K 500 power question

[K5DADDY]

so what am i missing? I have posted here before with not many responses but iwill try again. I have an 87 500. New reeds, new top end, just got the kips working properly (versus just being held open) carb is jetted 360 main, 40 pilot and stock needle and needle jet. the bike does not do power wheelies and just seems alittle flat. Am i expecting to much or not. Bike has 15/51 gearing which is geared down alittle from stock. I weigh 200 pounds and thought i would have a tough time hanging on to this bike but so far not overly impressed. I have used the search function to death and cant seem to find the answers. Timing is also set in the stock position. Any advice would be appreciated!

[hughes]

I had an 87 that I restored and just had major issues with the carb. My bike ran fat on fuel at the 1/4-3/3 range area. I was able to find main jets and pilots but never could find the needle jet which in the VM38 Mikuni cab is the nozzle that the jet needle moves in and out with the slide. My bike ran very strong but you could tell it was fat in the middle. I ran 14/49 gearing and it was perfect for trails and fire roads. To help jet the bike right I would locate a newer kx500 carb/cable/throttle assembly off of ebay. That way you can buy the jets that are needed to tune the bike.

[K5DADDY]

Thanks for the reply! If i run a newer carb do you know if i will need a new carb intake boot and new air box also?

[hughes]

I ran an reed cage boot from the new 500's with no issues. Maybe someone can measure the outside dia. (air filter side) of their newer carb and then compare to yours. I bet they are real close in the same size.

[K5DADDY]

well i finally figured out the problem. some how the stock silencer had begun to come apart internally and was restricting exhaust flow by a guess of 40 to 50 percent. i feel very stupid for not checking this sooner but i just thought i would post this to save someone else a possible headache in the future! never assume something is good from outside appearance alone..... anyways one new silencer later and the bike is an absolute monster! thanks again to those who offered their helpful insight!

[Hillclimb#42]

clogged silencers will sometimes blow the base gasket. keep an eye out for any moisture collecting there.

[K5DADDY]

will do. thanks!