i got no top end??

[kix500]

on my 97 kx5 i have a pro circut pipe boysen reeds uni filter. the jest are 162/55 needle#2 the bike pulls hard on the bottom but it doesn't seem to pull so hard on the top or in higher gears 3-4-5. i hear all this talk bout them being bad a$$ but im not sure mine runs to peak. i raced a cr500 and a yz450 and a yz 425 up thunder. the cr wasted me and the 450 and 426 were no to far behind. any suggetions on why it feel this way? compression is 155+ and gears are 13-51 on 19" rims. please help.

thanks
cory

[Paul]

Give it some fuel man 

That 162 will cost you a topend if you're not careful. Those 13/51 gears are much steeper than the stock 14/48 on the CR500 and the 14/47 on the YZ. Push that mainjet to 168, change those gears to 14/47 (stock), and run a 80:1 mix using Amsoil Pro and something hi octane (C12, AVGAS, etc...). You may need a pilot license at that point.

A CR500 on stock gears will get into the low 80's (thats all mine would do at any rate) and my stock KX500 would reach 91 with stock gears. Both of these bikes will walk a YZ (450/426/400) in the topend and pulling department

[kix500]

oh yeah i also forgot i have a weighted fly wheel if that makes a differance

[Paul]

oh yeah i also forgot i have a weighted fly wheel if that makes a differance

Softens the hit a little, costs some topend, not much though. I hate them myself but if Rick ever comes back he'll tell you they are God's gift to this bike

[gowen]

kix500, what is your elevation? I had the same issue lacking top-end. But, ended up being a VERY rich mixture. You want some homework or experience? Go through the Jetting Again and again sticky. I had the same exact issue and went through 200+ posts to fix it. Now I walk anything in site and have since then added some nice goodies.

EDIT: Don't forget to read most. I ended up having to buy about 20 needles and 20 main jets/pilot jets. I came out with a 38 pilot (if I remember right) and a 155 main jet and some wierd ass needle. Buy carb parts from Sudco, they are $5 per needle rather than $30 from Kawasaki. Take time and read the thread. It will give you an idea and you can learn from our trial and errors. Good luck!

EDIT: EDIT: Toss that piece of metal crap called a flywheel weight if you want top-end. It doesn't hurt it bad, but doesn't help it either. Start with the obvious. 

[YUNGGUNNAZ]

also you're down some on compression!(155).and at what elevation are you riding?

[Paul]

also you're down some on compression!(155).and at what elevation are you riding?

Compression isn't bad. The service limits for a KX500 are 170 at the top and 110 at the bottom.

[kix500]

i am rideing between 6000"-8000' ft thanks for all you guys input.

cory

[Paul]

i am rideing between 6000"-8000' ft thanks for all you guys input.

cory

DOH! Change the gearing then, that mainjet is probably close

[KXcam22]

Cory,
 I think Paul is right. The KX has tons of torque but your gearing is very low (too) so that the engine will rev out too fast but not really harness the torque and go anywhere is a hurry.  Stock gearing is 14/47. I ride in a mountainous area and run 14/48 which seems to work for even the tightest gnarly trails and climbs.  Your elevation is higher than most and you may have to change to a leaner needle.  My highest riding spot is 6500' and mine (stock needle most of the way down) gets a bit ratty (rich) that high up. I will be happy to help with any jetting issues. Post any questions in the jetting thread and I will respond. Cam.

[Timbowe]

I run a 46 rear 14 front sprocket. I had 93 mph out of my bike on sunday. I find that is good all round gearing. Amsoil 100;1 with octane boost and you'll be singing chap!

[kix500]

thanks alot guys. i'll jet it to the chart and put it back to stock gearing and let you all know the outcome.

[kix500]

ok i put a 162 main in and left the 55 pilot cus its still a little cold up here and changed the gears to the 14-47. it feel like it might be a little better but its kinda hard to tell cus the ground is still froze bout 2" under the mud so i get alot of wheel spin. could some one tell me wich way the different turns on the air screw does like lean rich wich way does what. oh and the needle is in #2 position. does any one on here ride at my elavation. if so could you give me you jet set up so i could see if i might be close. also which needle would you all recomend if not the stock one?

thanks
cory

[Paul]

turning it in reduces the amount of air, richens the fuel / air mixture.

[kix500]

thanks paul