My CR500 story - I rode a 1992 back in my college days, mostly duning, single track, and desert riding. I loved it, though it was a bit of a pig in the handling department compared to 250s I had owned previously. I ended up selling it after losing interest in off-road riding for awhile.
Fast forward to 2014 - I have a teenage daughter interested in riding, and pestering me to buy another bike. I considered the 4 strokes and would probably be a better rider with one, but I like absurd power. I bought this earlier this year, along with a KDX 200 for her to learn on:
It's a very clean 2000, and it had been set up by FineLine Suspension for a 200lb desert rider. It's very plush, and of course it's powerful. One snag came up though:
Mike in Arizona advertised this bike, and the idea of a street legal CR500 (and a Gen 3 AF) was irresistable. I drove down to Prescott Valley and picked this up a few weeks ago. It's now plated in Utah, and it is crazy fun to ride this on the street. I live about 2 miles from BLM trails, and it's nice to be able to ride from my house.
I'm probably going to sell the 2000, since I don't really need two. I wondered for a long time before buying anything if the AF would give me that 250-like handling that I like, and it does turn a little more sharply than the steelie, but the difference isn't as dramatic as I thought it would be. I know there's a lot of variables that affect handling, and I'm not a good enough rider to appreciate some of the subtle differences, but I thought it would be more pronounced. I do love the way the AF looks, and that it's street legal - Mike spared no expense setting it up nicely, with quality components.
That's my story.
Allan
