Let’s return to 1998, when two-strokes dominated skilled motocross, four-strokes had been one thing new, unique and off-beat and there was nonetheless an Open class at most native tracks. The Yamaha YZ400F was brand-new on the time and a flash level for controversy. It was declared authorized for the 250 class in AMA Pro racing. Most native tracks, nonetheless, mentioned it was an Open classer. In our April, 1998 concern, we wished to see the way it stacked up towards the ultimate technology of true Open bikes: the Honda CR500R, Kawasaki KX500 and KTM 380MXC. Here’s what we mentioned:
Even although most Open-classers ignore the producers’ supposed function for these machines, we will’t. If you learn our shootout between the KX250 and the YZ400F, you already know that the 400 is an unfair benefit within the 250 class. At most tracks, the 400 must run within the Open class. So be it. Can the 400 smoke the 380 KTM and the 500s?
To discover out, we assembled Pit Pro’s Russ Wageman (former speedway and MX professional), Shane Trittler, Ron Lawson and Lumpster to do laps on the 4 Open motocross bikes at Lemon Grove Cycle Park (a hilly, quick observe with SX obstacles). Conditions had been primo. Each bike was arrange for every rider. After every rider had ridden all 4 bikes, they (the bikes) had been ranked, and the votes had been tallied. Here’s how the chips fell:
Third place (Tie): Kawasaki KX500 & Honda CR500R. Power and luxury had been the KX500’s two strongest factors, and so they go collectively fairly properly on out of doors tracks. The KX proved clean and very quick, and the entrance finish got here up gracefully at any time when we depraved it out of turns. The delicate, broad seat held the rider on the bike, and the low bars stored us ahead for carving. The KX would blubber due to a wealthy pilot jet and ping within the midrange, however it was as pleasant because it was quick. Power was by no means a difficulty, and we might enterprise into the deep mud with confidence that the KX would plow proper by way of it. The KX got here out of corners properly, however it was laborious to power the bike into turns due to the gyro impact of the large crank. Between that and an inclination to comply with ruts, it was a bit more durable to go quick on the KX500 than the others. It additionally tended to wallow due to the super-soft suspension. In voting, the KX tied the Honda for third.
Without a powervalve, the Honda 500 was probably the most primitive Open-classer, however it had the proper of energy for motocross. It hit laborious within the midrange however signed off faster than the KX. Our forearms additionally signed off faster on the CR, and Wageman complained of blisters after driving it. Between the brutal energy supply and vibration at increased revs, the CR demanded that the rider pay a value for going quick. The CR wished the revs chopped earlier than it will lean for turns, identical to the KX, however it had stiffer suspension and higher turning manners. The thinner, flatter, more durable seat additionally made it simpler to slip round on the bike, so it was extra enjoyable to leap than the KX. Brakes had been the perfect within the discipline (shock, shock), however the CR had a clutch pull that might humble Popeye. Explosive energy and a tough clutch pull simply don’t combine, so all testers most popular the 380 and 400 to both 500 for MX.
Second place: KTM 380MXC. Powerwise, the KTM 380 ran very like the CR500, however there was much less energy to cope with, so riders might do extra laps on the Katoom than another two-stroke. They additionally appreciated the MXC’s pretty stiff suspension settings and skinny, inflexible really feel. It was enjoyable to leap and throw into turns due to its lighter crank. Wageman complained of the entrance finish eager to tuck in turns, and Trittler complained about too-stiff of a shock and an absence of straight-line traction. Clearly, KTM aimed the MXC at bigger, older riders. Lump complained about stalling, because the flywheel was just a little too gentle and the brakes too sensitive for his tastes. Everyone however Trittler rated the 380 second (Shane rated it fourth).
De Winner: Yamaha YZ400F. Even although the YZF outweighed the two-strokes by 14 to 17 kilos, it felt lighter on the observe, Surprisingly, the heaviest bike on this comparability is probably the most enjoyable on a motocross observe, and it’s, by far, the quickest by way of turns. The YZF is the open bike that handles like a 250 and delivers energy extra easily. All testers might go quicker, longer on the Yamaha. It made the least peak energy of the bunch, however what it did make was so clean that no one complained concerning the engine. It additionally had the widest unfold of energy and infrequently wanted to be clutched out of turns. The Yamaha additionally connected the perfect and will carry probably the most cornering pace. We might get on the throttle a lot sooner in turns, with out fear of looping out or slewing sideways. It required much less shifts per lap and fewer vitality to hold on than the two-strokes, too. With the thinnest midsection, the F was probably the most enjoyable to leap. It cornered greatest and didn’t do something bizarre or sudden. Wageman hadn’t ridden a motorcycle in a yr, and he immediately went quick on the YZF. We had a tough time getting him off of it. It pegged his enjoyable meter, so Wageman ordered one instantly after the take a look at. The YZF had one other convert for its four-stroke campaign.
Prices
1998 Honda CR500R: $5549
1998 Kawasaki KX500: $4999
1998 KTM 380MXC: $5998
1998 Yamaha YZ400F: $5799
Weight (with out gasoline)
1998 Honda CR500R: 233 lb.
1998 Kawasaki KX500: 233 lb.
1998 KTM 380MXC: 236lb.
1998 Yamaha YZ400F: 250 lb.
We additionally rated the bikes in two completely different off-road settings: trails and dunes. Here’s how they did:
DUNES
First place: Yamaha YZ400F
Second place: KTM 380MXC
Third place: Honda CR500R
Fourth place: Kawasaki KX500
The rationale was that driving within the dunes was all about leaping (Remember the Crusty Demons period?) We mentioned the YZ400F was best to leap as a result of it was so clean and predictable.
TRAILS
First place: KTM 380MXC
Second place: Yamaha YZ400F
Third place: Kawasaki KX500
Fourth place: Honda CR500R
The KTM had extra gasoline vary, a wider ration gearbox and extra flywheel than the others. The Kawasaki, nonetheless, was the king within the desert.
See you subsequent week!
