1987 kx500. Help?

[Tim short]

So i just picked up a 500 amd want to rebuild the topend now from what ive read i can use a 88-04 piston. Is this correct i noticed the 87 has 1 ring while an 88+ has 2
Sorry if im beating a deadhorse with this question
Thanks for tthe help

[umberto]

One of our members, Sandblaster, has this awesome interchange list on his website.

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

It lists the pistons working from 85-04, per his Kawasaki dealer.  If you get a piston, spring for a Wossner.  You won't regret it.  You can get one from Sandblaster or Alward25.  If you want to post pics of your build, here is a link on how to do it:

http://www.kxriders.com/forums/index.php/topic,10040.0.html

Welcome to the site!

[Tim short]

Ok thanks so much ive been looking for an interchange list for so long and ll do if i rebuild the bike

[alexander-vmann]

i recently cleaned the exhaust valves in my 87, and noticed the piston has two rings

[Foxx4Beaver]

'87 was the last year of the single ring....but yeah, the newer dual ringers work in substitute.

[Tim short]

Just a question what is the stock bore for a 1987 kx500 piston (mm)

[Foxx4Beaver]

Just a question what is the stock bore for a 1987 kx500 piston (mm)

86

[Tim short]

Thank you

[Foxx4Beaver]

here's an old brochure...gives a small handful of specs...

[Tim short]

Thanks for the brochure
But im at a standstill i just tore the bike down(20mins ago) and i just discovered the power valve is split in two , the other one is good. Where can i get this part thanks for the replies

[Foxx4Beaver]

hopefully someone on here has one, that can help you out...other wise, I'd scour e-bay continuously on a daily basis.

[umberto]

I have an 88, and I waited until I could find a set of 86 valves on eBay for mine.  They are steel and will last forever, while the 87 and 88 ones are made of cast aluminum and are prone to break just below the valve itself. 

[Tim short]

does anyone know if a newer style valve would work, I was looking on eBay and the rail that the newer style ones ride on looks the same.

[Tim short]

I was also thinking i have the other one which i believe is good do you guys think i could get two new ones machined ?

[umberto]

I tried to get a friend of mine to make me a new set.  He is an experienced tool and die maker, and he said it would be very expensive. The newer model valves might work. Zz3gmc had a buddy that modified a set for his 88. I don't think that friend is active on the site, but you might try contacting zz3gmc.