What are kx 500's like?

[IZ 250]

Im wantin to get a kx 500 and Im wonderin how much power they have. Do they have alot of low end if so do they get good fuel mileage in low end vs top end? Also are they heavy? How much horsepower and torque do they put out. Also im talkin about kx 500's ranging from 1992 to 1997. Also im 16, 5 9",and 165 lbs. Thanx

 

[TimberPig]

A stock KX 500 has 60 hp, give or take a few and only likes to rev to around 6500-7000 RPM on top end. They have a ton of low end and midrange power, with a very large crank that retains a lot of rotational momentum. They tend to be difficult to muscle around on tight trails.

They don't get particularly great fuel mileage, as it takes fuel to feed that size of motor. A big tank is a common addition, for off road use, where extended range use is anticipated.

The mid 90's KX 500's are a little smoother and more refined than the earlier models, which were more abrupt, and had more power. All KX 500's are significantly more difficult to throw around than smaller bikes, and the chassis tends to be dated compared to a similar year 250 or 125.

At your size, it will take a very good rider to throw that bike around, you'll have to adjust your riding style, to suit the bike, as you simply cannot throw the bike around like a smaller bike. If you try, you will get worn out very quickly.

For certain types of riding (sand dunes mostly) they are virtually unbeatable, for most other types of riding, they can be difficult beasts to live with. Be sure you want to live with their characteristics, before buying one. A newer 250 may be a better fit than a KX 500.