ENGINE REPLACE WITH XR 650L

[zgoldwingman]

Has anyone ever looked into replacing the FT engine with a XR650 or CRF450 engine. I have a very good engine with a new Wiseco 10:1 piston, top-end cleaned up, new valve seals, etc. It runs very good, but my starter drive seems to get weaker every time I go to start it. And the prices for used starter drive parts or unreal. I'm buying a CRF 450 from the local Honda dealer as soon as his deal is final. Thinking of pulling both engines to see how much would be involved. I would rather go with a recent 2000-up 650L engine as opposed to the water cooled 450, but looks like I'm definitely getting the 450 first. Has any one ever tried the 650 in the FT?

[J6G1Z]

Fairly certain that won't work without major frame & engine mount modifications. Part of the beauty of the FT500 is the air cooled simplicity.

Good luck
J.

[ft500sd]

Have you converted to a head with decompression or thought about a kicker? I know what your saying tho. I was looking on eBay and some capitalist has a new gear reduction set up listed for, in the neighborhood, of 500.00!