Differance between 2008/2009 KX500AF

[uncle albert]

I have a 2008 Service Honda KX500AF, and I am, like everyone else, looking forward to MXA's report on the 2009 Service Honda KX500AF. I have a question that may be difficult to answer (but not for AJ!): how does the 2009 model (250f chassis) feel compared to the 2008 (450f chassis)? Would a normal, untalanted rider like myself be able to tell the two apart? Can I say that the MXA test is a test of "my" bike, or are the two completly different? What a lot of questions, is AJ out there and able to answer them   

[AJ]

Hi Albert!

well there are differences in the two  chassis certainly.

For 09 the KX250F was completely redesiged ,
even from the 08 KX250F..

so the 2008 KX450F and the 09 KX250F ,
have some pretty fundemental differences in a lot of ways?
steering head angle, rake and trail.

plus the ergo's of the two bikes  are bit different as well.

the 06-08 KX450F is  a fairly large motorcycle in overall lenght and seat heght.


and yes, I think any rider can feel differences between an 08 KX500AF
and the 09 model.

Most of those differences would be positive, as i went to that new  chassis for its handling ..
so i think you'd feel the 09 model a bit quicker turning  than the 08..
and just easier to go where you want it to.

but there would be plus and minuses to both bikes for a given rider? or a given type of roiding?

for larger guys, the ergo's of the 06-08  might feel better
 n din some ridinfg scenerios th 06-08 450F chasismight be more suitable as well..


they are different flavors..
same great engine


have you read the MXA test? i have not seen it yet,
its in the May 09  iussue

[azracer19]

Thanks on the input AJ... I read the tests in the new MXA, not surprised on the AF being a great bike...especially in the right hands. It did raise a question for me as I am sure they will not test an AF in a desert riding senerio. My guess is with the quicker handling of the 250 frame that it might suit a desert rider to go with the bigger 450 frame with more  rake and trail for the fast staights.? nothing scraier then a 500 with the throttle craked WFO as the front end begins to drift, wobble and shake the bars fromyour hands...just my thought