KX Riders

Maintenance & Technical => KX500 Original => Topic started by: Wag460 on July 08, 2015, 03:18:07 PM

Title: Bringing a 98 kx 500 to life after 15 years under a tarp
Post by: Wag460 on July 08, 2015, 03:18:07 PM

My dad passed away and I have his 500. It's like new but hasent been ridden for at least 15 years. I'm going over the bike now, I replaced the rubber boot that mounts the carb to the reed cage. Replaced all the fluids, cleaned the carb, and new air filter. I know letting things sit is worse than beating the crap out of them. What else should I look at? I'm not new to the sport, I'm just getting to know this bike. It's pretty much all stock original.  Thanks for any insight.
    Orphan kx owner.

Title: Re: Bringing a 98 kx 500 to life after 15 years under a tarp
Post by: sandblaster on July 08, 2015, 05:56:09 PM

I started a "Things to look for" thread here:
http://www.oem-cycle.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=1008 (http://www.oem-cycle.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=1008)
I'm still not done with it but it will give you a place to start..
Minimum things below:
Disassemble, grease, and inspect everything...
Change the plug and all fluids.
Change the air filter and clean the box.
Hope and pray that the seals are in good shape...
Check the chain and sprockets.
Clean the carb and put in fresh gas..

Title: Re: Bringing a 98 kx 500 to life after 15 years under a tarp
Post by: Wag460 on July 08, 2015, 10:24:43 PM

Yeah, I'm kinda worried about the seals also. I suppose I'll find out when I run it.

Title: Re: Bringing a 98 kx 500 to life after 15 years under a tarp
Post by: Foxx4Beaver on July 09, 2015, 09:01:02 AM

don't be surprised if the tires disintegrate within a few hundred yards...unless you're planning on throwing some new ones on before riding it.

Title: Re: Bringing a 98 kx 500 to life after 15 years under a tarp
Post by: Wag460 on July 09, 2015, 01:41:15 PM

Tires look good, no cracks or dryrot, but new black wheels and rubber are in the future.

Title: Re: Bringing a 98 kx 500 to life after 15 years under a tarp
Post by: Wag460 on July 10, 2015, 03:29:26 PM

(http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q572/eric_wagner3/image.jpg1_zpsrs2wggvw.jpg)
Just a little paint rubbed off the frame..she's almost new. Lol

Title: Re: Bringing a 98 kx 500 to life after 15 years under a tarp
Post by: Foxx4Beaver on July 10, 2015, 09:23:02 PM

looks like your dad made sure it had a good home, it looks well cared for.

sorry to hear your dad passed away...I lost my dad in March, due to a fatal error my local hospital made...and I had to make that difficult decision to put my golden retriever of 13 years to rest Thursday. :-( 

Title: Re: Bringing a 98 kx 500 to life after 15 years under a tarp
Post by: Wag460 on July 10, 2015, 11:32:25 PM

Actually the bike had an inch of dust and dirt on it and the wheels were half buried in a woodchuck hole. But it cleaned up nice and started on the third kick, more todo but it's  rideable now.
   Sorry about your dad and your dog. Had to do the same for one of my dogs, it's one of the hardest things I've ever done, but stupid me, after some time I go and get another one. Dam things just don't live long enough, I'll have to go through it all again. Lol. 

Title: Re: Bringing a 98 kx 500 to life after 15 years under a tarp
Post by: Foxx4Beaver on July 10, 2015, 11:40:58 PM

Quote from: Wag460 on July 10, 2015, 11:32:25 PM

but stupid me, after some time I go and get another one. Dam things just don't live long enough, I'll have to go through it all again. Lol. 

eh, nothing stupid about that at all :-)....I've already talked to my Vet about getting/finding a rescue dog in the near future...even after telling myself I'd never go through it again.
There's no better friend than a pet!

Title: Re: Bringing a 98 kx 500 to life after 15 years under a tarp
Post by: Wag460 on July 11, 2015, 03:42:05 AM

Yeah, our current dog is a rescued dog, they are the best.

Title: Re: Bringing a 98 kx 500 to life after 15 years under a tarp
Post by: reklessj on July 12, 2015, 02:11:04 AM

I had to put my 13yr old husky down day  after fathers day, me n the wife are looking into a rescue dog also. The bike does look like she was loved. Now just have fun with her, and what ever you do Wag don't get rid of her

Title: Re: Bringing a 98 kx 500 to life after 15 years under a tarp
Post by: Wag460 on July 12, 2015, 02:34:24 PM

Yeah, she's for keeps. Going to take the relationship real slow. I hear they can be real hard on their owners. I took it out for a little test run, barley opened the throttle and had the front wheel up, Yeah the power is insane, Nothing more fun than a crazy bit€h. Lol. 

Title: Re: Bringing a 98 kx 500 to life after 15 years under a tarp
Post by: reklessj on July 12, 2015, 03:26:57 PM

They can be!! Messed up my back and ribs on separate occasions, but nothing that has scared me off!! :-D