Maintenance & Technical > KX500 Original

Major differences through the years

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Big Daddy J:
Hello fellas, appreciate all your help on the 2001 price post, since posting there has been 2 more bikes come up on the online classifieds, an '89 and a '96. Can you guys give me an idea as to what the major differences and parts availability is for all three years ( '01,'96 and '89 )?

demographic:
Since about 1990 the only real differences I can think of are the suspension, brakes and I think in about 92 they changed the flywheel.
Pre 90 and things start getting to be more of a pain matching up what fits what.
The suspension ha been updated pretty much inline with the 250s over the years (90 being the change to USD forks) and as the suspension has changed mounting points slightly the brakes have changed also.

Personally I have two 90s but wouldn't buy anything older and the frames are the same so you can put a newer front end onto a 90 bike.

There's more to it and I have spend hours cross referencing part numbers on buykawasaki.com but I can't remember the full details.

bob larry:
Get the 01 and your set for life.  I'm getting barried with mine.  :)
 :mrgreen: 

martyestes:
Kawasaki went from 43mm to 46mm forks in 1997 I believe.  Not sure if the rear shock and brakes were updated at the same time?  Anyone?

Goat:
Engine wise 89-04 are identical. Early 89's had a smaller lighter flywheel. Frame was the same from 88-04. Suspension upgrade in 90 and again in 97. Wheel bearings, spacers and brakes changed with the suspension upgrades.

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