If you're one of those riders who believes the slogans on motorcycle T-shirts (or, better yet, thinks they are talking about you) or if you find four-strokes boringly civilized, then Service Honda built its CR500AF for you. Many riders in their 20s have never experienced a 500cc two-stroke, and most have never turned a wheel in competition on one. In terms of outright horsepower and torque, a typical 500 isn't much more muscular than a contemporary four-stroke. But whereas a four-stroke builds power smoothly, the 500cc two-stroke has steps in the powerband in which boost builds explosively. For example, the Honda CR500R engine used by Service Honda is tame compared with one from 1985, but it (and virtually all CR500Rs) still has a spot in the midrange at which the power jumps 18 horsepower in 1500 rpm! That can be a handicap in some situations; but when there are hills, deep sand or loam straights, sweepers or long start areas, a 500 makes you feel as if you're attached to the end of a giant rubber band, and the giant just let it fly. In other words, this bike is for power fanatics who can't get enough of the sheer thrill of acceleration. It isn't completely civilized, but it is a rush.
Sort Of A Honda
Honda quit making the CR500R several years ago, but even before it did, there were 500cc addicts who chafed at the fact that their favorite open bike was languishing in a technology dead zone. The 500 remained unchanged through three upgraded models of the CR250R before being dropped from the lineup. Service Honda answered the demand for a modern CR500R in 1997 by squeezing the 500 mill into the then-new CR250R aluminum chassis. As each new generation of the CR250R chassis enters production, Service develops a new bike around it-until now. The problem is the CR250R has been technologically suffering a little, and selling the leftover engines has been slow. These days, the CRF four-strokes have the most-modern version of Honda's aluminum chassis, so Service decided to create the '05 500AF using the CRF250R four-stroke chassis, since it is the latest (fourth-generation) design from Honda while the CR250R still has the third-generation rendition.
As a result, in terms of handling and ergonomics, the CR500AF is actually as modern as any Honda motocross or off-road bike.
What's It Like?
The feeling is somewhat hard to explain. It is difficult to even imagine the sheer level of excitement and acceleration a CR500R generates. Add in the fact that its CRF250R chassis feels lighter and smaller than the older steel-framed CR500Rs. It also feels as if the '05 CR500AF has a shorter overall wheelbase. Naturally, the engine is kickstart only (for the moment; Service wants an E-start version to install in CRF250X frames for thrill-seeking off-roaders). Most important, Service claims the CR500AFX will retain its California green-sticker legal status. The CRF250X/CR500R pairing should be a good one, since most of the CR500AF units sold go to off-road fans, though some do live an all-motocross life.
Despite the kickstarter, the AF is not a chore to start. It does like a full-travel, energetic kick, but it usually responds with enthusiasm to a decent effort. Vibration is strong compared with modern four-strokes but not bad for a 500cc two-stroke. The engine warms quickly and is ready to ride. We found ourselves modifying our trail rides to include longer straights, more hills and additional sweepers just to have more opportunities to let 'er rip! The power is addicting, and the bike is happiest with most of the horses out of the barn. The $8999 suggested retail price gives you a bike with a 500cc motor in a stock CRF250R chassis. However, most of the customers looking for something this specialized also want some additional goodies. Our bike came with a billet rear caliper mount, billet engine covers and triple clamps and MX Tech suspension mods.