CR500 vs. KTM525exc

[cybermecium]

Hey folks, I just got myself a very nicely built 2000 YZ250 with very little hours on it. Coming off of a YZ250F, I think I have fallen in love with 2 strokes.

Anyways, my question is this...

I am looking at buying a second bike for strictly desert/dunes and trail use, and keeping the YZ250 as my track/playbike. I have narrowed down my choices to a CR500 or a KTM525exc. Before anyone tells me those bikes are too powerful, I have rode both of them and while they have plenty of power, i can handle it.

I want to know what the ups and downs of each bike is. I am more partial to the CR500 because I love the 2-stroke power and I also think honda builds a better bike than katoom.

So what's it gonna be, the 5 hunny or the katoom?

[yzjohn89]

WELL GO WITH THE TWO SMOKE!HAHA! ITS IS WAY FASTER THEN THE 525!

[ossagp]

I have a 500. I think I will always have one. I ride other things more now, but I will always keep one around.

[mxmikecr250]

get a 500 i tack mine out 5th up comp hill at sand mountain and it has enough power to pull to another gear. cr 500s are extremely fast. get the 2 smoke

[cybermecium]

What about the vibration? Last one I rode wasn't super bad but it was still bad enough, especially to me being 120lbs, I feel speed and vibration a little differently than most people heavier than me lol. My 250 has some vibration but I have since gotten used to it. Will the same happen with the CR500 or is this thing just gonna rattle my arms out of their sockets?

[OLDMXRACER 393]

I have not ridden a CR500. I personally don't care for the YZ450f, (too abrupt for my skills!) But I liked the 450 Honda I tried. I have also ridden the 525. I thought it was very controlable and forgiving. (Illinois woods riding) It was a rocket when the throttle gets pulled, don't get me wrong, just easier to ride IMO. I wouldn't mind owning one!

[MotoMan]

I would say for dune usage I would go with the 2 stroke....more wheelspin=better when it comes to sand.

[scleland]

For sand you can't beat lower weight and more horsepower. Get the CR.

[Smashinz2002]

There is no question about it dude, find a nice, clean CR500 and forget about the 525. Unless of course, you enjoy constant maintenance, which the KTM will require.
CR500's are well known for reliability, even with very little maintenance. KX500's are also very reliable and seem to last pretty much forever. I haven't ridden a CR500, but I do own a KX500, and I would'nt sell it for anything.
There is really nothing that compares to a big-bore 2-stroke for light weight and extremely snappy power. Possibly the best thing is that you can find a CR500 for pretty cheap, while a KTM525 costs a fortune!
As far as vibration goes, yes there is a lot of that on my KX, but it's mostly when the bike is in neutral when you're warming it up.
Once you're riding it, and it's under a load, it's not as noticeable. I don't know if that's because I'm usually struggling to hang on, or what, but I never pay any attention to any vibration when riding. I really think that when riding, you'll be more concerned with being in the right position to deal with the power, keep it going where you want it, etc. Good luck man.

LL.
KX500/fmfgnarly/vforce reeds

[maf1188]

If your in love with 2 strokes id go with the 500 because the 525 is a 4 stroke and the 500 has more power.

[Zak]

lol CR500! 2stroke to 4stroke 526!


500 all te way

[crdude]

go with the cr500, its a honda "haha" and its gots more power lol

[2kHondaCR500R]

Find a good used CR 500R, or a new CR 500AF (if you got the cash). You will love it mang. :

[madarse]

go for the 500 the only thing you will look back at it anyone dumb enough to race you...these roost forever.........