Maintenance & Technical > KX500 Original

Need rear shock advice

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bigborefan:
I had an 88KX 250, and if I rememeber it handled pretty good. However, your shock could just be worn out. They do have aluminum bodies and lots of soft aluminum parts. An 89 is getting up there in age. You won't know untl you take it apart or go to a suspenison guy. I would think a shock off of a newer 500 would bolt right on, I would say anywhere from 88 to 2004 should be the same length and bolt right on. At 145lbs you are probably OK with stock springs as well.

The 89 fork was one of the best forks out there as well, in its day anyway.

Platypus:

--- Quote from: adrenalinejunky81 on April 28, 2008, 12:07:42 PM ---Bikes arent supposed to bounce the rear up when landing. My friends watching have told me the same thing. Someone out there has to have swapped in a newer shock. Am I gonna have to be the first???

--- End quote ---

I guess so.

GDubb:
Of course a shock ABSORBER isnt supposed to bounce on impact... take the bike to a REPUTABLE bike shop and have them check it out. If its fixable they can fix it, if not they should tell you so.  I think by the time 1989 rolled around Kawasaki already had a pretty darn good idea how a shock is supposed to work and would think that the stock equipment wasnt just junk. If the shock body and shaft are still in decent shape there is absolutely no reason why a good rebuild wouldnt get it working like new, especially for a 145 pounder like yourself. In 1989 they were getting much more than just 4 feet of air so in proper working order the stock shock should be more than capable. We could use hughes' opinion here, he has totally rebuilt an 87 KX500 and should have the better idea on how they hold up.


-G

hughes:
I agree with bigborefan I think the shock is just worn out or improperly serviced. My shock on my 87 500 worked great at any speeds and terrain I could throw at here in GA. The rear end always tracked straight without swapping ends. My shock was junk when I bought the bike. I searched the world for new parts for the shock before I rebuilt the unit. Sounds like your shock has no rebound damping, oil is blowing by the piston and bypassing the shim stack (the shims wear and fatigue) and is kicking the rear end up, or the shock is not compression properly (air in the shock). The shock has a special coating on the inside to help prevent wear as the piston goes up and down, an 89 model bike? That coating is gone. The most important thing during shock rebuilding is making sure no air is in the shock. Any air bubbles and the shock will not perform. Good luck getting it taken care of.

moburki:
I would highly reccomend a revalve and proper spring. I just did it to my bike, front and rear, and the bike is soooo much more fun to ride. I believe the rear spring valving is quite soft in both comp, and rebound. Forks are a must, at least heavier springs (unless youre really light). I do always revalve and spring my race bikes, and it's the most bang for your buck you can get. I believe there is a forum sponsor that's reputable (in AZ?) and I will reccomend talking with Nick at Pro-Valve MX in CA for susp. needs.
GL

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