Been riding for a little over 4 years after a 25 year layoff. Rode as a kid and loved it and figured I'd get back in again.
The bikes obviously are SSOOooo much better now. I started back up with a 250 KTM and went riding with a few chums with CR500s and knew right then and there I'd have one. I think it was the sound of it that hooked me. Nothing sounds better then a CR500!!
I finally rode one and found I wasn't the least bet scared of all that power in fact to me it was easier to ride then my 250.
I found a cherry 2003 Service Honda two years ago and had a devil of a time setting it up. So much so I was going to sell it and buy a new one. I finally came to terms (suspension and stalling) with it and even more so once I put in a Rekluse. I can't imagine being on anything else now.
I've been riding a local Hare Scramble/Qualifier series and have had some success using the 500 in the 40+A class. So those that say it has too much power to be raced competitively or even trail ridden really have know idea. There is NO other bike I'd rather be on.
The 500 isn't without some weakness (if that word can be used in the same sentence as a 500), it has a tall first gear which is cured with a Rekluse, and it will overheat quicker than some other bikes. I'm working on that issue as we speak.
Anyway glad there is one more site dedicated to the greatest bike ever produced.
