xbr500 calf racer

[guest1540]

Hi,I am new to this great site and I have just bought an xbr500. The bike has been layed up for the past 20 years (in Sligo - Ireland) and although only 7k on the clock, the frame and engine need a lot of cosmetic work. I intend to build a cafe racer. I have wire wheels and a xl600r barrel and piston on the way. I want the bike to have a bit of punch but remain an 'easy to live with' bike. Can anyone recomend a mild cam and appropriate carb- or should I just re-jet the origional? Thanks for all the info already shared on the site.

[tommy]

hi did you check out project progress ,have a look at xbr rebuild .where are you based   tommy

[SteveC#222]

Depends on what you want to spend 

This article is a few years old and I don't know if you can still get the bits but it will give you some ideas.

http://www.champsclock.com/gb500hu.htm

You can get the original cam reprofiled.  An XL600R CDI is supposed to pepp it up a bit - more ignition advance.  You really want to ask Joolz on this forum, he's recently finished a project on a quick XBR and probably give you some pointers.

Welcome to the forum!!

[guest1540]

Hi tommy, I based in Newry in Northern Ireland ('keep her light Joey Dunlop' country) I'll check out the project section tomorrow - thanks.

[guest1540]

Hi SteveC, that's a great article you recomemmed on tuning an xbr and definately gives me food for thought. Have you a contact for re-profilling the cam?

[guest519]

Try Phil Joy, excellent engineer.

Joy Engineering Motorcycle Camshaft Specialist
Tel: 01279 730682
The Workshop, Ryes Lane, Hatfield Heath, Bishops Stortford CM22 7BS

[JOOLZ]

Depends on what you want to spend 

This article is a few years old and I don't know if you can still get the bits but it will give you some ideas.

http://www.champsclock.com/gb500hu.htm

You can get the original cam reprofiled.  An XL600R CDI is supposed to pepp it up a bit - more ignition advance.  You really want to ask Joolz on this forum, he's recently finished a project on a quick XBR and probably give you some pointers.

Welcome to the forum!!

Hi Onelung anything you need to know let me know, and I will give you a few pointers

[guest1540]

Hi Joolz, sorry for the late reply. Just back from Gallipli in Turkey. The Aussies have claimed this First World War battle as their sacrifice alone but I was supprised to find that thousands of English and Irish guy's lost their lives their as well.
I have fitted a 600 barrel, ported the head and I've ordered a 1986 xl600 CDI from the states. Joy engineering no longer have a profile cam for the xbr but do have one that is very close? I need to manufacture an exhaust (I'm looking at a range of stainless exhaust bends and pipe for sale on the net) and decide what carb to use, any advice on these issues?

[JOOLZ]

Im surprised that Joy engineering doesn't have the XBR cam blank as I had my cam reground there less than 6 months ago the XL cam is similar, perhaps there is a suitable profile there, he also has the HRC profile cam. As for exhausts, there are plans for the RS600 pipes on the internet they will give you more go. Carbs are up to you, either standard rejetted or 40 -42 Mikuni flatslides, good but expensive, or Amal 38-40mm cheaper but a bit basic, but do flow well at full throttle.

[guest1540]

Thanks for that info Joolz. The guy at Joy Engineering explained that they had used the XBR blank for a one off special job? Have you any knowledge re the wiring modes required to fit the XL600 CDI to the XBR. The only site I can find relates to a GB500. While very well written and detailed, the guy states that the GB CDI is A/C powered and the XBR as D/C so I'm reluctant to follow his instructions in case I fry my new unit.

[blew]

My xbr,like the xl,is a/c powered.A battery terminal became loose on my bike once,and all the electrics vanished,except the ignition.I only realised the terminal was loose when I tried to indicate and nothing happened.The bike was still running perfectly.

[JOOLZ]

The XL 600 R cdi plugs straight in with no modifications. I think the 1 off special cam my be mine sorry about that. Kent cams have XBR cams in stock, have a look on there web site, they offer 2 different grinds

[guest1540]

So your the culprit that got the last Joy Engining cam!!!!!. That's OK because from what I've read about your bike you'll make better use of it than me. Thanks for the contact, I'll try Kent Cams. Have you any more info about the site for the exhaust plans, I can't find it under "RS600 exhaust plans"

[JOOLZ]

Send me your email address and I will attach the RS600 exhaust design for you

[guest1540]

Hi Joolz, thanks for the RS600 exhaust plans. Not sure if I can reproduce them accurately but they provide a great general template so thanks again for taking the time to send them.