KX500af Supermoto Not All That Fun To Ride

[Jbeats]

Hey everyone! Somewhat new to the forum but I’ve owned a kx500 dirt bike for a few years now.  I always dreamed about having a street legal kx500 supermoto where I’d dominate the backroads, wheelieing out of every corner.  After searching ads for years I finally found my dream bike, a Kx500 (bored to a 525) in a 2008 aluminum fully tagged frame.  It wasn’t in supermoto trim so I saved up more cash and got her sitting pretty.  I feverishly installled the wheels, took it out for its maiden voyage, AND it was a major let down    It had plenty of low end torque in first and second gear to power wheelie but 3rd through 5th is not as instense as I thought it would be. It vibrates like hell to the point it blurs my vision, surges irradically at decel, and bucks like a bronco trying to ride at a constant speed.  All of these issues really makes the bike not all that fun to ride.  I’d hate to sell her as I’ve waited my whole life to own one of these beasts but was really let down by how she rode.    Do you think it’s just way out of tune??? Plug has good color but haven’t got much further than that as I’ve been busy with work and family.  Any input would be greatly appreciated!!!

[Pmcg]

I had the same experience. Changed carbs, pipes, ignitions.  I don't think that any dirt bike makes a great  street bike. My 500 was fast and would wheelie every gear but was really only happy when I was accelerating hard. Worked great in the woods but is not realistic on the street. I have a KLX450R as well and its the same deal. Fun to wheelie a few gears but not a street bike. I look at the plate as a way to connect trails.

[dave916]

if the motor and carb  are good surging should not be a issue/.it should not be there / any air leaks or cranks seals will cause surging/ metering block in carb another issue worth checking/

 Vibration  is something i  hardly notice.

Any constant speed where you not accelerating wiil be a pain.

[jethrobolas]

Sounds like a perfect excuse to trailer around to the best twisties our great country has to offer. Deals gap would be a hoot, tons of sumos on that stretch. Mountains, river road runs.

Then sell it.