KX Riders

Maintenance & Technical => KX500 Aluminum Frame Conversion (AFC) => Topic started by: dpindet on February 06, 2010, 01:17:14 AM

Title: KX450F - KX500 conversion
Post by: dpindet on February 06, 2010, 01:17:14 AM
Hello All,

Here are some quick pics of my latest conversion. I am using a 2006 KX450F and installing a 1998 KX500 motor. So far, everything has been pretty straight forward. I did have some help from Jerry @ JFab Motorsports. He sold me the cradle tubes. Let me know what you think and I will keep updating this post as I progress. Anybody know how I can get my hands on one of SH's pipes? I have called and emailed with no luck. Thanks

(http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc246/dpindet5/KXconversion1.jpg)
(http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc246/dpindet5/KXconversion2.jpg)
(http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc246/dpindet5/KXconversion3.jpg)
(http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc246/dpindet5/KXconversion4.jpg)
(http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc246/dpindet5/KXconversion5.jpg)
(http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc246/dpindet5/KXconversion6.jpg)

Title: Re: KX450F - KX500 conversion
Post by: jfabmotorsports.com on February 07, 2010, 03:32:33 PM
Very nice use of the old forged "Y" section. I take a slightly different approach but it looks real good and will have a nice factory look when finnished. With what looks to be real tallent skip the SH pipe and modify a PC or FMF from a KX500 and have a real custom part. Great job!

JFAB
Title: Re: KX450F - KX500 conversion
Post by: BDI on February 07, 2010, 04:59:20 PM
I think a very succesful "Y" could be built out of some 1/4" flat pieces of sheet. I wish I had a frame to mod just to do a post on my idea. Very nice work, now lets see some beads. No pressure LOL
Title: Re: KX450F - KX500 conversion
Post by: Danger4u2 on February 08, 2010, 01:52:22 AM
Anybody know how I can get my hands on one of SH's pipes? I have called and emailed with no luck. Thanks

With what looks to be real tallent skip the SH pipe and modify a PC or FMF from a KX500 and have a real custom part. Great job!

JFAB

Two problems I encountered with the pipe on my 2008 Service Honda KXF450R. 

http://www.kxriders.com/forums/index.php/topic,4784.45.html
http://www.servicehonda.com/kx500af.html

#1: The bend/loop covers the flywheel,  removal of the cover or flywheel requires removal of the pipe.  It also interferers with the use of my E-Line coil.  I'll have to have a different pipe if I want to use the coil.

http://www.promotobillet.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/24_79/products_id/412

#2:  Service Honda utilizes the right rear fender bolt to mount their muffler.  I will have to relocate the mufflers mount to the original subframe muffler mount to enable me to install the rack.
I must say Service Honda made their pipe for a specific use. 
It looks, mounts and works great for moto-cross.
I use mine more like an enduro so I have to make a few changes.



Title: Re: KX450F - KX500 conversion
Post by: cr37 on February 08, 2010, 08:22:50 AM
I used the 1/4" plates on mine and it worked great, 1 yr. of riding and no problems, also I bought a SH FMF pipe and works great.
Title: Re: KX450F - KX500 conversion
Post by: dpindet on February 08, 2010, 01:06:25 PM
Round one at the welders is complete. Today the frame rails we completed. Now I gotta get the motor mounts and everything else fabbed up and tacked together. Here is where we are at so far, and just started a few weeks ago !
(http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc246/dpindet5/KXconversion2001.jpg)
(http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc246/dpindet5/KXconversion2002.jpg)
(http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc246/dpindet5/KXconversion2003.jpg)
(http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc246/dpindet5/KXconversion2004.jpg)

DPinDet
Title: KX450F - KX500 conversion
Post by: dpindet on February 27, 2010, 08:31:50 AM
Got a little more done this week. The pipe is all ready to be finished welded. I used a CR500 pipe and put the KX nose on it, along with a few other adjustments/tweaks. The CR silencer bolted right up to the rear fender mount. I will probably just roll with that though. Here are a few pics. Like how I incorporated the KX's air box vent into the KXF airbox?

(http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc246/dpindet5/kxAFsilencer.jpg)
(http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc246/dpindet5/kxAFright2.jpg)
(http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc246/dpindet5/kxAFright.jpg)
(http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc246/dpindet5/kxAFfront.jpg)

DPinDet
Title: Re: KX450F - KX500 conversion
Post by: ThrottleJunky on February 27, 2010, 09:17:34 AM
Man, you don't mess around.   Lots of progress in a relatively short period of time!   Looks GOOD!
Title: Re: KX450F - KX500 conversion
Post by: dpindet on March 08, 2010, 12:41:22 PM
The last of the welding on the frame was done today. Here are some updated pics.
(http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc246/dpindet5/kxAFframe2.jpg)
(http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc246/dpindet5/kxAFframe1.jpg)
and the headstay
(http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc246/dpindet5/kxAFheadstay.jpg)
Title: Re: KX450F - KX500 conversion
Post by: bansheemaniac on March 17, 2010, 07:59:28 AM
If you dont mind me asking, what did this cost you so far? i just want to get a rough estimate of how much im going to end up paying when i convert my k5.


Thanx
Lance
Title: Re: KX450F - KX500 conversion
Post by: dpindet on March 20, 2010, 11:21:17 AM
I think I am around the $3000 mark. That is buying both bikes and selling off parts too. I bought a set of DNA wheels though, and that was $500.

DPinDet
Title: Re: KX450F - KX500 conversion
Post by: dubious01 on March 22, 2010, 03:36:55 PM
awesome work!
Title: KX450F - KX500 conversion
Post by: dpindet on March 24, 2010, 11:59:15 AM
Finally Done !
(http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc246/dpindet5/kx500af001.jpg) (http://s218.photobucket.com/albums/cc246/dpindet5/?action=view&current=kx500af001.jpg)
(http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc246/dpindet5/kx500af002.jpg) (http://s218.photobucket.com/albums/cc246/dpindet5/?action=view&current=kx500af002.jpg)
(http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc246/dpindet5/kx500af003.jpg) (http://s218.photobucket.com/albums/cc246/dpindet5/?action=view&current=kx500af003.jpg)
(http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc246/dpindet5/kx500af004.jpg) (http://s218.photobucket.com/albums/cc246/dpindet5/?action=view&current=kx500af004.jpg)

DPinDet

Title: Re: KX450F - KX500 conversion
Post by: jfabmotorsports.com on March 24, 2010, 04:25:45 PM
Looks very good! I give it 1 and a 3/4 thumbs up, only because thats all I have now. Great job.

JFAB
Title: Re: KX450F - KX500 conversion
Post by: kwakman on March 24, 2010, 10:45:30 PM
i bet kid at christmas doesn't even come close! looks really nice, give it a fistful from me.
Title: Re: KX450F - KX500 conversion
Post by: 570mitch on March 25, 2010, 07:53:04 AM
Great job you have done there, I have been following your story recently, looking for tips. My conversion is at the welders, hope to pick it up tomorrow, I've got a busy week ahead, wheels are arriving, (Supermoto), tyres, exhaust and suspension gets back from being re-valved and lowered for the tarmac. Hope to post some pics soon.

Title: Re: KX450F - KX500 conversion
Post by: kxpegger on March 25, 2010, 12:00:11 PM
Looks great!

Can't tell from the angle of the pictures but it looks like the front tire may hit the pipe if the forks go full stroke. Probably just the way the picture looks? If clearance is not an issue then the way you have the pipe routed is superior to Service Honda because you can take the magneto cover off without removing the pipe!
Title: Re: KX450F - KX500 conversion
Post by: dpindet on March 25, 2010, 12:20:51 PM
Tire will come close to pipe, but no contact. We checked that while mocking up the pipe before welding. It is close though.

DPinDet
Title: Re: KX450F - KX500 conversion
Post by: jbersano on May 23, 2010, 01:54:39 PM
great job!!!!! ill send u my bike ;)
Title: Re: KX450F - KX500 conversion
Post by: dpindet on August 05, 2015, 07:51:59 AM
Hello,
It has come time for me to part ways with this bike. What do ya'll think it is worth? How much should I put it up for ?

DPinDet
Title: Re: KX450F - KX500 conversion
Post by: Foxx4Beaver on August 05, 2015, 08:00:27 AM
Hello,
It has come time for me to part ways with this bike. What do ya'll think it is worth? How much should I put it up for ?

DPinDet

the real nice ones like yours, I've been seeing them listed between $6500-$8500...but whether or not they're actually selling for those prices, remains unknown. 
knowing what you've put into it for time and money...I'd start high, and see if you get any nibbles.
Title: Re: KX450F - KX500 conversion
Post by: umberto on August 05, 2015, 08:08:03 AM
Hello,
It has come time for me to part ways with this bike. What do ya'll think it is worth? How much should I put it up for ?

DPinDet

the real nice ones like yours, I've been seeing them listed between $6500-$8500...but whether or not they're actually selling for those prices, remains unknown. 
knowing what you've put into it for time and money...I'd start high, and see if you get any nibbles.
Foxx looks at a ton of bikes, so I would trust that price range.  I've seen 500AFs going in that price range locally as well (mostly CRs for some reason).  I'd start at $8,500 and see what happens.  You can always lower the price at a later date.  You might try eBay as well.  Higher fees, but much larger audience.

Are you going to list it in the for sale section of this site?
Title: Re: KX450F - KX500 conversion
Post by: Foxx4Beaver on August 05, 2015, 08:09:12 AM
I'd throw $10K right on there....the worst case, people might say, "dream on"...you won't know unless you try.
Service Kawies go for $15K+
Title: Re: KX450F - KX500 conversion
Post by: Danger4u2 on August 05, 2015, 08:48:16 AM
You might look again, you've slept since you priced last, try $18,500.
http://www.servicehonda.com/kawasaki-2010-models/kx500af
Title: Re: KX450F - KX500 conversion
Post by: Foxx4Beaver on August 05, 2015, 08:50:02 AM
You might look again, you've slept since you priced last, try $18,500.
http://www.servicehonda.com/kawasaki-2010-models/kx500af

open your eyes before you open your mouth....I have $15K+...hence the + :wink:
Title: Re: KX450F - KX500 conversion
Post by: Danger4u2 on August 05, 2015, 08:50:17 AM
$6190 for a new CR500 engine.
http://www.servicehonda.com/new-motors
Title: Re: KX450F - KX500 conversion
Post by: umberto on August 05, 2015, 08:55:32 AM
You might look again, you've slept since you priced last, try $18,500.
http://www.servicehonda.com/kawasaki-2010-models/kx500af
Holy crap!  They have gotten pretty proud of those things.   :-o  I think I would start at $12,000 and put a link to Service Honda's pricing in the ad.
Title: Re: KX450F - KX500 conversion
Post by: umberto on August 05, 2015, 08:56:45 AM
$6190 for a new CR500 engine.
http://www.servicehonda.com/new-motors
They order every single part new from Honda, correct?
Title: Re: KX450F - KX500 conversion
Post by: Danger4u2 on August 05, 2015, 08:57:10 AM
You might look again, you've slept since you priced last, try $18,500.
http://www.servicehonda.com/kawasaki-2010-models/kx500af

open your eyes before you open your mouth....I have $15K+...hence the + :wink:

I saw the +, figured 5-600 give or take so I just had to look.  I about s**t.
Makes me want to fix mine.  Might be $19,000 if you look tomorrow.
If I'm spending $18,500 it would be a 2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure.
Title: Re: KX450F - KX500 conversion
Post by: Danger4u2 on August 05, 2015, 08:57:35 AM
$6190 for a new CR500 engine.
http://www.servicehonda.com/new-motors
They order every single part new from Honda, correct?

Yes.
Title: Re: KX450F - KX500 conversion
Post by: umberto on August 05, 2015, 08:59:49 AM
You might look again, you've slept since you priced last, try $18,500.
http://www.servicehonda.com/kawasaki-2010-models/kx500af

open your eyes before you open your mouth....I have $15K+...hence the + :wink:

I saw the +, figured 5-600 give or take so I just had to look.  I about s**t.
Makes me want to fix mine.  Might be $19,000 if you look tomorrow.
If I'm spending $18,500 it would be a 2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure.
You should fix it just so you can take it out to Draper and show it off.  Most people have probably never even seen one.  It would be like driving a Ferrari, you would be a celebrity. 
Title: Re: KX450F - KX500 conversion
Post by: Foxx4Beaver on August 05, 2015, 09:14:53 AM
You might look again, you've slept since you priced last, try $18,500.
http://www.servicehonda.com/kawasaki-2010-models/kx500af

open your eyes before you open your mouth....I have $15K+...hence the + :wink:

I saw the +, figured 5-600 give or take so I just had to look.  I about s**t.
Makes me want to fix mine.  Might be $19,000 if you look tomorrow.
If I'm spending $18,500 it would be a 2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure.

maybe kxpegger will chime in too...since he has one too....not sure what he paid.
Title: Re: KX450F - KX500 conversion
Post by: kxpegger on August 05, 2015, 11:49:36 AM
I bought my SH KX500AF back in late 2009 brand new from SH. Brand new 2008 KX450F frame. I included a Clarke 3.2 tank and a E-line carbon fiber pipe guard with the purchase. I paid just under 12K which included shipping to Nevada. 19K for a new one! It's been six years almost seven since I bought mine but that still seems to be a huge price jump! Wow! Hopefully that means mine is holding it's value better. Down side for me on the new one's beside price would be air forks. Not a believer in them yet.
Title: Re: KX450F - KX500 conversion
Post by: Foxx4Beaver on August 06, 2015, 07:08:02 AM
yeah, $7K is a huge price jump...not sure how they figure that kinda of money...unless the demand for them has gotten extremely high.