Author Topic: XBR500 head gasket  (Read 1294 times)

richardeblack

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Re: XBR500 head gasket
« Reply #15 on: October 28, 2016, 07:38:57 AM »
Aye Richard,

This will need checking; but, I think that the Honda Part Number 12251-MK4-602 cylinder head gasket fits the XBR as well as the XR500! This needs to be confirmed!

Might I suggest that you contact one or both of the following, giving full details of the model, engine number, bore etc.

Firstly, contact 'Eastwood Racing' at Swanley in Kent, they are the Wiseco Importers and stockholders for the UK and I have used them for replacement SRX cylinder liners, pistons and matching gaskets, all good quality and good advice if requested.

Eastwood's Home page: Eastwood_Honda_Racing

Eastwood's link to Wiseco Honda cylinder, piston and gasket sets: Wiseco Honda cylinder, piston and gasket sets.pdf

Alternatively, I suggest that you contact Mark Apland in USA. He has a goodly list of items for the Honda GB500, but not having dealt with XBR's and GB500's I cannot say about their interchangeable specific dimensions. Link: Mark_Apland's_'Thumper_Stuff'

Hopefully between them these two suppliers should get you and others out of a hole, with parts of known quality and reputation.

Lastly, and an unknown quantity to me are these Dutch suppliers; worth a call if others cannot oblige: CMS_Nederland

My regards, Bill

Thanks Bill
Wow that was a comprehensive post! Thanks very much. I did wonder about the XR gasket but it does look a bit different so I'm not sure if it would be ok (any ideas out there?).
I will check out the other suppliers you mention
I am doubly annoyed with myself as I was looking a few months ago and there were several listed for about £15 but I didn't bother because I wasn't ready to go ahead with the work!
Thanks again. I will let you know how I get on.
Many thanks
Richard

manxie

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« Last Edit: October 28, 2016, 08:16:30 AM by manxie »
1980 Yamaha XT250
1985 Honda ATC200
1998 1200 Bandit
1978 Bultaco Sherpa project (not started)
1968 Kawasaki F3 175 Bushwhacker (project in progress)

richardeblack

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Re: XBR500 head gasket
« Reply #17 on: October 28, 2016, 09:42:46 AM »
Hey Bill,

I`ve used CMSNL a few  times now, usually good service   ;)

http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-xbr500-1987-h-germany27p_model6436/12191mn1670-gasket-cylinder_12191mk2000/#.WBMI1dQrJkg


http://www.cmsnl.com/products/12191mn1306-gasket-cylinder_12191mn1670/#.WBMJJdQrJkg

Thanks Manxie I looked at them and they list the head gasket at 28 Euros part number 1221 MK 4602. I checked on eBay and now only one head gasket listed for XBR at £39 from Athena. Found a couple for GB500, one in Japan and one in Lithuania which I bought. Also, as you said Bill,  the XR500R head gasket is the same part number although all the pictures I've seen look different but that now comes up as discontinued.
I'll just have to get a pattern XR500R one and see if it fits as I need at least two for my current bike and my new one.
I might get some copper and try making one.
Thanks again for all the posts.
Cheers
Richard

themoudie

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Re: XBR500 head gasket
« Reply #18 on: October 28, 2016, 10:56:47 PM »
Quote
I'll just have to get a pattern XR500R one and see if it fits as I need at least two for my current bike and my new one.
I might get some copper and try making one.
Thanks again for all the posts.
Cheers
Richard

Aye Richard, That was my reason for including Mark Apland's Thumper Stuff in my reply, he supplies copper head gaskets of the correct thickness (gauge) for the SRX 600 and I suspect can supply similar for the XBR. However, I would speak with Eastwood Racing before "crossing the pond", Vic Eastwood of 1960's scrambling fame and later the Yamaha XT500 motocrosser founded the company and they know their stuff.

I hope this helps.

My regards, Bill

Ian

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Re: XBR500 head gasket
« Reply #19 on: October 28, 2016, 11:15:45 PM »
Hi Richard, there was a gentleman at the Stafford Show who may be able to help at a reasonable price. Details as below

Gasket Guru Ltd
Dan McBryde
01295 760898
www.gasketguru.co.uk

His motto is "If we don't stock it, we'll make it"
I have no experience of using him but he may be a useful guy to know.
Regards Ian
1 New SRX 1 C400X 1 GB350S

themoudie

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Re: XBR500 head gasket
« Reply #20 on: October 28, 2016, 11:29:37 PM »
Thank you Ian,

That's a contact I have just squirreled away.  :)

My regards, Bill

timbo

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Re: XBR500 head gasket
« Reply #21 on: October 29, 2016, 07:29:43 PM »
Yes Ian, I wonder would it be worth contacting him, and getting a batch done? I might just give him a bell, plus I can send him a sample to copy.
Namaste

iansoady

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Re: XBR500 head gasket
« Reply #22 on: October 30, 2016, 12:17:45 PM »
It does look from that website as though he makes paper type gaskets rather than copper ones, but as said worth a contact.

These people: https://eborbikes.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=66 do copper rocker box gaskets for BSA A10s. I wonder whether they're geared up to do one-offs?
Ian.
1964 Norton Electra
1969 BSA-Suzuki
1948 BSA C11

onthecheap

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Re: XBR500 head gasket
« Reply #23 on: October 30, 2016, 06:28:48 PM »
Why use a head gasket ? never used one on my Triumph's for years or on the Manx and when it comes to my XBR I will continue the trend. I machine both faces - head and barrel and then use a light smear of Blue Hylomar. Used this method on many bikes over the years and never had any problems.
Ok some people may not like this type of building but if you cant get a gasket what other option do you have ?

johnr

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Re: XBR500 head gasket
« Reply #24 on: October 30, 2016, 07:08:52 PM »
thin copper sheet and make one.

themoudie

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Re: XBR500 head gasket
« Reply #25 on: November 01, 2016, 09:44:53 PM »
Further conversation on the BritBike, 'Competition' Forum regarding copper cylinder head gaskets and getting them to seal or not weep!

Here is the link: BritBike_Copper_head_gasket_thread

If you are interested in the BSA A65 Lightning being rebuilt, here is the Blog: BackstreetThunder_ BSA_A65_Lightning_rebuild

May be of use or enhance the discussion!  :-\

My regards, Bill

iansoady

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Re: XBR500 head gasket
« Reply #26 on: November 02, 2016, 01:54:20 PM »
I always use a very thin smear of wellseal on a well-tempered copper gasket. It stopped the pushrod tunnel weep on my Commando that nothing else did.
Ian.
1964 Norton Electra
1969 BSA-Suzuki
1948 BSA C11