The Cult of the KX500: Keeping Kawasaki's two-stroke KX alive!

The legendary Kawasaki KX500 lives on thanks to people like KX500 Tech's Steve Wells who makes and sells engine parts for the mighty green machine. From gearbox parts to clutches and factory-style engine cases and modified cylinders, he is keeping the KX dream alive.
We ride two of his awesome bikes, a stock-framed KX500 and a fully-rebuilt perimeter-framed bike like the 1990 factory machine bristling with works parts.
Listen to the details of how these bikes can be improved and built from the man who knows them better than anyone else.
Crank up the volume as the sweet-sounding smokers are put through their paces by Steve And MotoHead's Dave Willet at the old-school Sellindge track as the differences between the two machines are probed and explained.

[@MrKdr500]

In 1988 as a 15yr old apprentice boilermaker i purchased a Brand new KX250 & KX500 and of all the bikes i have raced/owned the KX500 has always had a special place in my heart, I'm very lucky to have been in a position where i didn't have to sell it and it sits proudly in my man cave today.... I get offers all the time from people wanting to buy it.

[@diehard2033]

We're. Us from mate?

[@jacobhendrickson8935]

Wow so awesome!! I’ve always wanted a kx500. I did have the YZ 490 back in the early 90s it was a beast.

[@peanutbutterisfu]

I’ve never had a 500 but I want one. I wish I didn’t sell the bikes I had when I was younger considering how expensive they are now. I mean 25 years ago I could walk into my local Yamaha/Kawasaki dealer and buy a like 6 or 7 year old yz 250 in great shape for 1000 bucks. Now if I wanted to buy a 92 yz 250 in great shape your gonna pay more then what they were new. In 2005 I sold a mint condition 1996 rm 250 that had thousands of dollars in high end parts it was built for racing and sold for 1,000 bucks and it wasn’t a quick sale it took a month. Now a 1996 rm 250 is 2500 - 3000 bucks for a stock bike not a race ready bike like I had and probably not in as good shape as mine was.

[@yamaharaptor01able]

Awesome man,don't ever ever sell it. I have 1990 and 1993's and i love them!😎

[@jameyconrad2739]

As a kx500 owner,thanks so much for doing what you can to keep these old bikes alive👍👍👍

[@Sidewindergsxr]

I recently purchased a 99 kx500 with one of your 2 piece clutch cases & the bike has been beautifully fully restored...it's ported & polished as well as the cases with a custom compression release built into the engine block at the push of a button, has forged internals & bored over to a 530cc with billet accessories from top to bottom, it's a absolute monster & i plan to never sell it & hope my boy's will appreciate it as much as i do💚....Thanks for making this video & keeping the 500 2 strokes alive my friend.

[@crashtestpanda]

Really enjoyed watching this. Seeing the joy in both of them talking about the bikes was awesome.

[@68mustangmustang77]

It's great to see these machines being saved. Love them. 4 strokes will never do it for me ! 🍻👍 long live the 2 banger!

[@randykresge4184]

Thanks for keeping the old Kawasaki bikes alive . I have resurrected my 1991 kx250-h. It is awesome. And the younger guys that I ride with are a little jealous. Keep the green machines alive.

[@perryanderson5642]

Same for my 1990 KX250. Jealousy is the Proper Word.

[@chrisbatstone9742]

Miss the glory big bore 500cc bikes gps where magical times 2 strokes forever guys wonderful

[@roberthughes8428]

A classic 500 With gorgeous Sound.

[@hamishmunro1307]

Watching this from NZ, and great to see the passion that is still out there for the 2 strokes worldwide, have a 04 KX250 and 94 KDX250 in the shed myself.

[@bypcustommotorised6347]

I also have a 90 mod kdx200 how awesome would a kdx500 been....😮

[@Mystik3Al]

great vidoe cheers guys. I am just finishing a 1994 KX 500 engine into a 2006 RMX450 chassis conversion. Looking forward to testing it out and scaring myself shitless.

[@blackwarrior4426]

have owned five KX 500s, and still own three. I'll be 63 in a couple weeks. No there not four sale!

[@crystylshuffler5276]

Beast

[@coffeeleg1]

i know how you feel, im 58 and own a cr 500 and I will never sell it, I cant its just to much fun

[@yamaharaptor01able]

Love it✌ i'm 44 with 2 500's and will keep them till i die no matter what 👍

[@yamaharaptor01able]

@@coffeeleg1 And you'll be hard pressed to find another and if you do,you'll be shelling out some dough for it.

[@wallyhaskett6737]

I used to have a KX 500 and I loved that bike. I wish I still had it today. I would restore it and have it ready to ride other than the face that I'm not able to ride anymore after twenty operations nine of them bein spine operations. At 65 years old I wish I could still ride dirt bikes. I hope you will be able to keep the 500s racing for twenty years and more. I have had the four strokes and for me the two stroke is a clear winner any day of the week. Wish you the best!

[@BraapEffex]

BRAAP MAN APPROVES THIS VIDEO 👍

[@justinsteffen796]

I certainly appreciate both of your devotion to the big bore 2 strokes. My dad had an 1991 KX 500. I used to practice on it ( vs my bike which was a 2003 KX 125). I truly believe it made me as fast as I was, ( wow that was tough to write)!!! It had its vibrations but it ripped. He passed on and had traded the bike a few years prior. I later bought and ride a 1989 YZ 490, its air cooled but a blast to ride. Especially climbing steep hills and mountain passes. I have buddy's that cant keep up on brand new bikes and it grin8ds their gears im sure. Long live the the BIG BORES.

[@jacobhendrickson8935]

I owned a yz490 and it’s still the fastest thing I’ve ever ridden. How much faster are the kx500s??

[@reeferdogbassin7909]

Never rode kawasaki execpt over the parts layin on the track, but i sure appreciate this guy keepin the 500cc two stroke spirit alive! Long live the CR500! and kx500

[@alcopower5710]

Reeferdog Bassin ......that was a low blow lol

[@TheOMGWTFBBQ777]

love it i got a 1989 kx 125 i got going, i bought in pieces and shes well worth the effort . They command respect

[@yamaharaptor01able]

No question 👍 have an 88kx125 and love it! Love the single sided radiator. Don't see that much anymore.

[@markkukla165]

great video and awesome bikes, i use to own a 1984 George Jobe Kawasaki KX 500 works machine many years ago and i loved it, but had to sell it, in 2020 purchased an imported 1986 Kawasaki KX 500 and and have done it right up and am loving it, bike is brilliant been out on it quite a few times, mark from England

[@niconine268]

Respect & gratitude to you two gents

[@stevenowen4150]

Great to see a bloke on a mission and succeeding. Congratulations mate. Iv nearly finished re......polishing my 83 CR 480. It still has her original plastics on her only now they look new again. Aftermarket stuff, pipes plastics are readily available, i stripped her eight years ago to the last nut and bolt, sandblasted the frame and painted and polished EVERYTHING as I put it back together eight years later. 'All i really need now is a base and head gasket and a seat cover and a pipe. Twenty five years ago I rebuilt the gearbox and that was an expensive venture as well as hard to track down gears and other items, selector barrels etc. so i didnt have to worry bout that this time round. I was surprised that the piston, rings and barrel were still like new. Thanks to running Castrol R 30 all its life. The only thing i had to do was change a reed valve. And she needs a new expansion chamber, all readily available. Good to see someone making all this sort of stuff for the big green machines. I wish you success, fame and fortunew x 10 for al your hard work and dedication mate. Good onya.👍👍. Great vid too.

[@crystylshuffler5276]

Rare bike you should b proud

[@drush525]

The bike of all bikes. Does it all when your a large grown ass Man!

[@lawndart188s]

You guys really brought back some fond memories. Thank you!

[@happyraccoon4791]

There's a 1991 kx500 on eBay right now. In England, in museum, buy it now is $7000 ish. I just finished a Complete go thru on my 1998 kx125. And I had Three Cagiva 500's!! C1986. Sold them in 1999

[@jcottrill1691]

I still got my 2000 kx125 I bought 01 hasn't got a part on it at this point that I haven't rebuilt many several times right after I bought it there was an old new 500 at the bike shop for not much more at time I was bummed looking back I would have killed myself now I have 97 KTM300 but I still love my KX the 300 makes me lazy gatta really ride the shit out of a 125.

[@happyraccoon4791]

@@jcottrill1691 well, I'm almost 71. Still have a few years of riding left to do. Just don't stop riding

[@jcottrill1691]

@@happyraccoon4791 was not planning on it I hope I am still throwing my leg over ol bike if I make it that long

[@alwynhancock8446]

Sad too see the Kawasaki two strokes being phased out..awesome machines👍

[@AngelGarcia_420]

I can officially say if they were to bring back the 500 2t back,im selling everything to get 1

[@yamaharaptor01able]

And they'd sell like crazy!!!

[@PaulSmith-wl5jq]

I love my 93 500 and its great to see a video like that brilliant keep up the good work and all the best to you 👍

[@yamaharaptor01able]

I have a 93 and a 90 also. 93 had one of my favorite color/graphics combos of all the years. Always loved the 92 as well👍

[@Whiplover105]

Great Steve Wells, thanks a lot for what you do to keep the big K5 alive. I just think it's the best production MX bike ever made 💚💜🔝

[@joski9030]

It’s definitely not the “best” but very iconic

[@Whiplover105]

@@joski9030 for me it's the best. I mean, production bike nothing about with factory or special bike. 🙂

[@mikehansenHamburg]

It's actually good they never changed it from 88/89 so you get more parts for it. It's almost like a Fender guitar where almost nothing changed over the years haha.

[@perryanderson5642]

I Agree. It's A Beautiful 67 Horsepower Monster! Love that Sound and 2 Stroke Smell.

[@deborahchesser7375]

When you let them go, as we do, dang. Love the KX’s, miss my IT 👍🇺🇸

[@TS50ER]

Judging from all the starting-the-bike-in-driveway-with-one-boot-on videos, I'm gonna go out on a limb and surmise that there are still more 500s out there than people who can ride them.

[@johnthomas6614]

1 Smart Mans Love 4 a Bike. Tht is Really great 4 a great bike. I've had several of diff 500s & they really are Beasts. This was a Awsome Vid. Wick On ✊

[@MrTheguywiththemoney]

Image where we would be if bike companies didnt abandon their customers.

[@_BAD_MERC_]

This guy is awesome!! he delivered EXACTLY what his customers ask for. Just NOBODY does that!

[@jocelynjoosten9606]

Wow!😍the big KX!!! can't wait to fix my 2001 Kx250!

[@dr.hugog.hackenbush9443]

Links? I think my '97 needs that 2-piece clutch cover..

[@steelshotproductions]

Well done Gents.....nice piece.

[@jordanbanner8830]

Brilliant watch on the lunch break 👍😁

[@MotoHead]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@mecalpsha4473]

2 strokes made Motocross (4 strokes) came in and flat-lined it basically ending it. No one wants a 'Nascar' 4 stroke bike engine that cost $3500-$5000 when it goes to pieces much less then resale is pitiful. Also, the 4 strokes are like huge couches.

[@reeferdogbassin7909]

I call them 4 strokes- fairy farts

[@hydro42060]

Nice guys keep up the good work getting a kx500 motor soon for the kx250 94 :) im in australia

[@adrianllagunot]

"If l can keep this bikes on the track for another 10 years..." Somebody buy that man a beer!

[@DaveBegotka]

Raced a KX500 up pikes peak in 99...5th 500 pro

[@pitfit7772]

Beautufull💪😍😍😍old2T is new hype💨💨💨💨

[@justincoats7236]

Wow, if you're building a kx500, this is the guy to talk to.

[@eduardabarros1594]

Big,big Kawasaki!!! Very string,in Portugal,66cv. (horses).

[@canadahasfallen5091]

Genuine happiness. ❤️❤️

[@jamesstewart7224]

It's all very good news 👍keep roosting !

[@haydnsmith5796]

Bubba ?? 😂

[@jamesstewart7224]

@@haydnsmith5796 I wish :)

[@pyroaddictspyroaddicts6757]

KX 500 THE KING OF THE DESERT 🏜 I AM SO LUCKY I OWN A 1991

[@yamaharaptor01able]

Super lucky man,don't EVER sell it!!

[@germanbeer2466]

Awesome

[@bypcustommotorised6347]

Wat a cool story and guy....

[@crystylshuffler5276]

I had a 490 yz and nothing can prepare a person for the raw power of these bikes any 500 or 490 cc it is like nothing else

[@Zombytes]

At the very least someone should make all the parts that currently arent being produced, and assemble and sell full complete bikes. that would be awesome.

[@dennismillus4581]

It would be great to see a KX500af in the mix. The AF or the KTM/KX500 conversion.

[@stevejohnstone1702]

What track are they riding, looks superb.

[@wozza74]

can he do kx85 parts i wanna pass it down as my kids grow ..there not gettin my kx250f any time soon lol

[@wbev_thai1666]

What schoolboy club did Steve ride for , great video

[@Zombytes]

Someone needs to start a motorcycle brand that takes the best of old vintage bikes (the completely mechanic and analog aspect, and easy repair-ability) and combine it with best best of the newer bikes (modern brakes, suspension and maybe seats) and sell them. A lot of people would be interested in buying something like that. You know how i can tell? Its almost impossible to even get your hands on vintage motorcycles these days, and thats cause no one wants to sell em once they have em.. ha

[@salscarpa9959]

Links to website?

[@fourtynine17]

Anybody a idea of how much work is needed to get that engine in a 94-98 chassis?

[@allanturner9902]

A cult because they are the greatest motor ever produced and I have XR650R the only Baja monster that can hang with the KX500. I have to say though I love my pig but I will always love the KX500 forever ❤️ the wheelies are infinite and they will climb hills people swear aren't climbable.

[@rockman49er]

I need a stator and harness for my 98 kx250 you make those

[@egger2500]

YES YES YES

[@mattking4183]

I need some internals how do I get in contact with you

[@smithy17524]

I’ve just put a deposit down on a kx500 after watching this video

[@Tommo47NZ]

Clever....

[@ryno8547]

I have got a kx500 1987 and parts are like rocking horse sh*t

[@manealaughlin8230]

So nice, how i can by a 500cm3 kawasaki please?

[@wisecampmotorcycles8258]

You need to win the lottery first 😂

[@jameswhiteman2337]

Well you could of helped me with my yz250, i no its not a kx and i no its not a 500, but shite i had problems .Gears for a 97 are hard to get cool bikes and vid

[@danielbell5487]

2x proper gentleman ride an fly

[@mikehansenHamburg]

A dragonfly!

[@julsarmijo7836]

Seaking new radiator fins

[@wisecampmotorcycles8258]

Cool video, but why play music over the sound of the bikes 🙄

[@MrFatcraker]

Selling my 2004 kx 500 Dm… I’m in California

[@Hereforfun441]

Wish I had of kept mine, unfortunately I had to eat. Fml

[@pr00shit]

I still dont know what "baik" is.

[@charliecharliecharliecharl8554]

When I see the blue side number plate I think oh that's an 88

[@christiankearns4466]

Proper bikes 2 stroke

[@floydgould4401]

Can you do cr500 gears

[@mikehansenHamburg]

www.kx500tech.com/ Here's the link to the site if anybody's interested. I find the example pictures quite funny 😁

[@HumeAndBean]

You couldn't put you two blokes on a radio show. You both sound the same.

[@dragon291000]

If you don't respect a 500 2stroke it will FU*k you up. ✌

[@andrewacton5885]

When will the manufacturers realize how bad the people want their 500s back

[@mecalpsha4473]

It will have to be *KTM or a EURO manufacturer* as they are the ONLY ones making 2 strokes NEW (not the Yamaha recycled 2000 era 125/250)...

[@dr.hugog.hackenbush9443]

MAICO, available in 440, 500, 620 & 700cc flavors!

[@markkeast6786]

These 80's & '90's bikes are becoming unobtainable to the average Joe because the value of anything 2stroke and big bore has gone thru the roof!! $15-$16k is pretty normal for a Kx or Cr 500 now and prime original one's are $25k+ so you have to be a hard core 2 stroke fanatic to want to spend that kind of money on a 20 to 35 year old bike....🥺 As a teen in the early '90's when 2 strokes reigned you could pick up a sweet 125 for $300 - $400 and a 250 for $700 - $1000 and now 30 years on the exact same 125's are $3000 - $4000 and 250's are $7000 - $10,000!!🙄

[@yamaharaptor01able]

I know it man,it's absolute madness!!!! My days of bringing home $500-$1000 bikes is sadly over. Thank god i managed to hang on to a few two strokes, i'll keep em hanging around and riding them for as long as i can. I have a 1990 kx 500 i paid $800 for and the young kid i bought it from was SHOCKED i wanted to give him full price. That was about 12 yrs ago.

[@markkeast6786]

@@yamaharaptor01able Hell yeah bro!! I'm lucky enough to still have an '83 Rm250 and I still have a basket case'83 Cr480 that I was given for FREE!! I have a new motor built for it already and suspension rebuilding is next on the to do...🤘

[@yamaharaptor01able]

@@markkeast6786 awesome man! Hang on to them both, they are only getting rarer as time goes on. And if you are ever crazy enough to sell them you will be cashing in for sure because they will be worth some dough 👍

[@6AlphaMikeCharlie9]

#KX500CULT

[@schwartzenheimer1]

Why do they talk with a mouthful of marbles?

[@wisecampmotorcycles8258]

Because they are British 😅