1978 Yamaha SR500E

SamM · 05-24-2018, 12:04 AM

This followed me home last week. Picked it up for a song but it does have a split cylinder and no exhaust. A new cylinder has been purchased along with a Wiseco piston and a gasket kit. The paint and chrome on this bike are very nice. It has one tiny dent in the tank and a few small ripples in the chrome fenders. I may try to hammer them out.

The bike needs very little other than the engine work, a battery and just freshened (cleaned) up a bit. The stock seat is perfect. Not sure yet, if I should keep it stock or build it into the Yamaha SR500 Tracker/Scrambler that I have always wanted. The engine will be punched out to 540cc with the new cylinder and piston.

The SR has been a bike that I have always wanted. This one has a very low serial number and is a true survivor. It was used shortly as a racebike and was bored out which explains the lunched engined. It has a hot cam that will be replaced. This is most likely a bike project that will be sold later, if I keep it stock looking. It’s almost too nice to cut up. The odometer reads over 25,000 miles.

Stay tuned and we’ll see what happens with the SR500E. My KYMCO Spade is my #1 project but the SR is one that I have wanted for a long time. Suggestions on which way to go are welcomed.

SamM

ben2go · 05-24-2018, 10:24 AM

Stock form is always the best looking and selling, IMHO.

Weldangrind · 05-24-2018, 11:52 AM

I lust after the 400cc version, but they're unobtanium where I live.
I certainly recommend the brat look, but that's my personal taste. Not sure it would sell any better. At 25000 miles, I wouldn't hesitate to cut it up.

SamM · 05-24-2018, 04:04 PM

The brat style bike are really growing on me. I’m actually looking at another SR500. I love these bikes. Always have.

SamM

SamM · 05-25-2018, 11:01 PM

The second SR500 that I was also looking at, sold for more than I was willing to pay. These bikes have been on my radar for awhile, so I won’t be selling this one anytime soon. Selling it would have been the plan, if I had purchased the second one. Parts are starting to arrive for it now.

Next on my list is to take it to the State Police to have it inspected for the DMV. There was a question about the VIN#. I tried to explain that the VIN# did not have as many digits in 1978, as they do now. The DMV lady that I was dealing with was new and wasn’t having any of that. The engine and frame numbers both match. The bike was purchased near Pittsburgh in South Hills. Pennsylvania requires a notarized title and I have a bill of sale from the seller. All this seems enough to me but whatever. Title and plates after the inspection. The SR is loaded into my trailer for the trip to the Police station Tuesday morning.

Today, I checked the fuel in the fuel tank. Cloudy and brown is not a good sign. The bike has a Mikuni carb and the push/pull throttle has been converted to only pull. A new throttle and cable assembly needs to be purchased to simplify and clean the mess up. The new Wiseco piston, Shinko 705 tires and some small parts arrived today. June is a busy month for me. I’ll post progress as it happens.

SamM

Weldangrind · 05-26-2018, 12:58 PM

I'll definitely be following this thread.

SamM · 05-30-2018, 09:58 PM

Yesterday, the State Police did the VIN verification on my bike. Which was basically pointless and the Trooper agreed. The title, taxes and license fees today were $95 and I was out the door in about 40 minutes. Not bad.

The used Yamaha replacement cylinder and engine side covers have arrived. They look great and will work perfectly. The work on the SR500 will only be done periodically. Mostly when I have a little extra time. My riding buddies are excited for me to get the bike finished.

Last week was productive. I’ll admit that I went a little overboard and ordered new matching high-performance replacement rotors and pads from MetalGear in Australia. I have a few last pieces to order from MotoLanna. Surprisingly there are a great many parts available for the Yamaha SR, TT and XT motorcycles. Another future purchase will the Avon Trailrider tires.

A local shop will bore the cylinder, check the valve guides, seals and possibly port the head.

SamM

SamM · 07-17-2018, 02:29 PM

Today, I started the disassembly of my Yamaha SR500E. New Kenda 761 dualsport tires are on the way for the bike. The wheels will be powdered-coated, tires mounted, engine removed and the centerstand will be put back on. This will make the engine rebuild easier and give access to the frame for cutting and welding. I have decided to go with a Brat Tracker type build. YouTube is full of SR500 builds and custom motorcycles. More than a few ideas have been rolling around in my thoughts. The airbox is filthy and will go along with passenger pegs, factory seat, fenders (already removed) and much more. I’ll more than likely buy a Tuffside seat and frame hoop for it. Cutting the frame and cleaning it up will be a big task. Some turn out better than others. I want mine to be nice. The bike currently has Triumph Bonneville chrome shocks. Those will be changed as well.

Thanks for looking!

SamM

Darkrider · 07-17-2018, 06:04 PM

Looking forward to future updates.

SamM · 07-17-2018, 11:45 PM

Later today, I installed new all black rear shocks on the SR. The frame has been measured for cutting. One of my buddies has my angle grinder or I would have cut the frame and started on it today. A lot of time will go into the rear section of the frame. It’s going to be tedious work, so a Dremel might be the tool of choice.

The new tracker handlebars will be from Biltwell. I also checked the Tuffside website again for a brat style seat and may use their matching grips. The factory takeoff parts will be sold to finance the new parts. This might take some time. I’ll be moving the bike into my basement and continue the work there in a few days.

My budget for this bike was blown on the engine parts needed to repair it and the MetalGear triple disc brake rotors. I have almost a grand in those parts and new tires. The seat, grips and handlebars will cost me between $500 and $600. I wanted to use some MotoGadget parts to tech the SR500 up. The m.unit blue and m.blaze discs. That might have to wait now.

SamM

Weldangrind · 07-18-2018, 11:11 AM

You might enjoy watching Classic Octane on YouTube. He doesn't build to your level, but he's a sharp young guy with some good ideas.

SamM · 07-18-2018, 04:15 PM

I’ve seen a lot of his videos. He does a really good job and picks nice projects.

Last night, I got crazy and ordered an m.unit blue from Revzilla. This component from MotoGadget is quite a leap in technology for old and dated motorcycles. Can’t wait to get my hands on it. It will be paired with a 4 cell Antigravity Li-on battery. I installed one of these batteries in my Spade and I love it.

SamM

Darkrider · 07-18-2018, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SamM

I’ve seen a lot of his videos. He does a really good job and picks nice projects.

Last night, I got crazy and ordered an m.unit blue from Revzilla. This component from MotoGadget is quite a leap in technology for old and dated motorcycles. Can’t wait to get my hands on it. It will be paired with a 4 cell Antigravity Li-on battery. I installed one of these batteries in my Spade and I love it.

SamM

Interesting unit. So it more or less upgrades an older bike to newer tech along with keyless ignition?? I may need to seriously look at this for my Interceptor which will allow me to ditch the upper clamp mounted ignition and fuse box making it much easier to change from clamp on handle bars to proper superbike style bars.

SamM · 07-19-2018, 10:06 PM

That’s my plan. Ditch the stock ignition switch and hopefully most of the wiring. They make something called the m.button that does away with the handlebar wiring to the m.unit. It uses just one wire. This wil greatly simplify wiring the motorcycle. Still trying to figure out what all they make that I want. I like the tire pressure sensors and some of the digital gauges.

My tires came today and look like the perfect sizes for the SR.

SamM

SamM · 07-26-2018, 11:36 PM

Just bought a MotoGadget m.button and a MotoGadget wiring harness kit for the SR. Next will be the m.lock to go keyless, the m.pressure TPMS and a set of the m.blaze discs for the handlebars. A 4-cell AntiGravity battery was ordered from Revzilla as well. I’ll be getting an led strip light for the back of the seat hoop.

This is the Brat Style that I’m looking to replicate. Stay tuned!

SamM

05-24-2018, 11:52 AM	#3
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	I lust after the 400cc version, but they're unobtanium where I live. I certainly recommend the brat look, but that's my personal taste. Not sure it would sell any better. At 25000 miles, I wouldn't hesitate to cut it up. __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
	0

05-24-2018, 04:04 PM	#4
SamM Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: West Virginia Posts: 1,194	The brat style bike are really growing on me. I’m actually looking at another SR500. I love these bikes. Always have. SamM __________________ 2013 Jeep Wrangler Sahara MOAB 2005 BMW E53 X5 2011 Schutt Industries LTT-HC LQG trailer 2017 Coleman CT200U 1978 Yamaha SR500E 1979 Yamaha XS650 Special II
	0

05-25-2018, 11:01 PM	#5
SamM Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: West Virginia Posts: 1,194	The second SR500 that I was also looking at, sold for more than I was willing to pay. These bikes have been on my radar for awhile, so I won’t be selling this one anytime soon. Selling it would have been the plan, if I had purchased the second one. Parts are starting to arrive for it now. Next on my list is to take it to the State Police to have it inspected for the DMV. There was a question about the VIN#. I tried to explain that the VIN# did not have as many digits in 1978, as they do now. The DMV lady that I was dealing with was new and wasn’t having any of that. The engine and frame numbers both match. The bike was purchased near Pittsburgh in South Hills. Pennsylvania requires a notarized title and I have a bill of sale from the seller. All this seems enough to me but whatever. Title and plates after the inspection. The SR is loaded into my trailer for the trip to the Police station Tuesday morning. Today, I checked the fuel in the fuel tank. Cloudy and brown is not a good sign. The bike has a Mikuni carb and the push/pull throttle has been converted to only pull. A new throttle and cable assembly needs to be purchased to simplify and clean the mess up. The new Wiseco piston, Shinko 705 tires and some small parts arrived today. June is a busy month for me. I’ll post progress as it happens. SamM __________________ 2013 Jeep Wrangler Sahara MOAB 2005 BMW E53 X5 2011 Schutt Industries LTT-HC LQG trailer 2017 Coleman CT200U 1978 Yamaha SR500E 1979 Yamaha XS650 Special II Last edited by SamM; 05-30-2018 at 05:59 PM.
	1

05-26-2018, 12:58 PM	#6
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	I'll definitely be following this thread. __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
	0

05-30-2018, 09:58 PM	#7
SamM Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: West Virginia Posts: 1,194	Yesterday, the State Police did the VIN verification on my bike. Which was basically pointless and the Trooper agreed. The title, taxes and license fees today were $95 and I was out the door in about 40 minutes. Not bad. The used Yamaha replacement cylinder and engine side covers have arrived. They look great and will work perfectly. The work on the SR500 will only be done periodically. Mostly when I have a little extra time. My riding buddies are excited for me to get the bike finished. Last week was productive. I’ll admit that I went a little overboard and ordered new matching high-performance replacement rotors and pads from MetalGear in Australia. I have a few last pieces to order from MotoLanna. Surprisingly there are a great many parts available for the Yamaha SR, TT and XT motorcycles. Another future purchase will the Avon Trailrider tires. A local shop will bore the cylinder, check the valve guides, seals and possibly port the head. SamM __________________ 2013 Jeep Wrangler Sahara MOAB 2005 BMW E53 X5 2011 Schutt Industries LTT-HC LQG trailer 2017 Coleman CT200U 1978 Yamaha SR500E 1979 Yamaha XS650 Special II
	2

05-24-2018, 10:24 AM	#2
ben2go Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 1,335	Stock form is always the best looking and selling, IMHO.
	0

07-17-2018, 11:45 PM	#10
SamM Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: West Virginia Posts: 1,194	Later today, I installed new all black rear shocks on the SR. The frame has been measured for cutting. One of my buddies has my angle grinder or I would have cut the frame and started on it today. A lot of time will go into the rear section of the frame. It’s going to be tedious work, so a Dremel might be the tool of choice. The new tracker handlebars will be from Biltwell. I also checked the Tuffside website again for a brat style seat and may use their matching grips. The factory takeoff parts will be sold to finance the new parts. This might take some time. I’ll be moving the bike into my basement and continue the work there in a few days. My budget for this bike was blown on the engine parts needed to repair it and the MetalGear triple disc brake rotors. I have almost a grand in those parts and new tires. The seat, grips and handlebars will cost me between $500 and $600. I wanted to use some MotoGadget parts to tech the SR500 up. The m.unit blue and m.blaze discs. That might have to wait now. SamM __________________ 2013 Jeep Wrangler Sahara MOAB 2005 BMW E53 X5 2011 Schutt Industries LTT-HC LQG trailer 2017 Coleman CT200U 1978 Yamaha SR500E 1979 Yamaha XS650 Special II Last edited by SamM; 07-18-2018 at 03:53 AM.
	0

07-18-2018, 11:11 AM	#11
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	You might enjoy watching Classic Octane on YouTube. He doesn't build to your level, but he's a sharp young guy with some good ideas. __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
	0

07-18-2018, 04:15 PM	#12
SamM Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: West Virginia Posts: 1,194	I’ve seen a lot of his videos. He does a really good job and picks nice projects. Last night, I got crazy and ordered an m.unit blue from Revzilla. This component from MotoGadget is quite a leap in technology for old and dated motorcycles. Can’t wait to get my hands on it. It will be paired with a 4 cell Antigravity Li-on battery. I installed one of these batteries in my Spade and I love it. SamM __________________ 2013 Jeep Wrangler Sahara MOAB 2005 BMW E53 X5 2011 Schutt Industries LTT-HC LQG trailer 2017 Coleman CT200U 1978 Yamaha SR500E 1979 Yamaha XS650 Special II
	1

07-19-2018, 10:06 PM	#14
SamM Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: West Virginia Posts: 1,194	That’s my plan. Ditch the stock ignition switch and hopefully most of the wiring. They make something called the m.button that does away with the handlebar wiring to the m.unit. It uses just one wire. This wil greatly simplify wiring the motorcycle. Still trying to figure out what all they make that I want. I like the tire pressure sensors and some of the digital gauges. My tires came today and look like the perfect sizes for the SR. SamM __________________ 2013 Jeep Wrangler Sahara MOAB 2005 BMW E53 X5 2011 Schutt Industries LTT-HC LQG trailer 2017 Coleman CT200U 1978 Yamaha SR500E 1979 Yamaha XS650 Special II Last edited by SamM; 07-26-2018 at 11:27 PM.
	0