kx500 hard starting

[fitter]

Maybe a silly question but have you tried a couple of plugs and are you getting a good spark?  Maybe try closing the plug gap a bit.
My CR used to be hard to start when it needed a set of rings.  My KX runs 170 main and 60 pilot starts ok even though it is tired!!

[powerfreak88]

I would definitely check to see if your getting a strong spark and check your plug also. Its quick, easy and cheap and it will rule that out. I run a BR8EIX gapped at 24 thou. My K5 is probably the easiest starting bike I've ever owned. When its real cold or it has been sitting a while i will put it in 2nd gear and rock it a few times before i kick it. Get it right at tdc with about 1/4 throttle and slam it home. It rarely takes me more than 2 or 3 kicks. I would give it a compression test to rule that out also. Best of luck too ya.