New Guy With New to me 00' KX500

[riverrunner]

Just purchased this 00'Kx500 from a friend for $2200.00 It's has less than 8hrs. riding time and been sitting most of it's life, still looks brand new. Anyways what are the first mods or maintence that I need to do? Thanks, Chris Huie

[Paul]

Without a doubt, suspension work. The fronts are sprung soft / valved harsh and the rear is valved soft / sprung heavy. That makes for one very unbalanced machine.

[AFASTboy]

Then get to jetting and make sure of proper mix ratio like 40:1, Maxima super M what i use and go tear things up.You'll love the bike as I do.Ive had mine for a month now its a 2000 also.Its got a Pro Circuit pipe and silencer and jetted to the t(atleast today)with 13/47 gearing and it is scary fast now.

[riverrunner]

Thanks for the info. I got to go pick it up in Ore. I live here in the Antelope Valley,Ca. Elev 2750. So i'me sure i'll have some jetting issues.

[riverrunner]

Have they changed much from 00' to 04'. Let me know,thanks

[Paul]

They have only changed cosmetics since 1991(?) or so. Jetting chart to get you started.

[mikesmith]

Well it was around 95 or 96 on up the fork tubes got bigger,a 3rd rear wheel bearing added and I think they up graded the brakes,otherwise the same basic bike.I would suggest some angle aluminum rivited or safety wired to the sub-frame because the chain will rub there,running a o-ring chain also. I extended my clutch arm and rerouted the clutch cable while switching to a quick adjust clutch lever(I suggest a ASV from www.motosport.com) for a smooth pull.Change the tanny fluid often or switch to steel plates,and run a Moose drain plug with a safety wire hole to wire it to the bike as the drain plug will strip easily if try to over tighten it.I would say a "sparkey"spark arrester to the stock silencer is best and a Scotts steering stabilizer is a must,along with Pro-Tapers or FatBars with a solid top mount.Run them with silicone (from a caulkig gun is cheapest) or spray insulation in the ends to help cut down vibrations.The small linkage/lower shock bearing needs regular service (as does all the linkage bearings,but the small one is the worst).I would go through the whole bike and regrease it even if it has low hours (I wont ride a new bike untill I tear it all apart and re-do it all my-self so I know its done the way I want it).I would suggest snugging down all bolts,useing lock tight,safety wire and never sieze on all fasteners.This will be a start, look through this web site its full of good "how to's" and what works best.

[riverrunner]

Thanks for all the good info.! I'm looking forward to go pick it up. I was looking for graphic kits it doesn't look like much of a selection for a KX500. Plus I definitly have to get rid of that rear fender, I guess from reading on here you use a 93 kx250 rear fender(OEM)?

[FastKX500]

Yep, get the one from UFO, with a little trimming it fits up nicely, and try factoryeffex.com thats where i got my graphics.

[riverrunner]

I allready ordered the new rear fender for a 93 kx 250 from UFO. Hopefully it will fit ok. Then I have to figure ou what graphics to use.

[Kawadougie]

I've got a 2003 and I had Nor-Cal Racing install gold valves in both ends.  Now it rides like a Cadillac.  To quicken up the steering I've dropped the forks down an inch.  I run an FMF Gnarly pipe, Moose reed spacer and Moto Tassinari reed block.  Jetting is way fat from the factory, especially on the pilot.  I ride a lot from 3000 to 5000 feet and I'm running a 45 pilot and a 160 main.  I also installed a Steahly flywheel weight which makes it a pussycat in the woods but still haul butt when you get a chance to pass.

[Rocky]

Hi everyone I also am a new owner of a almost new 2000 kx 500. The bike is 100% stock and i was wondering what pipe you guys recommend and what mods can be done to get the most out of it. I rode it this weekend and it runs great, but i noticed that the honda 450 could stay with me untill 4th gear then i would start to pull away but i was SHOCKED.
Thnx for the help

[mikesmith]

The KX is a real versatile bike that can be set up for just about any thing.What kind of rideing do you mostly do?Desert-wide open or tight single track-low end,or some where in the middle?

[Rocky]

hi, i mostly do open riding no track stuff " I would get killed" LOL. just racing straight in the soft dirt and hills and some trail riding

[mikesmith]

Well if your rideing wide open a lot try a FMF or PC desert pipe,tight with hills and loose dirt a Gnarly,or a Fatty for all around use and the stock silencer with a weld on Sparkey.A Moose reed spacer,V-Force reed system are good buys.Jetting is a must,and gearing for your type of rideing.A Scotts steering dampner,fat bars,hand guards and suspension set up are areas to upgrade.Theres lots of good info here,may have to dig a little but this will get you started.