Honestly, if you have a Service Honda in your sights, consider the suspension mods a must, as the additional weight (not too much) and power (roughly double) have a substantial effect. We didn't ride one with stock suspension and would be surprised if it worked very well with this engine.
On one ride, we ran dry with the stock tank 30 percent earlier than with an '05 CR250R (also with a stock tank), so we installed a Clarke unit. It cleared the coolant fittings and spark plug better; we hardly noticed it while riding; and in the natural color, it is vastly easier to fill without overflowing. We'd consider this tank a must-have-even for moto.
Track Time
We spent a fair amount of time on the motocross track with the AF and found it clearly appreciates a fast track with a lot of flow more than a tight and jump-filled one. The power can be a little hard to control on a short-approach jump; but if you are good with throttle control, the bike will feel neutral in the air. It also excelled more in softer dirt than on sticky hardpack. When the Southern California rains came and washed out the tracks, we installed the available quiet spark arrestor and headed for the desert. With room to play, the bike's fun factor ratcheted up even higher. You have to look for hills it won't climb; and even with the stock moto gearing, the bike had plenty of ground-eating speed available. Whether you are on the track or off-road, the bike basically handles as if it's a CRF250R, which means very well. The front end is definitely lighter, but we became used to it. Despite the added velocity, the 250's brakes do the job in fine fashion.
Finally, we took the 500 to Disneyland. Not really, of course; but as Disneyland is the happiest place on Earth for a kid, sand dunes are the happiest places on Earth for a 500 rider. They allow you to use all of the available power at will. Let the ponies out and watch the sand spray. And for the photos, we didn't run a paddle tire or even a sand tire! We did have massive grins mounted up, though.
Obviously, 60-horsepower 500cc two-strokes aren't for everyone. If they had ever sold in great numbers, the OEMs wouldn't have abandoned them. But Service isn't looking to sell an enormous number. The company knows there are a few well-heeled riders in dirt bike land who think too much power is just enough for them. Most of them also appreciate the easy maintenance of a non-power valve two-stroke engine. It doesn't get much more basic. The desire to own a dirt rocket such as this is primary, too. After man made the motorcycle, the next man wanted a faster one. The essence of American hot-rodding is shoving bigger, more-powerful engines into smaller and lighter vehicles. You just need to know if you are the hot-rod type. Similar to a hot-rod roadster, the Service Honda bike is distilled performance maximized and comfort and civility minimized.
Contact
Service Honda
219/932-3588
www.servicehonda.com
Opinions
I used to love 500s for moto and off-road, and I have to admit this Service Honda is nonstop sensory overload. It is capable of docility, but why waste it? Sometimes you want the right tool for the job; other times you look for the right job for the tool. I spent my seat time looking for the best job for 60 ponies! As thrilling as the 500 is, I'm not ready to trade in my E-start four-stroke.