Messages

1

Vintage Two Strokes / 1988 KTM MX500

« on: April 08, 2012, 02:29:04 PM »

Hi MetalMike! Wish I knew what the top speed of any of these bikes is.I have no way to measure them "No speedometer"! The YZ with the 4-speed was slower because the final gearing was higher. I think I was running 14 / 51 gears!The bike is also a MX bike so 4th was probably  1:1 ratio or close "would have to look it up to verify that" I put the WR transmission in to add an overdrive and liked the gear ratios and spacing better also! Look me up if you ever purchase a 490 and want to do the tranny swap, as I have 2 WR trannies in my parts collection!

2

Vintage Two Strokes / 1988 KTM MX500

« on: March 15, 2012, 07:46:48 PM »

SachsGS I do like your unbiased official unofficial critique.I also like the yz490 turns well but lands hard off jumps and yamahops in the whoops and really rough sections swaps a little!
The yamaha was much better with the wr tranny swapped in! I had trouble at one track in particular where I was looking for one more gear and swapped in the wr tranny to make it a better overall bike!
I did race the YZ490 in the 40+ class for a couple years in 2007 just for fun!


I put a Racetech emulator in the 1985 RM250 fork shown on this pic "notice" a front disc that came on late models!Rm forks were a bolt on!
Would really like a power valve maico or an ATK 600

3

Vintage Two Strokes / 1988 KTM MX500

« on: March 14, 2012, 11:47:30 PM »

"Turquine" The  KTM 550's are different....they pull longer and have just a bit more power as measured by a dyno, but by the seat of the pants... a stock Ktm500 the "MX" version pulled fiercely and more violently!
 The 550 ported and matched with mods carb ,pipe etc is a scary fast do anything motor.I frequent a Ktm site in the oldies section ktmtalk.com where 550's rule the roost! Owners of both bikes state the 89-91 mx 500's were scary fast motors as always the 500 two strokes are all mongo powerful!
 CR Hondas included.
I wanted something different and opted to have the KTM for a recent project!
My 1984 Husky500AE "Automatic" is not as quick as the others but will outrun all of them on top and can't be beat in the woods!


I also always wanted an 83 Maico490....someday!!!! I'm sure they are also on the rocketship list!

4

Vintage Two Strokes / 1988 KTM MX500

« on: March 14, 2012, 07:53:58 PM »

To answer the questions...The KX 500 will pull it by 1/2 bike length until 3rd gear then the KTM catches and passes it !
I have run them side by side numerous times to verify with me on each one.Drag racing is different than racing though...for woods and hills I would choose the KX the power valve motor is a little smoother off the bottom  with less wheel spin and just seems to be more woods friendly if you can call a 500 2-stroke friendly and the KTM excels at MX and doesn't feel as big on the MX track! It now handles better than the 2003KX due to geometry and massive suspension upgrades!

The complete front end triple clamps, forks,axle etc are from a 2008 Honda CR250F with an excel hub and rim! The bike now has a oversize 270mm Gaffer batfly disc on the front and fork internals reworked by Factory Connection...I also changed the rear shock to a newer OHLIN that has been revalved for the 500 and my weight.
 The swing arm is from a 1992 MX500 and rear disc and caliper are from the 94 KTM 550 there is no longer a torque arm link to the disc.
If you look close at the pictures you will see the Torque arm on the original going from the frame to the rear disc mount in my updated version I only have a kickstand there!

Torque arm is like the brake rod on old drum brakes!

The YZ is a fun bike but "NO" MATCH FOR THE KTM OR THE KX!
The white/red bike is a 2007 YZ450F I love this bike...Handles way better than the 500's and is just easier to ride..Will not beat the KTM or KX in a drag race but turns much quicker lap times in the 40+ class!

5

Vintage Two Strokes / 1988 KTM MX500

« on: March 13, 2012, 03:52:57 AM »

They made an endure/cross country model too! The owner had this extra tank and it was part of the deal along with an extra set of 89+ wheels.The later models 89-96 had the red /orange hubs!
 No shrouds were used with the big tank as they were built in and held some extra fuel!

6

Vintage Two Strokes / 1988 KTM MX500

« on: March 13, 2012, 01:04:24 AM »

Thanks Guys'
The colors of the graphics are not original here it was when I
purchased it as a basket case in the original colors!

Here is an original new bike 1988

I made changes that I liked I also have orange plastics and tank too!

7

Vintage Two Strokes / 1988 KTM MX500

« on: March 12, 2012, 03:01:29 PM »

New to the Site and I'm an oldies Guy ! 53 years old still race MX! I have a few other bikes but this is the "baddest of the bunch"

 


I'll be at "Vintage Days" this July looking for a new project for this winter.


Still have the 83 YZ490 and the 2002 KX500 would like a newer 250 to add to the bunch!
I have been enjoying browsing the old forum post great website!