500 class 2 srokes....strokes.... has em?

The 500 2 stroke motocross bikes of yesteryear have really gained in popularity these past few years and value has gone crazy high.
I've been interested in them for a long time just because I like them for the brute grunt they produce.
Anyone here have one of any flavor hiding in there garages?

 

Everyone who rides them has died, I think

 

Ha ha not quite, I'm still kicking and I can't be the only one left!
I guess I'll share 1st ti prove I'm still living and breathing. This one is my 1990 Ktm 540 made 90-96, all years it's the same bike with the 548cc two stroke Reed valve motor but it was badged as a 550 92-96 when it was discontinued.
Bought it for 300 bucks with the piston melted down from running dry on the coolant and being well clapped out in 2006. Collected parts and spent alot of time and money on it finishing it up in 09'. Everything replaced, rebuilt, powdercoated etc.... sits above my garage in warm storage now with only 2 hrs run time on it.

 

And another...my 1982 Ktm 495. Produced 81-84 with the 81 being the rarest of these rare bikes. Twin plug and a very evil power curve
Bought this one "under" 300 bucks with a missing piston and bottom end full of water sitting outside. Everything new here and even had Lectron make me a custom carb...I ride this one, it's either sideways or tossing the front at anytime it feels fit. Wicked evil bike, it's a dragster in a straight line and a handful on the whoops and turns.

 

And the 81' I spoke of above. Unrestored and will start on the 2nd kick.
Again the rarest of the 495's, only year of the 4 year run with a piston port design...not reeds and cage. Also it's the twin shocker of the bunch with a few other small differences.
In 1981 Rod Bush ran it on the salt flats with only gear changes. Still holds the land speed record today as the world's fastest stock dirtbike at 123.75 mph.

 

This one is apart now and collecting parts for a full restore.
1989 Atk406, if you know you know. Pretty unique features on this one and it will be a fun project.

 

And..... 2 matching big bores from 1987. A Cr500 and a Kx500, both in the year model that's arguably the most sought after. Both in running shape but untouched. I will get to these two and give em a complete restore at a later date.

 

This one really doesn't apply but by today's standards I guess you could call it a 2 stroke big bore.
2021 Husky te300i tpi.. my primary rider.
Now where's the pics of a rare WR500, Cagiva 500 etc???? I know there hiding out there!

 

123 mph? I’d be so scared a finishing nail couldn’t be hammered into my ass

 

Look it up, pretty cool stuff and in the pics it appears as though the seat vinyl is intact and his asshole didn't make a meal out if it.

 

Nice collection
Are you looking to sell or just show them off?
Unfortunately, I live in a state of "green sticker" = can go anywhere and "red sticker" = can only ride in certain areas.

 

This is GORGEOUS

 

Yup! You have one? From what I understand they are all torque. Atk also used that motor and badged it as an Atk.

 

Thanks. I spent too much time and money on it. Alot of parts in the bottom end were sourced oem from overseas. New crank, rod, of course crank bearings, all other bearings, Maule piston, shift shaft etc etc and all OEM not aftermarket.
Even had the suspension professionally custom done and I usually do my own.
When I took it out to break in after doing heat cycles I took it to a popular riding area here in Alaska and drove through the masses with the bike on the trailer to get away from the crowds. By the time I parked I had 10 or so bikes/wheelers following me lol. None knew the bike model ever existed and one older guy begged me not to ride it and mark it up. It is a very torquey big bore and decievingly quick...does it so effortlessly you don't realize how fast your going until it's time to stop or turn lol.

 

The last 2-smoke I had was in 1988. A YZ500 and it could climb the side of a house and always had bent handlebars from looping out lol.

Edit- I do still have a YSR50 in the garage. Street legal and does 3rd gear wheelies with my fat ass on it. Needs new plastic after my last crash.

 

Yup! That would be a Yz 490...or...It 490, same bike give or take only blue and in more trail trim. Cool bike. They kept the air hammer motor through all the years and even though they never won any of the shootouts its a going bike...they did put that motor in a newer chassis later on and called it a WR500 which is a cool bike and hard to find. I'd like to add one to my stable.

 

That Sir is a very cool little bike!

 

I rode a Maico 501 one season back in the early 70s.

Killer!