Sean Collier's KX500 versus KX450 with Motocross Action Magazine

For this test we took Sean Collier's race bikes from the Glen Helen National and tested them back to back at LACRMX. Check out all the trick parts on both these beautiful looking bikes. To see the full test look for an upcoming issue of Motocross Action Magazine
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[@joeferry12]

If it wasn't for the kx500 this video would suck. Jus sayin

[@greensocks4507]

Totally agree. I have an '04 KX500 . Bought it new and traded it from my '97 . My new '97 was a trade on my old WR500 Yamaha. That was an interesting bike . Rolling back the years. 250 hours plus on the 500's and I'm the invisible man in his mid 50's with the grey hair wearing the suit working at the local bank. Funny. Must get a hair cut ...

[@burt1758]

It doesn't just sayin...

[@danlesovsky7134]

Loved my KX500 and had the same issue of the top shock mount. Had gussets welded the strengthen the area and never had another issue. One of the best two stroke motors ever made!!!

[@NubbyTV101]

A kx500 will teach you manners. Nice bikes. Old skool.

[@mateofloreani8568]

Kawasaki should start making KX 500 again

[@ROTAXD]

mateo floreani if they did it wouldn't be available at your local dealer here in the states. Emissions bs is what's killed two stroke sales here in the us.

[@RegulerShowTV]

ROTAXD bunch of tree huggers who believe anything the EPA tells them about co2

[@gdv4612]

That or the Cr500R

[@benzO45ik]

Yeah man

[@jonsilver7171]

They do KX500AF you just have order it. $10,000

[@ArmathuX]

Kawasaki KX500's motor is true rocket science.

[@aaronlaboda5251]

Its not a bike, its a wild animal

[@vetb882]

Nope not science, just ROCKET. own 5 of these beasts. 87, 86, 89, 89, 89. Yup, I kept bugging shootout used 89 KX500s after I wore out my new in 89 500. The 87 feel off my trailer when only 2 months old. Buddy Kevin Blanding who want racing sold me his 86 for a steal so I could keep going. MJ Pro Jim Kapitan of Pro Pilot Suspension revalved the rear of the 86 and it was phenomenal. Pro Pilot, Factory Connection in the East, Enzo Racing and Dicks Racing on the west. Braaaap on you manly men with hairy chest and linked up forearms. Hahaha 🥰😎👍

[@alecstompong9315]

How much

[@DirtRider500R]

Love me some big bore 2 stroke

[@jesusandrade-gomez2899]

Hey man what's the difference between a big bore and standard 2 stroke?

[@tacticalhomestead]

Jesus Gomez . correct me if im wrong guys but i believe it has two meanings. one being modifications that increases displacement of any 2 stroke engine. two being a general slang term of a single cylinder 2 stroke engine of over 400cc's from the factory .

[@DirtRider500R]

michael harris Correct

[@jesusandrade-gomez2899]

ok thanks man I got a 1989 yz250 and never knew what the big bore meant on it

[@romankozlovskiy7899]

+Jesus Gomez its not a big bore tho 360 and bigger is big bore

[@petergriffin4629]

I know somebody who rode in the MXGP in the 80s on KTM 500 and his most powerfull Engine Set up generated 85!! Horsepower, from a 2 Stroke!! That was so powerfull, that he only used it when riding in mud or sand, cause he wasn't able to get any traktion at all on normal soil.

[@karlahinton267]

Ctnz

[@petergriffin4629]

What?

[@vetb882]

😲😳🙄HOLEEEE FAHK...

[@BULPIN847]

well once again the two stroke wins damn I love 2 Strokes even twenty years old

[@timneaves519]

So they spent a fortune hotting up the 4 stroke ,so that it could be competitive against a 18 year old 2 stroke, makes sense too me

[@DaveBegotka]

+tim neaves I am with you on that.....the 4 strokes are too expensive and hard to make as fast as a old old 2 stroke......I raced KX500's for years and they are still too much bike for most 4 strokers....lol

[@godsphone3429]

that is a really bad argument right there it is. the 500 has 66hp. and in the right hands, well ill leave that up to your imagination.

[@ateeqrehman9473]

Gods Phone is bjk

[@harryronald9986]

Who said that they did all that tuning to the 450 to keep up with the 500??? I'm pretty sure there just reviewing this nice man's beautiful bike collection

[@MrKdr500]

That 500 is 30yrs old, unchanged since 1988.

[@luistrejos5997]

i preffer kx 500

[@morgannskull7058]

ben

[@ihaveheartburn2290]

+luis trejo Same.

[@Biggestshredder]

same

[@colleencaldwell9432]

All the manufacturers should go back to the neon plastics they make the bikes look so much cooler. The cr had like a neon pink for a couple years I think 9394 looked awesome

[@nova-fg9kf]

beautiful bikes.. I'll take the 2 stroke

[@roba379]

Very cool! I just wish I could hear the bikes over the music. Had to turn way up to hear the narrator, then down when the music kicked in & could barely hear the bikes. THATS music I want to hear! Cool video, can't wait to see the full comparison.

[@renedeveze-aguirre1963]

I remember Team Green using the KX500 at Baja 1000 and 500, WOW. Great Bike great sound.

[@HWG-wm8ld]

We really went backwards going to 4 strokes. The cost of racing is beyond reasonable. New 250f $8500, new 450 $10,000.

[@motoprof1441]

Lots of what they did to the bikes, but not much on track comparisons.

[@jackieann581]

when ole Roost found out in 04 there would be no more KX 500"s he bought 2, a couple years later, in 09, I had to try a thumper, bought the 450, only place its better is on a track. I quickly realized what a pita it was to deal with and sold it, one of my 500"s is still in the crate up in my game room, nice conversation piece. It may be the only brand new KX 500 left in America...Roost

[@bjornchristiansson2827]

I did race KX 500 from 1985-1992 and they are my soul ! Sad they stop make them because nothing is more fun then a full race 500. I had the swedish Öhlins fork and shock as I'm from Sweden. From 1990 we did go over to the 250 frame and handmade linkage and we had 3 set of arms to adjust the hight at the rear. Front fork was the upside down Öhlins and the conventional fork as well. Still miss those bikes and 4 stroke is good for sure but they never bring that joy the true 500 2stroke did ! Best regards from Sweden 🇸🇪

[@88magnum]

2-stroke smoke smells like victory !!!!

[@Tommy1198S]

Castrol R pre-mix

[@toddjacobs5660]

Both great bikes, nice work on the KX500...

[@scott5006]

Just bought a '16 2 days ago. gotta do break in this weekend. well see how it stacks up to my 88 kx500. my old honda 450 was boring so we'll see...

[@commandertoucan8975]

ayyy that is LACR , we live right near their and go their often

[@darrellsavage4033]

this showing how much work a 4stroke need to even run with a 2stroke

[@ROTAXD]

Steve Johnson 450's were introduced because mfrs needed to go that big to be competitive with the 250 two strokes. You modernize a 250 two stroke (put it on a modern 450 platform) and the two stroke will turn equal if not faster lap times.

[@ROTAXD]

Darrell Savage ya, I've seen the dyno sheets and know about the weight differences. That being said, I've seen it time and ahain...450's having their asses handed to them by 250 2 strokes.

[@rkwjunior2298]

Its all about rider ability, nothing else. The debate is old and boring. Power is nothing without control. A kx500 cant win with just power, they are a bear to handle.

[@christopherkrause3255]

@@ROTAXD they still make 250 2 strokes and people race then however the 450 is faster by far hense why everyone rides them

[@ROTAXD]

christopher krause first of all, most tracks don’t even have/allow 2 stroke classes here in the ‘states anymore. 2nd of all, you’re right, 450’s are faster...but the 2 strokes are quicker...by far. Last but not least, “everybody” is riding 4 strokes because very few riders today could handle a 2 stroke. The linear powerband of a 4stroke makes it like riding a 70’s era honda cb350 twin (literally anyone can ride one) wheras the lightswitch like powerband of the 2 strokes actually requires an additional skilset that 9/10 4 stroke owners don’t have and are incapable of learning.

[@TheGDizzo]

Loves me some KX500! ('96).

[@37leg]

Great vid, I don't like the music tho when the bikes are running! Want to here that 2smoker!

[@husqvarna545markii9]

I rode my friends 2000 Kawasaki KX 125 for the first time it was Fast!! It had a fresh Top end rebuilt!

[@kawkid1]

Omygod that kx500 is a beautiful bike

[@johnkucik1833]

Incredibly modified , professional machines & which will remain timelessly. Elite !

[@attackcounterentertainment3645]

The mods on the KX 500 are done well, as I remember the KX 500 could put out 55hp. 66 pretty good jump.

[@joenobody2580]

Getting more power out of a 2stroke is as cheap as a harbor freight dremel to clean the porting up, some sand paper to figure 8 the head on a flat sheet of glass, reed cage , biggest carb you can find and jet it to match the air in flow, and what ever pipe you like to shape the powerband. If you really want to get fancy split the gear sets and polish them. You now have a national caliber bike.

[@bencaiafa2288]

I want both of those bikes so bad!!!!

[@davidcruz8227]

that kx500 is perfect. one of my dream bikes

[@friend_built]

I need that shifter, I’m a size 13 and it’s a pain sometimes to shift

[@markgardner9308]

2 strokes = really big smiles !! 4 strokes are fun too.

[@gwl78]

nobody cares about the 450.

[@franklinclinton5967]

gwl78 yeah 500 all the way

[@TriptoCo]

Where's the "Coming in September 2015" follow up link?

[@emiliococimano9185]

I like the KX450, the KX500 2stoke has really more power

[@jameszbierski391]

I'd like to know how the right up went

[@30mrgoodfellow]

So if I'm mistaken, as coolant gets hot it expands and when it cools down doesn't it contract back ? Or is it the other way around?

[@mxgryan]

For some reason I find this video so damn sick.

[@allenmoto291allenyother8]

i love that fmf pipe and silencer! that is the coolest part of this whole build. fmf should just drop that on the market. they have already designed it and brought it into existence anyway. why not sell it to the 500 fanatics out there keeping the two stroke alive!

[@ls1_cammeroh]

Is there any rear fender update on the kx500?

[@omarouda7289]

thank you

[@jasonwilly8409]

Looks Great 😮

[@mxgryan]

Super excited that I can slide kx450 forks right in. I'm doing a build on my channel guys+

[@drewtramp1577]

Neat. but the title should be showcasing The bikes. Who won. thought they would at least race. they were at a track. Who ever powder coated the KX frame didn't do a very good job. One ride and its down to metal. I would of asked for my money back. Kawasaki always have had dope bikes for sure.

[@romanizaboss6641]

SICK!!!

[@charlottecrapon5555]

2 stroke forever! !! ;))

[@roman9577]

there are legal at the street of italy?

[@MrSlowpoke1960]

Great battle & disco music

[@marksoto6277]

You should also try the KX 250 two-stroke 2000

[@Eric_412]

Anyone who can ride either of these bikes to their full potential are getting them for free, very few are blessed with that skill (or death wish) 🙀👍😂 I’m an old die in the ditch 2 smoker lover, nothing better than the “life taking power” of a 500 2 stroke. I’m 61;years old so the open class rides are a bit hard these days so I ride a 300 into the ground..I’m basically Ronny Mac on a walking frame 😀👍

[@jeffdarkness666]

Stock the KX 500 suspension is beyond SCARY!

[@papabless7360]

Jeff Darkness Wdym

[@jeffdarkness666]

the Stock Suspension is Horrible on a bike with that much Power.

[@papabless7360]

Jeff Darkness interesting

[@aridinglifestyle4142]

The fact that they're even comparing a bike all the way back from the 90s to a bike that's brand new should tell you alot. Two strokes for life.

[@rickmailme]

During a lot of the live action shots I think they've sped up the video slightly to make it look like theyre going faster. The dirt and dust falls faster than real life.

[@shifterkart1]

$1800 for a stupid fuel tank, get the funk outta here!

[@PgTrAxX]

yup. better go pitbiking. even that shit gets expensive!!!!!!

[@PgTrAxX]

1000€ for a daytona engine and a few 100€ for tuning. every year maintenance..... bye bye wallet withouth sponsor

[@TheFykle]

I hate bikes full of wank, and over done with carbon fibre shit

[@wrightwayvaping7397]

haha i know. you could buy my cr125 for that fuel tank

[@theeasternfront6436]

shifterkart1 But...but...its Italian!!

[@michaeldixon6619]

So which one faster or better

[@rorystewart6797]

Hi there, Very Courageous1 one show What do you think, guyv?

[@ericm2182]

So where is this place ...i wanted training for these bikes.....? can you tell me the arena address and cost of training?

[@mark-1234]

Why is... the narrator... talking like... that?

[@Whatever___XYZ918]

Mark - he's ready from a script

[@mark-1234]

dcryan77 I realize that but I know a lot of people who read from scripts and they don't sound like that. :)

[@telmafernandesj3945]

Mark - 87y

[@zXIaDaMIXz]

+Mark - Its like trying to listen to the kid who couldn't read in school.

[@jamionautry6843]

+Kawi450 LoL

[@caboose365]

damn I also have a 1997 KX500. Found new inspiration for it after watching this lol

[@alefsilva4084]

love motocross

[@apninesangma4912]

Both bikes luks cool😍👍

[@GvtzDubstep]

would it be bad to buy that 450 it's not craigslist for $5900. do u think it would be beat or worth buying

[@marcusjumbe8775]

My friends dad has a 1997 kx 500 by Kawasaki and I'm going to buy the bike when he sells it in spring

[@falconemoto6943]

The KX500 is known as one of the most powerful gnarly bikes ever, there’s a reason why Danny Hamel rode one.

[@grabir01]

Surprised the KX500 did not make more than 65hp. Did they dyno these bikes? RWH ?

[@JETZcorp]

They could get the 500 to make basically any amount of power you care to name. In road racing they have 250 2-strokes pushing over 90hp, but you'd never control that on the dirt. Based on the power they arrived at and the use of race gas, I'm going to say they put a BIG emphasis on the low and mid-range power rather than top-end.

[@gruntabro1]

I'd be running a couple more clicks of rebound damping on the 500

[@vanceventures400]

fuel ratio of kx 500?

[@rubybird9536]

Bring these bikes back !

[@wessreiley8275]

I would take that kx500 any day of the week over that 450. 500 was a legend bike for sure

[@mikethacker8558]

$1800 for a gas tank? Come on...

[@offroadtrailrider1281]

Beautiful bikes damn 🥰

[@alecstompong9315]

How much

[@OGKILLa9365]

I have an idea, do a kx500 engine on the kx450 frame, I seen people do cr500 engines on crf450 bikes

[@dirkdigler7853]

Sean collier originally from belleville ontario canada?

[@DepakoteMeister]

WTF is with the banal gormless muzaac?!?! Ruins the whole vid.

[@jaretboston9396]

1800 for a gas tank? Thats a bike right there

[@tenhsxronhstenojerjhs4276]

+Jaret Boston "Carbon Fiber gas tank"

[@IExposeMormonism]

+Jaret Boston sounds fair, it must be at least 1.8 ounces lighter. plus that extra quart. $250 for a puke can for the radiator sounds like an awesome deal,too. I mean, in 1968 a plastic puke can like that cost $2, so.........

[@SuperLabonte43]

Hey, everything counts lol. I remember kart racing at the local level with $5000 built briggs 5horse engines and $1600 carbon fiber axles.

[@andrewbridge3727]

kx 500 cr 500

[@zane4964]

that gas tank costes the same as my bike

[@jon...6825]

Thanks some set of bikes lucky man

[@wolfychaple7051]

I had an 87 kx500 no mods all original n scary as f$#k😄would take 2stroker any size over 4 stroke smell 2stroke xhaust mmmmmm true power n glory love em 4ever

[@bryanc447]

500 2 stroke power on 450 chassis is good

[@gb4408]

The KX500 sounds mental. All manufacturers should produce two stroke 500's again.

[@ihaveheartburn2290]

Who the fuck is Frenchie?

[@kevincadot4499]

Moi!

[@TOMVUTHEPIMP]

Sean's boyfriend/mechanic.

[@ihaveheartburn2290]

Tec 9 Sean is gay?

[@johnslaughter7110]

who the fuck is sean?

[@indiangiver1120]

2 stroke for life!

[@barrycampion9679]

Love that kx ting ting

[@OSCARRODRIGUEZ-qi2yd]

El mejor sonido POR SIEMPRE el 2t

[@vetb882]

Kx500 isn't rocket science, it's just all rocket. I have owned five of these beasts, 87 86 89 89 89. My 87 fell off the trailer at 2 months old, my best friend Kevin Blanding sold me his 86 at a steal so I could keep racing. New Jersey Pro Jim Kapitan of Pro Pilot Suspension revalved the rear suspension, what a massive difference. the East Coast factory connection or propilot, on the west coast Enzo Racing or Dick's Racing. I bought a brand new kx500 in 1989 war that out then bought two slightly used kx500 later on. One from the father of local pro Matt Hammer. Mark Hammer who I'd also bought an 89 RM250 from, sold me the best set up KX500. Braaaap on you hairy chested arm pumped manly men. 👍😎👍😎

[@toddjacobs5660]

If it was'nt for the KX500, i would not have even watched this video, i even gave it a 👍 because of it ....

[@dwizzleusa4202]

Old 2stroke making more hp . Those 2 strokes are beast man.

[@liontitties]

Vs? Oh it's an ad for aftermarket parts

[@brentyancich]

Why did he mention Enzo when the suspension was clearly set up by Graeme Brough?

[@Maicowerk]

Speculations on the outcome of this article?

[@thesickhorseranch1930]

Opferman Motors Dirtbiking You know full well there is no way the KX500 will leave with real marks above the performance of Kawasakis Super Sized Mc450F with fries and a Coke. Anyone who has done their homework knows 2T make more power than double cc 4t engines. In that homework we also learn that power comes at the cost of being in a typically tight RPM range, making it harder to ride. It's more challenging to keep the RPM matched with the speed you are going when exiting turns, etc. The amazing thing about big bore 2T engines is they actually have bottom end grunt. MXA are friends to 2T as we've seen in the past, but they would never spit in the eye of Kawasaki by suggesting their new Mc450F can be beaten by their 1997 Happy Meal toy, the KX500. In MX, some days the Lights class is setting the fastest times of the day suggesting bike handling has possibly more to do with it than engine power. That is where this Mc450F will have an undeniable advantage, an 18 year advance in chassis setup, frame geometry, suspension development, research and development with top level riders and motocross tracks as riding styles and preferences have changed over time. There's big money in new motorcycles, especially 4T, there's nowhere near the money in keeping mid 90's MX bikes alive. That is why the AMA continues to tie the hands of the 2T rider, and big factories continue pumping out 4T machines. I love my 2T's and I enjoy riding 4T's on occasion, but nothing makes me feel more accomplished than nailing the timing leaving a bowl turn on a wound up 2T!

[@twobeer3316]

@@thesickhorseranch1930 An intelligent reply. Nice job. When I was racing in the late 70's thru early 80's, the 125 Pro class had faster lap times than the 250 and open class.

[@picorobautista5736]

las. motos. son. facinantes

[@paulhetherington3854]

Tunes and amps-- bands-- dampens- shutter lenses-- brap

[@kawasaki888racing6]

Kx 500's are beast!! (Kawasaki's rule in general!)

[@michaelj.kastner5165]

Kawasaki 888 racing ride a KTM-Factory Edition you might think different!!

[@joaquincorzo3977]

Nice 500

[@bryanc447]

Heyyy the front fender says thousand oaks my friend lives there

[@chopperhehehe]

Two stroke is king in motocross in my eyes that kx 500 could dance almost looked like it was floating lol 👍👍👍😜🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🦄🎣😁✌️

[@alivingtree]

that title has my last name!! :D

[@mikemoto27]

DO A CRAIGSLIST BIKE AND A LOT OF THEM

[@k5abuser]

this a bike we ride . makes 105 to the rear wheel. the hill is about 1100' and I weigh 320 lbs plus gear. we hold the land speed record at 131 mph stock class with 240+ lbs rider at Bonneville that bike made 62.5 rwh. stock carb , pipe , jug and head . also stock storke. look up wolbrinkrace on KZbin and I am k5abuser

[@Jacare1973]

Forward to 6:35 to hear the music!