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Mar 31, 2000
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I have fallen to my knees and bowed my head to the big bore gods.
I just couldn't pass up a 2001 KX500 off the showroom floor for $4599......
The first ride was intense ! It wheelied, ripped my arms out, and gave me the ultimate adrenaline rush. And that was only the first 15 min. break-in ride. I barely even hit the meat of the powerband.
I was wondering if anyone elses experiences could tell me of the bike's "personalities" glitches and downfalls, notorious loosening bolts, fast wearing parts, ect.....
My riding terrain will consist of - Woods riding, hill climbing, and the occasional wide open fire road and sand pit.
 

HiG4s

~SPONSOR~
Mar 7, 2001
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I have never ridden a KX500, but from people I have known and the posts here I would say the most notorious loose nut on any 500 2-stroke would be between the seat and handle bars.
 

spanky250

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Dec 10, 2000
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I have ridden a KX 500 once, and I think all you guys that ride them are nuts! Man those trees come up fast on one of those things! I try to keep my 250 in the powerband when I'm riding, but I was trying to keep that 500 out of the powerband.:eek:
 

teamgrn84

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Sep 3, 2001
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kx 500 for the real man!!

only real men ride the 500's, look for the top pipe bracket on the frame they crack and haft to be re welded, watch out for the stock chain it will stretch buy a good o ring chain, the stock chain will rub right through the subframe other than that put a good set of carbon fiber reeds take out the brass rev plates and hang on they are soooo much fun!!!!! i am in the process of buying a new kx 500 tried kx 250's they are great bikes but i ride the dunes woods motorcross i need the power i love it good choice to stay team green, the only choice for a real big bore 65 horse is the only way to go, i had a 94 that was putting out 72 horse at the rear wheel, i loved it !!!!!!!!
 

Ramski

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Feb 6, 2001
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I had to reweld and gussett the area around where the subframe conects to the frame. It's a pretty weak area since the attatch points stick out so far from the frame. I've heard the tranny drain plug can be easily stripped. If the vibrations are too much, try the GPR anti-vibration bar ends. I just got some this weekend and they work great! They don't dampen all the vibration, just the area around the grips where it counts most. Also make sure your rubber mounted bar clamps are torqued to the right spec. You don't want it too loose and not too tight. I think its about 14ft lbs. If you find your loosing too many bolts, try using some nylon insert lock nuts where you can. Good luck and stick with it!
 

Rider 007

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Feb 10, 2000
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I’ve owned a few KX500’s, mostly early ‘90’s, but they really haven’t changed much in years so this should be relevant. As a matter of fact, I just came in from wrenching on a friend’s 90 model (with a ’89 front end) in the garage.
Unless you ride desert-type, wide-open conditions, I don’t think I’d go for the carbon reeds and rev-plate combo. I’ve had good luck and service with the original Boyesen reeds once the stockers go.
The jetting on all of them I have owned was rich off the bottom making the engine blubbery and raspy at low-throttle settings. If yours is like this, try dropping one size on the pilot and then evaluate the performance. Fine tune with the needle clip. Once you get the jetting crisper on them you’ll be surprised how much better they run.
Buy removable strength Loctite… by the gallon. They have some heavy vibes and will scatter themselves over the countryside if given the chance.
I’ve seen the inserts in the aluminum subframe strip, the ones where the seat, sidepanels, etc., bolt on.
The engines are anvils, but like anything, proper maintenance is a must. Clean and oil the air filter religiously. I personally like Maxima FFT.
Like any Open bike, good sprockets and an O-ring chain are wise investments.
Due to the vibes, any crud that gets into any moving part (kickstarter knuckle, brake pivot, etc.), will help wear it out fast if not cleaned.
Keep an eye on the spokes during break-in.
Footpeg mounts and the aluminum rear muffler bracket are also prone to failure.

They’re really great bikes, just pay attention to it and keep a log of what seems to be regular attention areas and you’ll enjoy it for years.

Hope it helps!
:)
 
Mar 31, 2000
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Now those are some quality answers, gotta love this website. I've been checkin bolts between every ride, still tight everywhere, but it's still new so I'll be religious about that. No need for anymore power out here in New England so I'll run it stock with a size drop in the pilot jet, it is a little rich down low where I"m mostly at in the woods. the needle seems a tad rich also but I'm expecting it to clear up when the temps drop, Fall season is just around the corner. This bike just flat out hauls butt !!! Nothing like smokin' a guy on a hyped up, bored out, race gassed CR250 with an ego to match !!!! And I can't believe the low end grunt this thing has when you get into trouble.
Yes it is a manly bike and I'm glad I made the switch.
The only concearn I have so far is an internal clicking noise when comming off the throttle, I'm guessing it's a noisy power valve ??? Performance seems fine and the dealership is useless for answers on that. Anyone familiar with that ?
 

Ramski

Member
Feb 6, 2001
131
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I know what you mean about the dealers for information. The big four dealers know absolutely nothing about the bikes they sell. Thats whats always been good about European bike dealers. They know what they sell.

The KX500 does have a noisy powervalve. My 500 makes the same sound. Good luck.
 
Mar 31, 2000
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just out of curiosity, what are you guy's paying for a CR or KX500 out there in the west. Low demand out here in New England forces a nice price for one out here.
 

Ramski

Member
Feb 6, 2001
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I was at Chaparrel last Friday and they had the 2001 KX500s for $3999. I can't exactly remember what the CR500s were going for, but they were between $5000 and $5500 I think.
 

C.T.D.

Member
Jun 18, 2001
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My friend and I went to Chapparral last month where he picked up one of the 2001 KX500's for $3999. Turned out to be $5000 o.t.d. At that time the CR's were going for around $4600 before taxes. I made the mistake of riding it a few times and now I have to have one too. What an awesome bike. Maybe I could sell a kidney on EBAY? Hmmm................any takers?
 

nephron

Dr. Feel Good
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Jun 15, 2001
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I really enjoy mine. It's a perfect fit for me. Power everywhere. You can putt around, or blast off to the moon. VERY smooth power. Nothing's better than swinging through a steep burm and blasting out of it like a slingshot. Many will say they're difficult to lay down into a turn, but I haven't had that problem. As with everything on this bike, it just requires a little more muscle.

My only problem is getting out there alone. My 4 year old son will NOT let me ride alone. He HAS to come along. I sit him at the base of the tank and we ride trails and do small jumps (he ended up kissing the front fender yesterday, but don't tell the Mrs.!:scream: ) ie, the power is smooth enough that you can even tote around a passenger with no problem.

Enjoy. This is one of my favorite bikes. Very versatile. Very reliable. Good luck. :)
 

Camstyn

LIFETIME SPONSOR
Oct 3, 1999
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I spent 3 or so years on a '94 KX500, here's what I found:
- Raise the forks in the clamps as high as you can get away with, to help it turn.
- Replace pipe springs, gasket and o-rings every few rides as they get sloppy.
- Get a set of Pro Tapers or some such oversized crossbar-less handlebar setup, and fill the bars with silicon to help reduce vibration buzz.
- If/when the stock kickstarter breaks, get one made custom out of steel. I wasted the time/money of braking 3 replacement OEM kickstarters.
- Watch the upper pipe mount under the tank, it will eventually break.
- Get an o-ring chain and steel sprockets, and forget about them.
- Get an OEM optional thicker head gasket, or run race gas.. Otherwise it pings.
- Wish I remembered the jetting, but stock is way off.
- Keep the bearings and pivots well lubed.
- Stock suspension feels like it's made for a 150lb trail rider. Needs springs at least.
- Watch where the chain rubs the inside of the subframe. Put a spacer in the subframe mount and bolt the subframe to the outside of the mount, instead of inside where it currently sits.
- Bleed the front brake every ride. It needs it.. Or, get an oversized rotor, a CR-style brake hose, a CR master cylinder, and DP Pro-MX pads. A bike this fast needs to be able to stop. The stock brakes suck, may as well drag your feet.
- Cut stock silencer down 3", to make it less crash-damage prone.

More later if I can remember...
 

mknight

Member
Jun 14, 2000
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I rode a '91 KX500 for about 5 years. Everything that has been said is very relevant so I won't repeat it. However, one thing that I did and know that several other owners did was trim down the plastic radiator louvers (sp?) where they touch the aluminum radiator. Due to all the vibration those sharp edges of the plastic will eventually wear right through the aluminum and puncture a whole in it. I know because mine did it and I had to have it repaired.

To describe more specifically what I'm talking about, right at the top and bottom of the radiator on both sides, the vertical slats in the louvers rub against the edge of the radiator. I just carbed out a slight niche in the plastic with a razor blade to prevent it from rubbing.

I have a KTM300 now which I absolutely love. But I have to admit, there was nothing quite like the "point and shoot" nature of the big 500 when riding up big hills or riding in the sand. Enjoy.
 

Bro-Daddy

Member
Jul 20, 2000
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To all Kx500 Owners......

Hey guys I have just got done with a complete re-build and up-date on the the old 500;) and I am wondering if anyone has any good graphic kits. All of the top companies that I have looked at so far (n-style 1indust. ceet pro-cicuit) all have great kits for the 250 but all the 500 kits are so-so:silly:. Ant recomendations? Oh yeah I will be putting a photo soon, and I would like to see eveyone elses 5oo's too. :D
p.s. What are some carb setting to use in california (0-5500ft elevation)
 

Ramski

Member
Feb 6, 2001
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There is not much out there in the way of graphics for the 500 for the simple fact that its not cost effective for the companies. Mine is a 99 KX500 with just the 2001 OEM shroud graphics. The frame is powdercoated flo. green with flo green front fender, black shrouds and black rear fender. I run the IMS desert clear tank also. Looks pretty cool in my opinion. I'll have a web site up soon with pictures.

As far as carb settings go, I havn't touched mine since its been working fine. I ride primarily in Phoenix and So. Cal desert. Good luck.
 
Oct 8, 2000
86
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KX500

I have a 2000 KX500 with less than 8 hours riding time, all I've done is leaned the neddle posisiton one notch and replaced the pilot jet with one step leaner , it runs very well now. I do have this bike for sell at a very good price if anyone is interested. $3300.00. I will tell you that these are great bikes and I really enjoy riding them. I just have 3 bikes right now, an I do need to sell something. Good luck with the new bike.
 

KXaggerator

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Feb 4, 2001
252
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Cam Mitchell
Where did you find the steel kick starter? The last time I broke a kick starter it was at the bottom of a canyon and I was riding alone. It took me nearly two hours to push and pull the bike out, I thought I was going to stroke. Coast starting is out of the question unless there is absolute traction.

My best advice is to use clear silicone on the threads of all non-engine bolts and nuts. When I first got the bike I was littering the trail side with bits of green. Since then I have not lost any parts or bolts.

A part that will need replacement is the rubberized exhaust brackets. The rubber will eventually separate from the bracket.

Another tip would be to let the revs drop as you go into a tight corner. The mass of the big crank creates quite a bit of gyroscopic effect which wants to keep the bike upright and going straight. I have blown through many a corner as I came in too hot.

After so many years on the 500 the first ride on my KX250 was a bit exciting and disappointing. Where I ride there are a lot of ruts and obstacles and on the 500 I just twist the throttle to get the front wheel to clear them. I nearly killed myself on the 250 when I would come to an obstacle because I expected to clear them, but the front tire did not obey. On hills the 250 would make most of them, with clutch work, but not with the flare or speed of the 500. Also I run out of top end with the 250 all the time. I went with a big bore for the 250, but it still falls short of expectations. Power to the people.
 

YZDezertGuy

Member
Apr 18, 2001
139
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I must say that the one most notorious loose nut would be the one in your head! You guys gotta be nutty to ride these things! But if thats what ya like...
 

Hogwylde

Member
Aug 1, 2001
466
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Factory Effex (FX) makes graphic kits and matching seatcovers for the KX 500. I've got there seatcover and graphics kit on mine and it makes a heck of a difference in the way it looks. Check out there site or find them listed in Dennis Kirk. Kinda spensive if you ask me, but same with all seatcover/graphix kits for bikes.
 

Ramski

Member
Feb 6, 2001
131
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Take a look at my web site in my signature area. I just built it and there is not much content yet, but there are some good photos of my bike when I first got it with N-Style graphics and how it looks today.
 

FasterNU

Member
Jun 5, 2001
15
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Try the Skin Industries graphics kit. My brother has them on his KX500. IMO, it looks pretty sweet.
 

Martinm2

Member
Aug 20, 2000
6
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Love mine, sounds like pretty much everyone has covered the same things I would have said..

Broken pipe mount under the tank, and get yerself some Locktight..and hang on to the beast, I've looped out on mine twice once on a track and I had absolutely no intention of playing around...hurt bad!!

Anyway, thought I'd share some media, here is my bike:
r552843.jpg


And how about some movies???

http://members.home.net/martinm210/KX500/KX500Wheelie1.mpg

http://members.home.net/martinm210/KX500/KX500Jump.mpg

http://members.home.net/martinm210/KX500/KX500Whoops.mpg

That ought to pump you up some..:D
 

KXaggerator

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Feb 4, 2001
252
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Martin
Is that a KX250 rear fender on your 500? If so, what did you have to do to get it to fit. I hate the humpback rear fender on mine.
 
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