Newbie KX500 rider in upstate NY

[D0N]

Hey guys... D0N here. 44 YRO guy in upstate NY. I've been looking for a big bore on/off road bike for a couple months. I almost bought a YZ450 but then I found this 02 KX500.  The previous owner somehow got it titled for the street in NY state. It's got all the necessary electricals to get an inspection sticker.

My last dirt bike was a 97 XR600. I've never owned a KX or ridden a 500cc 2 stroke... so this should be fun when I dig it out of the basement in the spring.

I'm going to take it apart, clean everything and replace any parts that need replacing. It runs great so I won't have to get into the engine now.

Here's some pics.

[sandblaster]

Good find.
If I ever find one in my area, it will be assimilated into the collective 

[Friar-Tuck]

 Hey Don,
 Welcome aboard, Your bike looks to be in great shape.  I can't wait to get the first ride report! 
  Just remember, Throttle control !   If she's jetted close and you whack open the throttle like the old XR its gonna be a short ride...   All kidding aside,  I remember the first time I got to ride a big two smoke.  It was a Clapped out YZ490.
  I was Hooked...  I still get that same ear to ear grin under my lid just like its the first time all over again!
    Glad to have you with us,
   Tuck\o/

[D0N]

Thanks guys.

I picked up a pair of Excel gold rims laced with oversized spokes by "RTR precision wheel lacing", a pair of kenda trakmaster II DOT knobby tires, new HD tubes and a bunch of other new parts.




I've been gearing up for safety too.    I picked up an Arai XD3 helmet and an EVS G5 ballistic armored jersey. The helmet is the same one that Charlie and Ewan used in "the long way" movies. I wanted one ever since I saw those movies. Will be getting the rest of the MX gear soon.

[Danger4u2]

Don,
I bought an Arai (Tour XD) helmet because Shoei did not have theirs in production at the time I needed a helmet.  My Arai helmet sucks.  It fits nice but the buckles are so far up in the helmet it's VERY hard to strap it on.  My biggest complaint is the face shield.  When you get to 25/30 mph it slaps shut.  This can be very dangerous in foggy/cold or wet conditions.  I removed the shield to use it as a motocross helmet with goggles.  A standard sized goggle does not fit the hole very well.  Another suck point! 
I called Arai to complain about the shield and was told it was designed that way to keep from getting your eye put out.  I guess not being able to see is not a concern of theirs.
http://www.araiamericas.com/default.aspx?pageid=57#/helmets/moto/xd3

  The minute the Shoei (Hornet-DS) came onto the market I bought one.  The fit is the same as an Arai but the buckles are easy to strap and unstrap.  The shield is the best part, it stays open anywhere you want it.  I'm so happy with the Shoei, I use it as my primary helmet, even when riding the Concours street bike.  http://www.shoei-helmets.com/Helmet.aspx?Hornet-DS&h=16&t=1

I did not want to influence you against the Arai if they have corrected the suck points.  I bought both helmets in 2007.  So I got on the net to get their phone number to give them a call about the shield.  Guess what, they don't publish their number on their official site.  My guess is they got tired of all the complaint calls.

As far as I am concerned, Shoei is leap and bounds better than the Arai.  Shoei has better customer support and they publish their number.
I suggest you go to Cycle Gear to try each helmet on before dropping $500 bucks .

[D0N]

D4U2 thanks for that info. The XD3 is an updated version of the earlier XD. Maybe they listened to XD owners complaints and redesigned some things on the XD3.

The reason I got this helmet instead of an MX helmet is because I don't want to use goggles. I think goggles are a pain in the arse.

I think the shield shutting by itself at 25-30mph might actually be a plus for me. Then, I won't have to do it manually.  I doubt they designed it that way though. They're probably just saying that now that the issue has come to light.

The buckles being hard to access may bother me.

I like shoei helmets and have always had them. The arais usually fit me better. I'm using a quantum on the street. The RF900 only gets used if I take a passenger.

[meangreen]

I had some similar issues with other helmets - what I did was install the quick connect hardware to the existing strap to make it easier to fasten.  It also puts the connection in a more reasonable position.

[meangreen]

By the way, Welcome!  I am new myself, but the guys here are great and absolute experts of the KX500 in every aspect.

Ben

[D0N]

Hey MG - I use those qwik connectors too.  They're easier to use with gloves on.

[D0N]

I took the head off today... sending it out for the decompression mod. I cleaned a little carbon off the piston top and ended up with this.



The head gasket is rubber coated steel and looks fine. Can I reuse it?

On bikebandit they list 2 head gaskets for the 02 kx5. One is $26 and the other is $49. Anyone know what's the difference between the two?

The only place I could find the side covers is on bikebandit. Very pricey at $56 each. 

It seems that no one makes graphics for the 02 kx5 anymore?  Any advice on where to get graphics? I need just the gas tank and shroud graphics. The seat is getting a new black gripper cover installed.

FX says they haven't made my current graphics in 5+ years. 

The bike is cleaning up nicely.

[Rooster452]

Welcome to the site Don. Very nice bike! Bob with RTR wheel is great. I use him for all of my wheel jobs. Post some pictures when you get the wheels on her!

[D0N]

I got the XD3 today. Fits great. I like it just wearing it around the house. Hopefully its as nice while riding. 

[Friar-Tuck]

  Gettn' -r- Done Don!
Good on ya!   Thanks for posting up the pic's and checking in!
  Tuck\o/

[Danger4u2]

I'm curious to hear your vote on the buckles and face shield on the updated version of my '07 helmet.

[D0N]

I haven't had a chance to ride with the helmet (winter in NY sux) so I don't know if the shield flips closed at speed.

I do agree with you that the buckles are hard to access. I could never undo or fasten the buckle on this XD3 with gloves on. Actually, I've never been able to manipulate any of my helmets buckles with gloves on. 

I bought one of these off ebay and think it will alleviate the problem. These things are great. I can fasten & unfasten with gloves on. I have used one for years on my last arai street helmet.




The tires & tubes arrived today. I'm just waiting on a new rim lock for the rear wheel and then I'll take everything to my guy for mounting and balancing.



These DOT tires are beefy!