Cool video. Perfectly said about how a 500 doesn't feel so intimidating after riding 450 4-strokes for a number of years now. I remember him at Mammoth in 88 and he raced all the Int classes including 500's. Of course, he looked great. Started out the day on a KX500, then borrowed someone's YZ490 for later moto's when something happened to the KX.
Ron Leichein looks like he is floating on air riding a bike, McGrath makes Ronnie look like he is riding a bronco. Good lord is McGrath still SO good and smooth.
The real question is, would anybody realistically buy a brand new modern 2021 500 2 Stroke?
Without a doubt. Certainly wouldn't be a high volume bike, but as a "halo" model, a mfg could certainly generate some sales floor traffic.
Someone like Honda could really have a field day, changing the plastics and colors every year to match old bikes. All while charging a huge premium for the bike.
I was wondering that too. We're looking at 30 year old geometry developed for the old school tracks, compared to the latest computer developed machine on the tighter, more technical courses. Of course the 450 is going to be the winner and it does sound a little like a paid advertisement, I agree. He missed out the intangible X factor though. Only one bike has that .
People love to romanticize the 500 2 stroke but either don’t remember or don’t know how hard and brutal they were to ride
I rode 500s for ten years. Main reason was the availability of super cheap, nearly new used 500s in the late 80s and through the 90s, and the longevity of the motors for an average guy. Truth is, it was just a budget stretching thing back then.
Shopping used 500s back then was hilarious. Met a bunch of big burly dudes with genuine fear of the bikes..
Love seeing them back in the limelight, MC is king!
The Shop
Someone like Honda could really have a field day, changing the plastics and colors every year to match old bikes. All while charging a huge premium for the bike.
Shopping used 500s back then was hilarious. Met a bunch of big burly dudes with genuine fear of the bikes..
Love seeing them back in the limelight, MC is king!
Pit Row
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