What is the best year of the CR500 motor and why?

I have decided to put the CR500 motor in my 400EX frame. I already spent $2,000 on the suspension plus the pipe and everything else.

This bike will be the king of the hill!!!

I am thinking maybe 1987, 88, or 89 motor but not sure???

Also what is the power valve and is it a good thing??

Thanks...

 

A buddy of mine had a CR500. It was a late 80's model, somewhere between 85-89, sorry I couldn't be more precise. That thing was FAST. I mean SCARY FAST. I mean, put it in 3rd gear, going 40 MPH, open the throttle, and it will lift the front end if there was traction fast. Granted, I was used to the 250cc class, but that thing was a MONSTER!!! You will NOT be short on power.

As to the power valve....2 cycles can be 'ported' to make better low end power, or better top end power. The power valve changes the shape/size of the porting to widen the RPM range where the engine makes the best power. I don't think my friend's had the power valve. That might be part of why the power seemed to come on with a sudden rush.

Farmr

 

I'd get an '85 or '86. They were the most powerful. Honda tamed them down after that. I had both and the '86 was WAY easier to start.

Hope this helps,

 

What do you plan on doing about the vibration? That motor didn't have a counter balance in the motor so you will probably end up with a cracked frame. Good luck though.

Smitty

 

vibration you bet.

You want power valve you will have to go with a newer Kawasaki KX500. No power valve on CR500.

I would try and get the newest motor I can find.

I don't want to kill your hopes, but it might just be better to purchase a nice used CR500 and learn how to ride it. Would have more fun factor when you hit the switch.

Former CR500 owner, fun while I had it, but glad its gone.

 

Dont do a 400...400's are slow! Go two stroke, but make it an R. If you plan on running gas go with a 5mil crank and a pro-x jug (370cc's) You'll have a lot of fun on it without the vibration of the CR. The CR would be faster, but its not worth the hassle, trust me we used to flat track one! They are a b!tch to start and they shake bad!

 

any late 80's plant will feel like a case of TNT!! and yeah, vibrate alot too

 

if you insist on a 500 two stroke sell the ex and find a zilla, you definiately wont be disappointed.

 

Didn't the zilla have motor mount problems as well?

 

no, they have counterbalancers.