1988 Kawasaki KX500

Description

Additional photos are available here for your perusal.

Upon its introduction back in 1983, the KX500 was instantly polarizing. It was the biggest bike in its class and boasted an excellent suspension setup — but a substandard combustion chamber made the big green earthmover unreliable.

Accordingly, Kawi set about implementing improvements year after year. In 1985, the KX got a more dependable liquid-cooled engine, in ’86, it became the first 500cc motocross bike with a power valve system, and by ’87, the two-stroker was going toe-to-toe with Honda in the sand leading to an incredible Baja run in the 1990s.

For more info on what makes the big KX special, check out this review on Off-Roading Pro.

This example is VIN: JKAHXVE19MA004500, Engine #: KX500BE015573. The seller acquired the bike from his brother-in-law 30 years ago.

During his ownership, the seller estimates that he has covered approximately 3,000 miles. There is no odometer, true mileage is unknown.

Maintenance:
The seller reports that he had the carb rebuilt.

In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection. Our service department notes the following in their condition report:

Tire Year Front/ Rear: N/A
Tire % Front/ Rear: 10 / 10
Tire Press Front/ Rear: N/A, Bib Mousse or similar
Brake % Front/ Rear : 80/30
Hydraulic: Dark >3% Moisture
Oil: LEVEL: OK, QUALITY: BLACK
Coolant: OK
Low Beam:NA
High Beam:NA
Turn:NA
Tail Light:NA
Brake Light:NA
Plate Light:NA
Kill:OK
Horn:NA
Fork:OK
Shock/s:OK
Final Drive: NEEDS REPLACEMENT
Battery: NA
Notes:
• GAS CAP NIPPLE BROKEN OFF
• GAS CAP SEAL BROKEN NEEDS REPLACEMENT
• NO REAR BRAKE PRESSURE

RECOMMEND:
• TIRES
• CHAIN
• HYDRO X2
• OIL
• REPLACE GAS CAP

Modifications:
Answer Racing pipe.

Inside of the tank.

It is riding on Dunlop tires that have aged out.

Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:

Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Kawasaki is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any KX500 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!