KX Riders

Maintenance & Technical => KX500 Original => Topic started by: hughes on December 15, 2004, 12:12:22 PM

Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: hughes on December 15, 2004, 12:12:22 PM
Hey guys let's get some more albums in our gallery. I have enjoyed looking at all the diff. 500's and mods. Also is there anybody else riding an 87 500. If so get your pictures in. Thanks. :D
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: machine on December 27, 2004, 02:53:25 PM
Ok, just posted my pics in there.  
"Machine" Last, on page 4

Take a look at the FMF silencer that I bead blasted, and then
had black anodized.

Kind of nice! :wink:

I have a new graphics that I got for X-mas. Then I'll have to re-post
more pics

Kev......
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: hughes on December 27, 2004, 03:08:10 PM
Nice Bike. Hope my 87 kx500 will look half that good when I'm done with it.
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: machine on December 27, 2004, 03:32:19 PM
Thanks!!!

I'm sure your's will be sweet!

Can't wait to see more pics!!!!
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: hughes on December 28, 2004, 03:48:26 AM
Machine,

I hope to get some more pictures here shortly. I will be done with the rear shock this week. I have already repainted the rear shock spring with a blue anadized color. For the body work I'm going to try to keep it 87 factory looking. I found a guy who can make me the 87 500 style grachics and My seat should arrive this week I installed new seat foam and shipped it out to have a custom cover(Factory looking) installed. To complete the seat I have a local gut who can paint KX in white on each side of the seat. My front fork boots where as close as i could get for the factory look. Dealer wanted 46.00 each for Kawasaki boots and MSR 26.00 for the pair. Thanks.
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: machine on December 28, 2004, 08:45:13 AM
Wow! Sounds like a complete restore!

Can't wait to see the pics!!!!
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: machine on December 31, 2004, 11:50:59 AM
I just posted a pic in the gallery of a buddy of mine that was ridding behind me, when on my KX5

"don't ride behind a KX500!!!"

Outhch!!!! :shock:
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: hughes on January 01, 2005, 10:20:44 AM
machine,

Looks like he likes eating ROOST. I posted a pic. of my new seat cover. Man that new seat foam rides nice. The paint I used on the rear shock said no preimer needed but I will half to repaint it next go around. The paint did not Cover the area good. It needs preimer first.
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: machine on January 01, 2005, 12:23:42 PM
seat looks great!
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: hughes on January 01, 2005, 01:11:57 PM
machine,

Verde PowerSports made and installed the cover. www.verdepowersports.com. Seat cover was only 40.00 and they installed the it for free. They make gripper seat covers. They can just about build any custom cover you want. Trying to keep the bike factory 87 looking I went with plain vinyl. Blue jeans grip good but my riding pants are alittle slick on the seat. Hey I think the gripper seat was under 50.00.
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: hughes on January 02, 2005, 06:53:37 AM
Dude,

I posted some more pic.
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: machine on January 02, 2005, 07:38:57 AM
Wow!
That thing looks to nice to ride now!!!

Great job!
I bet you have a ton of hours in that!!!!
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: hughes on January 02, 2005, 02:00:01 PM
Dude,

My wife has been on my a** about spending time with my bike. But she also understands. I just make up for it by taking my wife out on the weekends. I wish I took pictures of what it looked like before I started. Total Baskets case. Broken rad. shourds and side plates, bold tires rusted up pro circuit pipe(that was for a kx250). Broke pipe mounts, No grips on the bent bars, Stained gas tank, All the suspension bearings were shot. Broken reed, leaking fork seals, I think that use to be a chain and two spockets that were on my bike. And a lot of missing or mis matched bolts and on top of all that it was cover with dirt/mud. Things are looking up. I have been working on this bike just about every weekend sents May of 2004. My goal is to have it ready for a vintage bike race coming up this year.
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: machine on January 02, 2005, 02:18:27 PM
Well, if you never tell anyone, they'll never know!!!!

Man, that thing looks sweet!
As I'm sure it will ride.

You've done a great job, and I'd be proud as hell!!!!!!!!
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: hughes on January 02, 2005, 02:22:48 PM
Thanks Dude,


My list of thing left to do.

New Top End.(Still runs like a raped ape)
Factory grachic's
Backgrounds and numbers for the plates
KX painted on the seat
Foot pegs

If I get a new WR450F this year I will teardown and repaint the frames on my 87 500.
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: 04kx500 on January 04, 2005, 03:31:05 PM
yep, saw your work and thats another killer kx 500 thats gonna be flinging some earth around. good job.
  eric 04kx50
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: machine on January 08, 2005, 04:08:01 AM
Just posted Up-dated pics in the gallery, last on page 4.

Sorry; I liked a pic I saw here of ToddW's bike, so I kind of copied it.

 :)
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: hughes on January 08, 2005, 11:58:06 AM
Dude,

Just posted two pic. of my bike after riding the track today. It was alittle wet. I went by myself today and had nobody to take riding pic. Good thing because with it being wet I fell alot. What's the key to riding on a muddy track :?:
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: machine on January 08, 2005, 01:36:37 PM
Great pics!
Keep em comming!!!!

Don't know about the mud? Good tires, I'd guess???
I stay in the high deserts!
I'm sure some one else will have some tips!!!!

Did you see;
I also posted some new pics......
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: KXcam22 on January 08, 2005, 05:24:39 PM
Nice pics! Mud? Keep your speed up. Then the wheels act a bit like gyro's and keep you upright. Faster the better. Cam.
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: mikesmith on January 08, 2005, 09:50:22 PM
That and practice,getting the feel for it so you can judge throttle control,braking ect.
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: hughes on January 09, 2005, 05:53:06 AM
Thanks guys,

I was thinking speed was the key. Because the other guys were busting right through that stuff. I was trying to negotiate the mud at low speeds. The bike was all over the place. I'm running maxxis IT. Thanks
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: hughes on January 09, 2005, 12:53:42 PM
Machine Cool Graphic's,

Your turn to post some pic. with some dirt on that bike of yours.

I was going to have XGXRacing make me some graphic's but with my year of bike I think factory looking graphic's would look best. If I get that wr450f I may give xgxracing a call.
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: gowen on January 09, 2005, 04:43:37 PM
cool pictures guys!
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: machine on January 10, 2005, 06:15:20 AM
Will do guys!
Seems like all the times I go riding here in the high deserts,
all I get on my bike is a little dust?
Might be a lot of mud here now with all the rains here in So Cal :lol:


The XGX graphics are great.
I put mine on under hot water in the sink..
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: hughes on January 11, 2005, 10:59:50 AM
Machine,

Look in my gallery and check out my reed block spacer I machined this week. It took acouple hours but it was fun watching the chips fly. :D
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: machine on January 11, 2005, 11:36:01 AM
Looks great!!
What type of machine did you make it on????
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: hughes on January 11, 2005, 12:05:16 PM
Bridge Port with digital read out. I might go back and use a finishing bit for the inside of the spacer. There are some tool marks. But they dodn't hart anything. I won't mind some under table cash if you were on the east coast. One thing is for sure I can not weld worth a d*mn.
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: machine on January 11, 2005, 03:29:55 PM
Yea!!!!!!!! The good old Bridgeport!!!
Very good!

I do pretty much all CNC wrok.
I do have a Bridgeport too. good machines!!!!
Great job!
Don't you want a rough inside, to atomize the fuel????
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: crazyryan on January 12, 2005, 12:17:31 PM
This is my first time at this site.  I own and race a super trick KX500.  How does this site work?
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: hughes on January 12, 2005, 12:44:07 PM
Welcome,

Click on forums and pick your poison. Click on gallery and then members photo's and follow the dircections so we can see some picture of your bike. Just a group of guy who wrench on and ride 500's. Just post any questions or problems about your bike and everybody tries to help.
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: hughes on January 14, 2005, 05:04:27 AM
Machine,

Just posted some pic. of the 87 model gracphic's I just installed.
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: machine on January 14, 2005, 08:04:46 AM
looks sweet!
like you just got it from the dealer!!!
 :D
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: hughes on January 14, 2005, 12:14:34 PM
O.k Machine it's your turn to get some dirt on that bike of yours. I will be working this weekend and all next week. Traveling to key west, fl. My bike will not more for about two weeks.
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: Ramski on January 14, 2005, 03:05:06 PM
Nice steed indeed!  :lol: How are you getting the Uni-trak stickers?  I've been looking for some for a long time.  :roll:
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: hughes on January 14, 2005, 03:11:01 PM
I work with a guy that has a vinyl printing machine. He made the 87 model graphic's for my bike. The vinly he uses in his machine is light weight. He said it will stick to the swing arm. I will let you know if it works. He does the graphic for the local police dept. Keep an eye out for a picture of the uni-track stick's in my gallery to see if you like them. I bet their is some one in your area that could print the decal for you.
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: machine on January 15, 2005, 05:20:53 AM
Hughes;

Man, I wish I was out riding NOW!!!!
But with 2 baby boys, and my wifes b-day this weekend.
I don't think it will it will be this week!
But I will post as soon as I get some dirt on the thing!!!

Man I'm a bit P_SSED!!!!
The new graphics I just put on are starting to buble on the tank!!!

GGGGEEEEEEEEEEEEZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!! :evil:
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: mikesmith on January 15, 2005, 07:47:23 AM
The gas vapors bleed through the tank and cause that.Little holes punched in the graghics can help stop the bubbling,but nothing will  stop it.Thats why they started putting them on the shrouds.
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: machine on January 15, 2005, 08:28:53 AM
Yea, they have the holes, and I drained the gas too!
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: hughes on January 15, 2005, 10:43:14 AM
Man I hate to hear that about your graphic's those thing are not cheap. How well did you prepare the surface :?: I have never put vinly decals on under water. I use alittle of windex glass cleaner to help apply the decals. There are no oil based chemcials in windex. Any warranty with them :?:
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: machine on January 15, 2005, 11:11:38 AM
Yes, I used the windex.
Then after I had them lined up, I ran hot water over them.
But that was just the air dams, not the tank.
The dams are great!
I've herd the tanks are a pain!
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: hughes on January 15, 2005, 11:27:30 AM
Will it restick if you let the bike soak in the sun light :?:  Or a heat gun
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: machine on January 15, 2005, 12:02:38 PM
Uhhh, I used a heat gun.
I don't know if they'll re-stick. I don't think so.
I've herd of guys spraying there tanks with a sealer.
Or pre-painting them. But I didn't want to do that.
I'd think that wouls be a pain too????  :roll:
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: hughes on January 15, 2005, 01:51:51 PM
The graphic's may look good with just the shrouds and not the tank. Let us know what you come up with.
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: rradar on January 19, 2005, 04:31:05 AM
I used a heat gun as well on my new graphics. Looked sharp for about 3 or 4 months, then they start to bubble and loose adhesiveness on the tank. I tried getting the edges to stick again with just more heat-to no avail. I guess I'm just going to replace decals every 6 months. Pictures are under "Ricky's Re-Built 1990 K5" on page 2 of the Gallery. Hint: don't order Acerbis radiator shrouds or number plates. The size is not stock and the graphics have to be modified. I haven't put any graphics on my desert tank yet, curious as to how that will look.
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: gowen on January 20, 2005, 01:48:50 PM
My graphics have been on my bike for about 8 months. Awesome graphics, they are just starting to peel on the edges. I have no bubbling. Maybe it is the graphics you guys are using? Check under Gowens Garage. They are Nstyle.
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: machine on January 22, 2005, 12:23:03 PM
Man!!! No riding again this weekend!!!!!!@#$%^&*???!!!!!! :evil:  :evil:

But I did put some pics of my truck in the gallery.
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: jdv500 on February 23, 2005, 02:13:36 PM
hey guys,
 the gallery has gotten huge in a hurry,,, my album is on pg-6. there's many pics on the pg of my wheels, family and i riding and some recent events of mine,.enjoy, jdv
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: hughes on February 23, 2005, 03:56:02 PM
jdv500,

Keep up the good work those are some nice pictures. I am behind on my gallery. I have been to busy with work and might be buying a house here shortly.
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: machine on March 05, 2005, 09:10:20 AM
Just posted a pic of my new GPR stabilizers in the gallery!!!
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: jdv500 on March 05, 2005, 09:47:18 AM
machine,
 what pg are your pics on.?
 i just added some recent pics to mine, pg-6. more later.
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: machine on March 05, 2005, 10:20:02 AM
JDV500;

That's one HELL of a nice KX5!!!
GGGEEEZZZ!!!!!

I'm on page 4

I also anodized my upper tripple black.
It kind of came out gray due to the casting.
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: jdv500 on March 05, 2005, 12:08:25 PM
machine,
 thanks, but actually yours is the sweet ride., did you notice on mine, the cycra front fender.? 2-tone, 2 piece grn/white with cooling louvers designed in the help the radiator. pg-6, 1st set, 1st row. i saw it and had to try it on the k-5..
how long have you been using that trail-tech cpu.? and do you like it.?
oh, thats a super nice ford too.
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: machine on March 05, 2005, 12:18:03 PM
Thanks!

I havn't even had it out yet with the Trailtech on this bike.
But I had one on a quad that I had for about 3 years with NO problem ever.

Great little tool that thing!

I'll need to look back to see the front fender though!!!!!

Keep the pics coming!
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: jdv500 on March 05, 2005, 03:36:36 PM
good thing there,
i love doing all the mods and upgrades,it seems that i'm always seeing or trying something else, i've got in my head now to have the swingarm bead-blasted/ polished. one thing for certain is it will eventually be more pics.  jdv
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: machine on March 06, 2005, 02:23:33 AM
I've often thoughjt of that as well!
That would look sweet!!!
Make sure you post the pics if you do that!!!
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: jdv500 on March 06, 2005, 10:01:35 AM
i want to get 1 of those micro helmet cams with a seperate line that attaches near your exhaust for the audio feed. there are several sites that i found them at for bikes. they are made by sony and others, but are only $350, for the whole kit. the sites even show sample video from dirt rides and such. you have to provide your own camcorder and carry it in a backpack according to these sites. i went riding with some new guys today, it was great. i fell 4 times during the 3 1/2 hour ride. and i feel as if i were in the superbowl, minus the pads. i posted new pics on pg-6 of todays ride..... jdv
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: machine on March 09, 2005, 09:32:59 AM
Posted one more new pic.
Just an up-dated pic on page 4.

I hope to go out and get dirt on it this weekend!!!

O! I took the graphics off the tank too...
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: Timbowe on March 09, 2005, 05:18:15 PM
Just loaded some pics on the gallery of my old kdx and 1 of the new kx comming. Cant work out how to change the name from Untittled tho. Comes up with some internet optimizer thingy.  Anyway page 3 bottom right hand.
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: hughes on March 10, 2005, 01:28:09 AM
Timbowe,

Man those are some nice vintage Yamaha's. Look like complete restores. Nice 500 that's on the way.
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: hughes on March 16, 2005, 03:30:37 PM
Just added some pictures in my gallery. I 'm up here NC and had a grand tour of Roger Penske's race shop. Page 5,6,7 in gallery.
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: jdv500 on March 18, 2005, 10:45:16 AM
to admin,
 thanks for tightening up the photo gallery, clearing the dead spots. really clean and straight now, the whole site is for that matter..
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: hughes on April 22, 2005, 02:03:23 PM
Hey guy's just posted two new pictures of my 87 500. Man this thing is coming along good and is running good. A.hughes 87 500 look under 87 500 album. I will have more pictures to come with seat gracphic's ,hand guards, pipe guard and skid plate. I just ordered some uni-trak decals for the swing arm.
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: alan on April 23, 2005, 03:13:41 AM
Quote from: jdv500
to admin,
 thanks for tightening up the photo gallery, clearing the dead spots. really clean and straight now, the whole site is for that matter..


I do wish people would put titles on there albums, I would like to know who I am looking at!

Alan
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: machine on April 23, 2005, 07:36:43 AM
I agree!!!




I do wish people would put titles on there albums, I would like to know who I am looking at!

Alan[/quote]
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: Kawadougie on April 25, 2005, 03:58:08 PM
I've troed to put a title on my album but it won't let me!!!
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: hoopty on April 25, 2005, 04:18:13 PM
1. Click on your photo album
2. Click on [properties]

Fill in the blanks ;)
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: Kawadougie on April 26, 2005, 12:37:26 AM
Got it!  Thanks for the help.  :D
Title: Photo Gallery.
Post by: hughes on August 09, 2005, 02:17:01 PM
a.hughes 87 kx500 gallery. I just added some more pictures. I finally got the seat done and added some pro taper big bars and nice alumn. gas cap. Thanks.
Title: Just checked your pic's
Post by: Danger4u2 on August 10, 2005, 01:15:33 AM
Quote from: hughes
a.hughes 87 kx500 gallery. I just added some more pictures. I finally got the seat done and added some pro taper big bars and nice alumn. gas cap. Thanks.


Your pic's turned out great, nothing like a "Blast" from the past.
Bike looks new, sweet set up.