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Author Topic: 1988 KTM MX500  (Read 9996 times)

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Offline tjswigger

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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!
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
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Offline SachsGS

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1988 KTM MX500
« Reply #1 on: March 12, 2012, 03:28:12 PM »
I see we have a fan of the big bores,welcome aboard! ;D
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
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Offline cnrcpla

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1988 KTM MX500
« Reply #2 on: March 12, 2012, 03:34:37 PM »
I love big bores  ;D Just the sound and the power you can hear is just mesmerizing  8) Great bikes though
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
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Offline twosmoke595

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1988 KTM MX500
« Reply #3 on: March 12, 2012, 09:59:42 PM »
WOW!!! what a collection!!

ive never seen a ktm like that before
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
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Offline tjswigger

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1988 KTM MX500
« Reply #4 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!
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
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Offline cnrcpla

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1988 KTM MX500
« Reply #5 on: March 13, 2012, 02:12:08 AM »
What does that second KTM gas tank go to in the bottom right corner of the pic?
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
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Offline tjswigger

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1988 KTM MX500
« Reply #6 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!
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
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Offline TMKIWI

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1988 KTM MX500
« Reply #7 on: March 13, 2012, 08:35:32 AM »
Very nice looking bike. ;D
Welcome to the site.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
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Offline Turquine

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1988 KTM MX500
« Reply #8 on: March 13, 2012, 09:48:16 PM »
Tjs, do you mean that the 88KTM 500 will beat either the '83 YZ 490 or 2002 KX 500 in a drag race? Does it actually have more power, or just feel that way due to an explosive power delivery? For instance, the 1981 KTM 495 "feels" quicker than say a 1995 KTM 550, but in reality the 550 will beat it through the gears. Just wondering. If indeed it can pull the KX through the gears then that is one badass dirtbike :-)
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
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Offline factoryX

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1988 KTM MX500
« Reply #9 on: March 13, 2012, 11:41:57 PM »
What forks are those from? Either way those aren't stock ha. Very cool bikes.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
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I ride an 03 yz250, wait 04, wait 05, what ever, they're all the same #$@% YOU!

Offline Coop

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1988 KTM MX500
« Reply #10 on: March 14, 2012, 01:11:04 PM »
Awesome bikes. I am not a big bore fan, but love the 80's KTM's and that 490 looks great.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
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Offline tjswigger

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1988 KTM MX500
« Reply #11 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 :D 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!
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
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Offline Turquine

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1988 KTM MX500
« Reply #12 on: March 14, 2012, 09:57:27 PM »
Thanks a bunch for the info, TJ!  I'm always trying to narrow down which was the baddest of the old big bore 2strokes. When somebody has actually owned and tested them side by side, with no axe to grind, it is most helpful. I wonder how your '88 KTM 500 stacks up against the '82 KTM 495, or their '90s 550s. I've also heard that the 1983 Maico Sand Spider (desert version, not MX) was extremely fast, if you could get one that ran as it was supposed to. Anyhow, here's a site that gives a brief rundown on some of the popular vintage big bore 2strokes over the years. He mentions the KTM 500, but in reference to the '89 and '91 models as being the monsters. That's in the honorable mention section toward the bottom. --->

http://antithumper.700hp.com/
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
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Offline tjswigger

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1988 KTM MX500
« Reply #13 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! :o
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
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Offline cnrcpla

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1988 KTM MX500
« Reply #14 on: March 15, 2012, 12:32:45 AM »
If I could spend a day riding all these vintage monsters you have I would be a happy man  8) Great collection.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
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