XL500 21'' conversion?

[Curtis]

Whats the easiest option to convert the XL500 to a 21'' front end? Do any other model wheels drop straight in?
Thanks

[LWC82PE]

White Brothers sold extended fork caps to allow you to correct the fork height when changing from 23 to 21"

[ghostdancing]

i havent got actual experience with this, but maebe the 82 XL500R (prolink) wheel can fit? usually i try to swap parts with the same brand different models to get less problem; as pointed by Leith you also will need longers forks to compensate the smaller diameter wheel..the prolink XL500 has 37mm forks.. dont know the diameter of the XL500S forks, tough

[mick25]

 I'm sure the 79 -81 XL500 forks are 35mm
TT500 ones are 36mm and all bend trust me only 2-3mm 
If you are planing on jumping it i would up grade to at least 38mm forks

[LWC82PE]

I got some 82 Honda 500  37mm forks and triples (no steering stem). Real cheap if they are any good to you.

[Curtis]

I'm helping a mate get it sorted, it won't be jumped, just ocasional Vinduro and maybe some dirt track practise days.
A front end up grade would be better agreed.

[mick25]

I have a XL500 1981 it has a 21inch front wheel
It looks old and standard a mate has the same bike with 21 front Aswell the 81model must of came standard with 21 and early XL500 had 23 fronts ?

[Trokel510]

The 81' XL500S is still 23" but from what I have found with mine it runs a larger brake drum than the earlier models. Also as mentioned previously the original forks are 35mm and so are 85 model XL250R forks which ran a 21" disk brake front wheel. I currently have an 85' XL250R front end that I was going to fit to mine but haven't gotten around to it and probably never will as I am thinking of selling the 500 so that I can finish my 84 XT600. So could probably be convinced to part with it for the right price. 

[Curtis]

sweet, ill definitely pass it on to my mate... see if hes keen to buy