500 Flat-Tracker Resto

[leviblue]

My father built this 500 in 87. He rode till 91 when he died. The bike went to my brother for a few years untill I came home from Europe. So 15 years ago I brought it home to Jersey and stuck it in a barn next to a 73 Camaro and forgot about it untill last June.Now it's at my house and ready to be torn down. So what is it you ask well...... 82 500XR motor, front frame, 85 350X fork,tire,rear sub-frame,tank,plastics,and axle. Swing-Arm???
It's a true beast as I remember it. very fast for a tank and rode like a 76 Caddy. As you see it's rough but all there so any suggestions???? What would you guys do with her..... keep her old school FlatTrackRacer or Pump Her Up for MX.
HERE'S THE LINK TO THE PICS
http://s916.photobucket.com/albums/ad7/leviblue/
sorry I can't get pics on here.
SO TELL ME WHATCHA' THINK

_________________________
84 200X (woods racer)
85 200X (bored,ported,jetted,full DGexh,and 4/S)
86 250R (too much to list ,cost one girlfreind!!!)
85 500XR ( see above )
86 200SX ( it's my dogs......HONEST )

[85Tecate]

I would restore it to as close to "original" like your dad had it as possible. Its only right you do so.

/Respect

[MonroeMike]

I'm sure whatever you decide to do, it would honor your Father.

[MagicJames]

That is awesome. I don't see how it would be fast off the line, but i could see where it would tear the corners up.

That is really awesome. I say restore it and keep it a flat-tracker

[TrailerRider]

I have to agree, restore it to how your dad had it. It is how he wanted it and that's the way it should stay I say. Or maybe your dad would want you to keep it in the family and make it your own. If it was mine I would bring it back to how he made it than I would put his name on their some where to show respect to him as being the orignal builder and that it was family owned. ust my opinion. Either way I am a big fan of the 500's.

[ATC-Eric]

Awesome machine!

Linked your pics, hope you dont mind.





















Looks like a FUN well built machine.

I would just turn it into a good rider, unless you have a track you can race at.

Put some 20'' tires on the back, and make it a nice trail rig!

[harryredtrike]

tear it down to the frame,and refurbish it to its old glory.looks pretty good for sitting in a barn for all those years.

[JohnR.]

I say just restore it back to the way it was. Maybe update a few things to make it more enjoyable to ride but keep it in the spirit of how your Dad used it.

John

[i58829]

I have to agree with everyone, just restore it the way it sits. Dont use any other parts if you can help it, and get everything repainted/powder coated and then stuff back in the barn, well maybe a heated garage...

[88 Turbo Coupe]

Bring It back to it's former glory.

[Thorpe]

If it was me, I would resto it... And keep it... Do not sell it... (IMO)

[Dammit!]

Is your dog sick? Poor guy.

[inv3ctiv3]

Is your dog sick? Poor guy.

One of the first things I noticed too

[Dirtcrasher]

Do what YOU want to do with it.

I'm sure Dad would be happy just seeing it be put back to use regardless of how it's restored or ridden.

The way the frames got grafted together is pretty unique, I'm not sure how easy it would be to turn it back into a trail bike. But, the engine seems to fit very well and with a well fitting exhaust too....

I wonder what that master cylinder is from? I think I'd try to update that, unless it functions perfectly fine? although it looks like the rear pads are missing.

If your not gonna flat track race it and don't have the funds to restore it AS IS and have it as a keepsake, I'd get it to a functioning 500CC trail bike which should be a blast!!

[Side Wayz]

I remember seeing it. She's her own beast, and was perfected in her own time. Bring her back home and only change what u have too. In loving memory of your DAD!!!!!