2000 K500, rebuild stock suspension???

[436m]

I just got a 2000 K500 (traded my 2009 KX 450F) for it, The bike seems to run good, compression is 120lbs, shifts good, etc. I am going to ride it but I want to make it a nice bike. Do I have the stock forks and shock rebuilt and valved for my weight (Im 6'5" 245lbs) or is there late model forks and shock that I can adapt ( some machine work is ok) that will be a much better setup when all is said and done? Thanks in advance

[sandblaster]

Short story..
97-04 KX500 triples will fit any year of KX450F fork quick and easy.
The rear shock is the issue... But the KX500 shock is actually pretty good when set up correctly.
If you try to fit a KX450F shock you will see that you will need the clevis from a KX500 shock.
Then, once mounted you will note that the pipe hits on the reservoir.
So, cut the reservoir off and mount it remotely.

Roost is welding up a remote reservoir KX450F shock for me and him as soon as harvest season is over

Here is a link to my travels (Pun) on updating the suspension.

http://www.oem-cycle.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=573

[436m]

So, Im 60 years old, with hopes of doing a little MX racing (I know, I know, Im too old) Is the K5 a much better bike with the later model forks and shocks ( I would have to buy some) or is having my originals rebuilt and set up properly a good route to go? I am by no means going to be the super fast guy no matter what bike Im on, but would like to be able to hang it out when I catch my breath. That being said, If I do stay with the stock suspension components, who do I send them to for the work that is familiar with them and will do a good job? Thanks, Ben

[sandblaster]

If you have your 97-04 KX500 suspension set up correctly then I think you will be happy.
My 97-04 suspension will allow me to go over whoop sections far faster then I really want to go.
Everyone that it around my weigh that has rode my bike all say that the suspension is really good.
That being said, I still need to do a conversion on mine to see if it makes any difference for me.
There are a few on this site that have done the conversion on the front end.
I hope they chime in for you.

As to who to use... that's like asking which oil to run

I currently have full Race Tech gear in mine.
I have also ran Enzo, Factory Connection, House of Horsepower, and one other that I can't remember the name on.
For me Race Tech is the best followed in this order..
Enzo
Factory Connection
Others, whatever...

Hopefully a few other guys will chime in..

Warning regarding Race Tech..... When you go through their interview process.... Be honest with yourself about everything...
If you tell them you are faster then you really are, chances are you will get a suspension that is too stiff.
Also, you have to understand what they mean when they say "Skill Level".



Dirt Intermediate/Expert/A Class is not where you are at unless you can qualify for a National.
That is what the guys at Racetech told me direct.

Most of us older guys will be Dirt Novice/ Intermediate/ C Class..

Mine is currently at Dirt Intermediate/ B Class.
For me it is perfect as I have come close but never bottomed it since the rebuild.

[436m]

Thanks very much for the advice, and input. I will be looking at Race Tech first.

[Foxx4Beaver]

I've used Race Tech, with very positive results...no complaints.
I've used Pro Action once....there will never be 2nd time.

I've been using Factory Connection since they started in '95....they're my 1st choice, mostly because I've been using them for soooooo long, that I never even have to say anything to them, they know exactly what I want, and I've never had an issue.

[Uncle tony]

Did the 97-04 kx have 48mm forks?

[umberto]

According to Sandblaster's interchange list, they were 46 mm.

http://www.oem-cycle.com/KAWASAKIKX500BIKEID.shtml

[sandblaster]

+1