New/looking at an 89 KX 500 today..

[Steve]

Hey all, I currently have a 1984 CR 500 that I totally redid, and am thinking of maybe swapping it for an 89 KX 500 that's local.  This is the CR:



I have even redone the suspension and stuff in my bike.  I've read a lot of negative stuff about my 84, but so far it's been an awesome bike, it runs and idles like it's new, usually fires 1-2 hits.  The guy who has the KX, is a CR/Honda nut, myself, i've never been a huge Honda guy at all, but this has been a decent one.  Anyway I like the idea of the 89 KX, never suspension setup, discs front and back, and hear they are a bit more powerful [like that matters at this level lol]. 

Anyway is there anything in specific that I should look for, or is it more a per owner/maintenance basis?  CR engine is a bit simpler to fix, but harder to get parts for too.. Are these KX 500s fairly reliable? I mostly trail ride/goof around on jumps, thanks.

[Danger4u2]

Keep the CR and buy the KX.  97'CR and 04'KX

[Steve]

I wish I could, but the finances say otherwise.  It's been since 2006 since I worked, I live just outside Windsor, ON, the unemployment capital of Canada.

Plus I have some other toys too... I have an 84 Mustang SVO that runs 11.80s on the 4 banger... so I have funds for one bike.. that's about it.  It's basically, the CR has proven itself... and I have been through every nut and bolt.  A new twist tonight, someone offered me good money for my CR and I can buy the KX at an extremely good price.... so, I hate to see the Honda go, but I think about this tiime tomorrow night I will be posting pics of my new KX500 on here.. wull see.

Nice bikes you got there.

[Speedway73]

Good gawd...that's a really nice old school CR!!

How much $$$ does it mean to you?? Sentimental reasons ?? The '89 K5 is not that much newer and parts for THOSE are getting hard to find too.

[Steve]

So I haven't gotten a chance to go see the bike, but got a pic... this looks 86 ish?  Not a huge deal breaker for me really, but my CR is in better shape, that said I wouldn't mind trying to buy this bike somehow.  When did these get the KIPS? 

[Steve]

Well guys,

I brought it home today for $550.

[cyclepsych0]

Looks to be a good deal! I'm not sure, but I thought the KIPS started in '87 for the 500. This bike looks like an '87. Definitely not an '88 or '89. Does it have the KIPS? The 10th digit in the VIN number will confirm the year. And i agree, that CR is beautiful!!

[don46]

defineately a 86, if you could see the side view you would see the strut