It wouldn't surprise me that they stop making them due to enviromental concerns around 2-strokes.
I would like to see some of the fuel injection technology from scooters be applied to the k-5 to lower the emissions and improve fuel consumption. The technology isn't in North America yet,but from what I have seen the workings of it are not that complicated.
On top of the scooter cylinder head there is an electronic fuel injector . No reed valves or carb. It is a precise and smokeless 2-stroke. If I my memory serves me right It is Aprilia that designed it for Europe.
I really don't know how someone could get the money to design this system for an open class 2-stroke,but Eh, some food for thought anyways.
Thanks for the encouragement to keep my old hoss,I think I will keep it as I don't ride enough anyways. I think I will start saving to buy another newer one. Man this thing would be d**n near perfect for me if i could just eliminate the vibes. It totally walks on my buddies 03 yzf450 in the trails ,but he does out accelerate me in the holeshot by about a bikes length. He wishes he had the WR model as it would be way more versatile. His yzf is way to tall geared for the bush and only has a 4-speed. He is always stalling and feathering the clutch.The power comes on way to fast too. He rode my dinasour and said it felt like a couch! I think he is jealous
I will always have a k-5 in my arsenal,they are way too much fun and classic styled to boot. It always raises eybrows when I cruise by the the other bikes.
They are are legendary and unique.Maybey I can see a KTM off-road 520 5-spd in my future too.There is nothing wrong with having more then 1 bike.
cheers.
Shen.