Hi though I dont ride a kx 500 I am doing a a minor overhaul on a really decent 87 for a friend.Sorry I ride a 97 cr 500 but think the Kawasakis are great bikes too.Only Honda and Kawasaki made the best open bikes.What I have done so far is new plastics,chain sprockets,seat cover,mag cover,check carb,ignition,rebuilt,silencer,boyesen reeds,tires,compression release head mod.Bike wasnt ridden much and he paid only 600 for it from his friend.Will let you know how it stacks up against my Honda power wise when I get it running.Im sure its a brute when in tune.