Maintenance & Technical > KX500 Original
1988 KX500?
chipped tooth:
I just picked up an 1988 KX500 with a few minor issues.
First thing is after sitting for day or so the clutch sorta sticks and once warm will drag initially. The engine has never been apart so I'm assuming with its age the basket drum and clutch plates could use some attention?
Second is the clutch pull seems stiff compared to pretty much all my other bikes even the other 500s, cable is good and smooth.
So not exactly sure what to look for once I'm inside other than the obvious?
Third is after I jetted and bumped the timing 2° she runs like a scalded cat even though compression is somewhat low, haven't tested it but can tell simply by kicking it over.
Any specific piston favored over another?
4th is its missing the left radiator shroud and was wondering if anyone has a serviceable spare in the color Black?
sandblaster:
If your clutch is sticky it's not necessarily worn out.
I've dealt with the sticky clutch syndrome (SCS) on a few occasions when buying a new/old bike.
One easy thing to do is to change the oil.
I like the Amsoil but there are many many good brands out there (Let the debates begin) :lol:
Likely the bike needs a oil change anyway and it's a lot cheaper then buying a new clutch.
Clutch pulls on KX500's are more severe then on most other bikes.
There are several things you can do.
A new cable is a good start...
Where the metal sleeve makes the bend, straighten the bend out a bit and route the cable so that it makes as few and as large of a bend as possible.
Next, get one of these..
I'm out but Adam Millar might have some:
https://www.facebook.com/MRE500/
This will make your clutch pull 20% easier then stock..
For a piston... (Another Hot topic) :-D
For a stock build stay away from a Namura, but just about any other is fine.
For a modified engine Wossner.
Personally I run a Wossner in everything I can regardless of the mod level.
Right now they are hard to get but the manufacture is working hard to get more.
I have no extra plastics but be patient and check eBay frequently..
umberto:
--- Quote from: sandblaster on April 24, 2017, 01:51:15 AM ---For a piston... (Another Hot topic) :-D
For a stock build stay away from a Namura, but just about any other is fine.
For a modified engine Wossner.
Personally I run a Wossner in everything I can regardless of the mod level.
Right now they are hard to get but the manufacture is working hard to get more.
I have no extra plastics but be patient and check eBay frequently..
--- End quote ---
+1. The Wossners are a little bit extra, but man are they nice pistons. I bought one from Sandblaster for my 88, and it was a work of art.
chipped tooth:
Thanks guys!
I should have mentioned the oil was clean and I changed it with Delo 15w40.
I'll address the cable routing and check on a Wossner piston, I plan on some modifications but haven't decided what exactly I want to do yet, all depends on what shape the cylinder is in once I open it up.
Any feedback on Lectron carb?
umberto:
--- Quote from: chipped tooth on April 24, 2017, 07:28:18 AM ---Thanks guys!
I should have mentioned the oil was clean and I changed it with Delo 15w40.
I'll address the cable routing and check on a Wossner piston, I plan on some modifications but haven't decided what exactly I want to do yet, all depends on what shape the cylinder is in once I open it up.
Any feedback on Lectron carb?
--- End quote ---
I absolutely love mine. I bought it from Packard Racing about a year ago. It took a little tuning to get it right, but the throttle response now is perfect. Be warned that the fuel mileage is pretty bad with it installed.
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