86 KX5 Shock

[Pvo]

Hi everyone I just bought an 86' KX 500 and need a rear shock for it.  The one that came with it is junk so I'd like to know what all would fit in its place.  I'm open to different model years of KXs or even other newer bikes.  Any help or info is appreciated.

[Friar-Tuck]

  Hey Pvo,
 Welcome to the gang,   There have been guys who have swapped out suspension componants without too much trouble if I remember correctly.   There are also places you can send your current shock to be re-valved and re-built.
  Unfortunately it does always come down to money.  I re-built my rear shock for about $100.00
A service manual,seals, and nitrogen.   If the replacement shock doesn't pan out maybe we can help you either re-build your old one or recommend somewhere to send it off to.
    I think first off you should get the dimensions of your current shock, Travel, length and bolt sizes for each end.
Then maybe some of the guys can check that against their "stock" and look for something close.
  Tuck\o/ 

[Pvo]

Center to center the shock is about 17".  Travel is around 5".  The top bolt hole is 12mm and the bottom is 10mm.

[kwakman]

the travel is way more than 5 inches, more lioke 10 -12, see clymer manual. a shock from an 83 onward will fit or rebuild your 86.nitrogen canister on 87 shock gets in way, I tried...

[Pvo]

I just guestimated the travel I don't have a clymer to look at.  I can't rebuild mine cheaply because the chrome on the rod is junk.  I was thinking about using the 87 shock and linkage and then saw that the frames are different between the two years.

[byron909]

really your only years are 85-86. 87 up too normal for it, 84 might work but i bet you would never find one. look on ebay. when i rebuilt mine, my body was screwed. found a good parts shock on ebay for 15 bucks.