1989 KX500 - what does a new owner need to know?

[Hoony]

no i didn't buy a big Mean Greenie a mate has.

what does he need to look for, setup fix etc.

it's a 1989 KX500 what ever model that is ( a C something or other, buggered if i know how Kwak's did their model run)

Holeshot, JohnnyO,  The Tedmeister, Jobe' anyone ?

[JohnnyO]

That's more Holeshot's era .. he should be along soon after his nap

[Hoony]

 

[holeshot buddy]

yes i need a nanna nap now and then

89 500 is it a us model or oz
bikes are basically bullet proof jet them right then leave them alone
linkages and bushes same as any other bike of that era
keep an eye on water pump seal (water in gearbox) not a big deal
but they do do them sort out your gearing good tyres and bars
shocks and forks are ok when set up 100mm sag on shock
if you have barrel off set up power valves so they close correctly none of them do
you need a longer stopper bolt on side of barrel (allen key)
bigger footpegs late model kx450 or yz450
you can put a pipe on looks good but most people wont notice
the extra 5 inches longer in there arms
very reliable and fun scab a ride hoony you will like them
back to my nanna nap

[Hoony]

Thanks Holey, i knew you would have some good info.

i fully intend to have a ride on the Big Greenie, i have never ridden a one, in fact i don't recall ever riding a KX at all  must rectify that.

[Nathan S]

If its an Aussie one with USD forks, they're fundamentally crap. Think hard before pouring money into trying to fix them.
If its a US model with the 46mm RWU forks, then congratulate him on having the best Pre-90 forks available.

Spring rates are very soft by modern standards - if he's built like a typical VMXer, they'll probably be too soft.

As HSB said, they're a very easy bike to live with.

[Hoony]

Thanks Nathan

[Tim754]

Make good sidecar....

[holeshot buddy]

hey hoony if he is a good rider and wants it
set up good take it to simon he will sort it out

[Hoony]

Yes he can ride, but a bit rusty as he is a late 70's - 80's man like us getting back into it after a loooooong break doing the family thing

[Marc.com]

Yes he can ride, but a bit rusty as he is a late 70's - 80's man like us getting back into it after a loooooong break doing the family thing

hmmm picked a good welcome back bike..... hope doesn't wear dentures, KX 500 will get any dentistry chattering.

my own vaguely dazed looking back open class 2 stroke rating has KTM520 as the best with KX500 toward the back but nowhere as dire as the WR500 horror I inflicted on myself.