Would you trust taking an EX500 LA to Chicago?

Gas Man · 07-05-2009, 01:57 AM

rev limiters... come on, those aren't needed.

I loved my ole EX500. I know of guys that race these things and say they are industrutable.

Archren · 07-05-2009, 08:09 AM

I know a guy who did an iron butt on a 250... so yeah, on a 500? Should be cake.

was92v · 07-05-2009, 10:09 AM

The only major complaint I know of is, IF they are run on their side, ie:crashed and still running, they don't tolerate it very well. They don't blow up right then, they wait until you have repaired all the other damage and get everything fixed, then the engine blows up. If they don't get run horizontal they seem to do OK.

Gas Man · 07-05-2009, 07:33 PM

interesting... was92v

SteveP · 07-05-2009, 08:08 PM

I think it would suck on the interstate for the simple fact that the revs are gonna vibe you really bad. Backroads shoudl be fun though. Are you trying to make time? Or just going on a ride?

101lifts2 · 07-07-2009, 02:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveP

I think it would suck on the interstate for the simple fact that the revs are gonna vibe you really bad. Backroads shoudl be fun though. Are you trying to make time? Or just going on a ride?

Make time....I've tried to run the EX500 in the canyons a few times...thing felt like the tires have 0 sidewall. Not to mention the suspension AND brakes suck ass.

101lifts2 · 07-07-2009, 02:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveP

I think it would suck on the interstate for the simple fact that the revs are gonna vibe you really bad. Backroads shoudl be fun though. Are you trying to make time? Or just going on a ride?

No vibration is minimal actually pretty good IMO. The problem is the engine moans at 70mph, but around 85 is smooths out.

BobTheBiker · 07-07-2009, 05:03 AM

its not JUST the suspension that sucks on the EX500, the frame is the next weak point because the engine isnt a stressed member, which makes the frame flex like hell. with sticky tires in a 140 size on the rear, this becomes overly evident, as does the shitty suspension.

fortunately, the suspension is fixable with progressive front springs and an SV650 rear shock, but the frame isnt unless you can do two things: 1. make the motor a stressed member, and 2. gusset the living SHIT outta the frame to strengthen it.

but hey, its REALLY old tech. the engine design is somwhere in the 30 year old tech range, considering the motor its based off of, combined with 80's tech frame and undersprung suspension. its an entry level/commuter though, so its kinda a take it or leave it design. does its intended job fairly well and gets decent mileage, so yeah.

BobTheBiker · 07-05-2009, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gas Man

rev limiters... come on, those aren't needed.

I loved my ole EX500. I know of guys that race these things and say they are industrutable.

clearly they've never run north of 10k rpms for long. theres a guy on the EX-500 forums who for MANY years ran the EX500 as a trackbike, and rebuilt several. design wise, they leave a lot to be desired. and I do mean a LOT.

weak bottom ends, shit starter clutch hubs, gen 1 models have a shitty flywheel design, and awful transmissions. they're a 454LTD that was already bored and stroked to within an inch of its life, and basically cant take any additional modding safely without a failure. plus some idiot thought the cam chain should go down the center of the engine, and the crank is way too long and easy to snap(fairly common issue too)

so many issues, I'll do cross country on a 250 first, then come back and grab the GS500 myself.

was92v · 07-05-2009, 09:25 PM

Don't hold back Bob, tell us what you really think!

I had one for a little while. Too slow and way too much money to make it otherwise... But seemed like it could make a decent street bike.

07-05-2009, 01:57 AM	#1
Gas Man Trip's Assistant Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Imported from Detroit Moto: 2009 HD Street Classic Posts: 12,149	rev limiters... come on, those aren't needed. I loved my ole EX500. I know of guys that race these things and say they are industrutable. __________________ -Chris "Why pay somebody else to fuck up your bike?" Run Amsoil Product

07-05-2009, 08:09 AM	#2
Archren Sham WOW Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: ATX Moto: 2007 Ducati 1098 Posts: 2,741	I know a guy who did an iron butt on a 250... so yeah, on a 500? Should be cake. __________________ Photography "The Vincent was like a bullet that went straight; the Ducati is like the magic bullet that went sideways and hit JFK and the Governor of Texas at the same time. It was impossible." - Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." -Dr. Seuss

07-05-2009, 07:33 PM	#4
Gas Man Trip's Assistant Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Imported from Detroit Moto: 2009 HD Street Classic Posts: 12,149	interesting... was92v __________________ -Chris "Why pay somebody else to fuck up your bike?" Run Amsoil Product

07-05-2009, 09:25 PM	#10
was92v Nowhere Man Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 558	Don't hold back Bob, tell us what you really think! I had one for a little while. Too slow and way too much money to make it otherwise... But seemed like it could make a decent street bike. Last edited by was92v; 05-14-2010 at 07:24 PM..

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07-05-2009, 10:09 AM	#3
was92v Nowhere Man Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 558	The only major complaint I know of is, IF they are run on their side, ie:crashed and still running, they don't tolerate it very well. They don't blow up right then, they wait until you have repaired all the other damage and get everything fixed, then the engine blows up. If they don't get run horizontal they seem to do OK.

07-05-2009, 08:08 PM	#5
SteveP Canyon Carver Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Pensacola, FL Moto: The v-twin trifecta Posts: 437	I think it would suck on the interstate for the simple fact that the revs are gonna vibe you really bad. Backroads shoudl be fun though. Are you trying to make time? Or just going on a ride?

07-07-2009, 05:03 AM	#8
BobTheBiker too much time on my hands Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: the northern district of god damn Moto: 01 ZX6R, looking for more now. Posts: 1,802	its not JUST the suspension that sucks on the EX500, the frame is the next weak point because the engine isnt a stressed member, which makes the frame flex like hell. with sticky tires in a 140 size on the rear, this becomes overly evident, as does the shitty suspension. fortunately, the suspension is fixable with progressive front springs and an SV650 rear shock, but the frame isnt unless you can do two things: 1. make the motor a stressed member, and 2. gusset the living SHIT outta the frame to strengthen it. but hey, its REALLY old tech. the engine design is somwhere in the 30 year old tech range, considering the motor its based off of, combined with 80's tech frame and undersprung suspension. its an entry level/commuter though, so its kinda a take it or leave it design. does its intended job fairly well and gets decent mileage, so yeah.