KTM500 MX or GS?

[bishboy]

I'm not right up on my KTM's, but this has come up at a reasonable price (probably about $2k landed) and I thought it might be something different to have as a arm stretcher in pre 90.

My questions are:
- is the attached bike a mx or gs, I'm assuming it's not a mx as it has the frame over the rear guard?
- is the mx a 4 or 5 speed
- costly to repair?
- and finally are they competitive against the Cr's and KX's?

[crankpin]

'86 500GS

The MX was a 5 speeder, dunno about the GS.

If it's anything like the MX it'll be much easier to ride than a Jap 500 of the same year. The 87/88 MX was my favourite open classer.

A nice looking bike as well.

[ba-02-xr]

The GS was a 5 speed as well. Some different ratios. Could be a MXC as well. I have a parts list in PDF if you need it.

[popeye]

I had the first water cooled 500 MX and it was a 4 speed, and had a rock hard seat, l thought it was a 85 or 86 model but not sure to long ago, went extremly well but the vibrations were unbelievable, ten minute moto you couldn't fell your hands..

[ba-02-xr]

85 was first water cooled & had drum rear brake. 86 had disc rear.

[LWC82PE]

See how it says 'MX' on the shock, well i know that the MXC had 'XC' written on the shock instead.