k5 wheels

[tcoop474]

Maybe the dumbest question ever but im gonna ask it. Are wheels interchangeable between years? I need a rear wheel and don't want to buy 98to or something to find out it want fit on my 86

[sandblaster]

Hello.
Check your hub.
It should be stamped: R-1158 ?
If so it will have the following specs:
BLACK -
20MM Axle diameter?
BRG TO BRG 144-145MM ?
ROTOR OD 220MM ?
ROTOR BC 8 ON 126MM ?
SPROCKET 6 ON 150MM BC ?
36 SPOKES ?
Hub FITS 86-88 KX 125, 250, 500
The 125 will use a 1.85 rem width so you should stick with a 250 or 500 wheel.
In 1989 they used a different bearing spacing of 130mm.
You can find this info at my site:
http://oem-cycle.com/KAWASAKIKX500BIKEID.aspx

[tcoop474]

That's my problem. The hub has slung to pieces so its mainly spokes hanging

[sandblaster]

If your bike, swing arm, axle, and spacers are from an 86 then you know what you need, 86-88 KX 250 or 500.
To verify, measure the distance from the inside to the inside of the swing arm where the axle goes through.
Minus your combined spacer widths.
Your figure should be close to 145MM.
It can be a little bigger or smaller.
Hope this helps.

[tcoop474]

Yup thanks

[don46]

was it me, I'd get a newer hub with the dual sprocket side bearings and modify the spacers to fit. This is a better combination, for that matter you could even use a newer wheel with the larger axle and again modify the spacers and you'd be set. all the 2002 and older stuff used either a 22mm spacer or 20mm spacer, your vintage had a bit wider hub as well, 89-2002 were basically the same hub other than the bearing upgrade in something like 97