New to Site Introduction

[Banjo]

I have just come in to possession of a 1983 KX 500 with a 1984 engine. The bike is in fair shape, well maybe that's a stretch, closer to poor.  I was told that it ran, in fact a friend of mine picked it up and said it was in a warehouse, the guy kicked it a few times and it fired up.  He drove it around, they put it in a truck and brought it to me.  I certainely have not been able to start it.  The adventure begins.  I will refrain from asking questiions until I've gone through the site and searched all the topics I can think of.  I've spent my whole life well, 40 of my 53 years messing with bikes of all types, so my ego was crushed when they said "it fired right up" and it's been a week and all I get after about 10 - 20 good kicks is a big backfire.  Getting plenty of fuel, good spark, poor compression, but hey, it started for them.  Again, no questions for the group yet 'till I've had a chance to read.  The group looks great, tons of info. for me to dig through.

[blueoval]

Welcome, Banjo!  This is a great site with a lot of experience. 

[YUNGGUNNAZ]

welcome to the site.the 83 kx5 was the first 500 we raced and loved it.the guys with the newer water cooled 500's hated to see it coming.lol

[barryadam]

Welcome, Banjo.
What part of the world are you in?
Read the sticky thread (!?!) "How to Start your 500"
With the bike set up and maintained, once you've mastered the starting (and it's really not that difficult), it becomes a whole new experience.  It goes from intimidating and painful to awesome and easy.

Post some pictures.
Tell us where you ride.

Barry

[Friar-Tuck]

 Welcome Banjo,
 Glad you found us and jumped in.  No Start condition on a new to you bike is a challenge, but there is usually someone online who will help.  The Clymers manuals for bikes seem to be better than the auto division.  E-bay and amazon etc. usually have used ones relatively inexpensive.  I have the FSM also and if you can't afford those the clymer will do fine.
   Having the bike back/afterfire randomly had my Riding buddy and I stumped for weeks.   Ended up being the key in the in the flywheel/ crank sheared. ..
 Just something to keep in the back of your mind if everything else checks out..
  There have been quite a few new guys with early  year bikes lately that might be good to find as parts for older bikes get harder to get.
  Tuck\o/

[Goat]

Welcome Banjo,
 One of the best places to find parts is ebay and any motorcycle graveyard that may be in your area. If you're having problems finding anything let me know. You can also post in the wanted section and maybe someone will stumble upon the part you are looking for. I have a couple grave yards I can look through if need be. I also spend lots of time going through ebay a few times a day looking for any random cheap parts I may need. Hope you enjoy the site.