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The us doesnt alway reflect the world as far as markets go...
Of course we could just shut this convo down, take our lumps and watch some mind numbing TV..
But if you are really passionate about it, if you truly believe that there are a decent amount of serious buyers out there....you should perhaps look into using the Internet somehow to compile a sizeable list of names and contacts of people willing to sign up for a bike and give that list to KTM, they may still have the tooling for their old 500 motors and they could possibly fit that into a modified current 4 stroke chassis...do a limited production run strictly to fill a one off pre order...
All highly unlikely but worth a try in order to give yourself the satisfaction of saying you gave it your best shot...
I said like two post up it's a fun conversation, and nobody said anything about limiting to the US market, Mike just used that as a numbers qualified.
Anyway, the OP was about CR or KX 500s. They are already in abundance. If money isn't an issue, import them to Europe till your hearts content.
People put CR500 motors in KTM's, zooks etc and obv Honda's. They vibrate when you idle or put around but mine sings when on the pipe.I love my CR5000 in '08 CRF250R frame.
I'm bias but even still I would buy a KTM 300 FI/e start/counter balanced if I were buying new but I will never sell the 500 and would add more used 500/250/125 smokers to the stable.
The Shop
https://www.facebook.com/brcracingcanada/
This looks like a very detailed effort, with highly sophisticated computer models and proper manufacturing. However, cost is very very high. I am very keen to see how well they do.
If I were KTM I'd be watching this closely and buy their work and sell as aftermarket or upgrade - a bit like Mountune do for Ford in the UK, allowing you to retain a warranty.
Not quite as nice as a factory fresh 500 but near enough
The males of today can't handle a 18hp jump in 500rpm. Bikes dont explode with power anymore, they gradually ramp up.
Billet CR500 motor with E-start option!
https://www.pantheramotorsports.com/
What would most likely be the best option is building new cast crate motors. People would buy them either as replacements, or for projects. Much wider market, especially if you somehow had the molds and tooling for 125s, 250s, and 500s. Good cases and OEM cranks can be hard to come by. If you could somehow maintain OEM quality for cranks and cases, you’d be in business.
Even if you had access, I think you're underestimating the costs involved in producing a bike from scratch, all the way to being on the showroom floor waiting for a buyer.
Pit Row
(22 year old pussy millennial here btw)
Keep in mind that Honda and Kawasaki, the people who already own the tooling and factories to make the bikes, along with having all the supply chain and labor intact to build them, along with ample production line time (I'm guessing, since there's been a worldwide downturn in motorcycle sales,) have both decided that it's not in their best interest to release any new versions of the existing designs. Existing designs which would cost absolutely NOTHING in R&D. This means only one thing: it is, quite literally, not worth the manpower to build a 500cc two-stroke out of scrap parts they have laying around or can get in short order.
To be fair, it’s mostly raced in hillclimb, but I’ve been known to bring it out to the track and make old guys happy.
https://youtu.be/q3SVTBrKyZk
Post a reply to: buy and run the CR 500 or KX500 production line