Recent content by Brian VT

Thank you for that! I found one at Hall's Cycle in Illinois (USA).

I suppose Ebay is my only other option? I looked around but not sure what other models/years cross over.

I had to take a few years off and my bike sat in the garage. I went to take the front wheel off today to mount a new tire and the bolt snapped when trying to unscrew it. I had the pinch bolts loose on that side. I guess the bolt is seized in there? If you don't have one for sale maybe you can...

Hoping to find a yellow rear fender and maybe the support bar also. Would consider buying other '03 pieces also. Me and my "Old Yeller" have been through hell and back many, many, times and neither of us is ready to quit yet. :) I'm in Maine, USA.

I'll take one of the swingarm sets, please.

Should be fine on pump gas. Closer to 200 might want higher octane. Your compression will probably increase with oil and break in so you should check it again then.

Many warnings here about that. For those that haven't heard...torch the nyloc nut to melt the plastic before trying to remove it.

If it's only while riding then probably chain slap on the swingarm slider. Many have been befuddled by that.

Good idea!

That "retainer" is only to keep the bolt from spinning. It does not prevent the bolt from sliding out. Worst case scenario is that your bearings have been seized long enough that they have worn a groove in the bolt and that is preventing it from coming out. I had an '84 XR500R like that and had...

How's the compression after the rebuild? What did you use for base gasket(s)?

Nice job. Did the swingarm pivot bolt come out without a fight?

...and if you're replacing the cylinder base gasket(s) you should do a squish test. Often you will be better off with a thinner gasket or none at all (just some Yamabond 4).

You need remove the swingarm to check the bearings and seals. Since you have it apart you should service or replace them. The seals can be replaced with o-rings (on most models). If neglected, the bearings can seize and cut grooves into the swingarm pivot bolt and render it almost impossible to...

Great deal! Congrats! At your earliest convenience you should try to remove the swingarm and service the bearings. This is often the most neglected part. Hopefully it's not too late. If it is "too late", then you'll be faced with a major hassle to get it apart. Or you may decide to leave it as...