Last night I removed the engine from my 1979 Honda XL500S. It recently developed multiple oil leaks from a variety of gaskets. From what I could tell, the engine has never been fully serviced throughout its 7000 miles of run time over the last 33 years. Considering nothing was ever done to the engine, it is remarkably clean. I expect this job to only require gasket replacement and no other work. Hopefully I can have the engine back into my bike by Sunday in time for a ride with Drew.
I have a 1981 XL500S, can you help with reassembly of the counter balance. I see punch marks on the sprocket gear but no other marks to time it with. There must be a certain way to clock this unit to TDC. Can you help? I appreciate any help.
Howdy James,
Unfortunately I sold my XL500s about eight year ago. I don’t have a service manual anymore so I’m not sure of the correct procedure. You might try posting over on the Thumpertalk forum. They’ll probably know what to do.
Cheers,
Douglas