66 |JUNE 2017 http://www.adbmag.com.auinto a solid mid-range. A slight lack of
bottom-end power with the 1989
model meant that you would need to
go back to second for some corners.
Both chassis have their strengths and
weaknesses. The 2011 alloy frame is
accurate and positive, and will help to
place the bike exactly where you want
it, but it has the potential to give you a
more rigid ride if you don’t get the
suspension dialled in.
The steel frame on the 1989 model is
smooth and subtle, but you can’t
expect to change your line selection at
the last minute because the big girl
will have made up its mind on where
it wants to go.
Like the chassis, the suspension
set-up on both bikes performs well in
different areas. The modern bike likes
to be ridden hard, and if you cruised
your away around, it would become a
bit harsh and you’d feel every bump.
The older model has a softer,
wallowing feel. It can soak up the
small stuff really well, just like a
trusty old Chrysler Valiant. But if you
charge a little too hard, you’ll get aMAIN: This stuff wasn’t invented in 1996- Keeping the 500 in its sweet spot
2.The resto wasn’t as easy to start
1
2
When piloted correctly, the
500cc two-stroke is like a
fast 450cc four-stroke
CR500. The bike requires you to think
ahead and chooseyour lines carefully.
The brakes are like chalk and
cheese. One bike felt like a Ferrari and
the other felt like it had Malvern Star
brakes trying to stop a freight train.
After I jumped off the ’89, I asked
myself how I used to bloody stop. The
braking power is one thing that really
separates the two machines.
When piloted correctly, the 500cc
two-stroke islikea fast 45 0cc four-
stroke. My time on Ryan’s bike felt
similar to riding my current 2017
CRF450F with its modified engine. I
was able to hover between third and
fourth gear and made less than ten
gear changes per lap.CHALK AND CHEESE
Both of these bikes are a work of art in
their own way. In the right hands the
custom alloy frame 500cc bike will be
quicker on the track due to its superior
suspension, chassis and brakes. But it
will never have the history and
nostalgia that comes with the original
1 989 model.
If you’re considering getting a 500cc
fire-breather, then ask yourself: are
you hoping to head out and beat all
your mates on their late-model 450s?
Or areyou less concerned with lap
times and just hoping to re-live a time
when two-stroke smoke filled pit-areas
and racetracksacrossthe world?The
choice is yours.Can 500 2T
racing
make a
comeback?
There will always be pros and cons on this
matter, but I believe that the new four-
strokes have only accentuated the legendary
status of two-bangers. The 500cc will always
be king of the two-strokes, but nobody makes
them any more. The odd race here or there
that is open for 500cc two-strokes is the best
way to preserve their place in dirtbike
folklore. But we also need to remember that
only a small percentage of riders would be
able to ride a 500cc at the same pace that
they would a modern 450cc four-stroke. Don’t
get us started on fitting EFI to meet Euro4.RETRO TEST I
BIG THANKS!
The legends at MX Central prepped the track to
perfection for our test. It’s improved big time
lately so go check it out. 7 Barleigh Ranch Way,
Eagleton NSW 232 4