|
| I have owned a Husaberg 501 and a Honda XR650R that couldn't climb a large sand hill (Devil's Elbow) I could clear with a 25 year old Yamaha YZ465. My younger buddies with their super tuned japanese 450 four strokes can't climb it either! It took my little brother several tries on his 2006 CR250, but he made it over the top! My buddy with his KTM 380 could clear it too. Sand sucks the horsepower out of a bike. A large sandy hill-climb should be a better indicator of horsepower than a dyno test in a magazine! |
Big bore two strokes need a huge rear tire to turn all them ponies into forward motion. The minimum size should be a 120/100-18 (140mm section width).
If you look close at the pictures in the magazines when they compare a big bore 2 cycle against a new thumper, the 2 cycle bike always has a wimpy or worn out rear tire. Most open class bikes came with undersized tires stock. Why run a 5.10 (110/100-18) width tire on both 250s and 500s? Well friends, the Cheng Shin C760 5.60-18 (see pic) is the tire for big open class two strokes. It has a soft rubber compound and giant knobs that really hook up. You can normally race a whole season with two rear tires. It is big! You can almost fit the biggest Dunlop or Bridgestone inside the C760. They are cheap!
One of my favorite all around MX rear tires is the Cheng Shin C703 5.30-18 (see pic). They are hard to find but worth it. The C703 is the holeshot champion as the huge center knobs chew out chunks of earth and send you flying to the first turn. On a sandy track it feels like you are cheating with this tire! The open tread center hooks up great in sand or mud. With the softer rubber compound and sturdy side knobs, the C703 sticks on hard pack too. Very few dealers know the C703 is the perfect MX tire, or they would stock it. I raced for years on Pirelli and Metzeler rear tires, but my big bikes would chew them up too fast. The Cheng Shins last longer and cost less. Maxxis is made by Cheng Shin, but Maxxis tires cost as much as Dunlops.
My favorite front tire is the Pirelli MT18 80/100-21 (now called model XCMH)(see pic). The MT18 is a meaty tire and looks bigger than the Japanese fronts. It stays planted on hard or soft terrain and really builds confidence. If you have problems with front end wash-out, try the Pirelli MT18. The MT18 is a favorite of Baja race teams. The Pirelli MT18 is now called the XCMH dual sport enduro tire...but it is the same!
The Dunlop D745 and Metzeler MC5 are front tires that bite good too.
Avoid the Shinko brand rear tires for 500cc class bikes. Chunk City!
Buy C760 5.60-18 Tire
Sand Paddle Tires
See All Dirt Bike Tires
|
| You can normally restore an open class two stroke bike yourself for under $1,000. This includes seals, bearings, and any engine or chassis parts you may need. Restoring a bike you know will be a beast is half the fun of owning one. Restoring a classic car can cost ten times more, but the bike is much more fun. If you can buy an used bike for $2,000, then put another $1,000 into it, it is still a bargain. Try buying a new bike for $3,000 that will give you as much pleasure. |
| I was very blessed growing up in the motorcycle business. My family owned a multi-line dealership, and I worked in the back until I was shipped off to college. I had access to more motorcycles than most people. I normally own 9 or 10 bikes at a time. Most of my family has gone the ATV route. I still can't understand why people give up fast dirt bikes to ride heavy and slow ATVs. If we can understand the switch to ATVs, we can figure out why people are buying four strokes. |
| I have a new project; The Hondaberg. My Husaberg FC 501 engine is toasted. My 1988 CR500R is sitting in the garage with a twisted swingarm and frame (daughter ran over it with her jeep), but a very fresh engine. I think I can build a sub 200 pound fun bike. A Hondaberg 500. This might be better than the CR500AF. The idea sounds cool. I might start when my 84 KTM is done. |
CarGrinder.com
|
The big bore two stroke is king. There is no way the lies and propaganda from the motorcycle magazines can overcome true facts. So folks, how can the new generation of 4 stroke thumpers beat the big bore ring-ding-dings? They can't! The 4 stroke dyno test results published are ...LIES! On a real shop dyno that tested the Honda CR500 with 58HP, the hottest Japanese 450 4T only produced 42HP! (See www.twostrokemotocross.com.) If the 450 thumpers really do produce 52HP, why am I not allowed to race my 49HP GasGas 300 in the same class? Because the AMA knows the truth!
I am an open expert racer from the old days, and have spent plenty of time on the big bore two strokes below. Listed are my favorite bikes and the reasons why. The good news is you can normally find these in good condition at cheap prices if you are willing to travel. |
My Favorite Open Class Bikes
1. 1983 Husqvarna 500 XC
Your 4 stroke buddies will crash their brains out trying to keep pace. Out of the box, the 500 XC has to be the fastest all around dirt bike. The engine has good low end grunt, brutal mid range, and revs out good on top end. A few other bikes make more horsepower, but none are faster covering ground. The stock gearing gives you a top speed over 100 mph, and it will get there as fast as you can shift gears. The handling is amazing. Yes there are better MX bikes, but for blasting through open country, the XC 500 Husky has no peers. On fast mountain fireroads, You will have KX500s and XR650s eating your dust. Normally you can go several seasons before you need to rebuild the top end. The clutch pull is heavy, but you get use to it. The CR version is fast too, but the XC transmission makes better use of the power. I never did get the chance to try one of the wicked 500cc waterpumpers.
Vintage Husqvarna Club See video of 84 XC500 - ROOST!
|  |
2. 1988 Honda CR500R
This is the most powerful Honda dirt bike ever made. The 1988 CR500 will smoke a 2000 CR500 and blow the doors off the biggest and baddest thumpers. It was faster through the gears than my Maico 490! The power in the mid range is brutal thus making for a lot of fun. The top end power is pretty good too. The Showa front forks are good as they get. In fact these forks work as good as any modern forks. Replace the rear shock with a good aftermarket shock and put on a huge Cheng Shin C760 tire to get it to hook up. The 1985-1988 CR500s have the same power and scary mid range as the Kawasaki KX 500, but without the pinging problems. I was confident I could win any raced I entered as long as I didn't crash. To race it on a MX track, you cue-ball through the corners and drag race down the straights. You want to scare the crap out of your 4 stroke riding buddies? Let them ride the CR500.
CR500 Riders Forum CR500 Awesome Power Video Clip
|  |
3. 2008 GasGas EC 300
I just won my first MX race of the year in the very competitive vet expert class. The track was muddy and I was picking off CRF 450s and RM-Zs like they were standing still. The EC 300 has good low end grunt, and the midrange blast mirrors the new YZ250! It has a crazy switch on the handlebars. It has easy to ride big bore power, then you toggle the crazy switch and it runs like a insane ported race bike! 300cc does not sound like much, but the EC300 has more ponies than an uncorked XR650! With the 6 speed tranny, the EC 300 will run over 90 MPH! The EC 300 ride is awesome! It turns and handles like a Honda CR250, but without any headshake. The Marzocchi forks and Ohlin rear suspension is tuneable and Buick plush. It feels so comfortable going fast! The GasGas EC300 works on supercross tracks, fast outdoor MX tracks, hare scrambles, desert, and enduro. This is a real do-it-all dirt bike! I can't wait to take it to the mountains. Bultaco lovers rejoice!
GasGas USA Official Website
GasGas Riders Forum
GasGas EC300 Sandy Hill Video
|  |
4. 1982 KTM 495
The reputation of the KTM 495 as a monster is pretty much right. The engine has decent low end power, strong mid range and insane top end. The powerband is like a ported 250, but twice as strong. It is a good thing the suspension and handling is so good or you could die. The novice will find himself in trouble on this bike. An expert will fall in love. The KTM has one of the best pure racing motors in the open class. The engine does shake and sends vibrations up your spine, but it is built for racing. It you want quiet and smooth buy a KTM 300. KTM has been refining this engine since the Penton Mint 400, so it is hard to break. The KTM 495 is at home on a motocross track or blasting through the desert. The reliability is outstanding. I also spent some time riding a 1989 KTM 500cc water cooled bike. The 500 is crazy fast, but feels heavy and strange when compared to the 495. I am in the process of restoring a 1984 495 and I can't wait to ride it.
Unofficial KTM 495 Site
|  |
5. 1981 Husqvarna 430 CR
My 430 CR is quick enough to win races. It is not in the same power league as the CR500 or KTM 495, but it will run neck & neck with a 2006 Honda CR250. The suspension was better than most bikes made in 1981. In fact the suspension is good enough for scrambles racing today against new machines. For high speed desert racing, the handling and stability is difficult to match. It runs good on outdoor MX tracks too. To win on a MX track, you take the high line through the corners and blast down the straights a gear higher than everyone else. With the small 430cc engine, I have pulled many holeshots against bigger bikes. I also like the 430 CR because it looks like a Husky should, plus is is so reliable. I owned it for 20 years and rebuilt the top end twice, replaced one clutch, and had the shocks rebuilt. No other bike I ever owned was made this good. I bet the WR and XC versions are cross country speed demons.
Nice Husky 430 CR Pics
|  |
6. 1981 Maico 490 Mega
This is the beast! The powerband is wide, but it hits hard down low and builds RPMs in a fraction of a second. A real rocket! Don't pay attention to what the dyno test say. You must ride it! Big sandy hills are no problem. The massive mower and good suspension will have you going faster than you think you are, and you will find yourself overshooting corners. The twin shock 1981 490 was the best handling Maico ever. This is a Maico, so check all fasteners often to keep things from falling off your bike. Parts are expensive and getting harder to find. Spend a day on one of the new four strokes, then ride the Maico 490. You will be in for a shock! I swear my arms were longer after each moto. Keep an extra primary chain in your tool box. Sure is a pretty pretty bike. Many say the Maico 440 Mega is a better MX bike, as you get the same great handling with more manageable power.
Vintage Maicos Site
New Maico Bikes Maico 490 in action video
|  |
Make The XR77.com Web Portal Your Home Page!
No Banners. No Pop-ups. No Spam. Loads Fast. Just Awesome!
7. 2001 KTM 380 SX
Do you want a bike that handles just like the new nimble 450 thumpers, but has explosive 2 cycle power? This is the bike. It does not feel like a open class bike because of the light weight and nimble handling. Once you crack open the throttle, you will know right away it is not a 250. This bike scoots! With my buddy on the 380 SX, he could pull away from my Husky 430 in a drag race. To get even, I had him follow me through a five mile long nasty sand wash full of woopies and ruts at over 50 MPH. This is where I always run away from hot 450s and 650s. I was riding on the edge of life and he was right on my tail the whole time. I was impressed with the off-road performance of such a serious MX bike like the 380 SX. Since the local tracks started letting the big two bangers race, my bud sold his Yamaha 450 after he bought the KTM 380. It is that good! The 380 EXC enduro has the same powerful engine with a 6 speed. The older KTM 360 also really rips, and you can find them cheap!
|  |
8. 1983 Honda CR480R
Back when I was racing in 1984, half of the bikes on the starting line were Honda 480 bikes. The powerband on the CR480R is so broad that you could wheelie it in any gear. Each time you would grab the throttle, there would be a nice roost. If you cut down the header pipe section 25mm, it would give you a good boost in top end power. The front forks were pretty good, but the rear suspension had a habit of throwing you off the bike in deep woops. An aftermarket lower link kit fixed the suspension and a Works Performance shock made it great. The 480 used the same chassis as the 250, so the handling was very nimble. Even today, may old timers say the honda CR480 was one of the best. This bike just loved to hillclimb. Also check out the 1984 CR500 with explosive power!
Large Collection of CR480 Pics
|  |
9. 1981 Yamaha YZ465
This was the last model for the Monoshock. Too bad because after 8 years Yamaha got it right! Most of the Yamahop was gone. The stiff rear suspension was fine for riders over 175 pounds. The YZ 465 engine was one of the best open class motors with a sturdy 5 speed transmission. The engine had good mid range power and top end. It was much faster on a MX track than the later YZ490. I could beat my buddy's Suzuki RM500 in a drag race. The handling was very neutral as you could cut corners like a Maico or take the outside line like a Husky. This bike was at home blasting through open country or racing moto-cross. Most 465s sold were used for trail riding. Reliability was top notch. I am amazed how good these bikes still run when neglected for so long. You can find them for under $800 in online classifieds and auctions.
Video - Riding Old YZ 465 Beater
|  |
10. 1992 Husqvarna 360 WR
The WR 360 handles like a newer japanese MX bike and the engine is so smooth it feels electric. It has a very broad powerband with strong low end grunt. It pulls through the mid range like a strong 250, and the top end with the wide gearing will scare you silly! The suspension and chassis is so forgiving and will make you a better rider than you really are. When I ordered new graphics, I got the WR 250 stickers by mistake. Now I have the ultimate sleeper. My thumper buddies can't figure out why their ultri trick 450s can't keep pace with my 250 Husky enduro bike. Fun! I would like to try the 430cc WR waterpumper.
Well Used 360 WR Picture
|  |
11. 1992 Kawasaki KX500
It took Kawasaki 7 years to tune the big KX so it would not ping itself to death. Even with the 1992 KX 500 you still need premium gas and run it a little rich. This is still one of the most powerful open class bikes made. Big sandy hills, no problem! The suspension is only fair and needs some reworking. It corners best with the power on, and with this much power you may find yourself in the bleachers. With a aftermarket rear shock and some front forks tuning, the KX500 is an awesome desert race bike. The Big KX is a brute and is powerful as the 88 Honda CR500. You can always tell novice KX500 owners, as they are always missing the rear fender. I have never ridden one, but the KX500 bikes built after 1996 are suppose to have the suspension sorted out and are just as scary fast.
Nice Picture of 92 KX 500
|  |
Honorable Mention
These are some other big bore 2 stroke bikes I have owned or spent time with.
1980 Husky 390 CR...good handling bike with a wide powerband. I won a lot of races on it. My last year as state champ (1981) was on this bike. Straight line stability was so good, I would do most passing in the woops section! I beat a lot of faster YZ 465s and Maico 440s just because I could stay on the gas in the nasty stuff. I could race a whole season without a top end rebuild!
1991 ATK 406. I wish I could have this one back! This was my favorie trail bike. It had open class power but you could fling it around like a 125. This is an enduro bike that will run with the new 450 thumpers on a tight MX track.
1983 Moto Villa 495 Factory Bike This is the fastest dirt bike I have ever ridden. I raced one moto at Mexico City. It was 35 minutes of hell, but I won the heat! The narrow powerband was like a Suzuki TM400, only with twice the power (think what a ported Maico 490 would be like)! You ride up on the tank, because you never know when the hit is coming. The good handling was just like the Maico 490. I think only a few Moto Villa 495cc bikes were sold in the USA. I wish I could find one.
2002 KTM 300 EXC...power is like a 89 RM250 MX bike but has more flywheel and grunt. The 300 EXC is very easy to ride fast. The suspension and handling is very good. Most people don't know KTMs, so you can slap KTM 200 stickers on it and have a real sleeper. My brother did!
1988 Yamaha YZ490 Don't pay attention to the FUD! The YZ490 can win desert races with a little tuning. Don't mess with the head! Raise the exhaust port 4mm, then rejet. The pinging will be gone and it will become a monster! The YZ 490 needs room to get it's legs, so it is not the best choice for MX. High speed stability is very good. I wish I had the chance to try the 1992 WR500 with the wide ratio tranny.
1989 KTM 500 MXC...Scary powerful and will smoke the Honda CR500 or Kawasaki KX500. However the KTM 500 did not feel right. The center of gravity was too high. My old KTM 495 was a better bike for me. The 1985-1987 500 KTMs were slower. The 89 & 91 are the real rockets. KTM also made a 550cc torque monster!
1985 Suzuki RM500...It was not a rocket, but had good usable big bore power. The suspension was very good and handled like a 250. In fact a new YZ250 can out run it! A fast 250 rider can win MX with this bike. The 4 speed tranny would have you searching for another gear. The rear suspension was better than any Japanese bike made in 1985. The older RM465 with the 5 speed transmission may be a better choice for all around racing.
2000 Honda CR500 After 12 years of refinement, the handling isn't much better than the 1988 model. In fact, the 88 had better forks! The 2000 has a powerful but friendly powerband while the 1988 makes brutal power. The 2000 CR500 is no doubt the best open classer of 2000. I am dreaming of a Service Honda CR500.
1978 Bultaco 370 Pursang...low end torque, heavy flywheel and wimpy suspension. I let my wife ride it. It was perfect for her 125 pounds (145 lb actual weight). She rode it on trails for several years and just loved it. The 1974 Bultaco 360 I raced was much faster. The 1976 and 1977 Pursangs were the best handling Bulls.
1988 CZ 380 Model 514...it would have been a good race bike in 1976. I got it by mail-order. It was a great trail bike as you could not break it. It was one of the most reliable bikes ever owned. The CZ 380 got a lot of use on the ranch. It is an easy bike to hop on and chase cows. Our ranch-hands ride the 25 year old CZ 380 almost every day and can't kill it!
1979 Montesa Cappra 414...handles like a Husky and is scary fast. It had a crazy mid range and strong top end. In 1985 I won a local race on it beating out 20 newer bikes. I wish I kept it. The guy I bought it from said it could be a rare factory works team bike as it had a handmade funky expansion pipe and white gas tank (OEM was yellow). If this is true, other Montesa 414 bikes might not be this fast. The quality of the Montesa is amazing. I also raced an 1976 Montesa Cappra 250 that was so fast, it could hang with the new 250s.
1983 Kawasaki KX500...a poor handling brute that pings. I added an extra base gasket to lower the compression and stop the pinging. This dropped the power down to YZ465 range. I never did get the suspension sorted out. With a paddle tire, it was a blast on sand dunes!
1984 Honda CR500...eats OEM piston rings. Wiseco piston & rings fixed it. Handles like the CR480, but the CR500 has better rear suspension. With 60 HP, the mid-range hit is more wicked than a Maico 490! Pings like a KX500 until you get the jetting and fuel sorted out. I tried to ride mine like Danny Magoo and fell down a lot. I learned that only a top pro level racer could win on this bike. I was back on my Husky 430 the next season.
1980 KTM 420. Before the KTM 495, the 420 was the beast. However it did not feel like a beast as you would swear you were on the 250...until you got on the gas. The suspension and handling was so good for 1980. This was one of the few bikes that could compete with the Maico 440 and YZ 465 in shear power. Compared to the older Penton-KTM 400 (really only 354cc), the 420 must make at least 10 more horsepower! Like most KTMs back then, the 420 had above average reliability.
1979 Suzuki RM400 N. This was the best open class bike Suzuki ever built. If you race vintage AHRMA, this is the bike to have if you are looking for cheap upkeep. The RM400 had a real gem of a motor and the handling was very good. This bike had more DeCoster in it than any other RM. Ditto for the 1980 RM400 N. It makes you wonder why Suzuki made the RM465, as the 400 N could be ridden faster.
1977 Maico 440...makes good power and easy to ride fast. One of the fastest bikes in 1977. The handling and suspension was way ahead of it's time, and it can compete with the newer bikes. It was so pretty. I could sit in a lawn chair and look at it all day long. This bike loved to hill climb.
1974 Bultaco Pursang 360...The racing bike I turned expert on. At only 207 pounds, It was as close to a factory team race bike as you could get! Going fast was so easy. I switched the Amal for a bigger Mikuni carb/reed block, then advanced the timing a little. This mod boosted the power into the insane range. My Pursang would outrun anything including the Yamaha Works YZ360!
1973 CZ 400...It was fast and handled good for such a heavy bike. The holeshot king of 1973! The smoothest big bore engine of them all. The spokes in the wheels were brittle as glass. I learned how to lace wheels because of this bike. If I could put the CZ motor in the Maico frame, I would have the perfect bike.
1971 Suzuki TM400...with it's brutal mid range power, it was the first bike that scared me. After riding my friend's TM 400, I was hooked on open class two bangers. I quickly fell out of love with my Yamaha DT1 250.
|
|
Fastest Vintage MX Bikes 1972 - 1982: Click Here!
|
