General > Introductions
Newbie KX500 rider in upstate NY
D0N:
Hey guys... D0N here. 44 YRO guy in upstate NY. I've been looking for a big bore on/off road bike for a couple months. I almost bought a YZ450 but then I found this 02 KX500. The previous owner somehow got it titled for the street in NY state. :evil: It's got all the necessary electricals to get an inspection sticker.
My last dirt bike was a 97 XR600. I've never owned a KX or ridden a 500cc 2 stroke... so this should be fun when I dig it out of the basement in the spring.
I'm going to take it apart, clean everything and replace any parts that need replacing. It runs great so I won't have to get into the engine now.
Here's some pics.
sandblaster:
Good find.
If I ever find one in my area, it will be assimilated into the collective :-o
Friar-Tuck:
Hey Don,
Welcome aboard, Your bike looks to be in great shape. I can't wait to get the first ride report! :-D
Just remember, Throttle control ! If she's jetted close and you whack open the throttle like the old XR its gonna be a short ride... All kidding aside, I remember the first time I got to ride a big two smoke. It was a Clapped out YZ490.
I was Hooked... I still get that same ear to ear grin under my lid just like its the first time all over again!
Glad to have you with us,
Tuck\o/
D0N:
Thanks guys.
I picked up a pair of Excel gold rims laced with oversized spokes by "RTR precision wheel lacing", a pair of kenda trakmaster II DOT knobby tires, new HD tubes and a bunch of other new parts.
I've been gearing up for safety too. :-P I picked up an Arai XD3 helmet and an EVS G5 ballistic armored jersey. The helmet is the same one that Charlie and Ewan used in "the long way" movies. I wanted one ever since I saw those movies. Will be getting the rest of the MX gear soon.
Danger4u2:
Don,
I bought an Arai (Tour XD) helmet because Shoei did not have theirs in production at the time I needed a helmet. My Arai helmet sucks. It fits nice but the buckles are so far up in the helmet it's VERY hard to strap it on. My biggest complaint is the face shield. When you get to 25/30 mph it slaps shut. This can be very dangerous in foggy/cold or wet conditions. I removed the shield to use it as a motocross helmet with goggles. A standard sized goggle does not fit the hole very well. Another suck point!
I called Arai to complain about the shield and was told it was designed that way to keep from getting your eye put out. I guess not being able to see is not a concern of theirs.
http://www.araiamericas.com/default.aspx?pageid=57#/helmets/moto/xd3
The minute the Shoei (Hornet-DS) came onto the market I bought one. The fit is the same as an Arai but the buckles are easy to strap and unstrap. The shield is the best part, it stays open anywhere you want it. I'm so happy with the Shoei, I use it as my primary helmet, even when riding the Concours street bike. http://www.shoei-helmets.com/Helmet.aspx?Hornet-DS&h=16&t=1
I did not want to influence you against the Arai if they have corrected the suck points. I bought both helmets in 2007. So I got on the net to get their phone number to give them a call about the shield. Guess what, they don't publish their number on their official site. My guess is they got tired of all the complaint calls.
As far as I am concerned, Shoei is leap and bounds better than the Arai. Shoei has better customer support and they publish their number.
I suggest you go to Cycle Gear to try each helmet on before dropping $500 bucks .
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