KX500 as a next step after 250?

[ilja]

A question...

Me and my friend (both aroung 165 lbs, height ~ 6 ft) purchaced KX250 and KX80 this spring - were driving (I - 80, he - 250) them duringthe summer. Now sold KX80 - too weak on sand tracks... And looking for another KX250.

While looking, on KX500 (93 year) come to our attention.  The question is - may it be a feasible option for a beginner after KX80 became too weak? Or, for instance, if he takes 500 after 250? Any experience on how hard is to drive it is it in comparison with KX250?

Thanks,
Ilja.

[Rick]

I think you are asking if the transition from a KX80 to a KX500 would be too much.  For most riders, the answer is probably "Yes".  The KX500 is a lot of machine, and a lot of riders with years and years of experience have no interest in dealing with the power.  As an example, I race Nationals at the expert level, and have years of experience racing and riding, and I was not comfortable on the 500 for about 6 months.  Now, you would have to pry it from my fingers.

Rick

[gowen]

LOL, I remember when a friend of mine went from his CR125 to a CR500 and ended up breaking his arm and leg by having more motor than brakes and just being an idiot by not knowing better than to crank the throttle. Anyway, he is back, riding, and now has a CR250.

Also, the KX kicked my ass a few months back by cracking my arm and wrist, same issue, having the ability to go too fast without enough brakes. I've been riding for 13 years on the dirt. Still get over my head on the trails and on the wide strips.

[Ramski]

My first real dirt bike was a brand new 1981 XR100.  Rode it for three years and was away from dirt bikes till 2001.  Went out and got a KX500 which I realize was a big mistake.  Having never ridden anything other than a XR100 was tough.  I'm still learning new tricks to ride that 500.  The first year nearly killed me.  I still believe the best way is to work your way up through the CCs.  The 500 makes you extreamly lazy to the point where I can't ride anything smaller now.  I tried riding a 125 a few years back and could not get it up a simple hill climb.  Gave it back to my 13 year old nephew and got back on my 500 and used my usual one gear and a little throttle, no clutch.

Don't get me wrong.  I'll never get rid of my 500 but I do miss the fact that I never rode 125s or 250s.

[beastrider500]

My first real dirt bike was a brand new 1981 XR100.  Rode it for three years and was away from dirt bikes till 2001.  Went out and got a KX500 which I realize was a big mistake.

I feel just the opposite. My first bike was a 1979 Suzuki DS100 when I was 13. Rode it for about two years. I got a street bike when I was 19 which I rode for a year. Then nothing until I got my KX500 when I was 38. For someone who has not ridden for quite some time this bike teaches you one very important skill; "Throttle Control". It is probably harder to transition to the 500 from a 125 or 250 because you can't use the throttle as freely. Twist the handle on a 500 like you would on a 125 and you're in trouble.

JMHO

Jim

[ilja]

Thanks for replies!

Well - I think I'll be looking for another 250 then (or even 125;-))

Thanks again,
Ilja.

[FastKX500]

im 17 and i went from a YZ80 to a KX500 no prob ...must be in the blood. :-p