Maintenance & Technical > KX500 Original

General KX500 questions

(1/3) > >>

Marc S:
After a 20+ year absense from dirt bike riding I decided to buy a KX500. Although I am not new from driving high horsepower cars and street bikes (I drag race a blown alcohol dragster and a Z1R drag bike). I am questioning if I made a good bike choice for getting back into the sport. I figure it will be a good way to stay in good shape as long as I don't go to crazy at first. My problem is, I am very competitive. My wife thinks It would be safer for me to jump off the 2nd story roof of the house onto the driveway.

I have two questions;

1-The bikes gearing is 14/52, is this to low a gearing for woods and fire service road riding?

2-What basic advise can you give me about this bikes handling and power so I don't get over my head.

demographic:
Standard gearing on them is 14/47.

As I have 17" tyres on mine and ride it on the road its currently on 16/47 so thats not much help y=to you.

KXcam22:
Marc,
  14/52 is pretty low but still would be fine for bushriding.  I find with the torque that going super low is not necessary.  I run 14/48 and will to 14/49 next time I need a sprocket. Sometime is can be usefull to get a flywheel weight until you get used to the power.  Handling is extrememly stable, turns well by weighting the pegs.  Tire choice for your local can make a big difference. Cam.

Polar-Bus:

--- Quote from: Marc S on March 06, 2007, 06:11:08 AM ---After a 20+ year absense from dirt bike riding I decided to buy a KX500. Although I am not new from driving high horsepower cars and street bikes (I drag race a blown alcohol dragster and a Z1R drag bike). I am questioning if I made a good bike choice for getting back into the sport. I figure it will be a good way to stay in good shape as long as I don't go to crazy at first. My problem is, I am very competitive. My wife thinks It would be safer for me to jump off the 2nd story roof of the house onto the driveway.

I have two questions;

1-The bikes gearing is 14/52, is this to low a gearing for woods and fire service road riding?

2-What basic advise can you give me about this bikes handling and power so I don't get over my head.

--- End quote ---

Sounds like your 500 was geared a bit towards technical woods riding. I am geared 14/49 and it's far more easier to ride in the woods at slower speeds. The larger the tooth count in the rear, the less the top speed, and the greater the "reviness" you will feel with the engine.

hughes:
I run 14/49 and it great for tight trails and hill climbs and still rips down the open roads. I like the 14/49 best for me it allows me to use 2nd and 3rd gear most. 2nd gear for bustin out a turn in the woods and thrid for the faster sections in the woods. I will tend to lug the bike alittle in thrid gear and it seems to work good for me, traction is better. I will be installing a flywheel weight soon just for the stalling issues for 1st gear tight tight trails, but I might like the power spead better after installing it.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page