2000 KX500 I just bought

[Platypus]

Since I can't post pictures yet I figured I'd link the Ad.  http://adcache.cycletrader.com/5/9/9/87833999.htm

picked it up this morning and have only ridden it around the block but I got off and the biggest grin on my face.  I could feel the available power, not that i used it.  OMG this is gonna be fun I am totally stoked on this bike holy crap!  I picked it up for 2500 with a scotts steering stabalizer, ims tank, rad valve, gnarly pipe, isde turbine core sparky, asv levers, spare fatty pipe with 2 minor dings, stock pipe never used, 2 spare stock tanks, tall seat foam, stock silencer never used, 1 stock shroud used, 1 stock front fender used.  I feel lI got a killer deal and there is no way you could tell me different :p.  Too bad I can't ride this weekend and I will be jonesing for next weekend like a mother! 

[Sandman]

Congrats on the 500.... I too recently aquired a 2000 KX500.  I love the power!   

[MadKaw]

good deal man...sounds like you're in for some good times...have fun and WEAR YOUR SAFETY GEAR.
get out on some good open area and open her up, get used to the power before there are jumps or trees to get involved with...

[Platypus]

I just started riding again and it's been all desert so far.  I plan on hitting the mountains soon to avoid the high desert temps.  I raced a few weeks ago and kept trying to shift into 6th gear so I think the switch is a good idea.  I have always been a safe rider and plan on spending abouth two months getting used to this bike before I eat ten bananas and go ape s**t.  Going fast to me is having fun, riding within your limits and feeling comfortable.  Hospital trips are not fun and therefore do not fall in the going fast category.  After a few hot laps around the block I realized the potential this bike has and it runs the full spectrum.  I love knowing that the power is there when you need it but it also scared me a bit.  Yeah that thing feels great.  The guy I bought it from has it geared 15/45 which will be changed before it hits the dirt due to the fact that I want to live to at least the average lifespan.

[MadKaw]

at 15/45 its geared for top speed right? that brings the acceleration down a little right?

[jigggawatt]

That's a steal. Let me know when you want to hit the mountains . I'm in ,I've ridden the Big Bear area for years. I have an 01 I'm just finishing up . As soon as the thicker head gasket and few ods and end get here, the bike will be done. I run a 14 x 48

[Platypus]

at 15/45 its geared for top speed right? that brings the acceleration down a little right?

Yeah for me that is a bit too fast.  Basically the lower your ratio is the faster you go.  45/15 has a ratio of 3.00, just divide the larger number by the smaller.  That equates to 3 turns of the front to 1 turn of the rear.  At least that is my understanding.  Wheel and tire size play a part as well. 

I just took the pipe off to inspect the O-Rings and they were done so they were replaced.  When I went to check the bike out yesterday I grabbed the pipe mount under the tank and it felt fine.  Upon removing it today I discovered it was snapped off approximately dead center of the mounting hole.  The rubber damper piece is fine but now I only have half of the mount on the frame.  Can anyone let me know if this will be ok for a few rides before I can get around to having a new mount welded on?

[lhazc]

that's a Clean Bike, looks like you got an awesome Deal.
I just cant imagine the 500's power. Id have to tie my self on
 somehow              .... 

[Polar-Bus]

Since I can't post pictures yet I figured I'd link the Ad.  http://adcache.cycletrader.com/5/9/9/87833999.htm

picked it up this morning and have only ridden it around the block but I got off and the biggest grin on my face.  I could feel the available power, not that i used it.  OMG this is gonna be fun I am totally stoked on this bike holy crap!  I picked it up for 2500 with a scotts steering stabalizer, ims tank, rad valve, gnarly pipe, isde turbine core sparky, asv levers, spare fatty pipe with 2 minor dings, stock pipe never used, 2 spare stock tanks, tall seat foam, stock silencer never used, 1 stock shroud used, 1 stock front fender used.  I feel lI got a killer deal and there is no way you could tell me different :p.  Too bad I can't ride this weekend and I will be jonesing for next weekend like a mother! 

SWEET find! Thats a well maintained looking KX5! Looks like the PO really cared about clean...... Doesn't appear to have been ridden much.....
My '01 was pretty much the same scenario.... I bought it in March of '06 off the original owner's nephew, bike was very clean, and get this... still had the stock cheeseball green steel handlebars in UNBENT condition! (Now thats a KX that was never ridden) LOL