VM36 round slide for the XT500

I'm using a Mikuni VM36-4 round slide on my project XT. I use a 36mm round slide on my SR500 also, and really like it. Some opt for the 34mm, while others prefer the 38mm. There is some really great information on using a round slide on an XT or SR on the SR500 forum. Forum member Stewross has an excellent write-up on the VM swap, which helped me greatly when I did my SR500. I'll cover the parts, suppliers, and costs of my installation on the XT500.

Here's the stock carb on my other XT500. They are good carburetors, but for not a whole lot more than the cost of rebuilding one of these, you can have a brand new, and easier to use VM round slide.


The new VM36 which I purchased from ebay seller ATV Unlimited. It was $98.99 and $9.50 for shipping.

I'll be using this K&N RU-1760 from ebay seller Ram Motorsports. It was $31.34 and $7.50 for shipping.

The throttle and cable are from Motion Pro. The cable is part # 01-0605 and is $17.32. The throttle is part # 01-0057 and is $21.99. Shipping came to $6.50.


So total cost with shipping (excluding jets and such I'll need to get) is:
$108.49 - carb
$38.84 - filter
$45.81 - throttle and cable
$193.14 total

On an SR500 with a vacuum petcock, you'll either need to buy a non-vacuum petcock, modify the stock one to eliminate the vacuum function, or I've just been running my SR on "prime". N-R Performance has a kit to modify the stock SR petcock.

If you want to buy everything together, and jetted to match your bike, Thumper Stuff sells a complete kit.

Here's the Motion Pro "turbo" throttle. I think they look neat, but some don't care for them. You can check the SR500 forum mentioned earlier for other options.

This little piece of the stock carb holder needs trimmed off to fit the VM.

This is all that needs done, unless you want to do a bit of port matching inside.

The reason it needs trimmed is to clear the choke linkage.

The special application 01-0605 Motion Pro cable has the correct 90 degree bend to clear the frame. The rubber sheath than comes with the carb will still fit.

Looks race!

These two parts are left over. The throttle and cable both come with a rubber sheath, so you'll have a spare. The cable threads directly into the carb, so the fitting that comes with the carb won't be used.

I'll still need to jet it once I get it running. The carb comes with a 310 main jet, which I know is too rich, so I went ahead and put a 230 in to get it closer from the start. These carbs are very common, so your local independent shop likely stocks jets and needles.

The Motion Pro throttle doesn't have a kill switch, so I might use this kill button on the XT.

Sudco has any carb or carb part you'll need. Niche Cycle Supply is another source for carb related parts.