2001 Honda CR500R

Pros: Big power, very reliable, cheap to maintain, still smokes the competition (4-stroke MX bikes).
Cons: Not made anymore; have to buy used, or new custom built from Service Honda.

Despite what some say, the CR 500R is as easy to ride as any two stroke MX bike and the old school steel frame and KYB suspension does a fine job of soaking up rough terrain. These bikes are the most reliable of all two strokes as I almost got 5 years before I needed to do a top-end and the factory stock bottom end is still getting it done. These bikes are cheaper to maintain than the smaller cc MX bikes and their new competition, the 4-stroke MX bikes.

The fun factor is higher up on the scale with these bikes as the power is always there no matter what throttle position your in. Roll in to it and hold on and the 500R will take you anywhere you want to go, mud, steep hill climbs, mx tracks, sand dunes, you name it -- this bike is the king and jack of all trades.

Pros: Reliability, capability to be competitive in any type of riding, deceivingly easy to ride.
Cons: They're no longer available new.

This bike is a great benefit for the average rider who knows his limitations and abilities.

I find the CR500R easier to ride fast than any of the bikes I've previously owned. I've been riding this one for over a year in everything from dunes to singletrack.

This is the Boss Mustang or Hemi Cuda of dirtbikes. If you've never felt a 500cc 2-stroke single screaming underneath you... You haven't lived.

For more CR500 stuff: http://www.cr500riders.com/cgi/yabb/YaBB.pl"