a newbi engine question.

[lance89]

Hey guys I'm new to this forum, but I need some help on a engine question.  I'm trying to build a custome road racer with a 95 KX500 engine in it.  My question is,  is there much difference in 1988-1995 engines? and if so can you give me some of the differences?  The rules for the class require 1990 and older engines unless the they are same. Lance

[sandblaster]

Hello Lance and welcome to the forum.
The 88 uses a 2 exhaust valve set up as well as some other changes.
The 89-04 all use the 3 valve setup and only have minor differences in the magnito and shift shaft.
Everything else in the 89-04 is the same.
Other then the engine I'd numbers tou would be hard pressed to find any visual differences.
Keep us up to date on your progress..

[lance89]

thank you for the info. That is exactly what I was looking for. I will try and start taking some pictures.  I'm concurned with vibration.  I am using a steel framed chassie to hopefully help this a little. Thanks again Lance

[Pmcg]

A balanced crank should make a big difference in vibration.

[sandblaster]

A balanced crank should make a big difference in vibration.

+1

Also, if you want to see the differences in the engine parts as well as the chassis parts check out this chart:
http://www.oem-cycle.com/KAWASAKIKX500BIKEID.shtml
Be sure to scroll way to the right... 

[Motorrad]

thank you for the info. That is exactly what I was looking for. I will try and start taking some pictures.  I'm concurned with vibration.  I am using a steel framed chassie to hopefully help this a little. Thanks again Lance

there is a member here by the name of PVO that put a Kx500 motor in a street chassis.  he was playing with all kinds of balance factors etc due to the fact I believe he had the motor in at a differant angle.

perhapse somone like blaster. who actually bookmarks the entire site for refferance., instead of memorizing it like me.    will post a link

[Motorrad]

here. got a quick jolt of Un-lazy.

http://www.kxriders.com/forums/index.php/topic,9353.0.html

[motopunk]

A balanced crank should make a big difference in vibration.

+1

Also, if you want to see the differences in the engine parts as well as the chassis parts check out this chart:
http://www.oem-cycle.com/KAWASAKIKX500BIKEID.shtml
Be sure to scroll way to the right... 

crank balance is a big factor..if it performs like a rodeo-bull, it turns the bike into a big vibrator and thats no good ride. the engine is also faster worn out..
 sandblaster has done a good work with his listing, buts is easier to see with pictures, so you can compare all kx500 facts also here in the oem-schematics --  www.cmsnl.com  --

and found this on youtube..    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Clv_h8zDrz4

[lance89]

WOW, you guys are awsome.  The crank was balance by falicon. Lance

[lance89]

I just read through some of the build by PVO. That was a seriouse build.  You guys will be dissapointed in mine.  Its not nearly as in depth as that. I'm just stuffing it in street bike frame. I cant figure out to insert a pic. Lance 

[Motorrad]

I just read through some of the build by PVO. That was a seriouse build.  You guys will be dissapointed in mine.  Its not nearly as in depth as that. I'm just stuffing it in street bike frame. I cant figure out to insert a pic. Lance 

We love to watch all builds.   big or small.    I have learned more from some of the small builds around here to be honest.

Keep in mind when you have it balanced.   Balance factor is about chassis harmonics.   

[lance89]

explain, balance is about chassie harmonics??   also how do I post a pic? Lance

[motopunk]

explain, balance is about chassie harmonics??   also how do I post a pic? Lance

a good balanced engine idles and runs smooth like a swiss watch .  any vibrations of an unbalanced crank would kill bike performance in any way...  


to post pictures you need a photohoster like photobucket or anything else that you like more . if you look here into the message icons, you find "insert image". click it, copy the url of the pic in and voila your pic is here..  

[Motorrad]

You can never fully balance a single CLY motor.   you only change the range of vibration, and angle of vibration.

for example.  old husqvarnas are balanced in the 78+% range.   nice and smooth (smoother than a K5 actually).

try that with the K5.    vibration city.


I shouldnt have said its ALL about chassis hermonics.   should have said its a factor.
 the way the motor is mounted,  and the chassis design ,  as to how it transmits its hermonics through the chassis to the ground. to some degree

there is a good thread around here somewhere about balance factors.

http://www.kxriders.com/forums/index.php/topic,8794.0.html

[lance89]

my plan right now is to mount it as rigid as possible. Lance