Here's the report. I rode about fifty miles today and the bike was awesome. It finally works perfect (for me). The KX500 puts a lot of pressure on the front rim due to geometry and power and the 20" front wheel really seems to make it work to perfection. In the past, when I tried a Michelin M12, it would leave rubber from the sidewall on the rim because it did not have a substantial sidewall. I tried a Dunlop D755 intermediate with the stock 21" and it worked much better but it would still push the front end in the corners. With a 20" front rim and a Dunlop D756 it was absolute magic today. Even though it was dry and hot, I bottomed the suspension on both ends and had a blast. It also steers much faster through the tight sections. I highly recommend a 20" rim to anyone who wants to turn the mighty KX500 in the woods. I did a search on a major motorcycle supply company a while back and found that they could supply six different tires for the KX500.
