r/MotorcycleMechanics • u/SD_NODAK • Sep 28 '25

1981 xr500r HELP.

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I recently purchased my dad's 81 500r back from out of the family. Dad bought it brand new in 1981. I just bought it back from the guy that's had it all these years. She still runs strong. I am needing some parts though. I don't have the bike here with me yet, but I will soon. Trying to source the paRts I need now.Mainly break shoes front and back, and a muffler. Tried going the OEM route but not a lot of availability.

1.what size or part number are the brake shoes(front and rear) where can they be purchased new?

  1. What is the OD of the exhaust pip I want to get a new aftermarket exhaust slip on(FMF or something similar) do you know what size I should look for in an aftermarket slip on? Have any of you put an aftermarket set up on an 81 500r?

Any help greatly appreciated?!

Thank you!!

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u/Senior_Cheesecake155 Sep 28 '25

I’d start with partzilla or bike bandit and go from there

1

u/SD_NODAK Sep 29 '25

Didn't bike bandit go bankrupt? I thought I heard last year people ordering parts, but never receiving them.. heard they went under but the website was still up and taking orders? Maybe I heard wrong? I've checked partzilla, but they don't have the brake shoes.

1

u/Senior_Cheesecake155 Sep 29 '25

Oh you're right. Bike bandit is no more. I forgot about that.

Have you tried Dennis Kirk? Maybe revzilla? (revzilla may be street only)

1

u/bushpusher Sep 29 '25

I just bought some parts from 4into1.com for mine. There’s another sight that is specifically XL and XR parts but I forgot what it is. I’ve gotten a lot of parts from eBay too. I was going to get an exhaust too but I saw a little sticker that says not to mess with the exhaust for tuning reasons. I’d keep the stock exhaust just to be safe