Off topic: Honda CR500

[ebb]

Is it true? Rumors abound that Honda is returning to 2 stroke dirt bikes with a 2019 or 2020 CR500. The last CR500 was about 10 years ago and made 58HP and weighed 230lbs. The rumors say the 2019 or 2020 CR500 will make 92 HP and weigh 197. I had thought 2 strokes were done in the USA due to emissions but last Saturday I stopped at the KTM dealership and they had 2 stroke KTMs on the show room floor. I did look at the Huskies and they all looked to be 4 stroke bikes.

 

[HonkinDonky]

I own 2 of them, so I wish it was true. Sadly it looks like a bunch of internet folklore to me. KTM has never quit making 2 strokes, unfortunately for a guy my size, they don't offer a big bore 2 stroke. Fun fact, it was 2001, 18 years ago now that Honda killed of the CR5...

 

[TheOtherZilla]

I don't think so.. Fake news..

 

[avidflyer]

Back in the day that was the bike..who was the Honda rider Ricky Johnson ?. someone like that

 

[MikeMcCasland]

Could be true. I read that Yamaha was bringing out a YZ500 for 2020 in limited quantities. It was something like 70HP at the rear wheel.


I last raced the 250 C-class in 2000-2001. I was young then, but 250cc 2 strokes of that era were violent when they hit the power band. I'd be terrified of what a modern 500 would do; maybe they're more mellow now?


Link: http://dirtbikelover.com/2020-yamaha-announces-limited-yz500/

Edit: That link could be a hoax, considering there aren't many corroborating links. Who knows? I think there's still a company that makes CR500AFs if you really want one...I know they used to back when I was into it. I'd be scared to take one around a track.

Edit2: Two strokes in general are making a slight comeback. There's a large segment of riders that are nostalgic towards them, as the 80s-2000s were kind of the MX 'hayday'. Secondly, they're way easier maintenance wise. Yamaha has 125/250cc 2 strokes back in the mix, and as you said, KTM never stopped.

 

[HonkinDonky]

One of my 5's is a Service Honda 500AF, it is a 2003. My steel frame bike is a 1997. I'm almost certain that Service Honda has stopped making the AF's but I'm not willing to bet that they wouldn't for a price. Might be an issue getting a factory new engine/trans, etc as I believe it was around 2012 Honda stopped supporting them and residual inventory is all that left...

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I had a cr500 back in the day. Sure wish i had another one right now. Got an xr600r thats street legal with a title as of now i need to sell

 

[TrxR]

I would love to have an aluminum framed CR500. I was also looking at a KTM or Husqvarna 300 EFI 2 stroke. I wish I could afford one. As for 2 strokes I know KTM, Husqvarna , and Beta still make them and you can get street legal kits for them in some places.

 

[garandman]

Love the sound of the 2t.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

I use to ride those damn things! They're like a drug in that they are addictive...and like a gun, in that they will hurt you pretty bad if you don't respect them. 3 knee surgeries later...I quit! Actually just two...The last one was a result of tearing up what they couldn't really fix back then, after re injuring it. Technology has come a long way and they fixed my knee better than ever. But a 200lb 92hp dirt bike makes my mouth water and my knee hurt, just thinking about it. Lol!

When in doubt...GAS IT!

 

[MikeMcCasland]

I use to ride those damn things! They're like a drug in that they are addictive...and like a gun, in that they will hurt you pretty bad if you don't respect them. 3 knee surgeries later...I quit! Actually just two...The last one was a result of tearing up what they couldn't really fix back then, after re injuring it. Technology has come a long way and they fixed my knee better than ever. But a 200lb 92hp dirt bike makes my mouth water and my knee hurt, just thinking about it. Lol!

When in doubt...GAS IT!

Hah, I hear that.

I still watch a little SX/MX during the seasons, and occasionally browse craigslist for bikes to build/restore.

That said, I'm not as young and 'bouncy' as I used to be, and god only knows what those medical bills would be today. I too got hurt bad racing; ended up not walking for a little over year, several surgeries etc.

As much fun as it would be, probably smarter (and cheaper) to stick to playing with guns

Still, nothing compares to that feeling of being in the starting gate on a warm summer night, with the ground shaking, 20+ other bikes banging off the rev limiter, bellowing clouds of premix and AVGAS, knowing that in 3-4 seconds you're all headed full throttle for a turn that'll only accommodate ~3 bikes wide. Put it in 2nd, and dump the clutch when the gate drops...don't back off for anything!

Amps me up just thinking about it.

Edit: My last was a 2000 Honda CR250 to race the 00-01 season.

 

[Rustytigwire]

Brother got a CR 125 in 75? I just knew i would kill myself soooo, waited till 6 years ago at 55 and now its KTM 350 excf 400 exc and 450 exc. 950 adv is a blast, Sold the 950 super enduro to a friend..
Ps i dont ride worth a darn, slow guy go around. I darn sure have fun.

 

[joshb]

I had a cr500 back in the day. Sure wish i had another one right now. Got an xr600r thats street legal with a title as of now i need to sell

You have to hang on to some thing! I have an old XR500 four stroke. I can’t let it go! (File photo cause mine is out in the garage and I’m not walking out there. Mine has a few dents and bent handle bars from my last ride.) Yup! Old guy on motorcycle thinking he’s 25 again dumps bike!

 

[snowpro440]

I sure miss my 96 cr500

 

[Medic505]

Man, to be young and fearless again....

 

[joshb]

Man, to be young and fearless again....

Yeah! I found out I don’t bounce anymore. I kinda crumple and lay there, moaning!

 

[Medic505]

My last dirt bike was a RM 370. I told the guy I sold it to, "This thing will hurt you". He snickered and replied, " I've been riding since I was 7". He broke his right femur the first time out. I snickered....

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Ive had pretty much every desirable motorcycle including huskies, gas gas, and every other overpowered 2wheeler but the cannondale and atk were 2 i wish i still had. The atk is an engineering wonder with a rotax in it and the cannondale was a work of art. Every weld on it looked like it was entered in a welding contest.

 

[R.Morehouse]

My last was an 02' KTM 520SX 4 speed. That baby would " Haul The Mail"........

 

[MikeMcCasland]

Ive had pretty much every desirable motorcycle including huskies, gas gas, and every other overpowered 2wheeler but the cannondale and atk were 2 i wish i still had. The atk is an engineering wonder with a rotax in it and the cannondale was a work of art. Every weld on it looked like it was entered in a welding contest.

Whatever happened to the Cannondale's? They were supposed to be the great thing ever when they came out; seemingly turned into vaporware. I don't think I ever saw one in the wild.