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Author Topic: 1988 500  (Read 7322 times)

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Offline runabout

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1988 500
« on: April 01, 2010, 10:11:11 AM »
Hello to all
I am brand new to the board and need help. Looking at a 1988 KX 500 not my first KX or my first 500 but it is my first KX 500.
What should I look for or look out for?
Is the 1988 one I should consider further or not?
The asking price is 1000.00 and it is clean via pics but only a CSI will tell.
Thanks to any that reply and I hope to be around for along while
Runabout
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Offline Friar-Tuck

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Re: 1988 500
« Reply #1 on: April 01, 2010, 04:57:21 PM »
Welcome Runabout,
  I don't know anything that stands out as problems with older bikes, and there are several members currently re-building them. There have been several threads lately about retrofitting some newer parts to the '80s bikes.
   Glad to have you with us.
  Tuck\o/
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Offline runabout

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Re: 1988 500
« Reply #2 on: April 02, 2010, 07:46:01 AM »
Thanks Friar
I have been using the search feature and have found some info thus far.
I was on a 1991 CR500 and sold that recently. My first bike (motocross type) was KX80
man I loved that bike, little small for my butt now.
I will keep researching
Runabout
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Offline matzilla

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Re: 1988 500
« Reply #3 on: April 05, 2010, 03:45:03 AM »
the 88 is a great bike. there are many parts that cross over from the newer bikes. just not engine stuff. many discontinued parts in there. i spent a lot of time tracking down parts for my rebuild. but was able to get everything i needed. now it is a screamer. hits hard and is generally scary.

good luck with your decision.
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Offline runabout

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Re: 1988 500
« Reply #4 on: April 08, 2010, 10:29:14 AM »
Just found out the 500 does not have spark
of course he wants less for it now... should I stay away
how serious could this be? can parts be found
Thanks
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Offline Friar-Tuck

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Re: 1988 500
« Reply #5 on: April 09, 2010, 04:36:06 AM »
 Hhmm..    There is that thread on converting to 250 electrics :-o :-D
   Something else to consider is if you don't mind taking the extra time to investigate your options on parts retrofit
and either the cash to pay someone to do it or the tools and time to do it yourself.
   The guys who have been bringing back the older bikes appear to get alot of satisfaction from accomplishing the project as much (or almost) as riding them. 
     If you are financially O.K. with spending the money, you can always sell the finnished product to someone.
I would hate to encoureage you and end up with a half finnished project someone else would buy at fire sale prices.
    I'm the guy who looks for the unfinnished projects that have gotten guys in over their head, or
lost interest and "Just want to get that stuff out of here"   
   For better or worse...Tuck\o/
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Offline runabout

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Re: 1988 500
« Reply #6 on: April 09, 2010, 08:04:00 AM »
Tuck you seem like a stand up kind of guy. I thank u for the info thus far
I am the finisher of projects myself and I hope to able to share them with all soon.
The KX 500 should not be any biggie for me but that is why I keep asking questions regarding it ie
with the right prep success is right around the corner!!!
You know ...if you cannot fix it with a hammer it must be an electrical problem
What State r u from Tuck?
I am from MA
 
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Offline blueoval

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Re: 1988 500
« Reply #7 on: April 09, 2010, 08:31:03 AM »
runabout, I think you will find a whole lot of stand-up guys on this site.  You sure hit it right on with Tuck!
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Offline Friar-Tuck

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Re: 1988 500
« Reply #8 on: April 09, 2010, 03:47:12 PM »
Dooh! I read a book that says "Pride comes before the Fall."  :-o.  I am surely no-one special.
  Born and raised in a small town in Ohio. Road we lived on was about ten miles long and about 8 homes on it.
Plenty of open country to keep from getting in trouble in.  Migrated out west to californee to seek my fame and fortune only to realize when I had my own kids growing up in the sticks wasn't so bad afterall.   Moved from Orange county north in '98.  Been livin' here in Mt. Shasta since then.
Catch you later..
  Tuck\o/
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Offline runabout

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Re: 1988 500
« Reply #9 on: April 10, 2010, 08:38:21 AM »
Made the purchase
lots of comp. have not put the guage on it yet but spins freely without plug
and very stiff with kicker with plug in
has Moose racing weighted flywheel welded on to it
no spark for sure none nada
runabouut
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Chod

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Re: 1988 500
« Reply #10 on: April 10, 2010, 09:22:14 AM »
You got a  great buy,Test the coil and good luck.
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Offline runabout

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Re: 1988 500
« Reply #11 on: April 10, 2010, 09:29:30 AM »
Thank you for the kind words
I think it looks good
not bad for 500 bills
Regards
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Offline Goat

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Re: 1988 500
« Reply #12 on: April 11, 2010, 01:28:11 AM »
Looks like that bike has been well taken care of. Congrats! Good price too.
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Offline runabout

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Re: 1988 500
« Reply #13 on: April 11, 2010, 01:38:53 AM »
Thanks Goat.. hey did the 1988 KX 500 come with a kill button?
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Offline 98kaw500rider

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Re: 1988 500
« Reply #14 on: April 11, 2010, 01:48:55 AM »
Yes it did. Check this link out , put make and model , then click on handlebars. Good looking bike you got there , Good luck.
http://www.babbittsonline.com/pages/parts/viewbybrand/default.aspx
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