1989 KX500 needle problems, need help!!

[dans89kx500]

Hello everyone,

I'm new to this list and this is my first post. Anyway, I have a 89 kx500 and the needle broke apart (right below the clip). My problem is, Kawasaki discontinued the needle jet and I'm having a great deal of trouble finding a replacement. Is there anyway I could just buy a aftermarket needle? Would a whole carb off a newer KX500 (like off a 1996 or newer) work?
Just to get my bike back on the trails, I would be willing to buy a brand new carb. Any help or advice would help me greatly....Is this a common problem (broken needle jet) on the KX500?

Thank You,

Dan in Vacaville, CA

[alan]

Welcome Dan,

Look through the Jetting again and again in this section. You will find a link to SUDCO, Inc. That is where mos of us get our carb parts!

Alan

[don46]

There aren't significant changes between the 89 and the newer k5, flywheel is smaller and headgasket was thicker (thinner gasket offered as option), I'd get a needle off a newer K5, should get you in the ball park, or as suggested look at the jetting posts there are some options for needles from sudco.

good luck

[dans89kx500]

Thanks Alan,

Sudco was very hellpfull, my part is on the way!

Dan in Vacaville, Ca

[BDI]

Sudco is the main importer of japanese carb parts to the U.S. and should be in your little black book, so to speak.

[adrenalinejunky81]

Id be more worried about why the needle broke. My slide was wore enough to make it not idle right due to air leakage and my needle didnt break. Have you taken a good look at the slide? The flat part needs to be FLAT. Mine actually had an indentation that looked stock but was clearly wrong because the wore groove would catch in the carb when under intake vacuum making it not tough the idle screw.