Author Topic: 12 Year Rebuild (Read 4254 times)

KXcam22 · « **on:** June 06, 2005, 07:22:25 AM »

After completing the 12 year rebuild on my 1992 KX500, I can't say enough great things about the KX. In 31+ years of riding/racing I have never owned a bike for more than a season or two. This one has been my faithfull steed for the last 12 years; new in 93 and have had it ever since. This is the first time the engine has been apart so I went through the bike from top to bottom and was amazed at how little wear there was in some key areas. Other that the obvious piston and clutch replacements, the only parts that were definately thrashed were the tiny bearings that support the power valve and waterpump shafts. Cylinder plating was fine (to my surprise) and the powervalve had no wear at all. What a bike! Spruced it up a bit with a seat cover and BNG and broke it in today, ran like a charm! Cam.

PS.
Then I broke off the kickstart. Deep in a gully. Oops.

Arigato · « **Reply #1 on:** June 06, 2005, 07:50:24 AM »

Nice! Get the updated kick lever, it's a lot thicker at the bottom. Just order one for an '03 or'04.

mikesmith · « **Reply #2 on:** June 06, 2005, 07:31:05 PM »

What a bike the KX500 is,its to bad they quit making them and that most people think there old,outdated,or just to intimidated to ride them.Sure says alot about what a great desighn the bike was when it first came out and still be such a great bike after all these years.You ever run a oversize tank Cam?

Timbowe · « **Reply #3 on:** June 06, 2005, 07:36:17 PM »

Still looking great after all these years. Big ups to you Cam.

doordie · « **Reply #4 on:** June 07, 2005, 04:35:12 AM »

Green baby!

//doordie

KXcam22 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 07, 2005, 07:02:37 AM »

The updated kicker is on order. Still need to change the shock oil. Mike, I have never tried an oversized tank. None of my riding partners can go as far or as long as the KX can already. People may consider the KX outdated, but i've been down to the bike store twice now with money in my pocket and couldn't find enough things a new $10K bike would do better. Think I'll stick with the KX. Besides I get a lot of entertainment out of being the old guy on the "outdated" bike making monkeys out of the young guys on new 4-strokes. I just tell them it's all the bike. Wonder if I should get a green tattoo. Cam.

Arigato · « **Reply #6 on:** June 07, 2005, 07:30:24 AM »

I've been considering the tatoo idea too. Maybe something along the lines of "500 Club".

hughes · « **Reply #7 on:** June 07, 2005, 08:14:53 AM »

Nice job. KXcam22 I know you run 14/48 gearing. I'm running stock 14/47 and wanting to change. What did you notice most about just going one tooth on the rear sprocket

I just don't know if I want 48 or 49 rear. Rockymountian.mc has steel sprockets for 16.99 I may buy a 48 and a 49 along with new chain.

ebers17 · « **Reply #8 on:** June 07, 2005, 08:49:35 AM »

Cam, i gotta ask, WHERE DID YOU GET THOSE SHROUD DECALS!! Thats awesome, and i have a extra set of shrouds that are blank, and have been looking around for some options, and whatever you did for those, i want to do too if you dont mind!!
-Seth

KXcam22 · « **Reply #9 on:** June 07, 2005, 09:36:42 AM »

Ebers17,
I wanted to do something different. I got the 11" high decal printed by a sign shop and cut it in half. A high quality decal was only $20 CAD. I photocopied the shrouds to get the outline, cutout the photocopy as a template, then traced it onto the decal and cut it out. Easy. The decal is very sticky and should last quite awhile.

Hughes. One tooth isn't much but you notice it quite a bit. Tightens the ratios and makes 1st that much better for slow speed slogging. I am contemplating a 49. Cam.

hughes · « **Reply #10 on:** June 07, 2005, 09:44:33 AM »

Thanks. I think I will start with the 48 and go from there.

Author Topic: 12 Year Rebuild (Read 4254 times)

mikesmith