KX Riders

Maintenance & Technical => KX500 Original => Topic started by: kix500 on March 03, 2006, 06:31:46 AM

Title: i got no top end??
Post by: kix500 on March 03, 2006, 06:31:46 AM
on my 97 kx5 i have a pro circut pipe boysen reeds uni filter. the jest are 162/55 needle#2 the bike pulls hard on the bottom but it doesn't seem to pull so hard on the top or in higher gears 3-4-5. i hear all this talk bout them being bad a$$ but im not sure mine runs to peak. i raced a cr500 and a yz450 and a yz 425 up thunder. the cr wasted me and the 450 and 426 were no to far behind. any suggetions on why it feel this way? compression is 155+ and gears are 13-51 on 19" rims. please help.

thanks
cory
Title: Re: i got no top end??
Post by: Paul on March 03, 2006, 07:25:57 AM
Give it some fuel man  :lol:

That 162 will cost you a topend if you're not careful. Those 13/51 gears are much steeper than the stock 14/48 on the CR500 and the 14/47 on the YZ. Push that mainjet to 168, change those gears to 14/47 (stock), and run a 80:1 mix using Amsoil Pro and something hi octane (C12, AVGAS, etc...). You may need a pilot license at that point.

A CR500 on stock gears will get into the low 80's (thats all mine would do at any rate) and my stock KX500 would reach 91 with stock gears. Both of these bikes will walk a YZ (450/426/400) in the topend and pulling department ;)
Title: Re: i got no top end??
Post by: kix500 on March 03, 2006, 07:37:50 AM
oh yeah i also forgot i have a weighted fly wheel if that makes a differance
Title: Re: i got no top end??
Post by: Paul on March 03, 2006, 08:12:07 AM
oh yeah i also forgot i have a weighted fly wheel if that makes a differance

Softens the hit a little, costs some topend, not much though. I hate them myself but if Rick ever comes back he'll tell you they are God's gift to this bike :D
Title: Re: i got no top end??
Post by: gowen on March 03, 2006, 09:33:02 AM
kix500, what is your elevation? I had the same issue lacking top-end. But, ended up being a VERY rich mixture. You want some homework or experience? Go through the Jetting Again and again sticky. I had the same exact issue and went through 200+ posts to fix it. Now I walk anything in site and have since then added some nice goodies. ;-)

EDIT: Don't forget to read most. I ended up having to buy about 20 needles and 20 main jets/pilot jets. I came out with a 38 pilot (if I remember right) and a 155 main jet and some wierd ass needle. Buy carb parts from Sudco, they are $5 per needle rather than $30 from Kawasaki. Take time and read the thread. It will give you an idea and you can learn from our trial and errors. Good luck!

EDIT: EDIT: Toss that piece of metal crap called a flywheel weight if you want top-end. It doesn't hurt it bad, but doesn't help it either. Start with the obvious.  :wink:
Title: Re: i got no top end??
Post by: YUNGGUNNAZ on March 03, 2006, 10:25:24 AM
also you're down some on compression!(155).and at what elevation are you riding?
Title: Re: i got no top end??
Post by: Paul on March 03, 2006, 10:30:04 AM
also you're down some on compression!(155).and at what elevation are you riding?

Compression isn't bad. The service limits for a KX500 are 170 at the top and 110 at the bottom.
Title: Re: i got no top end??
Post by: kix500 on March 03, 2006, 12:29:29 PM
i am rideing between 6000"-8000' ft thanks for all you guys input.

cory
Title: Re: i got no top end??
Post by: Paul on March 03, 2006, 12:43:55 PM
i am rideing between 6000"-8000' ft thanks for all you guys input.

cory

DOH! Change the gearing then, that mainjet is probably close ;)
Title: Re: i got no top end??
Post by: KXcam22 on March 03, 2006, 03:35:53 PM
Cory,
 I think Paul is right. The KX has tons of torque but your gearing is very low (too) so that the engine will rev out too fast but not really harness the torque and go anywhere is a hurry.  Stock gearing is 14/47. I ride in a mountainous area and run 14/48 which seems to work for even the tightest gnarly trails and climbs.  Your elevation is higher than most and you may have to change to a leaner needle.  My highest riding spot is 6500' and mine (stock needle most of the way down) gets a bit ratty (rich) that high up. I will be happy to help with any jetting issues. Post any questions in the jetting thread and I will respond. Cam.
Title: Re: i got no top end??
Post by: Timbowe on March 03, 2006, 07:40:15 PM
I run a 46 rear 14 front sprocket. I had 93 mph out of my bike on sunday. I find that is good all round gearing. Amsoil 100;1 with octane boost and you'll be singing chap!
Title: Re: i got no top end??
Post by: kix500 on March 04, 2006, 05:26:06 AM
thanks alot guys. i'll jet it to the chart and put it back to stock gearing and let you all know the outcome.
Title: Re: i got no top end??
Post by: kix500 on March 04, 2006, 11:02:54 AM
ok i put a 162 main in and left the 55 pilot cus its still a little cold up here and changed the gears to the 14-47. it feel like it might be a little better but its kinda hard to tell cus the ground is still froze bout 2" under the mud so i get alot of wheel spin. could some one tell me wich way the different turns on the air screw does like lean rich wich way does what. oh and the needle is in #2 position. does any one on here ride at my elavation. if so could you give me you jet set up so i could see if i might be close. also which needle would you all recomend if not the stock one?

thanks
cory
Title: Re: i got no top end??
Post by: Paul on March 04, 2006, 11:27:57 AM
turning it in reduces the amount of air, richens the fuel / air mixture.
Title: Re: i got no top end??
Post by: kix500 on March 04, 2006, 11:35:56 AM
thanks paul
Title: Re: i got no top end??
Post by: KXcam22 on March 07, 2006, 05:22:36 PM
Cory,
  Try taking off the flywheel weight for your next test.  I'm assuming it's a steahly so it comes off pretty easy.  They soften the power quite a bit. It might be what you're looking for.  Take it for a test ride with no weight, then drop your needle all the way and try it again.  As for the needle, I am assuming you are running the N82M (stock) needle.  If you will always stay at altitude, you might want to go all the way to the N82R.  When you get the jetting right the power should be very linear and controllable (but also dump you on your ass at times). Cam.
Title: Re: i got no top end??
Post by: gowen on March 08, 2006, 03:36:29 AM
When you get the jetting right the power should be very linear and controllable (but also dump you on your ass at times). Cam.

You say that like it is a bad thing!

When your jetting is right, you will know. :-) It makes a big difference in power delivery.
Title: Re: i got no top end??
Post by: kix500 on March 08, 2006, 06:07:48 AM
the fly wheel weight is welded on. so i cant take it off. also if any one has a set up for my altatude that has worked for them maybe you could give it to me as a start point. ?? one more thing it doesn't seem to want to pick up the tire. i think it is due to no traction. i have a brand new tire on maxxis intermediat. what is a good tire for this bike??
Title: Re: i got no top end??
Post by: Paul on March 08, 2006, 06:24:39 AM
I ran the Michellins, M12 out back and S12 up front.