NEW - By so many measures...

[CropDuster]

Hi everybody,
I stumbled across this forum trying to find some information about a 'project' I had given to me. All I knew about this bike was that it is a KX series, and found KX 500 stamped in the right side of the engine.
Ran the vin thru kawasaki.com and learned it is a 1986 model.

It needs a lot of love, but the guy who gave it to me swears it runs!

It has been spray painted all black, has no working brakes, and I'm still not sure she runs as it hasn't been warmer than 20 this week, and I have no garage...

I'm new to 2 cycle engines, and this is the biggest bike i've owned.
My only motorcycle experience to date is the 2007 Lifan 200GY-5 (Chinese Honda Enduro knock-off) I bought new after destroying a cheap 150 chinese scooter in 7 weeks. It turns out they will go 70mph, but they're not designed to do it 45 miles a day round trip to work and home!!

The forum looks to be full of useful information - I'll need all I can get (plus some fixing up money!)
I live in rural northern Utah, so if anybody lives nearby, let me know!
Thanks.

[Friar-Tuck]

 Welcome aboard CropDuster,
   I have to warn you,  This stuff is Highly Addictive!
 Snoop around awhile, (or at least 'til it warms up )  finding an old service manual is probably the best way to get familiar with your new project.   
    There is lot's of info around to get an Idea of what kind of $'s your looking at to get the old girl back in a manner safe enough to run.
   Get an Idea of what you can spend, set a goal and try (as hard as it may seem ) to stick with a stock engine re-build. 
          Not only will this give you a baseline to work from & reduced maintenance,
   But a bone stock 500 can get you in  trouble in a hurry! 

                  Welcome!
  Tuck\o/