1998 KX500 or a 1998 XR600R

[Time Bandit]

So here's the deal.. I just bought a XT350 for enduro purposes but I want another bike for mainly dirt and maybe some street riding. I was offered two great deals on two great bikes.

The first is a 1998 XR600R for $1500
The second is a 1998 KX500 for $1000
their both in good condition(no rust/running good)
I like both bikes but I'm worried about the KX falling apart quicker being a two stroke and all. I don't want to be blowing more much needed money away on a broken bike :whoa: . what would you pick and why? thanks

here's my info
1) 6'3 205lbs
2) I would say I'm pretty aggressive
3) trails/ some mx and some street
4) rode a DS80 for a few years then got a XT350 just recently
5) wont race- maybe with friends
6) I do all the work on my bikes
7) 2strokeVS4 - I like the cleanness of the 4's but haven't had much exp. with 2stokes bigger than an 80.
8) there are 3-6 dealers i can go to to get almost any part.
9) $1500 tops on my next bike
10) don't live in cali
11) 18 years of age
12) Want a 500+ just to have a big bike and really feel what its like to rip on one. despite my experience on smaller bikes I think I could handle one.

 

[RM85rider123]

You don't want the 500. Even though you are 205 pounds, that doesn't mean anything until you are sitting over a 70-80 horsepower machine. Eventually you would not like it and probably regret that buy. You should just get the XR, It is a true enduro and should have all the power you need to scoot you around. :cool:

 

[jb_dallas]

Where to start....that is the question. While the KX isnt quite 70-80 horsepower (most sources claim 55-65 hp), it is a suicide machine for all except the most experienced rider. From your thread, I gather that a 500 2 stroke is probably not a good idea. Another problem is that a 500 2 stroke cannot be ridden on the street. An XR 600 is a dual sport bike that can be ridden on the street, but it is heavy and cumbersome for most trail riders. Read some of the threads on this site about 500 cc 2 strokes and then tell me you want one.

 

[jb_dallas]

Check out the thread "Big Bore 2 Strokes" in this forum...that should do the trick.