SoCal newbie here

[DEZADX]

Hello all.  Found this site awhile back.  Lurked some, laughed some.  Decided to join the fray.  I've gotten more info on this site just in random post readings than if I had read the owners manual. I believe some of you know more than the people who originally designed the bikes.

Anyway, I live in So Cal.  Ride the the high desert area and still race District 37 on occasion. 
My stable: 97 KX500, 97 CR500 (original owner).  Have had the KX for about a year now.  This bike does things in the desert that are probably illegal in some states.  Unbelieveable stability in the high speed stuff.  Of course, its all high speed stuff with this ride.

Again, just wanted to check in and say hello.   Dezadx....

[BDI]

O-I'm sure if you have read any of the shenanigans I have been responsible for, I'm sure you have had some good laughs. Welcome to the site

[TerMaaten KX500]

Dan what up! i ordered a 51 tooth steel sprocket today. 14 and 51 should be wicked. 

[TheGDog]

Oh man... aren't these things UNREAL in the desert!!!  I've never been on a bike that pulled this hard in the upper gears!

And when your buddies feel sneaky and brave and try to blast past you while you're moving at a so-so, relaxed sorta pace... it feels sooo good that all you have to do is turn your wrist and let her make the jump to lightspeed into those higher revs and unleash a big ol' can o' WHOOP-ASS (with a complimentary shower of rocks and gravel!)

I've had mine on two rides so far.  The one cautious thing I've noticed is that I just have to be pay a little more attention to those conditions which would normally cause the front end to lift up anyway... if they happen when she's close to jumping into lightspeed she wants to lift her head just a leeeetle too much to feel comfortable with sometimes.

But because of this... Ive learned to ride around a gear higher than I normally would most of the time... and as a result... I'm flowing over things even more smoothly than before, making strategic use of that grunt, punctuated by occasional blips into mid and high range, especially in turns!!

So anyhoo... I'm in West Garden Grove in OC.  What area of SoCal are you in?  What places do you tend to ride at?

[DEZADX]

Gdog, unreal is an understatement. I rode/raced my CR500 for many years and thought it was great.  Then last year I get the KX and its like "what the #@%$&*" !!!!  What I would have aprroached with caution and the Honda, I barely hesitate with the KX.  The straight line grip and rip ride through open desert is priceless.  If that doesn't get your adreneline flowin', check your pulse, you need help.

I've ridden with people that have newer bikes, I hear the comments like " she still runs, huh?" or "vintage class" or "my Dad had one of those".  Then, as you said, lopin' along the trail between 3rd and 4th gear, someone on a 450/250 four stroke wants to step it up, drops a gear and tries to disappear, I crack the throttle, without down shifting, the after burners kick in, I fly by like their standing still, throwing a meteor shower of rocks, sand, cactus and sagebrush.  Later as I stop to let them catch up, no one has anymore comments.  Whats especially insulting, is this usually happens in a sandwash, and I'll blow by.......sitting down.  Then, when they ask to ride it, I tell 'em "No, but your Dad can!".

Anyway, you get the idea.

I live in Rancho Cucamonga, and I ride in Stoddard Valley off the 15 fwy, and also in Lucerne Valley. 

I have a couple of loops that I do out there that will definitely exersize you and the bike.     Anytime.........

[reesedp]

d**n it Dez!! Your posts should be banned from view in the eastern half of the country!!  I am a transplanted San Diegan (15 years now) in Virginia now.  Oh how I mourn for the days when me and the guys would load up the truck and hit the desert for the weekend!  There is NO WHERE decent to ride here!  No open space whatsoever!  Appreciate what you have brother!