500, how do they compare?

[jc7622]

I have never ridden a KX500.  I have ridden a KDX200, a KTM200 and a KTM300.  How does a KX500 compare to one of these bikes in terms of power deliverability and rideability.  I like power on tap right off idle (no lag or delay) and then it smoothly builds up through the rpm range.  How is the power delivered on a 500?  Is it a handful in the tight woods or is it a good woods bike?

I also posted a pic of the KX-KDX hybrind I just built.  It's in the KX125/KX250 section.  I'm itching to build something else, but am wondering if the 500 would be too much bike for me in the tight woods.

John

[dans89kx500]

Its apple and oranges. A well tuned 500 is a handfull in all conditions. They're just big bikes with tons of hp and torqe to the real wheel (lots of wheel spin). Understatement of the year award.

[The Flyin Hawaiian]

I used to race a KX500 in enduros and it did ok. We have extremely tight woods here in Southern NJ. It was a long time ago, but I dont remember it being a handful. Your hybrid will be a better bike in the woods. Nice bike by the way! I just picked up an 02 500 that is setup  for woods riding. Heavy fww, thicker head gasket and a FMF Gnarly pipe. I rode it in some tight stuff when the previous owner had it and found the power delivery to be smooth and tractable. If you have good throttle and clutch control, it can be ridden in the woods effectively. My 02 needs some tlc, previous owner seized it, and hopefully it will be back in service later this winter with some more woods/enduro related mods. 

[GDubb]

The KX500 is awesome in the woods. You can bog it real low in the RPMs and just tractor around in second gear. The power delivery is smooth all the way to the top. It will feel noticeably heavier than your hybrid and not as flickable around really tight stuff. The engine is perfect with PLENTY of power on tap. The only time this bike is a handful is when you really crank on the throttle at the WRONG time so throttle control is key. These things are rockets when you uncork them and it will rocket you into whatever is in front of you but that shouldnt be a problem for someone experienced with 2 stroke bikes. I had a friend back in the day that had a 95 KDX and that bike kicked our asses more than my 500 does nowadays. If memory serves me his KDX was really snappy and the power delivery was not as smooth as my 500. That KDX wanted to toss us on our asses. My 500 just spins the rear wheel more if I give too much throttle in the soft soil of the woods around here. Doesnt "rare up" like I remember the light weight KDX doing.


-G

[KX Newfie]

My K5 is nothing short of insane  ....but, you can lug it around pretty good as well.
It is alot like a four stroke out of the power.
Mind you a big twist of the happy handle can get you facing the other direction in a hurry 
All & all a wicked bike......i'm sure there are many bikes more suited to tecchnical stuff, but the K5 will make up ground in alot of other areas. 

[KXcam22]

My KX500 was an excellent single track bike and handled the tight stuff very well.  I find that my KX500 was easier in the tight stuff than my 450. Cam.

[ID KX500]

I agree with what you guys are saying. I have ridden big bore since 1978 - the RM370, then 80 KX420, 82 IT465, 85 KX500, 88 KX500, 98 XR600, back to 03 KX500. Size of rider means less than control of the throttle and clutch. But big guys like me need a bike that can carry a load. I like the flywheel weight in tight stuff I spend a lot of time in 2nd and lugg into each gear at low rpms till the trail opens up then hit the pipe. Riding smaller bikes requires more rpms. Climbs like a billy goat. I followed stewart's mod suggestions KIPS bolt, windowed piston, Vforce reed, and gnarly pipe. I can't prove it but I'm sure I got 20% more hp. It's smooth all the way through.

[stock500]

I love the 500.  I think many people try and ride them like a 250, and I really think the only place you can do that is in the sand.  Shift up and and ride it a gear tall.  It will act like the the fastest 4 stoke you ever rode.

[dsrtrider]

i have a k5 and a ktm300xc-w.  ktm is easier to ride but i am always looking for wheelie power that it doesnt have.  k5 is great for fast desert and sand dunes.  using correct throttle control i have riden it in very tight rocky desert trails fine and it can get me into and out of trouble.  my ktm is easier in the tight stuff but i have had stalling issues that i never have with k5.  i was going to sell k5 when i got my ktm but decided i need both

[KX500freak]

good point there,that,s why i don,t sell bikes..
only buying m.

have a kx-sm for streetuse ,power is bit more flattened out,ported and fmf and jetting
kx-sm for track power is rough ,direct and wild ,bone stock
 

[jon snook]

I have  99 k 5 now . traded my 98 yz 250 for it straight up. I'm happy.used to have 86 cr 500 it was also fast, but i love my k 5 best