Anyone have a line on a KX500?

[Wheeler]

In 1980, I loaned a sheetrocker that worked for me $500 and took his almost new 1979 Maico 400 (and title) as collateral. It was supposed to be a 30 day loan.

Between his stripper girlfriend and meth, he just couldn't scrape together the money, and as a result I became the owner of a bright orange rocket. I was not a skilled MC rider, and pretty much drove it like your grandma might. It generally scared the f*ck outta me when I twisted the on/off switch, AKA the throttle.

Here's a photo of one I found with a Google search.

I've always liked that color. It appears to be a '73?

 

[Ol Man]

This old guy rides his KX500 fairly well

 

[wiseone]

I found a 2000 in Long Beach last February, I’ve wanted another bike to ride around at Superstition desert with my younger boys who are riding with me now (10 year old CR 85 big wheel/expert, 8 year old-KX 65 & oldest is on a Hon 250X). I have been riding for 35 years & grew up on 2 strokes mainly riding on long Mexico trips & open deserts. I have an built XR 650 that was my main bike for everything but I didn’t like riding it through the superstition dunes, if you have a 650 then you know they are like a submarine in soft sand & are best on fast 2 track roads & long distance rides.
I’ve always wanted a KX 500, me & my cousin Wayne used to pit for my uncle Cliff Matlock (RIP) at D38 races and the 500 was one of the many bikes he raced & rode in Mexico, it was always my favorite bike that he owned. Like I said I finally got around to buying one last year, as soon as I got it I tore it down to the frame & completely went through it replacing & upgrading anything it needed. I powder coated the frame (Kawi Green), clamps & hubs (pro circuit bronze), new gold excel wheels, plastics, had my buddy design a graphic kit to mimic the 94 color scheme & I found a 94 replica seat on EBay. I wanted to to somewhat mimic the look of a 94 desert racing Kawi 500, I love the bike & it’s slot of fun. This year I’m sending the cylinder & carb to Tom Morgan to get the decompression valve installed (so my knee doesn’t hurt from staring it all weekend), mild head work & some carb tuning. I can’t wait to ride it again once these motor upgrades are done, Good luck finding yours

 

[pixrthis]

141 is a neighbor, Robbie Wageman on a 125. I took him and his brother single tracking a couple months ago, great time and the fastest pace I’ve ridden in a long time.

Good video of Tyler Bower's on his tricked out KX500.

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[PlumLoco]

This old guy rides his KX500 fairly well

Sounds like an angry 250 and he rides it like a 125. Rarely shuts off even downhill or suddenly sideways.

 

[Todd Mohr]

Every few months I go back in time and read the things he's written. Pure gold!
Billy Barkfeather was also one of my favorites.

Super Hunky!!

 

[King295]

@ArizonaKevin Here is one, not a barn find but a 500 nonetheless: http://www.proride.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=105957.0

 

[stokerwhore]

Super Hunky!!

his book is a great read- "monkey butt" by Rick Siemen

 

[Sharp Shooter]

This says it all.

 

[white tortilla]

I have a perfect one. $5k and it’s sold.

 

[oldschool]

This says it all.

If you want cool, go with the 2 stroke. If you want quicker lap times, go with the 4 stroke.

 

[Sharp Shooter]

If you want cool, go with the 2 stroke. If you want quicker lap times, go with the 4 stroke.

I’ve owned quite a few old 2 strokes. The last one I bought just to piddle around the neighborhood while enjoying the aroma of Castor. On the track it was horrible.

Modern 4 strokes are tough to beat for real world use. For me, real world use means track riding, desert riding and maybe an occasional sand ride or trip to jawbone to climb a hill or 2.

Regardless I love them both.

 

[sintax]

I’ve owned quite a few old 2 strokes. The last one I bought just to piddle around the neighborhood while enjoying the aroma of Castor. On the track it was horrible.

Modern 4 strokes are tough to beat for real world use. For me, real world use means track riding, desert riding and maybe an occasional sand ride or trip to jawbone to climb a hill or 2.

Regardless I love them both.

I'm with you 100% on this one. I was a die hard 2stroke guy well into the 2000's. I just didnt think it made any sense, esp growing up riding friends 4strokes (big heavy XR500's / XR600's). Eventually I sat on a dialed in CRF450x and actually got some seat time. I feel that bike made me a smoother rider, but it also made me super lazy. No longer did you have to have to be hyper focused on your gear, or clutch work, and throttle control.

I do still have my KX500 in a KX250 frame, but I have not ridden it in a couple years. I hang onto it in the event I want to scare myself and remember what its like to fear god. There is nothing crazier than that bike with a 15 tooth front and 45 out back. 3rd through 5th just get downright stupid, and your vision blurs (might just be due to the engine vibes too)

 

[white tortilla]

I rode 450s from 2004-2013 then switched back to a 2-stroke getting into the 300cc ktm and more recently picked up a 19’ Husky. I race it in the D37 desert series and love it. 450 has more power for sure but I like the nimbleness and smiles per gallon on the 300. The 300cc with a high compression 200$ head change straight rips. Not as brutal power as the 500 but way smooth and will get you through anything.

 

[Willie B]

... I know where there is an ‘81 Yamaha XT 500???...

 

[Flying_Lavey]

View attachment 813508 I rode 450s from 2004-2013 then switched back to a 2-stroke getting into the 300cc ktm and more recently picked up a 19’ Husky. I race it in the D37 desert series and love it. 450 has more power for sure but I like the nimbleness and smiles per gallon on the 300. The 300cc with a high compression 200$ head change straight rips. Not as brutal power as the 500 but way smooth and will get you through anything.

A checker I see..... My dad, brother, and nephew are in the viewfinders. My dad was the D37 AMA rep for a year or 2 as well.

I haven't raced D37 in years but my 250 2-stroke was the same class as the 250 4-strokes. I had a power and weight advantage on them. I just had to watch my gas, ran out a few races even with a desert tank. Those national tracks are no joke, really sucked the mpg out of the 2-strokes.

Still the same. Displacement and age are the deciders for class. Hence why 2 strokes are still very popular in the desert.

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