New KX500 rider in Arizona

[birkedahl]

So...   I got a wild hair a couple weeks ago to get an older 500 two stroke - either a CR500 or KX500.  The only dirt riding I'd been doing was on my 93' KLX650C (dual sport).  That bike was actually a pretty good dual sport, but taking it dirt riding on anything mildly challenging quickly exposes its weaknesses (waaaay too heavy and awful rear suspension).   

So the KLX was sold and I found a nice looking 89' KX500 on Craigslist - which I bought.  Only problem was - it's an 87' and not an 89' (grrrr....)  I didn't know the subtle differences between 87 and 89 at the time I bought it.  I now see why the guy put it in as an 89' since the engine parts are easier to get for that one and therefore an 89 is worth more than an 87..  The good news is that the 87' seems to be in very good shape in everything I've checked out so far, and it runs really strong.. 

[blueoval]

Welcome to the site.  You will find this site to be very useful.

[Friar-Tuck]

  BIrkedahl,
  That bike looks to be in pretty good shape from here. 
 My first big two stroke came in several boxes and was an '85...
   I know it's a challenge finding good old parts, but there is something kind of neat about going out on an old schooler and spanking a brand new $7500.00 bike...
   O.K.  so only if it was in a drag Race...
    I ended up using the old CR for a back up and then got a 2000 Kx 500.
 I spent way more on the old bike than I should have looking back...
            In any Case.. Good to have you with us!
  Tuck\o/

[Just an old rider]

Don't feel bad I bought a 98 kx 5 and ended up with a 95 with a 93 motor but they all run the same and that is all that maters...    Good luck with the 5 hundie

[greenstreak]

I have a 87 Kx500 and a 03 KX500, and love them both.  They are a bit different and I tend to ride the old one a little ore than the newer one.  The old one is lower, so I can touch both feet on the ground better.  I had them both out a couple weeks ago and my riding buddy and I drag raced them on pavement and the old KX jumped out a little quicker than the newer bike.  The newer bike soon overpowered the old one.  Suspension on the 03 is much  better than the 87 of course.  Like I said, I love them both, still not sure which one I prefer.