First post

[FactoryPhil]

Hey everyone, just registered here. I have been lurking as a non-registered for a couple of weeks. I am always hesitant to join any forum or message board  but most of the information here seems to be gathered from experience and not just a bunch of armchair warrior nonsense. My wife just bought me a new (to me) 1990 KX500-E2. Currently it is undergoing a neglect and  L.O.M. (lack of maintenance) rehab. The last off road bike I had was a 1997 KX250 new in '97. Since then I have been busy with life and moving around with no time to ride off road.  I hope this bike will give me a chance to get "dirty" again so to speak and take advantage of the off road riding California has to offer. We have relocated to Southern California from the DFW area of Texas. My wife and I are both in the bike business, myself a technician with 13 years of experience and my wife in finance for 7 years. I have dreamed of a KX500 for so many years and now it seems that one has fallen into my lap.  I hope that through the combined experience of the members here the Green Monster will be roosting H bikes really soon! 

[FactoryPhil]

I'm bored so I'll reply to my own post. A little about the bike 1990 KX500, FMF Gnarly Pipe, FMF Turbine Core silencer, BRP Billet silencer mount and Chain Guide Guard (both on closeout, check it out!), and Renthall bars. Next project will be the repair of the upper expansion chamber mount.

[MadKaw]

welcome to the board. sounds like you got a good foundation there. building a '93 that was in the same state of neglect...just sad!

[Johnniespeed]

 Welcome FactoryPhil
  My upper pipe mount broke off when the bike was about a month old.  I have a simple bracket that bolts to the radiator mounts and connects to the pipe mount.  That way, I did not have to weld to the frame and cause a hardened spot. I am sure you will figure out a simple fix too.  Good luck with getting the KX500 into shape.  When you do get it sorted out it will be wicked fast and great fun.
   John

[alan]

Welcome and congrats on your KX5!

Alan

[Platypus]

I'm bored so I'll reply to my own post. A little about the bike 1990 KX500, FMF Gnarly Pipe, FMF Turbine Core silencer, BRP Billet silencer mount and Chain Guide Guard (both on closeout, check it out!), and Renthall bars. Next project will be the repair of the upper expansion chamber mount.

Welcome!  I bought those same two parts from them on closeout!  I ended up switching to their new fandangoed all plastic one though.  When I first bought my bike I failed to check the bolts on the chain guide and after a little ride I noticed it was half way up the top of the swingarm, never heard or felt it.  I wonder if I would have noticed that it had come off on a 250.  Since I learned to religiously check bolts on the 500 I have not had a single problem.  I had too much faith in the previous owner loctiting all the bolts.  Turned out there were some new ones he had put in and did not loctite.  I bought mine with a broken upper pipe mount and chose to ride it before fixing it and ended up with the lower mount on the pipe snapping.  I could not wait....it was worth it though.  Good luck on the rehab project.

[FactoryPhil]

Thanks guys! I wish the project was going a little faster but work has been pretty slow and I am 100% commission. I am sure it will be done before things cool off. Hopefully I will get to meet some new friends at the dunes!!