88 K5 Project

[Watercross]

Picked up a 1988 KX500 a few weeks ago and just started the cleanup. Here are a few pics of the Motor so Far, just went threw the Bottom end, split the cases, new Crank, seals and Gaskets. Also, Baking Soda Blasted the Cyl and head before it goes in for bore/hone, just wanted to post my progress

[tunster]

I too just got a 88 kx5 to restore.My bottom end is jammed and i havent had time to split it yet but will get to it soon.Let me know about your progress and if you find anything interesting or troublesome.motor looks good bye the way.

[Watercross]

My bottom end Looked MINT, so far the only thing I need to find is One Power valve. I found one tooth is missing and I would prefer not to use it. Prob is they don't make them anymore for 88 down, seems like no one has them in stock either. Used or there is a guy on here that has made a few over in Europe.

[dirk_diggler]

Good luck with the project.

Look forward to more pictures.

[matzilla]

Good luck with the projects guys. My 88 project is finally done and really rips. Just need it to warm up around here so I can ride longer without freezing to death. But this thing is violent. Wheelies from a rolling stop in third gear on hard ground. Tons of power. Too much for the catbox of a field nextdoor. Hard to get out of third. Planning a woods ride with a friend, so maybe I'll have some new stories soon. If you go through your trans and find rounded dogs on the gears you might check into RD Gear in Florida. They did my whole transmission. Repaired the dogs, race cut, fluxed, and cryo'd it all. Shifts like a dream now. All for about 500 with shipping. I would have needed 6 gears if they couldn't repair, and some of them are no longer available.

[Friar-Tuck]

    Sounds great!
  We ride primarily single track where I'm at in Northern Ca.
     If it feels like a bit too much on the trails, think about re-gearing (sprockets) .
 Oh yea... Throttle control...throttle control... I remember trying to hang on and twisting the throttle, the tighter I hung on the more throttle would twist....
      Squeezing the tank with your knees frees up your arms a bit from the Death Grip.
  Can't let go of the throttle and every bump cracks open the throttle, eee  gads....
 I was hooked on the power but didn't have a clue how to control it!!!
     Probably not where you're at, but those were the days...
 I never thought I could put together a dirt bike that would scare me like that...
   Have I mentioned Throttle Control?? 
 Tuck\o/

[hughes]

Looks to be a great project. Can't wait to see more photo's.

[Watercross]

Made some prog. and got the motor put together

[Watercross]

Few more pics of progress, hope to get her done and fire up by the weekend.

[kaw rider]

Nice sx-r you got there. what region do you run.

[matzilla]

that 88 looks different than my 88.  I have a silver sub frame, and conventional forks.  what year are those from?

[Polar-Bus]

Watercross, your bike is not an '88 it's gotta be like a 92 or newer. Your bike has cartridge inverted forks. (Unless someone updated your 88's conventional forks to inverted units). What's the 10th VIN digit stamped in the frame ?

[Watercross]

opppps I should have updated you guys that I put my 88 motor in a newer Roller!!

kaw rider, I Race Reg. 6, follow the APBA National Tour and some IJSBA stuff like Worlds this year, Just picked up New SJ's for next year. Do you Race or ride??

[Watercross]

Few more pics, Im getting close to starting her for the first time. I think she is looking good, waiting for my Black Rims and Black hand Guards to set it off. Ill post more pics once the wheels and guards are on.

[RoostDaddy]

nice project, looks good. 
I see you're into jetskis , so I'd assume you are familiar with Eric Malone (the great freestyle ride).   CBXracer and myself do a lot of business at Eric's dads Kawasaki dealership.  Its located within 5 min. from our homes.