this was rescued from the docks of oxnard ca. many years ago, right after 9/11. lost interest half way thru.
I will need to source some stuff for it when it comes back on the op-table.

so far the frame is powder coated, Buchanan S/S spokes-nip's, motor was split and painted, tank/fender painted, new tyre's.
maybe this summer I'll get back to it. I'm trying to catch up income wise on race car stuff in my shoppe'

Nice project, looks all original & unmolested.

There`s one on ebay down here right now, they fetch a pretty penny nowadays even un-restored XT`s will fetch at least $3000 & restored ones fetch a minimum of $5000 and i have seen a mint example (real nice one) fetch $8000.

Mezo.

I have agree with Mezo, nice bike for a rebuild, this bike was the start of all the classic modern day Jap Thumpers. I remember seeing these for the first time when I rode in The Tour Of Wales Enduro in Ruthin Wales. I thought, "My you have to be a Big Guy to ride one of those". At the time I was 18 and around 120lbs, nearly half the man I am today!!!!!!!!!!!!

I remember many moons ago a young lad had talked the old man in to doing his head, the old fella only dealt with the road racers as a rule but this lad had sweet talked dad in to doing it. A couple of weeks later this lad came round to the family home with his newly ported & jetted head fitted to his XT, he loved how more responsive it was & handed the old man another head he had stashed in his rucksack (his mates XT head) then he jumped on the bike & said "watch this George"

He took off up the street in the vertical plane through every gear until he was out of sight, that memory of that XT500 (alloy tank) is burned in my head for life, especially the silly grin on the young nut job riding it.

Mezo.

my very first bike i ever bought was the old XT 500. Am looking forward to this one

XT 500

Those XT500"s will break down in the most unfriendliness of places

Stuffed clutch on the Oodnadatta track - just pack the clutch prings with some washers and hope for the best.
Its only 1000kms to the nearest bike shop!

Here is good tip for travellers.
Carry ONE spare friction plate in your tool kit. If you happen to damage the clutch by slipping on a difficult hill or muddy bog you can remove the pressure plate and the will be enough room to drop in the extra clutch plate.
Problem solved and you can ride on to your destination.