We catch up with ADB Reader Ken Mac Dougall to find out how he built this 1982 Honda XR500RC which he originally bought from Queensland for $1500.
WHY DID YOU BUY THE 1982 HONDA XR500RC?
At the time I was building my original 1982 Honda XR500RC and I saw this predominantly parts bike for sale containing several hard to find parts I required for my original bike. The motor was in a million pieces and the bike had essentially been sitting for years in boxes in a shed.
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO IT?
I walked past this parts bike thinking whether to sell it off or do a unique build. I finally decided to build a twin shock motocross/enduro bike with suspension and engine upgrades. The frame was stripped and after weeks of planning I started cutting the frame to make way for the twin shocks. The rear upper frame was cut away to make room for the CR rear mudguard.
Quite a few modifications were made to fit the CR250 alloy fuel tank which turned out to be a good challenge. A CR480 front end was fitted with 43mm Showa forks. The CR480 Swingarm took the longest and was by far the most challenging part of the build to fit to an XR500 frame with original XR500 hubs and rims.
HOW DOES IT GO?
Modifications to the suspension were the biggest improvement, as the standard XR500 Prolink suspension gives around eight inches (200mm) of travel. The twin shocks and 43mm Showa forks increased that to around 11 inches (280mm), which is probably a bit short for modern day bikes but never the less it transformed this bike. The engine has had several modifications and coupled with the 38 Mikuni the power to weight ratio has been greatly increased. Brakes are more efficient as a lot of weight has been saved with non-essential parts removed and an alloy tank and swingarm fitted.
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND BUYING ONE?
I bought a brand new XR500 in 1982 in Mt Isa, this original thumper was the perfect bike for the long shale hills of Mt Isa. Absolutely the most fun bike I have ever owned with power on tap and torque to match. Sure it has the occasional kick back but it’s a pretty easy starter.