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I've got a CR250R ignition on my bike with a 10oz flywheel weight. I do recommend this. Bike is very easy to start, idles well, and doesn't stall in the corners like it used to with the 250 ignition and no flywheel weight. Also doesn't break the rear tire loose as badly coming out of corners. I run a PWK 38mm carb off of a YZ250 that I taper bored last year to 40mm. Pipe is a ProCircuit. The power of the bike is reasonably linear, but definitely not as strong as the 450's off of the bottom. I catch them in the mid-range, but have to shift more often than a 450.
Get one if you want one, but remember to practice good body position on the bike. A 500 2-stroke is the worst bike to get whisky throttle on. It's not very forgiving if you get out of shape on a whoop or roller section. I also learned to jump most jumps a gear higher than absolutely necessary to avoid unexpected sky wheelies. I had a bad get off last June when the throttle stuck WFO in 3rd gear and it threw me off the back. Result: broken tail bone, 2 sprained ankles and whiplash.
https://youtu.be/wv-34w8kGPM
Pit Row
That being said, 500s are another world and an absolute blast. 3rd gear holeshots for days (touchy on concrete), and in some vet classes, that's all you need to do and hang on!
1. The best chassis for that bike is the 02-07 250 frame. They just handle better than the four-stroke frames. for one reason or another, the front end is very vague when it is in the 05-08, 09-12, or 13+ frame. The front tire is consistently 4 inches to the outside of where you try to put it.
2. If you keep it on the pipe, you dont have to worry about the hit. So it hits hard at 6,500rpms? You'd never know if it never drops below 7,000. The powervalve is the lever on the left side of the bars. (Similar to guys who say one 125 is better than the other because it has more bottom end... are you lugging a 125?)
3. The best combination for going fast on a 500 on an MX track is just putting Showa twinchambers and the bigger brake on a 91+ steel chassis. Sorry guys.
4. yes, a 450 is better for casual riders. But if a diehard were to ride/train/set-up a 500 as his primary bike, you could actually be faster on the 500 simply because it's a 10+hp advantage, and 15lbs lighter right under the gas tank.
After doing a little research, I think from the Honda parts micros, there are 4 different part numbers for Ignitions and flywheels, and that is for the 87-01 CR500. The 85-86 is different as well. Stealhy indicates that the 87-01 flywheel weight can be adapted to the 85-86. I measured the distance from the cover mounting surface to the center flat surface of the flywheel (most outside of weight)is 21 mm. I hope this helps. I expected to possibly need more clearance, as my RM250 and 125 needed a spacer or different cover. I planned to make a spacer if needed, as all my RM's benefited greatly from the weight. I used the 8 oz on the 250 and the 5 oz (very rare) on the 125. It thickened up the power band. Less stalling, all the stuff everyone talks about. I see no negatives as long as you don't go too heavy. When I first put the 500 weight on, I was a little disappointed, as I didn't see a difference. Once I went out for while and rode it hard, then I could see all the benefits. I would never consider taking it off. It works for me, I hear all the talk about standing up in the turns, etc. Being that my 500 is in a Suzuki chassis, the thing turns great. The only bike that turns easier, I feel, is my RM125. Riding an RM125 is like riding a broomstick with a motor.
1. AJ, from service Honda, has stated that the 02-07 CR250 has a very dated feel, compared to the more refined and developed 4T chassis, that is why they used the 4T chassis. If you ride a 02-07 2T chassis 500AF, then jump on a 4T 500AF, the difference is immediately noticed. Not that the 02-07 2T is bad, but the 4T is just a more modern, refined feel.
2.As far as the "Hit" goes, you want some hit, after all, it's a 2 stroke. That was the problem with the 02-07 CR250's, there was no real hit. There are advantages in riding a motor in the lower rpm range. Mainly, you don't load the rear suspension. I upshift my 500 anywhere it's really rough, it's really noticeable. You don't want to ride a 500 2T like a 250 unless it's powerband is way up there. If it is, somethings wrong. As far as the 125 thing goes, having more lower power makes is easier to recover from mistakes, and again, riding in the rough stuff rear suspension wise. And I agree though, what is "Low End" on a 125? Does it really exists? Not on a racing 125 engine, but you get my point.
3. I know you feel that the 91+ chassis is the best, but I think there are narrower, better chassis. I like steel frame Hondas myself, I have 2, and the early Aluminum chassis beat me to death. I've had a 98, 01, 04, and they all beat me to death. That's why I did my 500AF with an RMZ250 chassis. Feels softer, narrower, etc. And it has twin chambers, stock. Easy to dial in, lots of spring choices, valving data available.
4. Yep, a Four stroke is more forgiving, but my CRF 450 wore me out way faster than my RM500AF does. But again, it's not for everyone, but you can say the same for 4 strokes.
Track was crap and dry and dusty so it was a good test!
Post a reply to: Who here owns/or has ridden a 500AF?