Maintenance & Technical > KX500 Original

Most potent year?

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greenstreak:
I have 2 KX500's.  A few months ago I bought a 2003, and last weekend I got a 1987 model.  I have not been able to ride the '87 in the dirt yet and just wondered what years had the most power?  I know which of the Honda CR500's were hot and which were not. Just curious if anyone had any info, or opinions  about this? 

sandblaster:
That is a great question.
I can't wait to see the answers from other members.
I do not have any HP figures but i have owned and rode nearly every year of KX500.
So, what I am saying is these are my impressions and based on basically stock bikes.
When you hit the pipe I feel that the 89-04 are all the same and seem to be faster than the 85-88.
The 85 felt the least powerful.
If you own a 85 don't squeal, it's only my impression.
86-88 all felt the same and fall in the middle.
There again it is only my impression.
On the 89-04 what seems to be the biggest factor is the state of the engine.
How good is the top end, seals, jetting, ect.
So, who really knows the real facts, I'm all ears  :-D

Motorrad:
87   due to the porting and ignition system (light)... it always felt the fastest to me (butt dyno)..

now. does it make more power?  better power?  who knows...    the 88-04 has a smoother powerband, so it could be decieving..

I still vote 87..   stock vs stock

kwakman:
my 86 eats my friends cr5(apparently tuned, by a muppet methinks but hes loaded and wont be told) even with knackered crankbearings and seals before i pulled it down.If you look at the port timing (theres a thread on here) the 86 has the longest ex port duration but the shortest transfer duration and highest comp ratio, and a 40mm carb over the 87's 38mm.I will be sorting the porting to give it more transfer duration and have a few other tricks up my sleeve and think it will kick ass when done so I vote B2.But I am ever so slightly biased. :-D

sandblaster:

--- Quote from: kwakman on October 25, 2010, 09:01:50 PM ---my 86 eats my friends cr5(apparently tuned, by a muppet methinks but hes loaded and wont be told) even with knackered crankbearings and seals before i pulled it down.If you look at the port timing (theres a thread on here) the 86 has the longest ex port duration but the shortest transfer duration and highest comp ratio, and a 40mm carb over the 87's 38mm.I will be sorting the porting to give it more transfer duration and have a few other tricks up my sleeve and think it will kick ass when done so I vote B2.But I am ever so slightly biased. :-D

--- End quote ---

Engine state and mods being equal a CR500 will not touch a K5 for brute power.
I have owned and raced about every year of K5 and CR500.
For you CR500 owners out there, I'm not saying it isn't a good bike because I always liked mine, but I am saying that in a straight line, up hill, down hill, or just flat out, the K5 kicks the CR500 into the weeds  :-D

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