1987 kx 500 jetting

[K5DADDY]

I am new to this site and have tried the search but only seem to find the newer bikes with flat slides specs. Anyone on here have any tips or specs for an old school 87 with round slide mikuni. The bike is all stock now and i trail ride it at sea level to 1000'. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks, Scott

[dsrtrider]

this is from procircuit site http://procircuit.com/jettingspecs.htm#1984to1989:

1984-1989

only have it for 1989 on this site                   
MODEL     MAIN PILOT NEEDLE POS
KX500 - - - - -           
Pro Circuit 170 60 STD 3RD 1 1/2           

i couldnt find anything on team green site

[K5DADDY]

Thanks for the reply. I saw that on pro circuits page but I believe that is also a flst slide. Currently my bike has a 350 main and a 40 pilot. According to the local dealer a 360 main was stock with a 35 pilot. Just wanted to see what everyone else was running with these older carbs. The bike seems to lack alittle low end but pulls like a freight train up top. Again thanks for the reply.

[hughes]

I had an 87 500 that I restored and had some issues with that carb. The carb is a Mikuni VM38. The info you got from the dealer is correct as far as the main and pilot jet. The problem I ran into was nobody knows anything about this carb, it appears to be a one off type carb made for Kawasaki. I contacted Mikuni and they were unable to help with this carb as far as jetting is concerned. Mikuni still makes a VM38 but the jet #'s don't match what's in the 87 model carb and Mikuni was unable to cross reference the jet #'. I was able to buy pilots and mains but the biggest issue was the needle jets are no longer available. The needle jet would let you tune the 1/4 throttle through 1/2 throttle settings. I was able to get the carb some what jetted o.k by playing with the main and pilot and pilot screw adjustment along with proper float height adjustments. Your best bet might be to find a ebay carb from the 89 or newer 500's, but you might need to get the throttle control and the throttle cable will be different.

[hughes]

Here's a photo of my bike 2 years after complete restore. I rode this bike every weekend and loved it but it's long gone now. 

[K5DADDY]

Thanks Hughes for the reply and by the way what a beautiful bike! You have given me something to shoot for. I just got mine and it is in good shape but I already have plans to tear it down and start with a frame job this winter. As for now I will continue to play with the round slide carb as I would like to keep it. Like I said the bike runs great but i was looking to clean her up just a bit. Ahhhh the relentless pursuit of perfection. I  did put 1 heat range hotter plug in it ( a 7 instead of the book recommended . If anyone else has any tips or suggestions I would love to hear them. This is my first 500. I have previously always rode kx 250's. Thanks again!

[hughes]

Here I was about 50% done. I was going for the factory/stock look for an 87 500.

[K5DADDY]

I am starting to think my bike needs a good freshining up or the KIPS checked over and not the jetting messed with so much. Its just not as impressive as it should be. I still love the bike and will get it there, itjust might take me a season. With all the info available on here I just dont see how with a little time I cant make her scream like she should. As I stated before I am new to the site and am blown away by how many guys love these 500's. What a awesome site!