KX Riders
Maintenance & Technical => KX500 Steel Frame Conversion (SFC) => Topic started by: love2ride450 on January 19, 2009, 08:13:02 AM
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My Dad gave me his old 86 KX500. Running bike, I've ridden it a few times myself. So, naturally I started searching for a newer bike to shoehorn the motor into. I spotted a '03 KX250 in great shape, ready to ride, for $1300. It is a good deal in my area, so I picked it up. Now, I join this site, and start poking around, and I see a lot of negative talk about the '03, and so far I haven't really heard why?
I am sure it has been discussed, but I am thinking I'll push this forward, so what are the negatives?
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they really are kind of a one off year. A lot of 2003 only parts that only fit that bike, not like the 99-02 bikes or 04 and later bikes.
as for the 86, i'd leave that guy stock and enjoy it for the old bike it is. I'd just find a 97+ engine to swap into the 03 if you wanted.
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If you have a whole rolling chassis I go for it, but if I was going to put one together with parts it would be either a 99-02 or 04-06 chassis. The 03 will be a great bike especially since you already have it.
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Okay, I can handle that. I was afraid there was something about the bike that made it handle poorly, or too cramped for the k5.
Sintax, why do you suggest using a 97 and up engine? I haven't researched it myself, but I always heard that the 86 engine was the stronger runner. :? I know it's a chrome cylinder, which is a mixed blessing, what other negatives are there?
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The biggest negative is that many parts are no longer available, such as all the KIPS drums and shaft, 86, 87, and 88 used the same then the big change in 89. The clutch doesn't work as smoothly as the 89 up. Not really sure why Sintax suggested the 97 up motor, there really aren't many differences, at least any that would make a huge difference.
Just thinking about it, and not very hard, I might like the earlier engines better, maybe. Kawasaki didn't really change the motor for about 15 years, they used the same tools in the manuf. process, so it would stand to reason that the newer motors might not be as close tolerance wise as some of the olders ones due to worn out tooling. Like I said thinkiing about it but not to hard.
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Thanks Don, I think it will make a nice bike, and I intend to keep you guys posted on the progress. It's going to be a slow go, and I may not even finish it this year, due to financial stuff, and I want to do a nice job. I'm going to ride the 250 as is while I go through the K5 and gather some parts for the build.
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The main reason i was suggesting going with a newer motor was strictly for parts reasons. I know its gotten harder to find late model KX5 stuff, let alone early factory parts. As for the 97+ deal, I knew the last major change for the bike was in 97, but did not think there was any engine changes made since the early 90's, but figured you might have a better shot at getting a less abused engine had it been made in the last 5-6 yrs
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The 03 and 04 KX250s are very similar, I have both. The 04 doesnt share much with the 05 up, I also have a 07. The biggest differance between the 03 and 04 is the rear suspension linkage. The 03 is a bit better in rocky terrain due to its linkage arrangement. If you want to get technical, the 03 is a single year bike and the 04 is a single year bike. There were major changes in the frame, chassis, and engine in the 05 to 07 KX250s. The front brake on the 04 got the Honda style brake hose routing and does have a little better feel. The power on the 04 is better, more smoother delivery and more low end power. That wont make a differance since you are thinking of swapping a 500 into it. I have a 02 500 and was thinking about swapping it into my 04 chassis in the future.
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Here is my new baby! 8-)
Revloc clutch
Rinopipe
Spacers made for fitting old wheels and brakerotor
on.on.....
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Looks great! I was debating about doing this since I have an 02 500 and a 04 250.
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Great bike Doordie!!!!
Is that a special Rino pipe or one thats modified???
Dutch
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doordie,
Braking makes an oversized rotor that will fit the old style hubs, but is the same diameter as the newer rotors. I too have a boat load of older hubs and am using the wheels on newer framed bikes, powerful brakes for my application aren't that important so i cut down the caliper to fit the older style rotors. If you want the part number I can dig it out and get the numbe off it.
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Did you build this doordie? How'd you sneak this in under our noses? Nice bike!
After seeing all the cool toys you hybrid and AF guys have come up with, you better watch out if I ever end up with some money!
-G
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doordie,
Braking makes an oversized rotor that will fit the old style hubs, but is the same diameter as the newer rotors. I too have a boat load of older hubs and am using the wheels on newer framed bikes, powerful brakes for my application aren't that important so i cut down the caliper to fit the older style rotors. If you want the part number I can dig it out and get the numbe off it.
Yes plz! 8-)
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Did you build this doordie? How'd you sneak this in under our noses? Nice bike!
After seeing all the cool toys you hybrid and AF guys have come up with, you better watch out if I ever end up with some money!
-G
No,I have some luck in my life and bought it in this conditions except of wheels. :roll:
It have:
A 2004 engine (20 hours)
A 2003 KX250 frame (20 hours)
Modded SM-suspension
Another trippleclamp
Revloc clutch :-o
Special made Rino pipe (very rare) :-o
Vforce 2
:-D :-D :-D
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doordie,
Braking makes an oversized rotor that will fit the old style hubs, but is the same diameter as the newer rotors. I too have a boat load of older hubs and am using the wheels on newer framed bikes, powerful brakes for my application aren't that important so i cut down the caliper to fit the older style rotors. If you want the part number I can dig it out and get the numbe off it.
Yes plz! 8-)
It looks like the oversized is about 20-21 mm larger than the stock rotor, quick and dirty measurement it's the same as the newer stock oversized. There are two numbers 11429b is the on the front and kw20ri-pb on the back
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Thx don46 for your info,made my life easier for next pair of supemoto-wheels! 8-)
Here is a pic of this weekend practice with new frame,very cloudy BUT green is lightning as allways! :-D
Next weekend RACE! :evil:
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that is a great long primary length pipe there,, doordie,,,,
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Hijack!!!! J/K. Hey Stewart, do you have any info/opinions about what years of the K5 are better? Would one of AJ's pipes fit an older motor the same as a newer one?
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i like the 98 to 2002,,,,but 2003 s and 2004 are ok except for the silver frame
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I was referring to the engines. Such as whether the cylinders or port shapes changed for better or worse. Will one of AJ's pipes work with my 86 motor?
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How has the revloc clutch held up?
I wonder how it compares to the rekluse?
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Here`s a upgrade about cooling,now rerouted as stock KX500.
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Good luck with one of SH's pipes. I have called several times and have been told that they will not sell me one unless I have a genuine Service Honda bike, and the VIN to prove it :?
DPinDet
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I thought AJ could help us on getting SH pipes. I've had no luck in talking to anyone there either on the phone and sent AJ a pm for help. Anyone have the contact info on how to get the Rino pipe?
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As far as I know there's now change to get one new. Atleast not from Rino them self.
I contacted them last year if the have "Doordie's" pipe for my af. instead I used a CR from them.
SPES exhausts have built a "lowboy" kx500 pipe. Thats a long time ago, you would have good luck to find one.
Dutchie
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Rooster,
I have sent AJ emails to his home and work address. Neither of which have replied. Either he is extremely busy to reply, or they are not interested in selling these to the general public any longer. Just my $.02 ! I will be modifying a CR500 pipe myself. I would really rather gave SH the business, but I have no choice now. Good Luck !
DPinDet
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I'm wondering if would be worth it to contact FMF since they make the pipe?
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You know, I think I find the bike pictured in this thread to be even sexier than an AF. d**n that looks proper.
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You know, I think I find the bike pictured in this thread to be even sexier than an AF. d**n that looks proper.
Thx snoopyjonnyjon! 8-)
Here`s some more pic?s for your satisfaction... :-D
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You know, I think I find the bike pictured in this thread to be even sexier than an AF. d**n that looks proper.
Thx snoopyjonnyjon! 8-)
Here`s some more pic?s for your satisfaction... :-D
Quick out of gate! :evil:
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I thought AJ could help us on getting SH pipes. I've had no luck in talking to anyone there either on the phone and sent AJ a pm for help. Anyone have the contact info on how to get the Rino pipe?
AJ sent a pm saying that the pipes from Service Honda are out of stock and should be refilled in 30 days. Sounds like they will sell them to us with the understanding that:
"we cannot guarantee they would fit any other conversion, and therefore it has to be ordered with that understanding and no returns."
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Thats what I was told when I ordered my pipe and Q silencer. I said no problem.
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hmmm. That was not what I was told when I called the parts counter. I wish I would have known. I would have waited. Oh well, gotta move on.
DPinDet