KX500 help needed

[Bikeaholic]

Can anyone tell me if the 87 KX500 frame is close to the 88  KX500. Would I be able to use an 88 frame to swap all the 87 gear over to it without too much trouble. Reason being 87 frames seem hard to find but there are a few 88 frames on evil bay at the moment
Also does anyone know what colour blue was used on the 81  SR500 frame and engine. It looks like a dark blue but I need to know what the colour is called. Thought I'd re-post this question here and try my luck

[holeshot buddy]

most parts will swap over
air box could be different
tank will fit side plates mount up different i think
engine and pipe and muff ok
should be able to make it work
not sure on colour of sr frame dark violet blue sortof

[Stan S]

Can anyone tell me if the 87 KX500 frame is close to the 88  KX500. Would I be able to use an 88 frame to swap all the 87 gear over to it without too much trouble. Reason being 87 frames seem hard to find but there are a few 88 frames on evil bay at the moment
Also does anyone know what colour blue was used on the 81  SR500 frame and engine. It looks like a dark blue but I need to know what the colour is called. Thought I'd re-post this question here and try my luck

[JohnnyO]

I think that's the '80 model SR Stan, the blue is a lot darker on the '81.

[Davey Crocket]

I think the blue on the airbox cover is closer....it was like a dark royal blue.....didnt the japs lose the plot in the 80's and 90's with there colors. Hey JohnnyO, that dark blue Yamaha first went to about 96? 97? would be close to the Kwaka blue dont ya think? maybe?

[monaro308]

Out of curiousity/stupidity,what bolted up to the barrel in that pic?

[Davey Crocket]

A plastic cover to  help cooling  like on the Yamaha WR500's years later I think?

[Nathan S]

Can anyone tell me if the 87 KX500 frame is close to the 88  KX500. Would I be able to use an 88 frame to swap all the 87 gear over to it without too much trouble. Reason being 87 frames seem hard to find but there are a few 88 frames on evil bay at the moment

The motor itself will bolt in. There might be a small hassle with the radiator hose that runs between the bottom of the LHS radiator and the cylinder head, but its definitely not a show-stopper.

I can't talk sensiby about the other stuff, but I reckon Holeshot Buddy's lists sounds right.

The 88/89 KX500 was basially unchanged right through to the end in 2003 (or whenever it was) - so there's a ton of parts out there for that model, making them very easy to live with.
The 88/89 KX500 also shares a lot of parts with the 88/89 KX250, some parts with the 88/89 KX125, and even some with the 89~94 KDX200.
If I was in your position, I'd make it into an 88 or 89 model bike.

Mario, I reckon it was an air scoop.

[JohnnyO]

DC that '97 Yamaha frame blue would be close, i did my KX in a dark blue Ford engine colour but's it's still a shade too light.

[monaro308]

Nathan thats what i thought but it was too obvious and may get in the way of a boot when sticking the foot out.
I lost my way with MX bikes towards the late 80's and didn't realise the KX500 was still around upto year 2000+
Having ridden only 1 bigbore in my lifetime (a KX500)it was an absolute animal for me being about 68kgs back then but i will never forget it...kudos to everyone that rides any bigbore
Mind you i did own an 88 or 89 KX250 (keep forgetting which year )
That had an FANTASTIC motor,bottom/mid range power EVERYWHERE,even the yank mags raved on about the donk.
Back to normal transmission --------> engine colour

[Bikeaholic]

Thanks for the help guys.
I've found an 87 KX500 that has had some very dodgy frame rail repairs plus is missing a couple of things. Seems a shame to leave it sitting there covered in dust. Fair chance I'll be able to acquire it as the owner says he now has no interest in bikes.
As for the blue colour for the 81 SR500 I tried some VHT Ford dark blue today and I think that will be as close as I'll get for a heatproof paint. Will then get the same colour made up in 2 pack for the frame. I'm putting together a 82 KX250B1's for next year's Viper and thought I'd make the old girl look a bit special. I have a twin plug head & another modified one for it which were on the Gunter/Williams B1's way back then. About time some more green appeared amongst the sea of yellow bikes. Hopefully the KX will be finished in time. Don't want to have to suck eggs and pull the RM out of retirement.
If anyone has a twin plug KX500 coil they want to sell let me know