I've gotten preety used to my RM250, and I'm preety new to the dirtbike world, but when I think about CR500's, from what I've heard and read, I know they're fast. But can they fly through whoops and rail through corners like the 125's and 250's? How much more do 500's weigh compared to the smaller bores? Can they be considered true mx ready bikes? It might seem a stupid question, but I've never rode one obviously, I've only ridden my 250.
CR500 still a real mx bike?
- Thread starter SoFlo
- Start date
SoFlo said:
I highly doubt a CR500 handles as good as a 250. I know the KX 500 sure doesn't. The reason why the KX 500 doesn't, is becuase they haven't even updated the frame on the damn thing for like 15 yeas, and they stopped making them in 2004, not long after honda stopped making the CR 500.
You can buy a service honda CR 500 though, and I beleive it is just a 500 motor stuffed in a 250 frame, so I'm assuming it prolly handles pretty damn good.
As for the weight, I can tell you this much: a KX 500 only weighs 6 more lbs than a 250; a KX 250 weighs 214 lbs, and the 500 weighs 220 lbs. The CR will weigh almost the same weight; all the motocross bikes weigh almost exactly the same, usually within a couple lbs, if that.
In my opinion the 500's are alot more fun than 250's, since I'm a big fan of power & speed, and wheelies. But for racing on tracks I'd prolly want to use my KX 250. I have both a 250 and a 500.
The 500 will prolly lose on a track, but it will smoke a 250 no problem on straightaways and drag racing. Hell, it will smoke pretty much anything actually.
So there you have it, my 2 cents :)
- Aug 3, 2004
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I think it really depends on the track and the rider.People over the years have been scared of riding 500's on the track because of the massive rush of power and the heavy "feeling" in turns.I believe guys that only rdie them a couple times on a track don't have the experience or know how to do it right.A few years ago CYCLE WORLD did a test between a YZ125,CR250,KX500 and Husaberg.It was 1997 I believe.The big KX was usually the fastest and oddly enough had the lowest lap times at the tightest jump filled track.You definately can't slam corners like a 125.you need to set up early and ride lower in the rpm range so the gyrospopic effect of the bigger piston and crank is lessened.only when you're pretty straight open the throttle all the way.With all that being said I think the CR500 would be a better pure MX bike than the KX.It corners a little easier and has slighltly better throttle response.I like offroad to much and think the KX is a better all around bike.I've owned both.
I beleive CR500 has more lowend power than the KX 500, but on the other hand the KX 500 has more topend power. Anyone else have any thoughts about this?
Unfortunetly I wont be able to ride a CR500 until next spring, as its way to cold/snowy in VT now :(
I can't wait to try the CR 500 next year though; my friend has one.
Unfortunetly I wont be able to ride a CR500 until next spring, as its way to cold/snowy in VT now :(
I can't wait to try the CR 500 next year though; my friend has one.
I ride a 97 CR250 and my friend rides a 98 CR500. When we switch bikes I feel's so much more heavy than my bike, it totaly saps my confidince. In a field or a dirt road they're a blast, and the more I ride it the more comfortable I get, but wouldn't want one. 500's will always faster in a strait line, and if you ride mostly straits and dunes, a 500 would be a good choice. If you ride a lot of tight trails, a 125 or 250 would probably be a better coice. Some poeple like it the other whay, but I ride mostly trails and wouldn't give a 500 a thought. I don't race so I don't know how they do there.
So compare a CR500 to a CRF450... I'm guessing they weigh about the same but the 500 may actually be a bit lighter. Power? Pprobably pretty close now a days, a little different delivery but pretty comperable. Handling, well you really cant compare since the CR500 frame is vintage 1990 design but a Service Honda CR500AF would probably handle as good or better than a 450. Reliability / ease of maintenance, CR500 wins hands down
Avena Quaker
Member
- Dec 9, 2004
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Agree...91kx said:
look at the MXDN track...
now think... what in earth could beat a 1/2 liter pinger on a track of this kind ??
- Aug 3, 2004
- 1,003
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Well, with all those hills and long straits, a 500 would be tough to beat. Especially considering how sandy that track looks.
I have a 2005 CR500AF and it is a great bike. Yes, you would expect me to say that after spending that kind of money but it's true!
I had several thru the 1980's and they were OK at the time but eeven the last one in 2001 wasn't a great MX bike do to the lack of development. Service Honda fixed all that when they made the AF. The 2005 is in a CRF250 chasis and the bike flat out gets the job done. It goes, stops and turns better than the 450's.
I would love to ride it on a track like the on pictured above, I wish people would take pride in thier tracks and not just be in it for the cash.
Mark
I had several thru the 1980's and they were OK at the time but eeven the last one in 2001 wasn't a great MX bike do to the lack of development. Service Honda fixed all that when they made the AF. The 2005 is in a CRF250 chasis and the bike flat out gets the job done. It goes, stops and turns better than the 450's.
I would love to ride it on a track like the on pictured above, I wish people would take pride in thier tracks and not just be in it for the cash.
Mark
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