Service Honda CR and KX500AF

wildbill
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wildbill 3/16/2012 7:01pm
3/16/2012 7:01pm Edited Date/Time 3/16/2012 10:14pm
funny thing is, if you're fast, you'll still kick everyone's ass no matter what bike you choose.
iRidePhotos 3/16/2012 7:07pm
3/16/2012 7:07pm
wildbill wrote:
funny thing is, if you're fast, you'll still kick everyone's ass no matter what bike you choose.
No contest there
WhKnuckle
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WhKnuckle 3/16/2012 7:17pm
3/16/2012 7:17pm Edited Date/Time 3/16/2012 7:19pm
iRidePhotos wrote:
Do some research, many magazines and people have done that exact thing with service bikes and with 4t's becoming so good now, the 500 motor just...
Do some research, many magazines and people have done that exact thing with service bikes and with 4t's becoming so good now, the 500 motor just wasn't made for that 250f frame. That TWMX test was from 04 I mean dont get me wrong, for the average joe, a 500af is a rediculous machine and a weapon if u can hang on, but if we are talking about on a pro level im not convinced a 500 is better. Look at chris blose, he rode a kx500af at mammoth and they couldnt get it to handle right for him at all. Bitchin bikes, just not quite there.

oh and btw i own and love a rm250 as my only bike so im no 2t hater
I get the impression you haven't ridden one enough to know anything about it. And I admit I haven't ridden 450s enough either. To each his own. But I'll say this without hesitation - a CR or KX500AF is a very, very competent motocross/desert/offroad bike. In fact, you'd have to look a long time to find a better one. My bike is geared for 90 MPH and, if traction is not a consideration, will out pull any 450 or 520 that I've ever come across.

At an offroad park where we ride, there's a long grass straight, maybe 200 yards, with a jump just before it. I've been behind guys on 450s and 520s at least two bike lengths going over the jump, shifted up twice to fourth gear in the air, pinned the throttle before I hit the ground, and blew past them with ease without even shifting gears. On more than one occasion, those guys rode back through the pits and stared at the bike wondering what the hell just happened, then they see what the deal was. One of 'em had a good sense of humor about it and broke out laughing.
insane one
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insane one 3/16/2012 7:18pm
3/16/2012 7:18pm
wildbill wrote:
funny thing is, if you're fast, you'll still kick everyone's ass no matter what bike you choose.
You are so right about that. Its just that the two stoke makes it more affordable. No matter how fast you are..

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FGR01
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FGR01 3/16/2012 7:47pm
3/16/2012 7:47pm
Mstock wrote:
I would gladly buy and race a 500 two stroke again. AF or not. Problem is there is not a 500 only 2-stroke class to race...
I would gladly buy and race a 500 two stroke again. AF or not. Problem is there is not a 500 only 2-stroke class to race it in to make it worthwhile. If I have to race against thumpers I will just use my thumper.
bu...bu..bu...but..I thought the 500AF was so superior to any 450???? The article above says 2 seconds a lap faster!!! You'd be killing everyone.
GuyB
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GuyB 3/16/2012 8:00pm
3/16/2012 8:00pm
burn1986 wrote:
Thanks Bry, I got that article awhile back and just saved the chart. I couldn't remember who Don Meada worked for. lol
Because you're right in the thick of the current day moto stuff. Wink
wardy
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wardy 3/16/2012 8:51pm
3/16/2012 8:51pm
I have rode the A/F in moto and woods. it rocks doing both. some riders who are not true open class riders will have trouble if they try to ride the bike like a 250. Thats a given and hasn't changed for a very long time.

I am a two stroke dude, and will always be. But if someone rides a 4 stroke big deal have fun enjoy it. I just wish there were more choices, in fact specifically honda smokers is what we use. but that won't happen and we will simply keep finding used clean machines and some day down the road start getting service hondas to replace our tired old iron. but that is a ways off.
iRidePhotos 3/16/2012 9:03pm
3/16/2012 9:03pm
WhKnuckle wrote:
I get the impression you haven't ridden one enough to know anything about it. And I admit I haven't ridden 450s enough either. To each his...
I get the impression you haven't ridden one enough to know anything about it. And I admit I haven't ridden 450s enough either. To each his own. But I'll say this without hesitation - a CR or KX500AF is a very, very competent motocross/desert/offroad bike. In fact, you'd have to look a long time to find a better one. My bike is geared for 90 MPH and, if traction is not a consideration, will out pull any 450 or 520 that I've ever come across.

At an offroad park where we ride, there's a long grass straight, maybe 200 yards, with a jump just before it. I've been behind guys on 450s and 520s at least two bike lengths going over the jump, shifted up twice to fourth gear in the air, pinned the throttle before I hit the ground, and blew past them with ease without even shifting gears. On more than one occasion, those guys rode back through the pits and stared at the bike wondering what the hell just happened, then they see what the deal was. One of 'em had a good sense of humor about it and broke out laughing.
I'll never deny a 500 is faster then a 450 and in a drag race, a 500 would destroy a 450 considering traction is good. However motocross usually isnt about a drag race. It comes down to traction, stamina, being able to lay the power to the ground. A 450 does all that much better then a 500 does. Your right, I haven't spent a whole lot of time on a 500, but i could be wrong that is just my opinion. However if you asked me what was better in the desert... 500 all day. No replacement for displacement
lostboy819
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lostboy819 3/16/2012 10:37pm
3/16/2012 10:37pm
Back when everyone made a 500 2 stroke the open class was always the smallest class so why does everyone think a old motor in a new frame is the answer? its not, service Hondas and such are for guys with more money than riding ability and professional practice riders.
lostboy819
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lostboy819 3/16/2012 10:42pm
3/16/2012 10:42pm
Hell the 450 4 stroke and the 500 2 stroke are not even made for the same class , one was an open bike and the other was built to race in the 250 class before they changed the class names.
insane one
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insane one 3/16/2012 10:50pm
3/16/2012 10:50pm Edited Date/Time 3/16/2012 10:52pm
lostboy819 wrote:
Hell the 450 4 stroke and the 500 2 stroke are not even made for the same class , one was an open bike and the...
Hell the 450 4 stroke and the 500 2 stroke are not even made for the same class , one was an open bike and the other was built to race in the 250 class before they changed the class names.
The 450f is claimed to be an open bike.. Look into the history of motocross buddy.. Back when there was an open class; The open class had more spectators than anyother class.. It had the support of the amature riders until Suzuki and Yamaha dropped out of the class do to poor sales. Plus they could not compete with Honda, Kawasaki or KTM 500cc two strokes. So there for the AMA decided to drop the class.. Tongue Whistling So get lost BOY!!
lostboy819
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lostboy819 3/16/2012 11:49pm
3/16/2012 11:49pm
insane one wrote:
The 450f is claimed to be an open bike.. Look into the history of motocross buddy.. Back when there was an open class; The open class...
The 450f is claimed to be an open bike.. Look into the history of motocross buddy.. Back when there was an open class; The open class had more spectators than anyother class.. It had the support of the amature riders until Suzuki and Yamaha dropped out of the class do to poor sales. Plus they could not compete with Honda, Kawasaki or KTM 500cc two strokes. So there for the AMA decided to drop the class.. Tongue Whistling So get lost BOY!!
The 4 strokes were built to go head to head with the 250 two strokes because of a loop hole in the AMA rules book that gave them a big cc advantage . Where did you come up the "fact" that the open class had more spectators ??
insane one
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insane one 3/17/2012 12:27am
3/17/2012 12:27am
I have just about everything written about the 500cc two stroke Honda and Kawasaki from 1992. So you ask where do I get the facts. Well in black and white!! Even the Maico 700cc two stroke.. So now I ask you to read Motocross Action May 1999 on page 102-114. Titled Who Killed The open Class!!!! Just Remember the ending phrase.. OPEN BIKES AREN'T DEAD- THEY ARE LAYING IN WAIT.... And Service Honda is waking them up!!!!!Angry
Dropbear
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Dropbear 3/17/2012 12:28am
3/17/2012 12:28am
lostboy819 wrote:
Back when everyone made a 500 2 stroke the open class was always the smallest class so why does everyone think a old motor in a...
Back when everyone made a 500 2 stroke the open class was always the smallest class so why does everyone think a old motor in a new frame is the answer? its not, service Hondas and such are for guys with more money than riding ability and professional practice riders.
That is true, I remember back when 250's and 500's had similar chassis (late 80's early 90's), most riders opted for the 250. In fact I dont think the 500 class was really ever considered the premier class in the US.

I myself always rode Honda 450 - 500 2T's and it used to annoy me when guys said the 500's were hard to ride.
lostboy819
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lostboy819 3/17/2012 12:42am
3/17/2012 12:42am Edited Date/Time 3/17/2012 12:50am
insane one wrote:
I have just about everything written about the 500cc two stroke Honda and Kawasaki from 1992. So you ask where do I get the facts. Well...
I have just about everything written about the 500cc two stroke Honda and Kawasaki from 1992. So you ask where do I get the facts. Well in black and white!! Even the Maico 700cc two stroke.. So now I ask you to read Motocross Action May 1999 on page 102-114. Titled Who Killed The open Class!!!! Just Remember the ending phrase.. OPEN BIKES AREN'T DEAD- THEY ARE LAYING IN WAIT.... And Service Honda is waking them up!!!!!Angry
Yes and I have every MXA from about 1976 and you tell me where it says that the open class had the most spectators ??
The only big draw in the US for the big bikes was the USGP at Carlsbad. Lets say that Honda came out tomorrow with a modern CR500 and hired Chad Reed to race it, What class would he ride? Seems that its a bike without a class.
insane one
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insane one 3/17/2012 1:00am
3/17/2012 1:00am
Awereness is the first step to getting ones attention.. I told you to find and read the Who Killed The Open Class.. Its only a matter of time before someone steps up to the plate and challenges the AMA rules!! Now that everyone knows the 500's are hear to stay!! Smile
davis224
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davis224 3/17/2012 5:48am
3/17/2012 5:48am
I am a 2 stroke fan, and do want a 500AF in the near future, but if you consider 450s unreliable then you don't know how to take care of a motorcycle. I've owned 3 450s so far and have yet to adjust a valve. Clean oil and a clean air filter go a long way my friend. Had my 07 CRF450 one year and it was bulletproof for that one year, 09 KX450, had it 2 years and valves were still in spec when I got rid of it. On my 2nd year on my 2010 CRF450 and still have not had to adjust the valves.
wardy
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wardy 3/17/2012 5:53am
3/17/2012 5:53am
lostboy819 wrote:
Hell the 450 4 stroke and the 500 2 stroke are not even made for the same class , one was an open bike and the...
Hell the 450 4 stroke and the 500 2 stroke are not even made for the same class , one was an open bike and the other was built to race in the 250 class before they changed the class names.
I bet you like koolaide too huh?

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insane one
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insane one 3/17/2012 8:27am
3/17/2012 8:27am
davis224 wrote:
I am a 2 stroke fan, and do want a 500AF in the near future, but if you consider 450s unreliable then you don't know how...
I am a 2 stroke fan, and do want a 500AF in the near future, but if you consider 450s unreliable then you don't know how to take care of a motorcycle. I've owned 3 450s so far and have yet to adjust a valve. Clean oil and a clean air filter go a long way my friend. Had my 07 CRF450 one year and it was bulletproof for that one year, 09 KX450, had it 2 years and valves were still in spec when I got rid of it. On my 2nd year on my 2010 CRF450 and still have not had to adjust the valves.
I would hate to buy anyone of your four stroke bikes. So please if you are going to negleck and abuse your bikes like that. Please do not buy a sweet bike such as the Service Honda CR500AF. Its pretty obviouse that you never once held the four stroke past 3/4 throttle for any length of time. Oh, wait a minute you must be a sales person. I would say that to if I was trying to sell my four strokes.Wink Wink Woohoo
GHOPPER
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GHOPPER 3/17/2012 10:09am
3/17/2012 10:09am
I have owned and ridden both, In the late 80's thru mid 90's I always had a 500 and for the last 7yrs a yz450. If you rode the 500 in a gear high and were careful with the throttle it was alot like riding the new 450s but my yz had way better forks. I have never ridden the af500's but think it would be a great bike.
FreshTopEnd
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FreshTopEnd 3/17/2012 10:10am
3/17/2012 10:10am
Seems like Service sells every one they make, what's the problem?
Flatliner
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Flatliner 3/17/2012 11:07am
3/17/2012 11:07am
davis224 wrote:
I am a 2 stroke fan, and do want a 500AF in the near future, but if you consider 450s unreliable then you don't know how...
I am a 2 stroke fan, and do want a 500AF in the near future, but if you consider 450s unreliable then you don't know how to take care of a motorcycle. I've owned 3 450s so far and have yet to adjust a valve. Clean oil and a clean air filter go a long way my friend. Had my 07 CRF450 one year and it was bulletproof for that one year, 09 KX450, had it 2 years and valves were still in spec when I got rid of it. On my 2nd year on my 2010 CRF450 and still have not had to adjust the valves.
I would agree with this. I almost never hear of guys having motor trouble with 450's. Locally it's the kids who rev like barcia in the C class who end up grenading bikes.
WhKnuckle
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WhKnuckle 3/17/2012 11:15am
3/17/2012 11:15am
FreshTopEnd wrote:
Seems like Service sells every one they make, what's the problem?
Yeah, the last I knew, AJ was actually selling more bikes overseas than he was in the US (a few years ago). I don't know if the recent European economic problems have changed that though. I think he sells about as many as he can make, and of course he makes quite a few each year that are very special (Bailey replica or other full-custom ones). I have no idea how much he makes off the bikes, but I imagine it's a good business, and he really seems to enjoy doing it. And most of his customers love them. You do something you love, your customers love what you do, and you make a good living - practically the American dream, right?
lostboy819
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lostboy819 3/17/2012 11:21am
3/17/2012 11:21am Edited Date/Time 3/17/2012 11:25am
wardy wrote:
I bet you like koolaide too huh?
It s Kool-Aid not koolaide you retard
Woohoo
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kevin204 3/17/2012 12:29pm
3/17/2012 12:29pm
I own a CR500 and a Suzuki 450. The 500 is the ultimate play bike, but for a novice like me, the 450 is much better on the track.
TerryK
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TerryK 3/17/2012 12:40pm
3/17/2012 12:40pm
GHR wrote:
maybe a dumb question but why are they called a "Service Honda" and what does the AF part mean?
reded wrote:
A dealership named Service Honda builds the "A"luminum "F"rame CR500.
GHR wrote:
got it! thx...always wondered that, I will google where that place is, perfect Glamis bike! I hate taking my race or practice bike into the sand...
got it! thx...always wondered that, I will google where that place is, perfect Glamis bike! I hate taking my race or practice bike into the sand dunes!
It would be a crime to take a Service Honda CR or KX to Glamis. Buy a stocker and destroy that instead.
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jtomasik 3/17/2012 12:57pm
3/17/2012 12:57pm
WhKnuckle wrote:
When I got my first 500AF in '03, there was just no comparison between my bike and a 450. Today, though, 450s are damn good bikes...
When I got my first 500AF in '03, there was just no comparison between my bike and a 450. Today, though, 450s are damn good bikes (although I don't want one). Today, it's more like a comparison between a 250 two stroke and a 250 four stroke. They both have advantages and disadvantages.

Don't worry, be happy. Lots of great bikes out there for everyone. And as far as cost, a Service Honda CR500AF isn't significantly more expensive than a new 450 with a Ti pipe, and the 500 is WAY cheaper to ride. You do a top end job every 3 years or so and that's all there is to it. It's not like you're revving the guts out of the thing. Well, you can, but you won't do it for long before the bike explains the error of your ways.
Cheaper to run....except for fuel. My 500AF guzzles fuel like it's going out of style. My old 450 didn't drink near as much. Still love my 500AF...best bike I've ever ridden.
iRidePhotos 3/17/2012 1:16pm
3/17/2012 1:16pm
davis224 wrote:
I am a 2 stroke fan, and do want a 500AF in the near future, but if you consider 450s unreliable then you don't know how...
I am a 2 stroke fan, and do want a 500AF in the near future, but if you consider 450s unreliable then you don't know how to take care of a motorcycle. I've owned 3 450s so far and have yet to adjust a valve. Clean oil and a clean air filter go a long way my friend. Had my 07 CRF450 one year and it was bulletproof for that one year, 09 KX450, had it 2 years and valves were still in spec when I got rid of it. On my 2nd year on my 2010 CRF450 and still have not had to adjust the valves.
insane one wrote:
I would hate to buy anyone of your four stroke bikes. So please if you are going to negleck and abuse your bikes like that. Please...
I would hate to buy anyone of your four stroke bikes. So please if you are going to negleck and abuse your bikes like that. Please do not buy a sweet bike such as the Service Honda CR500AF. Its pretty obviouse that you never once held the four stroke past 3/4 throttle for any length of time. Oh, wait a minute you must be a sales person. I would say that to if I was trying to sell my four strokes.Wink Wink Woohoo
Id actually agree with Davis 100% clean oil and filter is the key. Sure if you ride your bike like Justin Barcia it aint gonna last but there is no reason a 450 shouldn't go a very surprising amount of time with the correct maintenance. He stated they were still in spec sooo how is that not taking care of your bike if they cant be adjusted. Huh
croom mx
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croom mx 3/17/2012 1:43pm
3/17/2012 1:43pm
Most people here on this web site ride 4 strokes so talking about cr500 is not in their comfort zone, I like the bikes I use to ride them.
mark_swart
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mark_swart 3/17/2012 1:51pm
3/17/2012 1:51pm
insane one wrote:
Wow, I once again registered on a moto related Forum. That seems to not want to talk about comparing the 500cc two strokes against the combersume...
Wow, I once again registered on a moto related Forum. That seems to not want to talk about comparing the 500cc two strokes against the combersume and unreliable 450f's.. Do this test, find a stock Honda CR500 steel frame from 1994-2001. Ride it for a day to get used to it.. Ride with the normal buddies you ride with. Before long you will be amazed on how easy the stock CR500 handles.. Then imagine how much better a Service Honda CR500AF would be. Its the same amazing power of the CR500 and lighter than the 450f's.. Find one and try it. I let anybody ride my 2010 CR500AF at the track. Lets just say they are beleivers when they finally give it back to me..!!
Dude, I wish you lived close to me, I'd LOVE to take you up on that offer to try out a 500AF! I got an offer a while back to spin laps on a clapped out old KX500, but the rounded off knobbies and the 500cc seemed like sort of a bad combination so I stayed on my 450F..

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