500 AF Reliability

[gowen]

So, when work decides to slow down for the winter, I've decided that I want to tackle the AF project but am curious what kind of reliability you guys are running into? Mainly the people who have put some hours on your AF. I know the 500 is bad about breaking mounts and so forth, but was curious about welds for the motor and the pipes.

[don46]

I've not broken any mounts, but the brackets that are made of the smaller gauge aluminum have broken, I beef them up and will probably break some place else. I've told all my buddies that I wouldn't do another aluminum framed 2 stroke, the conversion was easy, I'm just not conviced its as good as the steel framed 250f conversion when it comes to handling. I have a complete 250f Showa suspension off an 07 that I'm thinking about retrofitting to the 05 250f.

To be fair I haven't riden the AL framed bike that much so I reserve the right to change my opinion.

[Dutch-K5 Fan]

So the KXF Steel frame  can handel the K5 power 
It looks so nimble.


Dutchie

[AJ]

Gowen-
if done properly
i would not sweat the reliability.


while i've only made the KX500AF so far for two years..(07-08)
the bikes have been stone reliable.

and i do have ten years (since 97 actually)
of putting 500 2 strokes in the alum chassis..in the CR line up..

the bikes are as reliable ,if not more so,
 than the steel frames , in every aspect.

when you are ready to dive into one, yourself , or thru someone else building it,
, , i wouldnt let that "worry" hold you back!

[gowen]

Gowen-
if done properly
i would not sweat the reliability.


while i've only made the KX500AF so far for two years..(07-08)
the bikes have been stone reliable.

and i do have ten years (since 97 actually)
of putting 500 2 strokes in the alum chassis..in the CR line up..

the bikes are as reliable ,if not more so,
 than the steel frames , in every aspect.

when you are ready to dive into one, yourself , or thru someone else building it,
, , i wouldnt let that "worry" hold you back!

Thanks AJ, I've been watching your work since the old dirtrider.net days back when you guys started releasing the AF and a few buddies there purchasing them.

I had back luck with my KX and everything that could break broke on it. So, I've been skeptical about it since the steel frame busted mounts near every d**n race. Either way, depending on the time, I'd personally love to tackle it myself just for fun, but more than likely will have one built or pre-built.

[AJ]

Gowen,
i was thinking about this..

and as far as durabilty..
 guys that truly punish their machines and frames
are the distance jumpers ,because despite the landings looking groomed and matched to thier landing/ approach angle, they are still taking imact that most guys never dream of in any SX/MX or off-road situation.

example: Trigger Gumms 274 foot jump a couple of years ago
to smash the old distance record and set the new world record
looked as smooth as silk., (catch it on youtube .brisbane australia crusty..)
and perfectly executed. plus he acted like all was well.
few know that  he compression fractured  his back in the landing

anyway that was an 05 CR500AF and h estil rdes and jumps oitt othis day.
(he bought anouther 08 recently,,but his 05 is fine and running well,,he just wants to put it up as a trophy)

anyway the long distance guys riding and jumping these is a long list.. and thier AF bikes are stone reliable.
they regularly practice at 250 feet over and over ,,so they diffinantly put some hard use into these bikes.

Robbie Maddison (CR500AF) current world record holder at near 350' ?
(same bike he jumed to 300 feet on new years eve)
Robbie Knievel (CR500AF)
Trigger Gumm  (CR500AF)
Ryan Capes    (KX500AF)
Brain Deegan  (CR500AF)
Mike Metzger (CR500AF)

the list is longer,
 but my point is i doubt any of us mere mortals have to worry, the bikes are stronger and more durable than the original OEM steel frames.
 

[gowen]

Thanks for posting up AJ, I have no doubt about your craftsmanship. I just remember my expierence with my KX and s**t falling apart left and right. I was more curious if it held up better than the steel frame.