What was the service limit on the KX500 reed valve?
The original KX500 reed valve had a clearance service limit of 0.2 mm (the area which is facing away from the carb) use a thickness gauge to measure this. Whilst you have the cylinder off you can measure two things (but probably not very accurate since any attempt to measure this will be somewhat error prune…)
What is the Kips valve on a KX500?
The KIPS valve is actually three different valves who operates as one unit. They are; left valve, centre valve and right valve. The reference-direction is in front of the bike. The following picture shows all the moving parts of the KX500 KIPS valve year 1989-FF (Picture 4) .
What kind of tools do I need to rebuild a KX500?
Metric spanners and general tools Copper hammer (for the KIPS valve removal) Real fine sandpaper (600) Vernier callipers (for multiple measuring) Feeler strips (for measuring piston ring clearance, not covered by this document) White spirit (for general cleaning)
Are there any issues with the KX500 cylinder?
The following pictures points out some known design issues where the KX500 cylinder tend to break or crack. Intake (Picture1), intake (Picture 2) and exhaust (Picture 3) . If there are cracks in your cylinder you should consider repairing them.
The original KX500 reed valve had a clearance service limit of 0.2 mm (the area which is facing away from the carb) use a thickness gauge to measure this. Whilst you have the cylinder off you can measure two things (but probably not very accurate since any attempt to measure this will be somewhat error prune…)
The KIPS valve is actually three different valves who operates as one unit. They are; left valve, centre valve and right valve. The reference-direction is in front of the bike. The following picture shows all the moving parts of the KX500 KIPS valve year 1989-FF (Picture 4) .
Can you leave the cylinder head on a KX500?
You can optionally leave the cylinder head on the cylinder (eliminates the need for head gasket change). Note that it is harder to properly inspect and clean the cylinder this way. If you never have inspected your cylinder before, you really should lift the head.
Metric spanners and general tools Copper hammer (for the KIPS valve removal) Real fine sandpaper (600) Vernier callipers (for multiple measuring) Feeler strips (for measuring piston ring clearance, not covered by this document) White spirit (for general cleaning)