Maintenance & Technical > KX500 Original

Is this KX 500 for me?

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Ramski:
I WANT AN AUTO CLUTCH!!! :)

John:
I beg to differ. With the risk of sounding like a wuss...

The 'issue' with the KX5 is related to the power, or rather the way the power is delivered. If this is your first dirt bike ever, don't go KX5. Start off with a KDX or a similar bike. I think you will enjoy that more unless you have the same power craving like most people in this forum.

I'll try to explain the rationale behind this:

The KX5 is one of the most powerful dirt bikes you can lay your hands on. As mentioned above; throttle control is key with this machine. When you get tired and have arm pump it is not easy - and it becomes dangerous - to have 60 crazy hp controlled with your right hand. The KX5 delivers power in a very brutal (on/off) fashion. Look at the power and torque curves and you will understand.

This is not a beginners bike and there is a good reason people (including 500+ four stroke riders) have respect for it.

Again, my advice would be to buy a less powerfull bike (still, with enough torque) and learn how to ride on dirt  - and how to enjoy it. When you are comfortable with this bike you can get a more powerfull machine that matches your skills and could make you go faster.

I also have a KX125. It delivers enough HP most of the time but obviosly lacks the KX5 grunt in the lower rpm's. This forces me to change gears and always keep it in high rews. You will adjust your riding techniques to the power of the bike you are riding. The same is also the true if you are scared of the power. The result is that you won't be using all the power - which means that you will ride slower than you should on a less tempramental bike.

That was a lot of text...

//John

Ramski:
As a first bike the KX500 is probably not the best choice.  Simply because it makes you really lazy.  I can't even ride a 250 or a 125 for that matter anymore.  I don't know how to use the clutch to ride anything smaller than a 500.  When i do ride a 250, I run out of gears real quick.

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