From its introduction in 1983 until ceasing production in 2004, Kawasaki’s KX500 served up a lot of excitement for those who got to swing a leg over one, and captured plenty of professional motocross and off-road racing championships in that 21-year time frame.
We’ve covered why Kawasaki’s new two-stroke dirt bike should be a KX125, KX250, or KX300.
Now, it’s time to go over some reasons it should be a KX500. A big-bore premix-burner like the KX500 doesn’t require much engine care because most riders don’t rev it very high, so low maintenance isn’t mentioned below as that it’s somewhat of a given and we mentioned it here.
Reason 1: Sheer power
It goes without saying that a 500cc two-stroke is extremely powerful. Whether it’s a Honda CR500R or Kawasaki KX500, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone (so long as they’re being honest) who wants more horsepower and torque from such monsters. Aside from those trying to set a new land speed record, no one would criticize Kawasaki for not having a powerful enough two-stroke if it made a KX500 again, and there could be some opportunity for after-sales profit in creating parts to tame it, such as a heavier flywheel, more restrictive exhaust system, and slow-turn throttle.
Reason 2: Danger factor
Let’s face it, most of us dirt bikers are adrenaline junkies, and we’re in awe of something that’s fast and dangerous to ride. There’s a certain amount of excitement that comes with being at the controls of such a powerful off-road motorcycle as a 500cc two-stroke, and Kawasaki would be the manufacturer to provide such thrills if it brought back the KX500.
Reason 3: Desert winner
In the high-speed dirt bike competition realm of desert racing, a 500cc two-stroke would be the bike to have. With so much horsepower and torque at the ready, KX500 racers could install a larger countershaft sprocket, smaller rear sprocket, or both to maximize top speed, leave everyone in the dust, and reach the checkered flag first.
Reason 4: Exclusivity
If Kawasaki produced a KX500, it would have a monopoly on the 500cc two-stroke segment—at least as far as major motorcycle manufacturers go. An Italian concern called Tomasin Racing offers a 500cc two-stroke engine kit for the 2021–2025 Honda CRF450R and CRF450RX, but it requires the use of a chassis from those models. With that, Kawasaki would be the only company with a 500cc two-stroke it manufactures entirely.
Reason 5: Rebirth of a legend
The KX500 was used to clinch four AMA 500 National Motocross Championship titles with Jeff Ward in 1989 and 1990, Mike Kiedrowski in 1992, and Mike LaRocco in 1993. As far as the AMA National Hare & Hound Championship goes, the KX500 was Destry Abbott’s machine of choice for his 2000 and 2001 titles. These are just some examples of what made the KX500 a legendary motorcycle in motocross and off-road competition, and it lives on today in the memories of those who rode and raced it. Perhaps it’s time to create new memories with the resurrection of the KX500? Only Kawasaki can decide if that will happen.
