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.
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!
Continental US: Iconic has several private shipping partners that criss-cross the country for us. Please email transport@iconicmotorbikes.com or fill out the form at the bottom of this page to request a quote.
Haul Bikes will ship anything sold through Iconic for a starting rate of $750 in the Continental US (prices may increase in rural markets), and Iconic will handle the paperwork on your behalf.
Please note:
spares/extras will have to be shipped separately via FedEx or similar.
the fee includes $15,000 of insurance with a $500 deductible. Additional insurance can be purchased at a cost of $50 per additional $5,000 of value.
California/Nevada/Arizona We are located in Santa Monica, California 90405. On a case-by-case basis, we can transport motorcycles in our van. Please email transport@iconicmotorbikes.com or fill out the form at the bottom of this page to request a quote.
$5,000 for US to Europe/Asia is a VERY ROUGH ballpark which includes transport as well as customs fees and duties. Please contact Shippio for an exact quote.
