426 trade CR500

[pbviking]

What do you guys think about trading a 01 YZ426 for a 96 CR500? From the pics the 500 lots to be in good shape.

The 426 has the following

AVS levers

renthal sproket

Emig tripple clamp

FMF powerbomb

Promoto billet spark arrestor

The 500 has

modified fly wheel

port and polished

head is milled

carb is bored

vforece rad valve

FMF pipe

[grayracer513]

Having owned a CR500, I will say that it's something everyone should do once. Whether it will suit you in the long run depends entirely on what kind of riding you plan to do with it. They're a gas in the dunes, or anywhere where there is plenty of room and need for power. But the 426 will kick it's butt on a MX course of almost any size, based on the ability to hook up and deliver manageable power. Riding a big CR in anything tight takes, um,...concentration. Finding traction will be your single biggest problem, but you will pretty much never have to ask for more power.

They are also very, very different in the air. Part of that, you expect, because like any two-stroke, it is much less likely to lift its tail if you roll off too soon over a jump. Lifting the front is another matter. ANY over-exuberance on the part of the rider when leaving a crest will send the front up, and I guarantee you that you will more than once find yourself far more vertical that you were planning on. One of best things you can do about this is to replace the 18" rear with a 19" to allow the use of a lighter rear tire.

On the plus side, the CR500 is just about as indestructible as any pinger ever was. They're a hell of a lot of fun in their own way, but they ain't for everyone. ?

[PolskaSax]

my opinion.... stick with the 426, 500's arent for everyone. And if you have been accustomed to the 4 stroke power the switch wont be as smooth as you might think. Its completley different riding experience altogether, unless you want to be holding the handlebars by your teeth... what do you ride primarily is what you should look at, tracks, dessert??

[pbviking]

back in the days i used to ride a big bore 2 stroke so i have an idea of what to expect. most of my current riding will be in colorado

i was just wondering if you guys thought the trade would be fair

[grayracer513]

back in the days i used to ride a big bore 2 stroke so i have an idea of what to expect.

Me too. I had two different CZ400's, and a Maico 450. That experience prepared me for the CR500 only on a conceptual level.

[Ga450owner]

back in the days i used to ride a big bore 2 stroke so i have an idea of what to expect. most of my current riding will be in colorado

i was just wondering if you guys thought the trade would be fair

if you are talking about riding this 500 on tracks or in the switchbacks and mountains - fo get a bout it.....you will hate this unless you buy the heaviest flywheel known to mankind, and gear it correctly. 500's need space...and a lot of it. Sounds like you know this....

Trade wise it is pretty close...depends on condition of both rides

I would prefer a used KTM300......

[rdefonce]

Me too. I had two different CZ400's, and a Maico 450. That experience prepared me for the CR500 only on a conceptual level.

HA HA Gray, that's a somewhat abstract statement . . . "on a conceptual level":-)))

I'd say that's accurate.

I sold my old '88 cr500, and got my YZ400F. Yes different animals. Both work on MX track pretty evenly though. Our little riding group currently owns five CR500's and they all race them in the age classes, mostly +45 and +50. They whup-up on plenty of newer 4-strokes with those old smokers!

[pbviking]

I would prefer a used KTM300......

I would like to get a KTM 300 at the time i was looking it was out of my budget.

I like the 426. its a solid bike. Wished i could get a big bore kit for it.. something like 490 or 505.

[jmckinney]

Personally I would stick with the 426, unless you are riding in the desert or the dunes... I owned a KX500 before my 426, and needless to say I love the 426. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing better then blasting the dunes on a 500 but if you rides trails I would definatly stick with the 426...

[Ga450owner]

I would like to get a KTM 300 at the time i was looking it was out of my budget.

I like the 426. its a solid bike. Wished i could get a big bore kit for it.. something like 490 or 505.

I am not sure there is a kit for the 426 that size but there is a bb option...I luv my 470

[pbviking]

I am not sure there is a kit for the 426 that size but there is a bb option...I luv my 470

What is a bb option?

[husqy360]

might be big block^

[grayracer513]

Try Big Bore, as in kit.