Newbie Here

[Darren@westbranchinc.com]

Hello Everyone. Mike, one of the forum administrators, sent me a kind email suggesting I post a message introducing myself. I have been an AMCA member for a few years, but have never used the forum, until now. I own a 1979 Honda XL500S which I purchased new. We have been over hill and dale together. I have shown it at the Vintage tent at the Americade in Lake George, NY the last couple of years. I own 2 other newer bikes as well, a 1999 BMW 1200C (Bond cruiser) and a 2006 BMW GS650 which is a fantastic all around bike.

Speaking of my 1979 Honda, I want to do some engine work on it. I have done nothing to the engine except change a plug occasionally. It has about 26K on it. It appears the head gasket is leaking some. I want to fix that and understand I need to remove the engine from the frame. Here is the problem. I don't dare remove the exhaust pipes for fear of breaking a bolt where it attaches to the engine. One of the bolts is in a hard to get at location and I would have to cut the exhaust pipes to extract a broken bolt. I can't find any replacement exhaust pipes. Any suggestions?
Darren

[joe fxs fxr]

Welcome

AeroKroil - best penetrating oil there is. Let it soak a few days and then work the bolts slowly back and forth remove.

ps, if a bolt breaks, shouldn't you be able to remove the pipe without damage, then address the broken bolt with the motor out? IDK, never saw an XL500 up close.

[Darren@westbranchinc.com]

Joe - Thanks for the lead on penetrating oil. Yes, you are right. If a bolt breaks, I should be able to remove the pipes, then remove the engine for better access. Then I can swear a lot trying to remove the broken bolt.

[jim wagnon]

Hi Mike, welcome to the forum. I had an ‘82 XR 500 years ago that I really enjoyed. Post a picture of it if, would love to check it out.

Jim

[PaulCDF]

Darren
Welcome!
I have never made it to Americade though I live in CNY
Do post pictures of your bike when you can.

[Rubone]

Welcome to the forum. I had an old XR around here for years with a blown engine. A friend's son ran it out of oil and kept riding it until it gave up. They passed it on to me but I ended up giving it to a friend who wanted to put a single cylinder diesel in it ! He ended up moving away so who knows where that ended up.