I bought my 1995 KX 500 new in 95 as a replacement to my 91 and 93 KX 500's. I knew this bike was a keeper and really took care of it throughout it's life. I have had other dirt bikes come and go, but the 500 was my baby. I got hurt 5 years ago and it's taken until this year to get back to where I can ride, and obviously my riding style and aggressiveness have changed dramatically. I bought my first brand new dirt bike (a 2010 Husqvarna TXC 510) since the KX as a treat to myself and absolutely love it. Well, I decided to take my KX 500 out with me this weekend (first ride on it in 5 years) for one last ride before selling it and guess what happens? d**n, I love this bike. It's not better than the Husky, which quite frankly really suits me right now. But it isn't as far off as I thought it would be either. The motor on the 500 is absolutely to die for. I rode a KTM 530 xcw and my Husky back to back with the 500 over a 40 mile ride twice and as far as I am concerned the KX motor is still way better (and a lot more powerful) than either of the 4 strokes. The suspension needs a little work and I really like the ergos of the new age bikes, so I would have to change the bars (I still have the stock bars on the KX) but I am positive that with just a few minor tweeks I could have the 500 really close to the new bikes in the chassis department. Here's my dilema, my wife, who never asks for anything and doesn't say a word about my bike obsession (and has actually bought me 2 bikes as presents) asked me to sell the 500 when I bought the Husky and I said I would. Part of me thinks I should just sell the 500 and move on, the other part of me says how often do you find a bike you truly love? Other than the zipty gas tank and FMF low boy pipe my 500 is stock, in awesome condition and dead reliable. I think I have had the same spark plug in it for about 13 years. After 5 years of sitting the beast started on the 3rd kick. How do you get rid of that?
