CR500 Vs CRF450

[Graeme M]

Just read an article in the current MXA about comparing a CR500 with a CRF450. Interesting because the CR hasn't really changed a lot in maybe 10-15 years so it's almost a vintage bike 

The result was a win to the CRF in all areas except power. But what they were surprised by was how close it was. In fact their novice rider turned similar lap times on both bikes while one of their pro riders actually preferred the CR engine to the CRF and felt that a CR500 in  modern frame could be a better bike.  They made the point that twisting the throttle on the CR is far more brutal than the CRF - the CR just gets going where the CRF sort of chugs more.

Hmmm...

[oldmotoxer]

Thats cos the new 4 stroke MX bikes suck! I also agree with the Pro rider, in a modern frame/suspension set up the CR would whoop the CRF's ass I reckon. These new MX bikes look nice and I'm sure they do the job but they have as much appeal to me as a sock full of shit does 

[Maico31]

That's surprising that the result was close, you would expect the CRF450 to be way better because like you said the 500 hasn't changed in years. Everyone used to ride 250 2 strokes because the 500 was too fast and hard to use all that power. I ride a modern 450 but maybe most of us would be better offf on something around 350 4 stroke?? I'd love to have a ride on a CR500 in a modern alloy frame, they build them in the US and they look so cool.

[brent j]

I believe an outfit called "Service Honda" in the US do a conversion.
CR500 motor into a late (not sure which model) CR alloy frame. There's one in Darwin and it does look good, very professional conversion.

Brent

[Graeme M]

The other thing they noted was how quiet the 2-stroke was compared to the 4-stroke! De-dum, de-dum, de-dum, as T&T used to say...

[Maico31]

Service Honda.. they're the ones i saw. They built a David Bailey replica which was modelled on his '86 works bike and it looked Unreal!! It's a CRF250 frame that they use, i've seen them on Ebay for around $2500.

[Lozza]

A forum member has the 500 into 02 250 frame.A NZ aquaintence has (amongst other special hybrids) a Alloy 500 reckons 60ft rooster tails and trench digging is all the go.
If a 500 had a tricky ignition, a powervalve and suspension to match bye bye 450.Then when the 450 owner gets shirty we just compare compare maintainence costs.

[Hoony]

If a 500 had a tricky ignition, a powervalve and suspension to match bye bye 450.

Very Good point Lozza, wonder how the last 2002 KX500 (did they had power valves?) slotted into a late model frame with a PVL Digital Ignition would be like?

[Maico31]

Did you guys see that alloy framed KX500 at CD4? 500 2 stroke in a new KXF450 chassis. Awesome looking thing..

[firko]

I guess we'll have to find another old school/new school shootout for ADB now that MXA has done the deed.

[Graeme M]

That's right, that's the one you were planning next, isn't it?

[squirtmoto]

I own one of each of these, and if anyone noticed the bike I was riding last weekend at Conondale and the smirk on my face you'll know which one I think is a better bike! as for the next comparo try the "most overrated" MX bike shootout I have also owned an alloy framed converted CR500 it was a 97 CR250 frame with a 86 CR500 engine. Good in principle but ugly to ride, engine was typical of a 65HP light switch but the frame was to stiff and the front forks discusting. I guess if you had unlimited budget you could get the forks fixed and an ohlins shock or just buy an ex-GP ride from Europe.

[Nathan S]

The 97 CR250 wasn't a real good bike though was it? Too stiff, I believe (not that I've ever ridden one).
Adding HP and weight to a bike that doesn't handle nice will never make it better... The alloy framed CRs didn't really start to work 'properly' until 2001 or so, IIRC - maybe your 500 engine in a later 250 frame would give a different impression?

The KX500s got PVs in the mid~late 1980s. I thought that all of the 500 2-strokes were seriously detuned/under-developed, so that mortals can ride 'em... I have enough trouble hanging off the back of my Husky WR360...

[squirtmoto]

Yeh I guess so Nat,
service Honda use the R4 125 and 250F frames for their conversions I'm not sure what spec engine they use, but if its after 1988 it will only have around 55HP as they were serverely detuned after 1987.

[holeshot buddy]

they should have tested the kx500 instead of cr it would have smoked it late model crs are too tame
the kxs are the best package   anyone would think i like them or something that 500 in 450 frame is a mates in vic he loves it   i want one now !!!!!!!! just remember red means stop and green means go   500s rule !!! oh yeah bill i just put this in so you would not kill the post  






it ran last time i started it