Hello From Southern Illinois

[flyingfitz]

Have been stalking this site for 6 months and decided to finally make things legit.  This site has been a wealth of information during the research and purchase of my 1995 KX 500.  Thanks to all who have contributed!  I love the bike and have a short "to do" list this winter to make it mine.  First impressions are great with old school ergonomics and midevil power.  I have a slight surge at idle and during engine braking that I am working through but anytime the power is on this bike does not dissapoint! Thanks again to all who have contributed.  Scott.

[Friar-Tuck]

Scott,
 Glad to have you, In The Mix
 The (lean) surge you mentioned seems to be an inherent trait of the beast when the jetting is
right on, or close to it.  If I remember correctly, guys have either lived with it or enrich the jetting
 until it quit.  (if no other issues are involved)
   Tuck\o/

[flyingfitz]

Thanks Tuck.  If I richen the air screw I can get it to stop the surge when idling but the problem persists while riding. It also makes it tough to start.  I would like to think that the jetting is close as I have used the jetting chart as a reference. The bike has a 60 pilot, 168 main and a N82R needle on the 3rd clip.  Cross referencing OEM parts on CheapCycleParts.com shows these are stock for this year.  I know that many are using the N82M needle which is a slightly richer needle with a 58 pilot.  I tried to get a 58 pilot when I cleaned up the carb but the local shop didn't stock anything that big.  The 60 seems to be working fine.  I am running a FMF Burley Pipe and Turbine Core Silencer.  I thought that maybe that pipe was contributing to the issue but not sure.  I am primarily a woods rider and the surge is a little annoying. Others have suggested a leaking crankshaft seal or a bad reed.  Currently getting a line on a late model/low time used V Force 2 cage and reeds.  Have read that the V Force 2 with the 10mm spacer is a good combination. Other than this minor issue, I love riding this bike!