can't PM you, so my email is:

mark [at] notgotaclue [dot] com (replacing the bits in square brackets).

Thanks again dude, it's much appreciated...