Maintenance & Technical > KX500 Original

Looking for tips on buying KX 500

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zagnut55:
Also point out that the tab holding the pipe to the frame just under the tank is busted ( it will be ) not that it matters, but maybe a bargaining tool.

FuriouSly:
What up future KX owner...  things to look for on the KX5 that potentially will cost $$$ or breakdowns later on:

Top pipe mount under fuel tank broke - Radiator tabs cracked at frame mounts - No Orings in pipe at cylinder (causes lean conditions and will damage inside of exhaust port from excessive vibration) - Radiator grilles rubbing causing pinholes/weak spots on the front of the rads - Radiators that are pancaked or have excessive fins bent over (air/water flow restrictions) - Subframe cracks/breaks/bends from wrecks (great way to see the abuse level of the bike) - Subframe wear at the chain area - Footpeg mounts on frame (another way to see the useage level - Stock kickstart lever weakness (look here http://www.kxriders.com/forums/index.php/topic,2306.0.html )

Some of these can be seen on the outside, but of course without pulling the exhaust pipe and inspecting the exhaust port/powervalve area (quick tell without gasket problems), it is hard to see how well the bike has been maintained.

Sly

apple:
I wondered a little about the frame stuff. I ran into a guy at work who`s son was a big time desert racer out here in SoCal and he talked about how his KX500 was outfitted with extra gussetting by the same folks who did the factory KX`s. He also mentioned something about where the cases were strengthened internally via epoxy. Since normal people don`t ride like this guy does, frame cracks or cases breaking don`t seem to be a big issue. It sounds like none of the usual problems are going to bother me a bit, I can fix whatever breaks. Sounds just like a dirt bike to me. I keep hearing how good these bikes are. I will be doing some long desert runs so you need to know what to do to keep from breaking out there.  By the way, the KX500 was called the King of The Desert around southern California for a long time. They`re still getting some wins in the desert, but most folks are on 4-strokes. Thanks for all the awesome info.

Jack

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