1988 KX500?

[chipped tooth]

I just picked up an 1988 KX500 with a few minor issues.

First thing is after sitting for day or so the clutch sorta sticks and once warm will drag initially. The engine has never been apart so I'm assuming with its age the basket drum and clutch plates could use some attention?

Second is the clutch pull seems stiff compared to pretty much all my other bikes even the other 500s, cable is good and smooth.
So not exactly sure what to look for once I'm inside other than the obvious?

Third is after I jetted and bumped the timing 2° she runs like a scalded cat even though compression is somewhat low, haven't tested it but can tell simply by kicking it over.
Any specific piston favored over another?

4th is its missing the left radiator shroud and was wondering if anyone has a serviceable spare in the color Black?

[sandblaster]

If your clutch is sticky it's not necessarily worn out.
I've dealt with the sticky clutch syndrome (SCS) on a few occasions when buying a new/old bike.
One easy thing to do is to change the oil.
I like the Amsoil but there are many many good brands out there (Let the debates begin)  
Likely the bike needs a oil change anyway and it's a lot cheaper then buying a new clutch.

Clutch pulls on KX500's are more severe then on most other bikes.
There are several things you can do.
A new cable is a good start...
Where the metal sleeve makes the bend, straighten the bend out a bit and route the cable so that it makes as few and as large of a bend as possible.
Next, get one of these..


I'm out but Adam Millar might have some:
https://www.facebook.com/MRE500/

This will make your clutch pull 20% easier then stock..

For a piston... (Another Hot topic)  
For a stock build stay away from a Namura, but just about any other is fine.
For a modified engine Wossner.
Personally I run a Wossner in everything I can regardless of the mod level.
Right now they are hard to get but the manufacture is working hard to get more.

I have no extra plastics but be patient and check eBay frequently..

[umberto]

For a piston... (Another Hot topic)  
For a stock build stay away from a Namura, but just about any other is fine.
For a modified engine Wossner.
Personally I run a Wossner in everything I can regardless of the mod level.
Right now they are hard to get but the manufacture is working hard to get more.

I have no extra plastics but be patient and check eBay frequently..

+1.  The Wossners are a little bit extra, but man are they nice pistons.  I bought one from Sandblaster for my 88, and it was a work of art.

[chipped tooth]

Thanks guys!

I should have mentioned the oil was clean and I changed it with Delo 15w40.

I'll address the cable routing and check on a Wossner piston, I plan on some modifications but haven't decided what exactly I want to do yet, all depends on what shape the cylinder is in once I open it up.
Any feedback on Lectron carb?

[umberto]

Thanks guys!

I should have mentioned the oil was clean and I changed it with Delo 15w40.

I'll address the cable routing and check on a Wossner piston, I plan on some modifications but haven't decided what exactly I want to do yet, all depends on what shape the cylinder is in once I open it up.
Any feedback on Lectron carb?

I absolutely love mine.  I bought it from Packard Racing about a year ago.  It took a little tuning to get it right, but the throttle response now is perfect. Be warned that the fuel mileage is pretty bad with it installed.

[chipped tooth]

What size did you get Umberto? And is your bike mostly stock?

I have a few 42mm PWK one from Eddy Sanders that seem to work but I was thinking bigger than 42mm if I turn the whick up!

[umberto]

My bike is an 88 motor bored to 88mm with a Wossner piston, stock porting, an FMF Gnarly pipe and Q Stealth silencer. The Lectron is a 44 with the 3xl needle, and four turns in on the power jet. Here is a recap of the installation:

http://www.kxriders.com/forums/index.php/topic,14629.195.html

[chipped tooth]

Good write up!

Was there any restriction once the bigger carb was stretched into the intake?
I've considered the idea of making my own on a few bikes but haven't gotten any farther than that.

Is the V force reed setup the hot ticket for these bikes?
Suppose I should sniff around the performance section!

[umberto]

Good write up!

Was there any restriction once the bigger carb was stretched into the intake?
I've considered the idea of making my own on a few bikes but haven't gotten any farther than that.

Is the V force reed setup the hot ticket for these bikes?
Suppose I should sniff around the performance section!

There was no restriction in the intake, you just needed to boil the intake to keep it from splitting under stress. The VF2 is the way to go.  Sandblasted has a really nice write up on how to modify them to use the stock intake, maybe he can post a link.

[chipped tooth]

I've noticed!

Makes a guy want to break out the Tig welder!

[sandblaster]

 

http://www.oem-cycle.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=484

[chipped tooth]

Thanks for the link sandblaster!

I've noticed a scribes line on an cut cylinder.... In another post! It looks like quite the choke point!

[ltman]

I love my lectron it was a pain to tune the way I wanted I used a 3xl needle I had to sand the needle at mid throttle

[chipped tooth]

Question?
Is it possible to use the 89 up cylinder on my 88?

[umberto]

You can with a few minor modifications. Scroll down for dave916's explanation.

http://www.kxriders.com/forums/index.php/topic,14886.0.html