Most popular pre 85 and evo bikes

[bishboy]

Intrigued by the 84 KX250 that sold a couple of weeks ago on ebay for $5k and inspired by Slakewell’s best pre 74 thread (couldn’t contribute to that one as I know nothing about anything made before 1980, i hadn’t even started school in 74  ), I was wondering what everyone thought were the most popular pre 85 evo bikes, for whatever reason, because they’re rare, fast or just because people love ‘em 

I’m not trying to make a definitive list, just some of the models I’ve noticed that get snapped up quickly or go for good money on ebay.   

Pre 85
-  83/84 open class bikes, particularly the KX, RM & CR 500/480’s
-  84 KX250 (apparently)
         
Evo
- YZ465
- 79 KX250

[mx250]

No Pixies - no post

[Nathan S]

In Evo 500s, the Maicos are widely considered The Bike, and command a premium.
The YZ465s are the next best, and are definitely the best of the jap bike of the category.
They both go for good money because they're good race bikes.

RM500s are an oddity. They are super desirable now, even though they weren't considered that great in the day.
In contrast, the YZ490s were more popular when new, but are treated like lepers now...
Big bores are always sought after, esp those with disc fronts.

The last of the Evo Kawasakis seem to be very popular and consequently expensive, but it seems to be 50% race performance, 50% looks...

The 84 KX was a very clean, original bike. I think that lots of people would have bought them new but steered away because of the earlier frame breakages and parts supply. History has shown that the 84s were actually quite good, so the pool of potential buyers in 2011 is large relative to the number they sold.

[Slakewell]

The Maico 490 is the best evo open bike these things were just so good , they did nothing wrong except brake down allot.
IMO the KTM 420 and 390 are close motor wise but they don't steer as nice as the Maico but handle very nicely.

The KTM 250 is dam good evo 250 being an 81 model sneaks in a few extra years over the jap bikes thou tall they can be made to run very quickly.

Pre 85 the Honda's for 84 are good and can be great with the endless hot up parts you can buy for them a WP rear shock and pro circuit pipe and cylinder and these things rip.
I like the 84 KTM but I have not ridden one that goes as well as a good Honda. 

[09.0]

they did nothing wrong except brake down allot.

I take it from personal experience?
Good to see someone (one) is giving KTM's a wrap.
490 Maico's are not only reliable but best in the class.

[Graham]

Get yourself a good trail bike forget all that other rubbish,it'll last for years,the bikes are cheap ( no one wants one),parts are a dim a dozen,and if your really nuts hell get one of those slow four stroke models,think how fit you'll get throwing that around.

See win ,win.

[Slakewell]

I could probably muster my pre 85 / 125 ways if I had one of these.

[STW996]

I have a few Honda's and for looks I just can't go past the 79 CR250, I have two off them, one I ride (well every now and then) and one in the showroom of my business, for riding I have 3 off the 84 CR 250's and they are just so easy a bike to ride.

This era of late 70's early 80's produced some real great looking bikes and does not matter which brand you like there is a bike for everyones taste.

I'm not a big KTM man (well I am not big at all I am short) but that is one dam fine looking bike!

Shane

[TooFastTim]

Yum yum...

[Hoony]

Gotta love those white KTM's, man do they look good.

[Toolboy]

This is my favourite Evo ride as it is my first MX bike.

With the totally unique one year only design plastics the 79 RM400N is worth every cent on the rebuild.






Tim

[firko]

The Maico 490 is the best evo open bike these things were just so good , they did nothing wrong except brake down allot.

Ugh! The old Maico Breako chestnut . Maicos' break about as often as any other bike. It's all to do with how meticulous the owner is with his maintenance schedule. If you look after any bike, it'll look after you, if you neglect it, it'll inevitably let you down........Kinda like a woman  .

[Slakewell]

Gee Firko I've only ridden yours 


Boom Tish

[pancho]

 Now Slaky be nice

[VMX247]

Actually an interesting question...with whats out there and at what level these bikes are used  .
Bit of a quick add up from Nationals stat's
----- pre85-----
Yamaha's where like fly's at Crystal Brook in the over 250cc/263 class.   
Quick count
Yamaha 22.
Honda 9
Husqvarna's 8
Suzuki 4
Maico 4
Bultaco 1
KTM 2
CZ 1

-----Evo 250cc------
Yamaha equal 10 with Honda
Suzuki &  Maico 2
Kawa,KTM,CZ and Bultaco all with one 1

------Evo/pre85 125-----
Suzuki 5
Honda 6
Yamaha 3
Kawa & KTM 1

Bit of a quick add up from Nationals stat's

No huskys?
Ed

perhaps too quick-sorry.