- May 1, 2001
- 1,452
- 0
I have always wanted a 500 two-stroke just because I think it would be a blast! I recently stumbled upon a deal that I am thinking about very seriosuly. A guy over on KTM talk just bought a leftover 04 (last year) KX500. He claims to have ridden it 4 times with an estimated 10-12 hours on the bike before deciding it is too much for him. And based on the close-up pictures he sent, I believe him. The bike has a PC pipe and S/A, desert tank, and handguards. He is looking to trade down in brute power, so I offered up my 04 250SX, thinking he'd say "no thanks." My 250 has 123 hours and has all the usual woods-riding armor. Far better shape than average, though. He wants to trade straight-up, no cash involved. I've only ridden one 500, it was an 01 Honda. Loved the power of it, thats not what concerns me. I just wonder how poorly the 500 will handle, how overweight it will be, and so on. I completely understand that this bike will be nowhere close to an ideal woods bike, but I'm interested in the fun factor here. I'm pretty confident I'm a good enough rider to handle the power, but I just don't have much seat time on one of these bikes and wonder how outdated it will feel. I'm a mid-pack B-level woods rider, 5'9", 165 lbs. And in addition, would this be a wise idea financially? If I don't end up liking the bike, could I at least get out of it for more than my KTM is worth? Input appreciated...