What's the best bike in the world?

[shark_za]

The only relevance the Katana 1100 ever had was to do with the size of double brandy and cokes in Danville.

[malJohann]

If I had about $10k (excluding import duties) to throw around I'd go for the Service Honda (USA) 500AF or the 500AFX. Think CR500 2T engine in the current CRF250 frame. Can you say ROOST?!!!

Click on the thumbnail for a bigger picture:

1999
In 1999 Service Honda concieved what has become the finest open class 2-stroke bike ever produced. The 1999 500AF from Service Honda carried open class 2-stroke technology a giant step forward. I combined the technology of the twin spar aluminum chasis with Honda's most potent 2-stroke engine. It was the CR500 that Honda should have made.

2000
The 2000 500AF from Service Honda continues the tradition of carrying open class 2-stroke technology another step forward with a second generation twin spar aluminum frame and swingarm. �??The best open bike EVER�?� by MX Racer (May 2000), and described as �??almost like cheating by Dirt Rider (Feb 2000).

2001
The 2001 500AF features a host refinements to enhance both engine and chassis performance.The accolades continued in as well with Transworld MX calling the 500AF �??the best open class two- stroke ever available to the public�?� and also stating �??We (got the) holeshot every moto we raced with the Service Honda (500AF), besting even the all-conquering four stroke Yamahas and KTMs.�?�

2002
The 2002 500AF featured an all-new 3rd generation aluminum chassis for outstanding performance and the unparalleled power and lightweight of a 500cc 2-stroke engine. In 2002 Dirt Rider (March 2002) said the 500AF is �??by far the best �??production�?� two-stroke Open bike we�??ve ever ridden.�?� Dirt Rider was impressed after just looking at their 500AF (February 2002) describing the 500AF as having �??museum like quality.�?�

2003
In 2003 the 500AF recieved a 39mm Kehin carburetor for improved mid range and top end power while retaining the legendary CR500 low end, improved airbox to air boot seal., new graphics and an available FMF spark arrestor.

2004
The 2004 500AF was tested by Transworld Mx and found to be up to 4 seconds per lap faster than a fully modified 2004 CRF450 on the motocross track, they called this revelation "The Truth"! Added for 2004 were optional Enzo subtanks. Unique for this year was the very limited production 500AF Limited with gun metal rims and billet parts. Only 20 of these special 500AF's were built.

Note: In 2001 Honda Motor Co. dropped the production of their CR500R completely. Through a unique arrangement with Honda we (Service Honda) assemble the CR500 engines in our facility to exacting Honda standards.

http://www.servicehonda.com/

[Stephan]

The only relevance the Katana 1100 ever had was to do with the size of double brandy and cokes in Danville.

Personal experience Sharky? 

[jabu69]

If I had about $10k (excluding import duties) to throw around I'd go for the Service Honda (USA) 500AF or the 500AFX. Think CR500 2T engine in the current CRF250 frame. Can you say ROOST?!!!

That's interesting maljohann, and I though the 500cc 2 stroke was completely abolished...
The CR500 was a legend in the MX world, that bike was totally mental!

[Poffmuis]

Dear Santa...

I like my own and would like to add the following to the stable:

Flying brick K100RS


Fully modded R100GS with R1100 swingarm and Marzocchi forks


And one out of the following: (havent decided wich one, all 80's era)
Yammie XT500/600, Honda XR500/600

And a toy
Honda CT110

Theres alot more on my wish list, but take this for now.

[Beemer Man (RIP)]

Any one you own!!!!

[Eisbein]

Newguy, you are into classics !

I take it (like Trailrider) when people ask you why you still ride an 80's GS like yours in the year 2007, your answer will be: "Because I want to !"

[Elmo]

Honda XRV 750 Africa Twin !!, without any hesitation. The most reliable, most suited for any terrain,........ a real adventure bike.

Yes i rode my old bike last weekend, and was blown away at how little power it has, compared to current bike. BUT let me tell you ..... that motor, ..... phew, .... it is so smooth and soft, it still sounds like the day i bought it. It feels longer to sit on than i remember, but still went nicely on the farm roads. Honda cannot build a sh#t motor.

Have you ridden the AT since you bought your KTM?

[blazes]

That Katoom looks like a flamingo that has been rammed from the back. Best bike in the world ?
Most probably they will make it when i am too old to ride.

[Adventurer]

If I had about $10k (excluding import duties) to throw around I'd go for the Service Honda (USA) 500AF or the 500AFX. Think CR500 2T engine in the current CRF250 frame. Can you say ROOST?!!!

The CR500 was a legend in the MX world, that bike was totally mental!

+1, it was not a case of IF you were going to wipe out, it was a case of HOW OFTEN....
It is the only 2T I've ever kickstarted that felt like an XR600 without a decompression valve...

[jabu69]

That Katoom looks like a flamingo that has been rammed from the back. Best bike in the world ?
Most probably they will make it when i am too old to ride.

Shit it's not even 18h00, the oke is already drunk... Enjoy your week end bru. Remember: don't drink and drive.

[Leo]

The BMW 80GS

Say no more.

+1000 

[Welsh]

If I had about $10k (excluding import duties) to throw around I'd go for the Service Honda (USA) 500AF or the 500AFX. Think CR500 2T engine in the current CRF250 frame. Can you say ROOST?!!!

The CR500 was a legend in the MX world, that bike was totally mental!

+1, it was not a case of IF you were going to wipe out, it was a case of HOW OFTEN....
It is the only 2T I've ever kickstarted that felt like an XR600 without a decompression valve...

Ever tried the 490 Maico, that was a beast to kick.

Welsh 

[chris g]

Here are two classics, still a dream of mine to find one these lying in garage somewhere to restore

[Groenie]

I used to work with a guy that still has a CBR1100R like that in boxes in the garage. Wonder if he will ever get round to restoring it?

[malJohann]

If I had about $10k (excluding import duties) to throw around I'd go for the Service Honda (USA) 500AF or the 500AFX. Think CR500 2T engine in the current CRF250 frame. Can you say ROOST?!!!

That's interesting maljohann, and I though the 500cc 2 stroke was completely abolished...
The CR500 was a legend in the MX world, that bike was totally mental!

Now imagine it converted into a SuperMotard and made legal for the road! Gives new meaning to a "fun commute", if you like your daily dose of adrenaline as early in the morning as possible.

[jabu69]

If I had about $10k (excluding import duties) to throw around I'd go for the Service Honda (USA) 500AF or the 500AFX. Think CR500 2T engine in the current CRF250 frame. Can you say ROOST?!!!

That's interesting maljohann, and I though the 500cc 2 stroke was completely abolished...
The CR500 was a legend in the MX world, that bike was totally mental!

Now imagine it converted into a SuperMotard and made legal for the road! Gives new meaning to a "fun commute", if you like your daily dose of adrenaline as early in the morning as possible.

Shit, I'm speechless now... You've probably just defined my dream bike now, thanks.
A 500cc 2stroke SM, the Devil has a bike!

[malJohann]

Shit, I'm speechless now... You've probably just defined my dream bike now, thanks.
A 500cc 2stroke SM, the Devil has a bike!

No problem. Please call again. I'm attracted to crazy ideas like a dog is to sniffing ass. It just so happens to be my dream bike at the moment.

[Poffmuis]

Work colleague of mine is restoring his RZ500 2stroke V4. That bike scares me.

[Steady]