What is the diff with 1993 vs 1994 and up wheels?

[vaaprider]

I am having trouble finding 17" wheels for my 1993 kx500.  Several companies have them for 1994 and up what is the difference?
Also, I am planning to lace 17" rim to my stock front hub does the rim need to be a special rim and spokes what are the details on what I need to buy for this.  I want a complete assembly for the rear with cush drive.

Any feedback greatly appreciated!

[sandblaster]

Go to the link and scroll to the right and check out the front and rear hubs.

http://oem-cycle.com/KAWASAKIKX500BIKEID.shtml

Rears are the same 89-04 other then in 97 and newer they used a 3 bearing rear hub.
On the front, 93 and earlier used a 17mm axle.
In 94 they switched to a 20mm axle.

Are you wanting Supermoto wheels?

[vaaprider]

Yes, I would like to have it finished, street legal, by summer.  I bought a 96 klx650r for a dual sport so I am going to make the K5 pure street.

[sandblaster]

The rear is no problem.
The front will be the issue.
Send alward25 a PM and he can check with his supplier to see if they can help.
Their catalog from last year shows they make it but I don't know if that is a typo.
If Alex can't help, call the guys at Procycle 1-800-496-5516.
They can get custom spokes to fit nearly any application.

[alward25]

Better option for future parts might be to update your front end to the 94 and newer.  Lots of cheap parts out there and opens up your pool of used parts.  I can check and see, it might be just a bearing and spacer change.

Alex

[vaaprider]

Thanks for the input guys. I will check it out. I would like to keep my front end if I can because I love the blue forks

[vaaprider]

Alward,

What kind of price can you get me for a rear cush 17 wheel laced
Let me know what you can find about the front.

Thanks

[alward25]

they only do the rear-cush for the KLR 650, asked once about using it on the k5 and it is not even close.  I will tell them the app, and see what they can do.

What color combo and sprocket??

[sandblaster]

Slight change, with the cush plate installed the KLR650 bearing to bearing is 159mm.
The KX500 swing arm inside to inside is 194.5mm.
So, I will be doing some more digging on this issue..

[sandblaster]

The spoke count looks good...
So it may be possible to use a KLR650 rear hub with cush on a kx500.
More info on the way..

[alward25]

What is the axle diameter?  Warp 9 said they would lace up supermoto rims to the hub combo but they have not had a chance to mock up a 93 KX for the front wheel.  I have a set of 2001 kx 125 forks and maybe my revalved 500 front forks if you wanted to upgrade which would be the easiest in the long run.  On the rear you would need to mod the outer wheel spacers.

[sandblaster]

94 and newer kx500 front axle:
http://www.oem-cycle.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=186&p=354#p354

93 and older is 17mm.

90 and newer rear axle:
http://www.oem-cycle.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=599

Info on KLR650 cush drive on a kx500:
http://www.oem-cycle.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=606

[alward25]

I really don't see that it is worth the hassle.  The Cush- drive is only for long down the road trips, not likely something one would do on a 500.  I would say keep it simple.

[sandblaster]

Then again a nice over sized rear brake rotor would be cool...

Sorry for hijacking your thread vaaprider....

[vaaprider]

No problem, I am sure I will learn more this way!  I thought I came across a company that made a rear cush for 94 and up I will see if I can find them again.