Maintenance & Technical > KX500 Original

Decisions, decisions.....older kx500, or newer cr500

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reknelb:
After retiring from road racing last year I've been getting the itch to do some competitve riding again. I was thinking of doing some hare scrambles next year. I am just finishing parting my cr250 and will be ready to purchase a bike in about a week. My buddies both have the new 4 strokes but I've been craving a big bore 2 stroker. I Found a '90 kx500 for sale realitivly cheap, also found a '97 cr500 for the same price. Apperently all the swing-arm and shock bearings have been changed on the kx and he says its ready to ride. The guy came down 500 bucks on the cr which concerns me a little. Either he is afraid of it, or there could be some hidden issues? What do you guys think? Are the older kx engines the same as the newer ones, or did they change some power valve parts? BTW the kx is about 20 min. away and the cr is a little over 3 hours away. Any suggestions on what to look for when checking out the kx?

Also, how much maintenence will I be doing on the power valves? I'm not really familiar with how they work. I've never messed with them on the cr250. I'm a relatively mechanically inclined guy as I've done alot of rebuilds on 4strokes and rd400's during my road racing days.

mikesmith:
The KX500 hasnt really changed that much,but I would look at and ride both bikes and see what ones in the best shape for the best price(how much by the way?),and tell the KX owner about the newer CR for the same price as a barganing tool to lower the price some.As far as power valves dont sweat it,youll have to learn the first time or so and then itll be easier.Besides Rick has some good "how to" articles allready written up.Good luck and hope you get the KX!

GreenMachine:
there are many things to check when looking at older bikes, but one of the things that most people look past is the case. remove the stator cover and check the end play on the crank. Does it wiggle up and down. If it has excessive end play or wiggle in the crank it could be bad bearing. If you want to dig further remove the flywheel and check the seal. if it moves in the pocket then the case is really bad and will be hard to get fixed. if its tight then you have bad bearings or a case thats just starting to go bad and is about a $100 or so to have fixed up.

Just my 2 cents.
Wig

reknelb:
I'm not sure someone would let me start tearing engine cases off. Would be nice to at least check out the left side crank seal though.

gowen:
I've run through quite a few CR's and I've noticed that the CRs have chronic issues with the (a linkage locking up unless taken care of (b spokes coming lose no matter what (c kick starters slipping (d clutch baskets groving badly. I do have a '90 KX and will admit that it was run in the ground and has needed alot of work. But, it also came with no plastics and was sitting in somebodys backyard for about 10 years. So, that was my fault. I had my PV's cleaned once a year or two ago, still is like new.

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