87 KX500 No Start Questions

[BrantSFGDS]

There is a procedure in the 87 service manual that details testing the cdi box with a meter. Mine tests bad according to the manual. I've been searching for a cdi box but they seem to be pretty scarce.

[sandblaster]

You could always replace the whole system for something newer but I'm certain that wouldn't be cheap either..

[don46]

I don't know what kind of meter you used, but if it was a standard multimeter I doubt you can test the box without using CDI tester. CDI are pretty reliable they do go bad but not very often

[BrantSFGDS]

I've got a line on a complete system from a later model that I'm going to try. Hopefully this will fix it.

[BrantSFGDS]

It's alive! It's alive! I swapped the ignition system for a later model and she fired on the first kick! I'll bolt everything back on the bike tomorrow and take her for a spin. Yeehaa!

[reklessj]

Ride on man!! Another happy ending! Ain't this site the $h!t!!!

[sandblaster]

Ride on man!! Another happy ending! Ain't this site the $h!t!!!

No, $h!t is bad.... that's why we flush it.
This site is A.W.E.S.O.M.E!!!!

[kyser777]

I have also a 87 kx500 with the same starting problems

I would like to know what did you replace exactly
I am ready to order parts, but I would like to make sure it gonna fit

all ignition parts from a 89-04 can fit the 87 kx500? (including the flywheel)

thanks

[umberto]

I have also a 87 kx500 with the same starting problems

I would like to know what did you replace exactly
I am ready to order parts, but I would like to make sure it gonna fit

all ignition parts from a 89-04 can fit the 87 kx500? (including the flywheel)

thanks

I'm not completely sure on the 87, but I had an issue with my 88 and our resident 86-88 expert Dave916 said that I could use later model stuff.  Scroll down on my build thread to find his comments.

http://www.kxriders.com/forums/index.php/topic,14629.60.html

I think the only difference in the 87 and 88 is in the cases and transmission.  The 87 is similar to the 86 in the transmission and cases, while the 88 is more similar to the 89 and up.  I think both cranks and the later 89 and up cranks are similar.  I hope Dave916 will see this and confirm.

We also have this handy guide on how to troubleshoot your electrical system.  It might save you some money on new or replacement parts if you can figure out exactly what is wrong.

http://www.kxriders.com/forums/index.php/topic,16789.0.html

[kyser777]

I replaced the stator and rotor of my 1987 kx500 with new oem parts(90-2004).
and the bike start!  one kick baby!

but my 87 kx500 bike smoke a lot compared to my 2000 kx500

(I put a pwk 39.5 168 52  pilot 36:1 premix ratio)on this 1987 kx500 .

like on this video (not mine)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ul2hiBzvEpI

is it normal to smoke that much??

[umberto]

This is my 525 right after warm up.  Does it smoke that much or more? 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txLSPxKpuzk

[sandblaster]

Here we go 
The other thing to consider is your mix ratio.
Most modern 2T oil manufactures have a specific ratio they recommend and I do not know of any that recommend 36:1.
36:1 is a pretty fat amount of oil which can generate a lot of smoke and... here we go... make your engine run lean.
Remember... more oil means less fuel.
I know a lot of guys refer to the 32:1 sticker that came on the rear fender or their Kawasaki manual which says the same thing.
that was based on oils that have less lubrication properties ... Better to be safe then sorry sort of thing.
Fat on oil and lean on fuel can be really bad depending on your jetting, over all engine condition, altitude, style of riding, and type of fuel.

What brand of 2T oil are you using?

I run Motul 800 at 50:1 and that is a bit heavy on oil... I could run at 60:1 using Motul 800 with no issues.
All the four pokes I ride with tell me it smells good too... They should know 

[kyser777]

Here we go 
The other thing to consider is your mix ratio.
Most modern 2T oil manufactures have a specific ratio they recommend and I do not know of any that recommend 36:1.
36:1 is a pretty fat amount of oil which can generate a lot of smoke and... here we go... make your engine run lean.
Remember... more oil means less fuel.
I know a lot of guys refer to the 32:1 sticker that came on the rear fender or their Kawasaki manual which says the same thing.
that was based on oils that have less lubrication properties ... Better to be safe then sorry sort of thing.
Fat on oil and lean on fuel can be really bad depending on your jetting, over all engine condition, altitude, style of riding, and type of fuel.

What brand of 2T oil are you using?

I run Motul 800 at 50:1 and that is a bit heavy on oil... I could run at 60:1 using Motul 800 with no issues.
All the four pokes I ride with tell me it smells good too... They should know 

I use amsoil interceptor, I stick with the safety , but I would like to follow your advice.
what ratio do you recommend with this oil brand?

thanks

[sandblaster]

https://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-product/motor-oil/2-stroke/interceptor-synthetic-2-stroke-oil/


Product Highlights View Full Description

High-performance 2-stroke oil with an emphasis on exhaust power valves. Contains high levels of detergent additives to prevent valve sticking. Replaces manufacturer-branded oils. Injector use or 50:1 premix. Excellent in snowmobiles, motorcycles, PWC, ATVs and jet boats.