Author Topic: 1987 kx 500 jetting  (Read 5584 times)

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Offline K5DADDY

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1987 kx 500 jetting
« on: May 06, 2009, 01:39:08 PM »
I am new to this site and have tried the search but only seem to find the newer bikes with flat slides specs. Anyone on here have any tips or specs for an old school 87 with round slide mikuni. The bike is all stock now and i trail ride it at sea level to 1000'. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks, Scott

Offline dsrtrider

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Re: 1987 kx 500 jetting
« Reply #1 on: May 06, 2009, 03:40:03 PM »
this is from procircuit site http://procircuit.com/jettingspecs.htm#1984to1989:

1984-1989

only have it for 1989 on this site                   
MODEL     MAIN PILOT NEEDLE POS
KX500 - - - - -           
Pro Circuit 170 60 STD 3RD 1 1/2           

i couldnt find anything on team green site
current bike 2007 ktm 300 xc-w - keeping two strokes alive
1994 kx500 -sold-made me the man i am today

1990 kx500-sold
1982 kx250-sold
1979 rm125-sold
1978 kdx125 -sold
1977 xr75 - first bike

Offline K5DADDY

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Re: 1987 kx 500 jetting
« Reply #2 on: May 06, 2009, 11:55:54 PM »
Thanks for the reply. I saw that on pro circuits page but I believe that is also a flst slide. Currently my bike has a 350 main and a 40 pilot. According to the local dealer a 360 main was stock with a 35 pilot. Just wanted to see what everyone else was running with these older carbs. The bike seems to lack alittle low end but pulls like a freight train up top. Again thanks for the reply.

Offline hughes

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Re: 1987 kx 500 jetting
« Reply #3 on: May 07, 2009, 12:23:17 AM »
I had an 87 500 that I restored and had some issues with that carb. The carb is a Mikuni VM38. The info you got from the dealer is correct as far as the main and pilot jet. The problem I ran into was nobody knows anything about this carb, it appears to be a one off type carb made for Kawasaki. I contacted Mikuni and they were unable to help with this carb as far as jetting is concerned. Mikuni still makes a VM38 but the jet #'s don't match what's in the 87 model carb and Mikuni was unable to cross reference the jet #'. I was able to buy pilots and mains but the biggest issue was the needle jets are no longer available. The needle jet would let you tune the 1/4 throttle through 1/2 throttle settings. I was able to get the carb some what jetted o.k by playing with the main and pilot and pilot screw adjustment along with proper float height adjustments. Your best bet might be to find a ebay carb from the 89 or newer 500's, but you might need to get the throttle control and the throttle cable will be different.
Open Class 2-Stroke Kawasaki KX500
Yamaha 2005 YZ250
Richard Hughes
Dirt Hammers - Online Off-Road Journal
hughes@dirthammers.com
http://www.dirthammers.com

Offline hughes

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Re: 1987 kx 500 jetting
« Reply #4 on: May 07, 2009, 12:27:42 AM »
Here's a photo of my bike 2 years after complete restore. I rode this bike every weekend and loved it but it's long gone now.  :cry:
Open Class 2-Stroke Kawasaki KX500
Yamaha 2005 YZ250
Richard Hughes
Dirt Hammers - Online Off-Road Journal
hughes@dirthammers.com
http://www.dirthammers.com

Offline K5DADDY

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Re: 1987 kx 500 jetting
« Reply #5 on: May 07, 2009, 02:24:06 AM »
Thanks Hughes for the reply and by the way what a beautiful bike! You have given me something to shoot for. I just got mine and it is in good shape but I already have plans to tear it down and start with a frame job this winter. As for now I will continue to play with the round slide carb as I would like to keep it. Like I said the bike runs great but i was looking to clean her up just a bit. Ahhhh the relentless pursuit of perfection. :-D I  did put 1 heat range hotter plug in it ( a 7 instead of the book recommended 8). If anyone else has any tips or suggestions I would love to hear them. This is my first 500. I have previously always rode kx 250's. Thanks again! :-)

Offline hughes

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Re: 1987 kx 500 jetting
« Reply #6 on: May 07, 2009, 03:24:48 AM »
Here I was about 50% done. I was going for the factory/stock look for an 87 500.
Open Class 2-Stroke Kawasaki KX500
Yamaha 2005 YZ250
Richard Hughes
Dirt Hammers - Online Off-Road Journal
hughes@dirthammers.com
http://www.dirthammers.com

Offline K5DADDY

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Re: 1987 kx 500 jetting
« Reply #7 on: May 10, 2009, 12:52:22 AM »
I am starting to think my bike needs a good freshining up or the KIPS checked over and not the jetting messed with so much. Its just not as impressive as it should be. I still love the bike and will get it there, itjust might take me a season. With all the info available on here I just dont see how with a little time I cant make her scream like she should. As I stated before I am new to the site and am blown away by how many guys love these 500's. What a awesome site! :-)