Maintenance & Technical > KX500 Original

Rear shock / linkage

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Kev:
Hey everybody. I've got an '02 500 had it about a month and it seems as though she sits really low in the rear. Specs for the bike indicate that I should have a seat height of 37.5 inches. If I fully extend the suspension I'm getting about 36.25 inches. I don't really like using seat height as a measurement, but I cannot find any other measurement for height in any book or online. So I was hoping you guys could help me out. Center to center axle to seat mount bolt or floor to seat mount bolt would be great. I prefer axle to seat bolt so as to eliminate tire differences. I'm looking for factory height so you high and low riders wont help me much. I've measured my dog bones and I come up with 134mm center to center. I searched the past messages and found that they look to be original length. Also when adjusting my shock it seems as though I have completely lost my compression adjustment. Min to max gives no change. Rebound however is definitely working. If I max rebound and compress the shock the bike stays there, will not come back up at all. Is that normal? I've never max'd rebound on any of my other bikes in the past. I had an '88 500 and it seemed more plush than this bike. I'm wondering if I have lost my charge in the shock because when I set preload at 4 inches race sag I can bottom out very easily. So I stiffen preload back up and of course I get a harsh ride. I weigh 175 lbs. I've been giving some thought to putting a shock off of a 450f on. Has anyone on here done or attempted this mod? Sure would be nice to have modern shock technology on the old scoot, and then having the after market accessories opened up would be nice also. Anyway, it definitely sounds like several of you guys have been into the rear shock, so any and all advice/experience/feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Kev

KXcam22:
KEV,
   It sounds like your shock may be due for a rebuild.  Also someone will have to confirm your dogbone length.  It is possible that your bike (I am assuming it had a previuos owner) put shorter dogbones on the lower the seat height, a common way to do it.  The shock rebuild is easy to do yourself or you might want to send it out for a rebuild a revalve.  That way you will get a much better action.  There are rebuild instruction on this site. Hope this helps. Cam.

Kev:
Yeah, I knew that I'd be taking the shock off. I was just trying to find out if my bones had been changed so that I could remedy that issue at the same time. I ride on a track a lot and like to get some air, but right now if I get much over 4 feet or a downhill jump I 'm getting close to the bottom and I know that isn't right. I have given some thought to a complete Racetech rebuild of forks and shock, but not sure about spending that kind of green on a bike that is already at least ten years out dated. I know, $$$ stupid issue. :roll:
What do you think about updating to the 450F shock?
Kev

KXcam22:
Kev,
  I think it would be easier and cheaper to rebuild/revalve the stock KX500 shock.   I know that 4-strokes use different damping in the shock.  After modifying to get a 450F shock to fit you would likely have to get it revalved anyway to make it work nice.  The only advantange of the 450F shock is the HS compression adjustability.  Hope this helps. Cam.

Kev:
Thanks Cam. In my quest for new and improved I forget that I just want to ride. Anybody else have the axle to seat or subframe bolt measurements on a K5 standing in stock form. I don't want to order new pull rods from Kawasaki only to find that they are the same length as mine. Thanks.

Kev

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