Maintenance & Technical > KX500 Original

kx500 power opinions

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DoldGuy:
Tharden,
An article you might be interested in.

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/276/1865/Motorcycle-Article/2009-Yamaha-YZ250-2-Stroke-Bike-Test.aspx

Hillclimb#42:
 I don't know how anyone can say for sure. I hillclimb a 250 and the 500. Often, I am faster on the 250. I don't think the power is the same at all. The 500 clearly has more ponies at the wheel. Traction, ergonomics, suspension and of course rider skill, all play a part.  Even when I lay down a flawless ride on the 500, its not seconds faster, more like a tenth. Once your motor is running well, gearing is where its at. Optimum gearing choices change with every changing condition. Tire choice is another big factor. I would sell the flywheel weight to a tight woods rider, and ditch the reed spacer also, if you have one. I don't know about throwing a 15 on there, but I definately agree that the 500 can pull taller gearing than your buddies 250 will ever pull. I also agree that once you hit third, you should have all the speed you need to win, it would still be affected by your gearing choice as to when and how it got you to third.

DoldGuy:
14/47 equals 3.357
14/48 equals 3.428
15/48 equals 3.2
14/44.8 equals 3.2

Polar-Bus:

--- Quote from: Hillclimb#42 on May 12, 2009, 11:53:30 PM --- I don't know how anyone can say for sure. I hillclimb a 250 and the 500. Often, I am faster on the 250. I don't think the power is the same at all. The 500 clearly has more ponies at the wheel. Traction, ergonomics, suspension and of course rider skill, all play a part.  Even when I lay down a flawless ride on the 500, its not seconds faster, more like a tenth. Once your motor is running well, gearing is where its at. Optimum gearing choices change with every changing condition. Tire choice is another big factor. I would sell the flywheel weight to a tight woods rider, and ditch the reed spacer also, if you have one. I don't know about throwing a 15 on there, but I definately agree that the 500 can pull taller gearing than your buddies 250 will ever pull. I also agree that once you hit third, you should have all the speed you need to win, it would still be affected by your gearing choice as to when and how it got you to third.

--- End quote ---

Interesting post.
I'd be willing to bet you are "almost" as fast on a 250cc H/C for two reasons: 1) being chassis weight, i'll bet the KX500 has a good 20 lbs over your 250... (and 20 lbs that you are trying to drag almost verticle up a hill )   :(
2) "flickability", i'll also bet the 250 is way easier to keep charging straight up the nasty hill. KX500's are SO top heavy. Kinda like trying to get a bull to change directions quickly.... 

tharden:
I have enjoyed reading the post and would like to know what kind of techniques are good to develop when drag racing the kx500.  I am always willing to learn and any knowledge that is offered is appreciated.

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