Let's return to 1998, when two-strokes ruled expert motocross, four-strokes were something brand-new, unique and off-beat and there was still an Open class at a lot of regional tracks. The Yamaha YZ400F was new at the time and a flash point for debate. It was stated legal for the 250 class in AMA Pro racing. Many regional tracks, nevertheless, stated it was an Open classer. In our April, 1998 problem, we wished to see how it compared to the last generation of real Open bikes: the Honda CR500R, Kawasaki KX500 and KTM 380MXC. Here's what we stated:
Despite the fact that the majority of Open-classers overlook the producers' designated function for these makers, we can't. If you read our shootout in between the KX250 and the YZ400F, you understand that the 400 is an unjust benefit in the 250 class. At a lot of tracks, the 400 will need to run in the Open class. Be it. Can the 400 smoke the 380 KTM and the 500s?
To learn, we put together Pit Pro's Russ Wageman (previous speedway and MX pro), Shane Trittler, Ron Lawson and Lumpster to do laps on the 4 Open motocross bikes at Lemon Grove Cycle Park (a hilly, fast lane with SX challenges). Conditions were primo. Each bike was established for each rider. After each rider had actually ridden all 4 bikes, they (the bikes) were ranked, and the votes were tallied. Here's how the chips fell:
Shane Trittler on the 1998 Kawasaki KX500.
3rd location (Tie): Kawasaki KX500 & & Honda CR500R. Power and convenience were the KX500's 2 greatest points, and they fit quite well on outside tracks. The KX showed smooth and incredibly quickly, and the front end turned up with dignity whenever we wicked it out of turns. The soft, large seat held the rider on the bike, and the low bars kept us forward for sculpting. The KX would blubber due to the fact that of an abundant pilot jet and ping in the midrange, however it was as friendly as it was quick. Power was never ever a concern, and we might venture into the deep mud with self-confidence that the KX would rake right through it. The KX came out of corners well, however it was tough to require the bike into turns since of the gyro result of the enormous crank. In between that and a propensity to follow ruts, it was a bit harder to go quick on the KX500 than the others. It likewise tended to wallow since of the super-soft suspension. In ballot, the KX connected the Honda for 3rd.
The 1998 Honda CR500R. Got ta love that LBZ equipment!
Without a powervalve, the Honda 500 was the most primitive Open-classer, however it had the ideal sort of power for motocross. It struck hard in the midrange however signed off quicker than the KX. Our lower arms likewise signed off quicker on the CR, and Wageman suffered blisters after riding it. In between the ruthless power shipment and vibration at greater revs,
