Maintenance & Technical > KX500 Original

The real crank balancing answer

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chevyk30:
Hey guys!  This is kind of funny!!  My name is also Adam, I am new here as well, love the site!! I also have the same question, as I am in the middle of rebuilding the lower end of one of my kx500s, I also appreciate all of your responses!!  keep them coming! 


Adam

KXcam22:
I have to agree with BDI and Don.  I also don't think that it is worth is unless your are building a high RPM engine.  If the guy who is assembling the crank does a carefull job then the balance, while not perfect, will be very good.  Many of us have concluded that the reason some KX500's vibrate more than others is based on the crank assembly tolerance at the factory.  I would spend my money elsewhere.  Hope this helps. Cam.

ma71t:
thanks for all the quick responses guys

-Adam

Mick:
When these bikes were produced they might have had a 60% balance factor.  God only knows what most of yours is nowadays with all the after market pistons, rods and bearings.  Even replacing parts with OEM components will yield different results due to inconsistencies in production.  There is however the slim chance you've actually improved the balance for your particular riding style and ability.

I haven't been impressed by the work I've seen from crankworks.  I've seen them take weight off in several places around the crank halfs.  At 9, 11, 4 and 7 o'clock from the crank pin.  WTF?  And none of the material taken off was the same distance from center.  And I'm not a fan of welded cranks either.

This is a crank I had balanced by Surf 'N Turf out of Connecticut.



Taking the very parts I run and having the ability to balance them to a 56% factor really helped.  It runs smoother everywhere.  How so?  The original parts must have been far from Honda spec.  As the motor was assembled by Service Honda piece by piece.  No fault on S/H, but I don't believe Honda's or Kawasaki's off the shelf parts receive the thorough QC inspection they once used to now that they are no longer produced.
Regardless of who's to blame, the only downside to a balanced crank is money.  It cost me $375.  But it was worth it.  It vibrates much less than I imagined a 500 could be balanced to run.  Yes it vibrates more at some rpm than others, but overall it runs much smoother than you'd think a 500 could.  Big thumbs up!

js:
has anyone tried to use a heavy flywheel weight to balance the crank. and why wouldnt this work? anyone with a bridgport could lighten up one side of there steahly weight if they knew where to put the holes and the size of hole to get it balanced out. I quess you'd have to mark it to line up with everything. or come up with a new design that locates everytime you put it on. ajustable weights patented in the 30's and hundreds of external balancing patents. uspto.gov if someone need to look up there idea.

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