Maintenance & Technical > KX500 Original

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

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reknelb:
Sounds like alot of the problems I had with my cr250. Kicker not engaging, basket grooved badly, and every bearing/bushing in the shock linkage and swingarm were shot.
The owner of the kx did say he replced all the swingarm and shock linkage bearings recently so that's a plus.

KXcam22:
reknelb,
  When buying a used bike my two favorite tests are, a compression test (since it is easy) and I like to take the pipe off and check the piston and cylinder wall with a flashlight for scores, seize marks and general condition.  It's easy and quick to take off a pipe and with a 500 you can see alot (huge exhaust port) and can fit your finger in there to see how much the piston wiggles.  Also on the KX look through the exhaust at the transfer ports to see if the plating is flaking off.  Engine and wheel bearings are cheap. Look for other things that cost big $$.  Also, as I recently found out, determine which owner is the most knowledgable bike mechanic.  I just got a mint 03 xr100 for my son (from a non-mechanic) and got a few big $$ surprises I didn't expect caused by complete lack of bike savy. My '92 KX is setup for HS and easily bests all the KTM's out there. Still has the original top end (not for long) so they last pretty good. I think the KX is better for hare scrambles but it's hard to argue with a '97CR for the same price.  Either one will be a blast.  I used to roadrace a fully preped RD350LC.  Hope this helps.  Cam.

reknelb:
Went and looked at the '90 kx500 yesterday. Started with 4 kicks, ran pretty good, even idled :)  The only problem I could really find on the thing was a leaking rear shock seal. The rear end of the bike sat about 2" lower than normal. Are the rear shocks rebuildable?

gowen:
Reknelb, yes, they are pretty simple to do also, if it is just leaking, there is a thread here by Rick on how to rebuild the shock.

enmerdeur:
I just bought a used 97' CR500 that was set up for off road.  When I buy used bikes I have to go through the whole bike before I can ride it.  That's just the way I am.  Anyway What I found on mine is that the piston had a 1 inch long hair line crack on the skirt (intake side).  Apparently a common problem on OEM pistons after some use with the CR.  I have seen photos of what happens when people let this go too long (not pretty).  So in went a Wiesco.  

Shock linkage and shock heim bearings were shot also.  Other than that everything checked out well and just need some grease and cleaning.  Serviced the forks and have changed brake pads.  I guess I have an extra $400 into it but everything is to spec now.

Have not dealt with the KX 500 before so no insight from there.

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