GT500 or 550 forks on a T500?

BenEberle · Posted: Sat Apr 10, 2010 8:31 am Post subject: GT500 or 550 forks on a T500?

Hi everyone - just found this forum. So awesome.
I saved a '72 T500 from a barn last fall and am just wrapping up the restore job. I started my 2 stroke journey on the many vintage mopeds out in California and then upgraded to a Kawasaki AR80. The T500 looks like an amazing ride - basic, pretty simple, heavy, and reliable.

I cleaned the carbs which were a mess and flushed the tank and, what a surprise....it fired up on the 2nd kick. Even idled nicely, but then died as the petcock got plugged with more crap that was in tank. More cleaning, and a new petcock and some fresh paint and I'm ready to put it back together and see how it does.

The one big concern I have is the lack of a disc brake on the front! I've seen the disc setups on the GT550 - can I just swap mine for those? I haven't been able to find a GT500 anywhere around, but there are a few 550's.

Any ideas?

Also - what kind of transmission oil are we talking about for this thing? I read on an older post that it'll take 1200cc's. Is that right? Anything else I should know? This is my first big motorcycle and I'd like it to run well and be reliable.

Cheers -

Ben

PS - I'll post pics later today.

dorT500 · Posted: Sat Apr 10, 2010 8:57 am Post subject:

Welcome to the VJMOG. 1400cc's at least. Info covered in both these:

http://www.ozebook.com/compendium/t500_files/oilmod.htm
http://www.motorcycleracer.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1120&highlight=dam

Edit. I only know of the GT500/T500 modification you have already mentioned and the exact details of the mod I don't remember but you have probably already looked into that. I myself lean more to keeping bikes original...but that is just me. I do agree that the the braking on the T500 leaves much to be desired. Good Luck

BenEberle · Posted: Sat Apr 10, 2010 11:28 am Post subject:

Just put it back together. Not too bad!
Hope this pic link works.

Russell · Posted: Sat Apr 10, 2010 2:26 pm Post subject:

The GT380 was no lightweight so the front end off one of those would offer a small improvement in suspension and a massive gain in braking.Only the first of these was drum braked.

BenEberle · Posted: Sat Apr 10, 2010 5:17 pm Post subject:

Cool - I'll look for one.

Thanks for the advice, guys.

dorT500 · Posted: Sat Apr 10, 2010 5:28 pm Post subject:

The bike looking "not bad" ? Indeed. Looks good. 'Yesterday revisited' this time in a different color scheme. I have been doing a little poking around about the front end and yes, the GT380 along with the GT500, GT550 and GT750 front ends ( but with their own trees) have been used. Pages 10 and 11 if you have not already seen this gives some info. Of course make sure you have all needed info(maybe even more details on the mod before spending any $$). Good Luck.

http://www.motorcycleracer.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=14&start=135

Boom215 · Posted: Thu Apr 15, 2010 12:27 am Post subject:

Thanks for share good idea keep it up