Maintenance & Technical > KX500 Original

newer 500 vs. older 500

<< < (3/5) > >>

don46:
At this point in my life it's not about power, at least for me, my ride of choice is a 2011 kx250f, easy to ride and makes good power, the trails I ride are tight and narrow. right now I only have one KX 500, thats the steel framed 250f. I've sold my al framed bike, and in turn built a al framed 250 2t, which I'm going to sell as well. I still have 3 extra 500 motors that I will probably build another al framed bike. I do like the 11 450 as well it is very forgiving and has a good ride. honestly I don't like the stock 500 chassis, I've gotten quite picky, for me if I was going to make a kx500 my primary rider it would be in a newer chassis. I'm 54 and have riden RM 500's ( yeah I'm sure most of you have never heard of them) YZ490 and kx500's and at the end of the day I love the motor and hate the chassis, of course there will be many that will say get the suspension set up and it will be totally different, remember I'm 54, I've already done that and can tell you there is no comparsion. If you have a cherry 500, maybe you should restore it and hang on to it, then make your daily driver a newer framed 500. motorcycles are an addiction, you can't have enough, ever.

kwakman:
Too much is never enough.oh yes indeedy.

bleeding green:
well i ended up finding a nice 96 k5 and bought it. i still have my 87 and unless i cant get the 96 to run as good as my 87 i will probably sell it. any tips or advice on getting the 96 to run strong? going to start playing with it this weekend!

greenstreak:
I have a 1987 and a 2003 KX500 and they are pretty different machines.  The old one is lighter, shorter and seems to be gear shorter.  I like the old one better for riding in rocks and technical terrain.  The newer one is much better at fast stuff.  I love the sidestand on the old bike.  I have had close to 100 bikes already and the 2003 KX500 is the only one I couldn't touch both feet on the ground.

bleeding green:
well that idea didnt last very long. already sold the 96. the newer 500's are not for me. i really tried to like it but the older bike fits me better and certainly is more responsive and faster. i guess i will try and keep the 87 running as long as i can manage to find parts as needed.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page

[*] Previous page