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Author Topic: Rear shock  (Read 2848 times)

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Offline jkindt

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Rear shock
« on: November 01, 2011, 02:06:07 PM »
This rear shock is definately not what is supposed to be on my 1989 KX500. I have no idea what kind it is, or even if it is the right size and spring rate. What I do know is that there is absolutely no nitrogen pressure in it at all. There are many aftermarket parts on my bike from a previous owner...FMF gnarly desert pipe, desert tank, FMF powercore muffler, boyesen two stage reeds, and probably aftermarket piston (I havent gotten it apart that far yet). There is evidence that the original shock broke and caused some scars on the rear part of the frame and swingarm, but nothing that would cause problems. If anyone knows what this shock could be off of, it would help a lot since it needs a rebuild, if its even worth it. I may just have to get a proper shock and respring it for my butt weight. I also hate the way the reservoir is hose clamped to the subframe.

Oh yeah, keep an eye out, I am doing a frame-off rebuild and will be posting up some pics of my progress.  :-D

« Last Edit: November 01, 2011, 02:07:48 PM by jkindt »
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Offline 1989kawasaki

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Re: Rear shock
« Reply #1 on: November 01, 2011, 02:41:14 PM »
Quote from: jkindt on November 01, 2011, 02:06:07 PM
This rear shock is definately not what is supposed to be on my 1989 KX500. I have no idea what kind it is, or even if it is the right size and spring rate. What I do know is that there is absolutely no nitrogen pressure in it at all. There are many aftermarket parts on my bike from a previous owner...FMF gnarly desert pipe, desert tank, FMF powercore muffler, boyesen two stage reeds, and probably aftermarket piston (I havent gotten it apart that far yet). There is evidence that the original shock broke and caused some scars on the rear part of the frame and swingarm, but nothing that would cause problems. If anyone knows what this shock could be off of, it would help a lot since it needs a rebuild, if its even worth it. I may just have to get a proper shock and respring it for my butt weight. I also hate the way the reservoir is hose clamped to the subframe.

Oh yeah, keep an eye out, I am doing a frame-off rebuild and will be posting up some pics of my progress.  :-D



yeah , id say to get the proper shock.

also very exciting to hear you are doing a rebuild. if you are painting / powder coating the frame and swingarm  make sure you make everything look stock. trust me , its very rewarding when you see the finished product.

let me know if you need anything, i have a few extra parts from my 89 kx250 resto, .
i have full plastic set (used) , and a tecnosel seat

« Last Edit: November 01, 2011, 02:44:21 PM by 1989kawasaki »
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bikes

1977 RD400
1989 CR250
1988 CR500
1978 Z50
2009 Harley super glide custom

Offline sandblaster

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Re: Rear shock
« Reply #2 on: November 01, 2011, 03:33:41 PM »
Hello.
I believe your shock is from a 1986 KX500.
If your frame is a 1989 and it is a US bike then the 10th digit on the VIN will be "K".
If your bike is a 1989 the shock should have the built in reservoir.
I don't have measurements for the 89 K5 but I do have them from 1990-04.
KYB -
Spring thickness: 12.0MM OD -
Spring Dia: 89MM -
BODY DIA 53.5MM -
Spring as mounted: 265MM -
Upper tab: 20MM -
Upper tab hole ID: 10MM -
Lower Mount INTERNAL: 22.8MM ?
LOWER MOUNT EXTERNAL 41.7MM -
Lower mount hole ID: 10MM -
Eye to Eye: 450MM
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The four stroke engine: That's one stroke for producing power and three for wearing the engine out.

Offline jkindt

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Re: Rear shock
« Reply #3 on: November 01, 2011, 03:54:28 PM »
It appears you may be correct. Looking at pics of the 1986 KX500 shows the exact same rear shock as I have.....except.....mine is mounted upside down!!!??!?!  :-o  Not sure what the heck the person who put that in there was thinking, but it surely is not the correct rear shock, it's from a completely different suspension setup! AND it is upside down!!!  :roll:  Since I will be looking for a good rear shock for this rebuild, what should I be looking for? Should I try to find a '97+ or just anything from '89+  :?

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Offline sandblaster

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Re: Rear shock
« Reply #4 on: November 01, 2011, 04:45:50 PM »
I'd first verify the year of your frame.
If it is 89 or newer I'd go for the 2000 or newer.
However I'm sure you would be happy with any year 89 or newer providing it was in good condition.
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The four stroke engine: That's one stroke for producing power and three for wearing the engine out.

Offline jkindt

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Re: Rear shock
« Reply #5 on: November 01, 2011, 04:50:40 PM »
Oh yeah, frame is definately a 1989. Verified with the VIN. I wouldn't have bought it if it had been older. I knew that with the '89+ frame I can still get parts if (when) I need them.  8-)
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Offline Polar-Bus

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Re: Rear shock
« Reply #6 on: November 01, 2011, 10:23:23 PM »
I'm pretty sure that's an '85 shock from the looks of the external adjustment knob.
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01' KX500
'84 GPz1100
'87 GSX-R  750
'06 HD Fatboy
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'03 CRG KX500 Shifter kart

Offline 1989kawasaki

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Re: Rear shock
« Reply #7 on: November 01, 2011, 11:54:55 PM »
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bikes

1977 RD400
1989 CR250
1988 CR500
1978 Z50
2009 Harley super glide custom

Offline sandblaster

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Re: Rear shock
« Reply #8 on: November 02, 2011, 02:46:06 AM »
I hate to admit it but I forgot I even had one....
I'd still look around and see if you can find a 2000 or newer.
If for no other reason then you might find someone who is willing to take less, and you might get one with less wear and has newer internals.
Thanks for the advertising though  :-o
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The four stroke engine: That's one stroke for producing power and three for wearing the engine out.

Offline awak100

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Re: Rear shock
« Reply #9 on: May 15, 2012, 03:41:46 PM »
Looks like 86 You have the new style frame the new style frame started life in87,  small changes until about 90 then stayed pretty much the same
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