1st sled ever

[Savage]

I just bought a 2001 sx500r 6200 miles. Seems like to be in good condition. Compression tested at 120 at 5 pulls. Just curious what all I need to go through to make sure it's all good to go. Also wandering how to remove the vents on the hood? Been trying to get them out, but seems like what is holding them on will break..

 

[RB2001SRX700]

Vents are held in but steel rivets. You need to drill them out to remove the screens. Clean your carbs, check the reeds for cracks. Change plugs check coolent if needed replace. That would be a good start.

 

[A couple of bucks]

Drill just the head of the rivet off when removing the screens. Once the head is off, punch the rest out with a light touch. I have drilled those out before and ended up drilling all the way through the rivet and through the hood as well. Whoops.

 

[Maim]

also check the water pump belt for adjustment issues.

i had one of those. great sled but needs to be geared up in the chaincase to 1999 specs as it will only get 8mpg at best with stock gearing. with the taller gearing, i was getting 10mpg and it would get over 90mph vs 80mph stock.

 

[PZ 1]

Get an owners manual if it did not come with one - watch eBay or there may be a copy on-line.
Read it from cover to cover and do all the items in the maintenance chart. If the gas is old, remove it.
Always keep a spare belt and spark plugs on the sled.

 

[Hager85]

I'll have to look back into where I found it, but I downloaded a PDF owners manual for my 2001 SX700r a couple of months ago online for FREE.... Can't beat it. Also just picked up a used CLYMER shop manual for the 1997-2002 three cylinder Yamaha sleds for $4.85 and free shipping on ebay. The shop manuals will walk you through just about anything you will ever have to do to one of these sleds (with photos and diagrams) so even for $35 (retail price) they are worth the investment. As for the vents I did the same as recommended above and replaced the rivets with button head machine screws. I taped off the hood for the vent under the headlight and painted it in place due to it looking like a major PITA to get out and back in and it turned out pretty nice, key is to take your time. Hope you enjoy your sled.

 

[lucy16v]

Drill just the head of the rivet off when removing the screens. Once the head is off, punch the rest out with a light touch. I have drilled those out before and ended up drilling all the way through the rivet and through the hood as well. Whoops.

I second that...