Building a 2023 YZ500 2 Stroke!

We are building a brand new YZ500 2 Stroke Dirt Bike! Join us for our latest big bore build project and find out how we managed to transform our regular old Yamaha YZ250 into a 500cc monster machine!
In this episode we head to the Hardcore Racing workshop where Roland Shaw will be on hand to help us create a two stroke MX bike like no other, We open up our BRC Racing YZM500 kit and get to work building the 2 Stroke of our dreams. This is going to be an epic series and and epic bike, so be sure to subscribe to never miss an episode and join the 2 Stroke family for weekly motocross videos here on 999lazer!
Check out Hardcore racing here: www.motocrossdirect.co.uk/
Check out the BRC products here: brcracing.ca/
A massive shout out goes to Roland for helping out so much with this project and to Riley and BRC for all their help so far. Also a massive thanks to everyone else that has made this project possible!

[@999lazer]

Hey guys, please be aware of a scammer in the comments using our profile picture and talking about 'Telegram'. This is the only account I will use to respond to you guys. I will remove any of the spam comments I see and will report the account. Thanks guys, and thank for all the support on this project! :-D

[@davidmc3262]

yeah I got a scam saying I'd won a prize. be careful out there 👍

[@craiglair3586]

Tommyjsg7v

[@Errol.C-nz]

fgs do something about that sound track volume.. couldnt watch.. blaring sensless music then really faint dialog.. love the channel BUT.. the rest of the households not so keen & its not so interesting muted 🤢

[@jaceraby3245]

I ride a yz 250 2 stroke and it will still out run any 450 you throw at it im sticking with 2 strokes

[@SteveBuffel]

We're just as excited as you are! Thanks for all the kind words :) We look forward to seeing more!

[@999lazer]

Thanks Steve :) We love it

[@phild9813]

BRC is the only way to build a 500!

[@rocksteady5603]

Hope to see a video soon of Neville Bradshaw with the yz500

[@Darylbarker]

Neville Bradshaw, racing a YZ500 is a video we all need in our lives. Cool video bro 👍

[@999lazer]

Yup we all want to see that for sure!

[@FriendlyRider88]

It’s so rare to see someone still interested in keeping the two strokes alive I know there is a kinda big two stroke community still but most people just buy and ride them they never got to even see a BIG BORE 500 2 stroke sadly most people have never even known about them bc where they were only made for short amount of time until super cross n motorcross mainly started focusing on 4 strokes all though 2 stroke motor cross is making a comeback with the gasgas line up of new two strokes and them being a huge part of the 2023 race season.

[@BraydonCoe-ed4nw]

2 strokes are the way of life

[@travelin6605]

You don't know what you're talking about if you have never own or ride a 2 stroke bike!

[@kinotroikgames2818]

I live 1 hour away from BRC racing! They even tested those BRC 500's at McLean creek where I go single track riding!

[@brownydwbrown7485]

I owned a modified YZ490 N...1985 ..I Reshaped head ,put 38mm Keihn flat slide , M/Smith skid plate,and sidestand reworked suspension, turned it into a Woods weapon ....I got so excited watching this build, much Love from Canada 🇨🇦...and thanks for the indepth on swapping parts...you have a Great Mechanic at your disposal...let'r rip on the track .

[@Dennisthemenace40]

It’s great to see more companies getting on board with the 500 2 strokes. Maybe there’s hope that the manufacturers will PRODUCE new models so that we wouldn’t have to convert other bikes or buy 500’s with a new chassis and a 20+ year old engine design. Once you’ve ridden one, there’s no going back. It will change you forever.

[@R00RAL]

I just witnessed RC on a 2 Stroke 125 KX & now this.. Bring back the brrrraaaap !!!! The music of the Gods..

[@earl6969]

How stoked were you when you first heard "set the squish" and knew what they were on about? My grandson is glowing with joy....he knew....because I knew...pass on the joy! Epic rocket ship build. Can't wait till you get to the brake upgrades. 🤠👍 Cheers

[@kevinmee3501]

Great video Max, loved the stage by stage built with Roland, the bike is going to be epic, I think you will start a trend for people to build their own monster, can't wait for next video, you're smashing it Max keep it up mate.

[@999lazer]

Thanks Kevin, always appreciate your comment.

[@lucascady4992]

At 13:05 was the hardest thing for me to learn, The power a 500cc doesn't need clutch slip!! Spot on Mate!

[@markwilley7384]

Just received my 999LAZER hat in the post.. So pumped bro.. Love the channel.. 2 strokes forever

[@999lazer]

Mark you're an absolute legend! I really appreciate the support dude, if we ever bump into each other at the track i've got to get you and that hat in a video! :-D Thanks again dude

[@magickennyj]

Canadian mx riders love their big bores.

[@BennyBen9]

Brilliant!!! Can't wait to see it rip. Great video . Loved seeing A master at work building a 2 stroke with ease and precision. You can tell Roland really knows his shit ! . 👏🏻

[@999lazer]

Thanks Benny, Roland is the man for 2 strokes :)

[@dr00andrew]

that is a sweet kit!!! looks like it was engineered and manufactured very well, im impressed

[@bigboreaddicts3484]

I would love to have one in the Big Bore Addicts Fleet! Your killing it Max everyone wants to see this rip!

[@999lazer]

Thanks buddy, we filmed the first ride last week. I can't wait to show you - its an epic bike to ride :)

[@fredmitchel1236]

Good job Roland. You are a master. I am so glad to see like bearings put in without hammering....and like torquing things evenly..

[@arthurdunga345]

i didn't know such a kit was available until watching this can't wait to see it thraaping round the track.

[@pbmachines972]

Wow this is exciting 👏

[@mdayne1142]

Wonderful video. I gotta have one of these. Always loved 2 stroke.

[@irod2821]

😲🧐so excited can’t wait, have been talking to the brc guys for a while about this kit. So excited to get to watch you fit one into your yz 1st. I will be fitting one into my yzm project once you give us the thumbs up👍 & your final thoughts. Thnx for the great content, you & Kaplan are my fave channels👍🏍👊

[@marktavcar567]

Braaap is all I can say, unbelievable build. Awesome, Awesome, Awesome

[@999lazer]

Thanks for watching Mark, glad you're enjoying it so far :-D

[@nicksmithwestaustralianbee5139]

You read my mind boys, when I found out this kit was available it’s definitely something I want to do. Great to see you’ve beat me to it, hopefully I can get some tips. Even better , would be great if Roland could do a step by step tutorial on haw to do the build. Great job guys keep the vids coming👍

[@999lazer]

Hi Nick, for sure if you've got any questions on the build just fire away and we'll be all too happy to help out where we can. Obviously I had to cut quite a lot of the process down for the sake of keeping the pace of the video high, but i did shoot every step of the build meticulously. So if enough people would like to see it we could do an extended workshop 'how to' guide. Thanks for watching! :-)

[@nicksmithwestaustralianbee5139]

Ok, I need some input from you guys. I’m now looking for a donor bike to do my conversion . I have the dilemma of deciding between an alloy frame or going for a steel frame. I was told the steel frames may handle the inertia of the motor a little better leading to better handling, although I feel with the new technology with the counter Ballance shaft makes up for it. I just wonder what the longevity of the alloy frame will be like with the monster in it. Any thoughts from you guys would be appreciated

[@FTNDrew]

This videos badass. Your mechanics work is mint and I’m excited to see this build. I am curious about how the YZ250 trans will do in with a 500 top end. I’m sure the counter weight will help balance out some of the power distribution but needless to say, I’m subbed now and wish you all luck with this beast.

[@davidjackson7051]

Yeah that puzzled me too

[@DMMeier66]

This is rad. However, it’s early in the morning here in the western US and I misread the title. At first look I thought this was a review of a 2023 OEM YZ500 and I was super excited 😂🤣

[@THEJohnSmith1607]

You guys are pretty chill for building a rideable rocket 🚀 ! I would be on the edge of delirium with excitment to rip on that monster. Like a kid on the way to the amusement park. "Are why there yet?" " Are there yet" "Are we there yet?"

[@mwhitelaw8569]

That kick start reminding me of the good Ole days . To think I'd do that with tennis shoes when I was younger......haha No wonder I'm relegated to lorries eh!?

[@motomallen]

Fantastic, 999Lazer never fails to deliver. I'm now thinking YZ500R road legal supermoto 😃

[@Slobfishn]

this is my Dream dirtbike wow 😲

[@rainerzufall1521]

this channel is like the perfect lounge for 2t lovers

[@BairdBoysAdventures]

So sweet, love your channel and the constant content you put out.

[@999lazer]

Thanks Buddy. Much appreciated.

[@23MikeJ22]

Awesome build guys thank you 😎👍💯

[@MisterBruce250]

Ace Video guys... cant wait to see it run in the next video🤟👍🏁

[@capn_crnch4206]

Damn I wish I could be there in the shop working with you guys on this!! That kit looked beautiful unboxed. Subscriber earned here brother, nice setup, good shop, proper mechanic.

[@thatcrazyguyjay]

Nice build I can’t wait to see I go what a beast of a bike I love 2 strokes 😊

[@martinslennon]

Great content and the statements from Roland are very informative. Thanks again!

[@999lazer]

Thanks Martin. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@dwaynerouse5414]

I still run a hardcore racing power blade in my 2002 CRF450R 🤘🏻😁. Was sponsored by Hardcore racing in my younger days. Made my day watching this.

[@dirtniron]

Love the content man, cant wait to hear that beauty on the track!

[@GeneMcEntire]

This is just awesome, maybe the coolest bike build ever.. didn't even know BRC made this kit, holy cow now my screws are turning!!!

[@999lazer]

Thanks for the kind words Gene :D This is a brand new product from BRC, we are working with one of the very first kits :D

[@jordanrsturbo]

Can't wait for this

[@DanCassidy1989]

I might be wrong, everyone has different ways.. but I've always left the new clutch plates to soak in oil as soon as they're unpacked.

[@keithfenwick5502]

Fantastic I’m speechless, that is something else wow thank you 🙏

[@999lazer]

Thanks Keith, wait until you see the finished bike ;)

[@TheShift1313]

Sweeeeet. When they first announced the 500 kit for the ktm 250 i wanted to do it. But $8000 or whatever they wanted was a bit more than i was willing to spend :)

[@Nismo-gy3wz]

Well done!

[@curthudspeth1910]

Very informative. Great video

[@tobihille6679]

This kicks ass, Max.🤘🤘 Hurry up for the next episode.

[@999lazer]

Cheers Tobi, check in next week for the next episode. Thank for watching.

[@angelosantaniello4113]

That was awesome Max!!! Can’t wait

[@999lazer]

Thanks Angelo, you won't have to wait long.

[@rogerkelly4491]

@@999lazer Another awesome build! Nevsta ready to rip this beast?

[@urmomsboyfriend24]

That is awsome, I will be looking out for it

[@chrisvozza6530]

Can't wait to see it rip

[@enduro-parts-aus]

Thats awesome !

[@craigjohnson2028]

Cannot wait the see what this beast can do look forward to watching more keep up the amazing work guys pushing these amazing machines to the TRUE potential 👍

[@craigmorgan4676]

Agreed 👍 brother 🙌 👊👊

[@johnrhodes101875]

Id love to do this and then turn it into a super moto would be next best thing to my liitle dream project that is building an old RZ350 two stroke street bike with a 600cc kit on. The RZ350 is where the motor for the banshee 4-wheeler came from.

[@MAH.management]

kick start boom 💥

[@onlygazza]

What a cool project max 👏

[@albundy6804]

My mate has done the Brc kit on his 2022 KTM 250 is now a KTM 500 ! Insane!!

[@fugginrambo]

I'm really excited to see the results and hear about the rideability. I only do HillClimbs, Grass Drags, and Ice Racing after a terrible spinal fusion. There's nothing better the Yamaha KYB suspension, with my swingarm extensions and a paddle tire this bike would be a fun weapon to win some cash with.

[@tonypalmer7779]

Monster of a bike can't wait to see it in action

[@999lazer]

Thanks Tony, you won't have to wait long. We filmed the first ride last week :)

[@SCORPION5O]

Fantastic vid as always

[@EarthSurferUSA]

Congratulations. You improved the 1988 works Yamaha YZM. No, they didn't stop making works bikes after the production rule of 1986, so "the cost" argument flies out of the window. :) It only costs us more, as bike prices tripled by 1991. Then the 4-stroke was forced on the industry, almost tripling the cost again. I say this kit is "Revenge"!! :)

[@Kevinhazenberg]

Awesome Video guys! Love it!

[@999lazer]

Thanks Kevin.

[@mototrials582]

I can't wait a week, hurry up with the next video!

[@999lazer]

haha, its worth waiting for :) Thanks for watching.

[@daveyboy7305]

I honestly cannot wait until next week 😊

[@nathanpalmer2086]

roland definitely knows his stuff.fair play fellas

[@richjames1595]

Ohh you buggers I soo wanted to see it fire up, nice work though love the idea behind it all.

[@bxxxx6840]

What a treat for a Wednesday.

[@999lazer]

Thankyou :)

[@EarthSurferUSA]

"Zilla" is overused, starting in the 80's with the Suzuki "QuadZilla" 500cc quad. But it fits "YZ" pretty good. Everybody loves to see a 2-stroke in a race full of 4-strokes in MX, and we know they don't have a chance. How about a simple one that fits our mood for the love of 2-strokes, "Revenge!"?

[@vtecmossy]

A kit like this for a tm 300 be very nice ferrari dirt bike 500 🤤😂

[@tonyw3250]

Beast

[@stetsondenning2703]

Subbed & put on notifications to see this beast!

[@Sn00pdog2011]

Thx for this video, greetins from Germany 😎 will do the same 😎 👍🏼

[@geomann1009]

WOWWWWW!! Thats a beautiful motor!!

[@999lazer]

it sure is, thanks for watching

[@mundodasminisdeduasrodas]

Top bike!

[@EarthSurferUSA]

FMF Pipe is just fine. You should always offer it now, and a Cone pipe for an option if you want too of course. Keep good partnerships.

[@davidmc3262]

good stuff Kaplan was raving about how good it is so looking forward to your next vids 👍

[@999lazer]

Thanks for watching David

[@jasperracingmotorsports7232]

Haha I got his 23 gas gas BRC 509 it’s actually my picture

[@jasperracingmotorsports7232]

Fuel injected 6 spd elec start 509 2 stroke

[@davidmc3262]

@@jasperracingmotorsports7232 so is it the dogs bollicks as we say in the uk . meaning is it really good lol 🤪👍

[@jasperracingmotorsports7232]

@@davidmc3262 it’s actually super crisp very responsive

[@morromk7538]

Non of the cr500 build videos got my attention except for this one.

[@joshuaross4644]

BRRRRAAAAAAPPPPPP 🤘

[@999lazer]

Thanks for watching my man!

[@lukerobinson7193]

Now things just got interesting 😁

[@999lazer]

Hell yeah they did! Thanks for watching Luke

[@tommybritton9273]

Effing awesome work.. guy's

[@999lazer]

Thanks Tommy. Appreciate your comment :)

[@craigmccall7450]

Bring that to the states for the 2 stroke national next year. Glen Helen.

[@murraycoumbis2621]

When you said tune in next time after that bang... Well at least I have subscribed now

[@robertrishel3685]

White/Red plastics/graphics ala 1980’s euro factory OW bikes would be sweet! The original works YZM500 works bike was such a beautiful Mx motorcycle👍

[@drewmurray6480]

That's bloody awesome 👌

[@drewmurray6480]

Okay 👍 i will try

[@accipiternisus649]

Cheers from Serbia ❤❤❤

[@matthewtoes6433]

What a talented mechanic he knew exactly what to do excellent video It's torture having to wait for the follow up vlog that bike will rip Be nice to see a Dyno read out with Some HP figures 450 killer

[@watkinsrgv]

Awesome

[@999lazer]

Thanks for watching dude!

[@themikew7]

Very cool! I am wondering how much testing was done with the stock gearbox and clutch to handle the extra torque that comes from doubling the engine displacement. I would be a little concerned about reliability unless there was extensive testing done to prove that these key components will stand up.

[@RCTurbo79]

I jumped out my seat at the end when it backfired 😂🤘

[@999lazer]

Haha, thanks for watching :)

[@Bruce.Wallace]

This is going to be the longest week of my life waiting for the next vid.

[@999lazer]

Haha I've literally just finished editing the next episode, i think it's going to worth the wait! ;-D

[@douglascoolidge1]

The first year they came out with the CR480 I bought one and started racing it along with the 250 I was already currently racing so back then in 81 or 82 I was racing 2 classes every Sunday almost. The first year they came out with the CR480 it only had a 4 gear transmission and on the starting line it was like I had a unfair advantage I always put it in 3rd gear on the starting line and would crank the

[@mpalaouros21]

Very very good job mate. Powerful engine.

[@999lazer]

Thank you. Its a beast for sure as the bike only weighs in approx 5 kg more than the standard 250. Thanks for watching

[@mpalaouros21]

@@999lazer welcome mate. Subscribe.

[@clubstyleridahd4695]

Hope to see it on the Dyno.

[@999lazer]

Yep, we've got some dyno time booked in for next week! Thanks for watching

[@jeliman13]

awesome!

[@999lazer]

Thankyou

[@2sipsMax]

Getting closer, I sure wanted to see the mechanic set the squish.

[@999lazer]

tune in next week and you might get your wish :) thanks for watching

[@bikerdude6119]

@3:20 to re stake those ears, how do you do it????? Lmao

[@empiresrikesfat]

Exactly what we wanted from Kaplen America but they didn't show

[@EarthSurferUSA]

Power valve on a 500: I have ridden a couple 500cc MX bikes. I might agree with the Japanese, and not put a exhaust power valve on it to keep the costs down. IMO, the devise is more applicable to the smaller bore engines, because a well tuned port/pipe 500 really has no weakness anywhere. Maybe it is a help for desert racing or the like. I don't know. I know I would not need it in Michigan, and would not want to pay for it.

[@danielstirling1090]

I have one in aus tas 👌

[@tommorgan88]

We gona have to start calling u kaplan uk🤣🤣

[@999lazer]

Haha, Ken's a legend. We're deffo going to hook up one day.

[@tommybritton9273]

Can't wait to see that day... You gotta get up to the museum Max

[@giseler18]

perfekt name !!!!!!! nice projekt

[@999lazer]

Thank you

[@lumberjackbjh]

Woot!