CR500 v.s. KTM550

[DWalker931]

I'm going to buy a new bike. I've ridden the CR500, liked it a lot. The
new KTM's have peaked my interest though. Any first or secondhand info on
the '94 or '95 KTM550 would greatly be appreciated. Thank you!

[Steve Harker]

I'm not a professional rider nor claim to be, this is just my observation.

I have ridden 3 or 4 late model CR500's and like them. But the 2 KTM550's
that I have had a chance to really ride were in my opion superior machines.

40 miles north of me there are some of the largest sand dunes in the U.S. and
a lot of bikes are there every weekend. The KTM440's and KTM550's
consistently out run and out climb the CR500's and KX500's.
There is one dune that the only thing I have seen make it over are the KTM's.

[Dennis Gilbert]

As the owner of a '94 KTM 550, I have to say that the
bike is truely awesome. It will remain my choice for
play riding and general MX, XC work. I also own a
'95 KTM 250 SX which has become a slightly superior
choice for most MX, SX race conditions. I have found
that the "nimble-ness" of the KTM 250 actually gives
me faster lap times. I think that the transmission on
the 550 is not appropriate for MX, SX work. In general
the Motor is awesome. Here in Central PA. we have some
strip mines with HUGH hill climbs, the 550 will absolutely
"rock" those climbs, third gear - full throttle and hold
on. Once at the top, the launch is great, I have not
rode or seen another bike with the kind gentle power that
the KTM 550 has.

If you are going to race it in MX make sure it is a BIG
OPEN bike kind of track. Tight MX/SX type of tracks it
probably would not be my pick.

Dennis Gilbert

[Michael Patrick]

I personally have wanted an open bike for a long time...After riding 500
Hondas...I thought about dropping the idea...the suspension was
absolutely terrible compared to my 93 KX 250...And I do mean terrible...I
started looking at Kawasakis for their suspension and kept getting bummed
out about the articles saying tractor like motor and no breaks and stuff
like that...The breaks are'nt that bad and I know they can easily be
fixed because I've got the 250 with the same breaks...to make along story
short...I just bought a 1993 KX 500...why the 93...it has better
suspension than the 94 & 95 !!!
The bike has a FMF pipe and silencer and is by no means tractor like! Its
super easy to ride and the suspension smokes the Honda ! I'm enjoying
this thing big time! It cost me only $2500 and the motor is the same as
the 95! Honda, Kawasaki both have the same engine that they
started with in the late 80s...KTM had a great bike in 94 but the 95 has
a different ignition and carb and don't run that strong....not like the
94 did anhow...I checked into this long and hard! My opinion is this...
find yourself a 1992 or 93 Kawasaki and go ride...If you want a Honda...
be prepared to add about $400 for suspension mods...and don't forget..as
soon as you buy a Honda they have to take the forks off and ship them out
to be repaired because the lowere fork legs are snapping off and bending!
nice huh! hope to seee you on the BB telling what you bought!
-
MICHAEL PATRICK BQQ...@prodigy.com
Racing IS a contact sport! See you in the first
turn! <VBG>