Hey it's my first ride.

[jkrum]

Hey all my name is James. This is my first post as well as my first time owning a bike. i recently just bought a kx500 (ya'll prolly think im crazy! ) and i freakin love it even though it scares the piss outta me! So if there are any tips or anything like that you would like to share i am completely open to them.
I have been reading a lot on this site and it full of tons of info so it has helped a lot! The PO was using the throttle cable to make it idle so i had to fix that first and now it is running much better and is a lil more predictable, and the clutch was engaging all the way because the cable was too tight, but other than that i haven't run into any issues... Anything else I should check though? Thanks guys and gals and i look forward to learning more about the bike and riding more!

[Rooster452]

You jumped into the deep end with that one! Ride safe and good luck!

[jkrum]

Haha yeah I know, I've rode around 5-6 bikes before but this is my first time owning one. But I will and thank you.

[Hillclimb#42]

Cool Bike. Like it. The big difference from the 500 and other bikes, is that you use the bottom end power most of the time. What would be bogging the 125's and lugging a 250 is controllable power blasts from the 500. They are pretty dangerous when you try to ride the pipe, until you really get comfortable with it. you never really get "comfortable", I guess,  more like, less freaked out . 500's do wear you out, though, compared to other smaller bikes, but alot of fun.

[jkrum]

Yeah dude, I'm stoked to pretty much re-teach myself how to ride on this thing. It is unlike any other bike I've ever ridden, but I dig it. 

[Good]

Knee pads to go along with your standard protection.    You'll probably loop out at some time, if you're wearing your gear when you do, the chances of injury are less.  You will loop out, ask Jerry...

[jkrum]

Knee pads to go along with your standard protection.   You'll probably loop out at some time, if you're wearing your gear when you do, the chances of injury are less.  You will loop out, ask Jerry...

Haha alright thanks Good! I have looped out once but luckily I was going at a pretty low speed, just rolled too much on the throttle and not enough grip from the tire. Oops. 

[Friar-Tuck]

 Welcome James,
 Throttle control is probably the most important thing I found in keeping myself alive on this thing.   Your bike looks like the P.O. 's did attempt to take care of her. 
   Getting a hold of service manual, (Kawasaki or Clymer) will more than pay for itself.  Get one and even if you only look through it in your spare time you can pick up lots of info most guys will never catch.  There is lot's of info here to peruse that should help get you up to speed (so to speak).
   Glad to have you with us, Take some time to get to know the old girl and she'll love you long time!
  Tuck\o/

[jonny500]

thats the best opening post i have read . you jumped in the deep end there. i have been riding 20 years and the 500 was an eye opener. my advice is, take time to get to know the beast . take it easy, keep safe

[richierich]

I could only imagine what a 500 is like-and i think my 250 has tons of grunt. You could probably tow with it