1990 vs post-1996

[reinsport]

I have a 1990, KX 500. Great play bike and runs very well. I want to start riding the vet motorcross class and maybe some sportsman supermotard. I have been offered $1,500 for my bike and I have seen several good condition post 1996 KX's (a 1997 and a 1999) for $2,500.

 But here is the question, do I spend the $1,000 difference on buying a post-1996 bike or do I use the money to modify my 1990 (suspension revalve, V-force reed, etc.). Are the performance improvement on a post-1996 KX that important to a non-pro rider? Thanks guys....

[hughes]

Anybody can have a new(er) bike. There's nothing like and older bike that looks good runs like a bat out hell I would spend the money into fix'it up you current bike. Suspension mods, enigne mods, and cosmetics. You'll have alot more pride in the bike if you can perform the mods. yourself.I don't think their is to much diff. in your bike vers. the years your are looking at. If so it would be easy convert your bike with mods. Parts are easy to find for your bike. Just about every parts store on the net carries parts for 88-04 model bikes. Just my two cents. :blink:

[afritts4u]

From what I have learned on this forum; the only difference between your 1990 and 1996+  it the diamater of the fork tubes. I also understand stiffer springs are available for your forks than later years, that could give you a head start for supermotard ext.

[nasty22]

Can anyone tell me the difference(engine wise) in the '86 compared to the newer bikes?