stevem

Picking brains again.. I haven't been let down so far very impressed with the knowedge out there My latest problem is the spindly 34mm forks on my XS500. I don't want to pay £150+ for a re-chrome (unless you know anywhere I can get it done cheaper!!!). Is there another model that shares the same headstock dimensions as mine but will allow me to use bigger diameter forks? Does the LC range use the same yolks (tripletrees in US ) with 35mm legs for example? I would be happy to use the 34mm legs but it seems like the larger sizes are much easier to find

Hello Jeff I'm no expert but I do know a little about your lowering options. Firstly you could think about cutting some foam out of that big bouncy seat! Not only can you lower it but it will NARROW the seat which is a large part of the problem when trying to get the ladies confident & comfortable. With regard to the rear shocks I'd just carefully measure the distance between the mounting bolts then buy some shorter aftermarket shocks! Obviously you'll need to think about what model the shocks were intended for weight wise but most of the big part emporiums will be happy to help. Dropping forks through the yolks is a tried and tested route as used by racers everywhere to tighten up the steering..Not really an issue for us!!! Its possible to go lower by stripping the forks and putting a spacer under the damper rod buts thats a bit involved... Good Luck

Right techo's question for you.... The master cylinder on my XS is leaking and I want to replace it with a more modern one. Later master cyllinders have the brake light switch built in. Thing is my XS has the old style pressure switch for the brake light. My question is can I by-pass the pressure switch and run wires straight from the new master cylinder to the existing wires for the brake light?

I have the exact same issue with my XS500 no front brake light switch.. Sadly that link appears to be broken but I'll go find the shop CHEERS

Thats true drewpy quite amazing really Well one persons junk is another persons Ebay bargain in my opinion So to that end the Rickman half fairing and the rearsets with all their mounting bits will be sold on... Especially as I have just seen the price of the Firestone De Luxe Champion I want to put on the rear of the brat bike

Thanks drewpy I got three cylinder heads already so I'll check them out tomorrow I know that its vital to keep the oil clean to stop top end issues with this bike. I have stripped the Dunstall rear sets and Rickman fairing off the complete bike today....I cannot believe how bloody heavy these bikes are!!! How can a two cylinder street sleeper weigh more than my old Fireblade

Hi I have just bought two XS 500 b's.... I notice a couple of new people have this model too. I know the bike had its problems back in the day so having two should keep me on the road!!! I want to put one back standard and go Brat style with the other, I hope to pick the experts brains at every opportunity!