I'd like to thank Ken, Christie,kenny jr, and and the entire Kaplan crew for the invite and hospitality ! It was really great meeting you all. Kenny jr ,you knocked this out of the park, thank to! And I'd like to thank Ken for all his enthusiasm for the sport, the museam, his involvement in his community ,and love of the CR500 and support . It is truly appreciated. God bless.
Amen brother! Its not every day the Godfather calls to stop by with a brand new billet engine Built500 !!! so we were all beyond psyched to have you here! Jr asked if we could get the first AND second 2022 CR500AF you build at Built500.com this year! The lines gonna be a long one! It was an honor to have you here! Keep up the great work 🇺🇸 America & Beyond is watching & listening! Thank you! - Ken Sr
That was 95 when you raced my 500 at Casey “Wounded Knee” when you were racing that cheater bike Chris Kemp(300 KTM) agreed - Bill Sanders aka Gerrit Wolsink Btw where’s the pony tail? The 3 Day race at Casey tape is right here.
This guy saved the CR500 with the offering of the billet cases, crank, etc after the NOS (new old stock) ran out. He deserves a statue in front of the museum!
Yur intro gave me tears. Of joy! My kid doesn't think those 500 arnt that fast. He rides a 21 500 ktm exc. I need to sit down an have a facts of life talk with him
It’s not your fault mike, it’s just the Euosyndrom and anti right hand kick start movement . Don’t give up on him, he’ll eventually grow out of these delusions . 😋
You might what to explain how a two stroke makes it power that takes a good while to do .as there university professors who dont have a freaking clue and will tell you it us impossible as what they really do .and so far on you tube for the last ten years not one so call expert has ever got it right ..so yeah im your huckleberry know it all with full bragging rights ..when honda first introduced their first two stroke engines back in 1973 , i had just hired on as a honda technician ..and to do this you are required to attend honda R&D training center ..and for a week we were required to be instructed of how a two stroke Elsinore engine makes power ..and first day a honda C.E.O. introduced our instructor who could tell you what you had for breakfast by reading your spark plug ..his name was "Pop" Yoshimura the most famous tuner of all motorcycles in world and the same Yoshimura who built the first honda two stroke ever ..so you will have to agree of what he says is real ..and its simple two strokes are internally supercharged making boost in the crankcase supercharging the combustion chamber before it fires ...thats what we call the "power band" and when she comes "on the pipe" that when the sound waves from the expansion chamber catches up the the rpms of the crankshaft as the sound wave is so powerful it blocks the supercharged atmospheres of crankcase pressure from escaping the exhaust port untill the piston traps the mixture in the cylinder head combustion chamber and fires off more horsepower than you can ever make from a naturally aspirated 4 stroke that can only suck bang and blow ...2 stokes make boost ! Pop yoshimura knows
@@allensandven0 and this year a Husqvarna fuel injected TC125 two stroke makes 40 supercharged horsepower while honda's CRF150F 4 stroke mx racer make 23 horsepower that sucks bangs and blows
Mike, you do need to have the talk and believe me sometimes we have to do the hard things that are not always popular …. In fact the 2stroke community has been put in the corner for time out until we play fair.. I can’t tell you what to say but if I could it would go something like this ( hank hill to son Bobby) it’s like this Bobby, life ain’t fair , 2strokes aren’t gender neutral, if they were they’d be step through with a basket and a horn to squeeze ? And by the way … no body puts Baby in the corner ! Ok this last part unless you remember when Yamaha were yellow , Suzuki’s were fast , and even a paperboy could afford to race on Sunday. You may not get it ?
I thought that the 500AF company had gone out of business. Thank you soooo much for this video. This literally made my year!!! Matt -Idaho- Long Live the Two Stroke!
It's great that he customizes & sets it up to suit the rider that's awesome. God bless the Godfather for what he does & God bless everyone at Kaplan America for bringing us these videos
It's awesome that folks like you guys and AJ are invested in keeping 2 strokes, let alone 500s, around for riders to enjoy. One of my last race bikes was a 4 stroke -- but I've always felt the sport lost something when the transition went over to 4 strokes. I wonder if I would have gotten into the sport back in the early 80s as kid if the bikes were that complicated and expensive.
I had two 500’s. 87 and 93. Trail ridden only. Mexico, dunes, desert, everything. It never broke. They never pitched me off. Great bikes. Then I rode a 450 and that was it. Outstanding video.
That dual sport 500 is a dream minus the street tires. Imagine ripping down the road going 60 right into some gnalry trails on a 2 stroke. Brapppppp dreams
HERE HERE!! CAN I GET A HELL YEAH BROTHA! Awesome job on the video guys. The steadfast loyalty for BIG BORE two strokes on this channel is legendary. It's really cool to be able to finally put a face to "THE GODFATHER" name.
Awesome interview Ken. What a great guy too. Love his passion for the 500's. Definitely on my bucket list to get him to make me a 999lazer edition 500 to match your Kaplan America special!
Amen brother its the real deal!! If you get one and come here ill buy your plane ticket here! And we can have it delivered to kaplan cycles and you can spend the weekend breaking it in at the Kaplan compound and the Southwick national track!!!
Ed im still under contract with discovery for a couple months then I'm a free agent! They spent a fortune doing one pilot episode of "Kaplan America" you can watch it at discoverygo.com
I to am a Hoosier and have had the opportunity to ride a cr500af. Amazing machine an if you are seasoned and know how to use the power an keep a rhythm it makes for a wonderful riding experience.
Awesome channel, glad I stumbled onto it. I am Indiana native and raced Red Bud a few times..... yeah, Mike's leap is totally different when you approach the face, really glad I never put 100% into clearing the thing .... it is MASSIVE. Mike is the only one, I am aware of, that hit it on a 125 .... attempting that jump is a commitment and there really is nothing else to say about it. Thanks for your work, really appreciate the content.
He is so humble and knows he kicked there asses and every body at them races knows he was the dam man back in the day hands down man u are a bad ass dud !!!
I am more of a dual sport kind a guy but I love watching this channel, maybe because I can see the love and the passion that you put into the making of every video Thanks
Great job on this video. Just keep pushing the 2 strokes for all the addicts. Maybe the AMA will get the hint and bring back 2 stroke nationals. Again great job.
On Ken's swing arm: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." CRs rule.
‘Never did try a big bore 2-stroke of my day (anyone remember the gold anodized radial fin head?) and are way to old for them now, but the passion exuded here to keep this alive for those that still enjoy them; we salute you all !💪🏽
A porcupine head yes remember them well that’s what started guys getting fro perms and wearing pooka shell necklaces, yea fashion failed the late 70s early 80s but man the girls were fast and cars were cheap… lol 😝 just kidding 👀
Ken's comments fit like a fist. When I see it that way, I wonder when the hell can I order a 500 CR? Incredible, I am celebrating the two-stroke and driving them myself until it is no longer possible! Keep doing it
I had a CR480 4speed model then went to the 98 XR600 that I got new, road a buddies race prep'ed 94 CR500R and to this day don't know how these guys ride that beast lol. Saw that bike break two of my friends who thought they knew how to ride lol.
what a killer interview with the most awesome guy in the world.he brought back a CR500 two-stroke. words cannot describe. rockville, Kaplan museum, oh I know that place. it's heaven.
Racing any 500cc 2 stroke against 450cc lawnmowers is cheating really. I don't know why younger people think 4 strokes have more torque, they don't. They have more torque at low revs like all tractors, but get the revs up and a 50cc smaller 4 stroke has a long long way to go yet. The truth is, 4 strokes are easier to ride, they are for lazy riders. You need to keep a 2 stroke happy in an often narrow rev range. The other big 4 stroke problem is when they are pushed, opened up etc to match the power of a 2 stroke they blow up all the time, and as Ken said, they are too expensive to fix, but 2 strokes are easy and cheap to fix.
I was at the spring tuneup day when Gene Ritchie got on the p.a. And had us look towards the pro track to watch Mike La Roco and Tim Ritchie trying out a new jump Mike designed Mike was on his 500 & Tim was on a Banchee! That was in 1992ish?!? Also Mike La Roco Was the last ever 500 champion on his KX.
Yep! It was mind blowing I was in the night track pits & it looked like Mike was 300 feet in the air!! And he just disappeared over the hill like he was floating!!
When I was 14 for Christmas I got an AJ Waggoner airbrushed helmet! Once I grew out of it I passed it down, but that’s how cool of a guy AJ is! That and he plays a Carvin.
A bike for each month of the year plus how good can't wait to see the 001 2022 cr500af .times are looking good for the cr500 because of aj.keep it coming Kaplan 💯
the King Of Ping ,damm Cpt America you made me spit my drink all over my computer screen ,im going through a low patch in my life but that made me do something i havent done for a spell and thats have a laugh,thankyou
Congrats on the new engine...its a piece of art right there. Awesome listen to him tell his story. Im a 89 guy but that 91 ooo wee.. If i could only justify buying it. There all beautiful
This is a cool interview! Thank you Sr. for spending the time with Andrew. Andrew seems like a great guy with a great team and would be a pleasure to do business with. Hope I can get one of these bikes from you Andrew. God bless you both!
Awesome video thanks for sharing. I am very Patriotic & I love the red white & blue parts & graphics on those bikes! I hope they're available for sale somewhere so I can buy them for my 1990 & 1994 CR500's I've had for over 20yrs. Nice to hear parts are still gonna be available for the engines. "LET ER' RIP, TATER CHIP!" 🤘🤘
Now i wanna buy a brand new crf450 wear the motor out and have this guy build me my dream bike with it!! This is freaking awesome!! Just recently found this channel and have always loved 2 strokes didnt know they are still being made with 500's. These are some nice looking motors. WOW
I love ❤️ it 💪 the CR 500 is the bike to have . When I get some cash 💰 I’ll hope and pray this gentleman, genius, trailblazer, great American will sell me one 🙏 long live the CR 500 👍
That’s awesome, fantastic 👍 I will put in my order as soon as my cash comes in , hopefully before Christmas 🎄 😃 that would make a great Christmas present to myself 😆 thank you
Your channel is simply awesome!!! I want to make the pilgrimage up to the museum. Once I get back in my riding Groove again. Been 20 years and jumping back on thr 2 stroke in a few weeks!!
I would kill for those bikes. I rode about half of them on Maine trails in the 1980s. They were more durable than they got credit for. Did some mock racing with friends. We loved to do time trials on fave trails. Ah the good old days when you could buy a track warrior and resto mod it for about $300 with better clutch, should, heads etc.
I got to look this up I'm buying one. there ain't nothing better than having a new frame with the best motor ever produced or a motocross bike. somebody buy this guy a beer for doing this.🏁😎👍🏁💯💯💯 I won $20 when I was 11 years old. my 20-year-old friend, Cory, bet me I couldn't start his 86 CR500 in my socks. yeah that was an easy bet. first kick and she roared to life.....🏁😁🏁
I sure wish AJ Manufactured cases for a 250s because that’s why I’m scared to ride my 88 250 my cases already has JB Weld inside where the connecting rod tried to peek out through my cases and it’s been Setting for over 20 years wow I didn’t know there were a shortage I knew In early 90s Canadians were buying cylinders and 500 engines for ice racing
When it comes time to do a total rebuild of the '96, you are getting an order for one of those billet cranks AJ. Might need some odds and ends for my RC500 build too..
I use to run a CR480R Elsinore 4-speed when all my friends had 80's and 125's and 1 friend ran a Suzuki RM250.. I was 14 and My friends brother sold it to me for a grand .. said it needed to be rebuilt but still ran decent and wanted me to get used to first.. 2 months later he tore it apart as a winter project.. gave it back a week later .30 over .. i took it up to the high school on that weekend rolled it down the hill and pop started it in 2nd... got on it hit 3rd and 4th and it was a lot faster.. i expected more from what he had told me about it but was not complaining...when i pulled up next to them 5 minutes later it stalled ..and he said well you warmed it up nicely reached over and shut off the choke and said try that again... I rolled down the little hill to the practice field and as soon as I dropped the clutch this time it was a much angrier and violent answer.. I grabbed 3 and 4th to try and bring the front end down.. I went across the practice and game field about 4 or 5 times ground frozen with 6in of snow and ice across it.. when spring training started months later those trenches were still their from that test ride.. i kept that bike until 87 when the new HONDA TRX 250 R quad came out and I went up rt20 and bought one off of Doug Danger..I'm 52 right now and just telling that story brings me back to that exact second I realized how special that bike was...
Great video and info. I remeber the 1st time i rode a cr 500. Had to lean it on a tree to kick start it. Lol. What a beast. Really enjoy all your videos. Awesome bikes. Thanks again.
Never never would I trust myself on a 500 2stroke. I rode a Rm 400. Crazy power. Then another friend had a Kawasaki 465 I think. Mid 80 but crazy 4-5 th gear wheelie. So I’m older like ken & smarter lol. I’ll enjoy no hospitals. 🤪🇺🇸
Sounds like HONDA CORP are the real pencil pushers. They, "Threw away the original mold of the 500 cylinder "! WTF! Why would they discontinue the replacement parts for the 500? It's got to be one of the most requested parts for keeping the originals alive
They made new moulds. It was a situation where they were replacing older molds that have gone out of spec. Instead of throwing away the old ines,they screwed up and threw out the new ones. Caused us some backorder issues, but they made new molds and still mske the cylinders. Ken's bike I delivered there is brand new engine,new cases,crank,cylinder,head etc,every part new. Same bike as if honda continued to make them has always been my goal :)
I'd like to thank Ken, Christie,kenny jr, and and the entire Kaplan crew for the invite and hospitality ! It was really great meeting you all.
Kenny jr ,you knocked this out of the park, thank to!
And I'd like to thank Ken for all his enthusiasm for the sport, the museam, his involvement in his community ,and love of the CR500 and support .
It is truly appreciated.
God bless.
Amen brother! Its not every day the Godfather calls to stop by with a brand new billet engine Built500 !!! so we were all beyond psyched to have you here! Jr asked if we could get the first AND second 2022 CR500AF you build at Built500.com this year! The lines gonna be a long one! It was an honor to have you here! Keep up the great work 🇺🇸 America & Beyond is watching & listening! Thank you! - Ken Sr
That was 95 when you raced my 500 at Casey “Wounded Knee” when you were racing that cheater bike Chris Kemp(300 KTM) agreed - Bill Sanders aka Gerrit Wolsink
Btw where’s the pony tail?
The 3 Day race at Casey tape is right here.
@@sargesanders7080 haha I'm old and forgetful.
I'll have to check.out the Casey tape!!
It was very nice to see ,the passion you two have about this moto.Cr 500cc 2t ,keep it alive forever. Thank you Ken for this video
Thank you for making a great bike!
From Australia. . . long live the 500's and 2stroke riders 🇦🇺
This guy saved the CR500 with the offering of the billet cases, crank, etc after the NOS (new old stock) ran out. He deserves a statue in front of the museum!
Excellent idea!
I move so slow now that when I'm there it's like a living statue haha :)
@@andrewj.waggoner4858 you aren't that old yet dad, give it a couple more decades! xD
@@smugreptile6695 thanks bud hahah but I'm getting slooooow.!!!!
That stable of bikes is what my garage would look like after I win the Powerball.
Damn Skippy!!!
Might as well double it for the flex, why not? Showroom bikes and runners
Oh ya first off but a huge shop and just load it full of all kinds of 2 stroke monsters
That has really made me laugh because I said if I won euromillions the garage would full like that..the Kaplan auctions would be busy👍..
Same
Yur intro gave me tears. Of joy! My kid doesn't think those 500 arnt that fast. He rides a 21 500 ktm exc. I need to sit down an have a facts of life talk with him
lol
It’s not your fault mike, it’s just the Euosyndrom and anti right hand kick start movement . Don’t give up on him, he’ll eventually grow out of these delusions . 😋
You might what to explain how a two stroke makes it power that takes a good while to do .as there university professors who dont have a freaking clue and will tell you it us impossible as what they really do .and so far on you tube for the last ten years not one so call expert has ever got it right ..so yeah im your huckleberry know it all with full bragging rights ..when honda first introduced their first two stroke engines back in 1973 , i had just hired on as a honda technician ..and to do this you are required to attend honda R&D training center ..and for a week we were required to be instructed of how a two stroke Elsinore engine makes power ..and first day a honda C.E.O. introduced our instructor who could tell you what you had for breakfast by reading your spark plug ..his name was "Pop" Yoshimura the most famous tuner of all motorcycles in world and the same Yoshimura who built the first honda two stroke ever ..so you will have to agree of what he says is real ..and its simple two strokes are internally supercharged making boost in the crankcase supercharging the combustion chamber before it fires ...thats what we call the "power band" and when she comes "on the pipe" that when the sound waves from the expansion chamber catches up the the rpms of the crankshaft as the sound wave is so powerful it blocks the supercharged atmospheres of crankcase pressure from escaping the exhaust port untill the piston traps the mixture in the cylinder head combustion chamber and fires off more horsepower than you can ever make from a naturally aspirated 4 stroke that can only suck bang and blow ...2 stokes make boost ! Pop yoshimura knows
@@allensandven0 and this year a Husqvarna fuel injected TC125 two stroke makes 40 supercharged horsepower while honda's CRF150F 4 stroke mx racer make 23 horsepower that sucks bangs and blows
Mike, you do need to have the talk and believe me sometimes we have to do the hard things that are not always popular …. In fact the 2stroke community has been put in the corner for time out until we play fair..
I can’t tell you what to say but if I could it would go something like this ( hank hill to son Bobby)
it’s like this Bobby, life ain’t fair , 2strokes aren’t gender neutral, if they were they’d be step through with a basket and a horn to squeeze ?
And by the way … no body puts Baby in the corner !
Ok this last part unless you remember when Yamaha were yellow , Suzuki’s were fast , and even a paperboy could afford to race on Sunday. You may not get it ?
There ain't nothing else on the face of the planet , bad ass , like a 500 2 stroke. Long live the big bore 2 stroke.
Watching old kaplan, never gets old!!!😅👍.
I bought my XR650R 12 years ago, just got a Valkyrie 1500 last week, now I need a CR500! Great show Kaplan America! Thank you!
I thought that the 500AF company had gone out of business. Thank you soooo much for this video. This literally made my year!!! Matt -Idaho-
Long Live the Two Stroke!
AJ is such a cool dude. Thank you for being you and keeping the 500 two smokers alive AJ! You are the man!
I’ll never got to rehab for being a two stroke addict just saying.
Since finding this channel I cant stop watching. Keep the 2 strokes alive guy's!!!!!
It's great that he customizes & sets it up to suit the rider that's awesome.
God bless the Godfather for what he does & God bless everyone at Kaplan America for bringing us these videos
It's awesome that folks like you guys and AJ are invested in keeping 2 strokes, let alone 500s, around for riders to enjoy. One of my last race bikes was a 4 stroke -- but I've always felt the sport lost something when the transition went over to 4 strokes. I wonder if I would have gotten into the sport back in the early 80s as kid if the bikes were that complicated and expensive.
I had two 500’s. 87 and 93. Trail ridden only. Mexico, dunes, desert, everything. It never broke. They never pitched me off. Great bikes. Then I rode a 450 and that was it. Outstanding video.
That dual sport 500 is a dream minus the street tires. Imagine ripping down the road going 60 right into some gnalry trails on a 2 stroke. Brapppppp dreams
2 STROKES FOR LIFE BABY FUCK YEA KAPLAN FOR PRESIDENT
YES THANK YOU 100 FUCKING PERCENT!
@@justchillin6599 🤝✊🏾
Greetings from Croatia!This is the best motorcycle channel on TH-cam,stay safe ;)
That newest 500AF is nice AF. Well they all are. It's very interesting all the tech thats went into it. I'd like to rip it.
Strippas, Rippas and Beer! The Rippas are all lined up, As long as it has a Wing ... The Mighty 500 Alive and Well..Never guna Die..
Damn !!! Really makes me miss my 440 Maico magnum , the new 4 stroke bikes are nice , but they don't have that 2 stroke Powerband!!!
HERE HERE!! CAN I GET A HELL YEAH BROTHA!
Awesome job on the video guys. The steadfast loyalty for BIG BORE two strokes on this channel is legendary. It's really cool to be able to finally put a face to "THE GODFATHER" name.
Haha ,thanks! A face made for radio! :)
Yah.
Awesome interview Ken. What a great guy too. Love his passion for the 500's. Definitely on my bucket list to get him to make me a 999lazer edition 500 to match your Kaplan America special!
Amen brother its the real deal!! If you get one and come here ill buy your plane ticket here! And we can have it delivered to kaplan cycles and you can spend the weekend breaking it in at the Kaplan compound and the Southwick national track!!!
We will be ready when you are !
Congrats in the great rides this past year !
haha he is wrong saying only old people watching Kaplan. I'm 27 and watch every video
Ken hit the TV networks to do a show around you !
Ed im still under contract with discovery for a couple months then I'm a free agent! They spent a fortune doing one pilot episode of "Kaplan America" you can watch it at discoverygo.com
I to am a Hoosier and have had the opportunity to ride a cr500af. Amazing machine an if you are seasoned and know how to use the power an keep a rhythm it makes for a wonderful riding experience.
Awesome channel, glad I stumbled onto it. I am Indiana native and raced Red Bud a few times..... yeah, Mike's leap is totally different when you approach the face, really glad I never put 100% into clearing the thing .... it is MASSIVE. Mike is the only one, I am aware of, that hit it on a 125 .... attempting that jump is a commitment and there really is nothing else to say about it. Thanks for your work, really appreciate the content.
He is so humble and knows he kicked there asses and every body at them races knows he was the dam man back in the day hands down man u are a bad ass dud !!!
I'm an old dirt bike rider, that 500 looks beautiful, Started riding in the mid 60 's , I miss it very much , thank you .
I am more of a dual sport kind a guy but I love watching this channel, maybe because I can see the love and the passion that you put into the making of every video
Thanks
Thanks so much for keeping all the 2 strokes alive I can't express this in words !!!
Great job on this video. Just keep pushing the 2 strokes for all the addicts. Maybe the AMA will get the hint and bring back 2 stroke nationals. Again great job.
On Ken's swing arm: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." CRs rule.
That’s weird because I’m an atheist and I seem to be kicking ass. It’s like god doesn’t exist.
@@accuratealloys Different 2 strokes for different folks. An ancient deity isn't everyone's cup of tea. But he's Lord to me. Peace to you!
‘Never did try a big bore 2-stroke of my day (anyone remember the gold anodized radial fin head?) and are way to old for them now, but the passion exuded here to keep this alive for those that still enjoy them; we salute you all !💪🏽
A porcupine head yes remember them well that’s what started guys getting fro perms and wearing pooka shell necklaces, yea fashion failed the late 70s early 80s but man the girls were fast and cars were cheap…
lol 😝 just kidding 👀
Nice video Kaplan! Keep on!
I have a old cr500 owners manual and a cr480 I will send you if you want. Sold the bike years ago.
Yes please! Ken Kaplan 200 west main street Rockville ct 06066
Ken's comments fit like a fist. When I see it that way, I wonder when the hell can I order a 500 CR? Incredible, I am celebrating the two-stroke and driving them myself until it is no longer possible! Keep doing it
The blowing on the pipe gets me every time lmao you guys are truly amazing!
I was expecting there to be a black ring on his lips from the 2 stroke carbon residue
One of my favorite Kaplan videos! Particularly at the very end w/the 450 pinky starts🤣🤣🤣 could not stop laughing👍👏🇺🇸 GBA & GB Kaplan Cycles.
I had a CR480 4speed model then went to the 98 XR600 that I got new, road a buddies race prep'ed 94 CR500R and to this day don't know how these guys ride that beast lol. Saw that bike break two of my friends who thought they knew how to ride lol.
Mr.Kaplan you are the king of ping!!! The CR500 AF is definitely on my Christmas list...💯🇺🇸
Nicely done fellas,thanks for keeping these 2 stroke beasts alive!😁
LOL! loved the opening of this interview, good laugh, great interview!, 85 cr 250 my fav bike of all, great memories
Very cool story and interview. Never knew about these bad assss hot rods. Wish I was 20 years younger.
We all do!
I will definitely buy one of AJ's 500's someday. I had no clue about this until watching this video .. lol
Great viewing , AJ is a legend . I really like the 85 500 .
Long live the big bore 2 stroke. I would love to have one of his bikes ! In my time the YZ465-490 was the hottest rig.
Videos are getting better and better! 😂 the 2 stroke horn edit was awesome
Kaplan: "Theres no bike on the planet that is more fun 2 ride than a CR500"
Me: "Aint gonna argue that" ✌
I'm gonna find out this weekend. Got an 89 sitting in my garage waiting on a throttle assembly. Once its here, were taking it to the track.
the only thing that would suck about the cr 500 if something happened to aj hopefully someone else is learning from this to keep the 500 aiive forever
Ken you should have more subscribers. Your videos are money for a guy that grew up in the 80's.
Make sure to do a video of a full gate of the five hundreds heading for the first turn at Southwick.Ive got goosebumps already.
what a killer interview with the most awesome guy in the world.he brought back a CR500 two-stroke. words cannot describe. rockville, Kaplan museum, oh I know that place. it's heaven.
Very interesting how you describe the modern four strokes as being disposable. Sounds exactly like what they have done to our car engines.
It's Real, the Guy buld the 500 af in 2022!? Whaaa the collection ken.......🇨🇵✌️
Racing any 500cc 2 stroke against 450cc lawnmowers is cheating really. I don't know why younger people think 4 strokes have more torque, they don't. They have more torque at low revs like all tractors, but get the revs up and a 50cc smaller 4 stroke has a long long way to go yet. The truth is, 4 strokes are easier to ride, they are for lazy riders. You need to keep a 2 stroke happy in an often narrow rev range. The other big 4 stroke problem is when they are pushed, opened up etc to match the power of a 2 stroke they blow up all the time, and as Ken said, they are too expensive to fix, but 2 strokes are easy and cheap to fix.
My brother started riding his 500 when he was 13 and he is now 25 with the same bike and absolutely rips it. He used to have 2 89 and 96
What a vid, 2 heros of mine, I'm gonna get me a Built 500 and join Team Kaplan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks guys!
I was at the spring tuneup day when Gene Ritchie got on the p.a. And had us look towards the pro track to watch Mike La Roco and Tim Ritchie trying out a new jump Mike designed Mike was on his 500 & Tim was on a Banchee! That was in 1992ish?!? Also Mike La Roco Was the last ever 500 champion on his KX.
I was there! Initially dirung design they took the fence down by the corner so they could get a run at it from the parking lot.
Insane.
Yep! It was mind blowing I was in the night track pits & it looked like Mike was 300 feet in the air!! And he just disappeared over the hill like he was floating!!
Hell yeah this video is well put together let me give the editor a round of 👏
thank you
God bless America 🇺🇸
Kenny jr knocked it out of the park !
@@andrewj.waggoner4858 he sure did brother
When I was 14 for Christmas I got an AJ Waggoner airbrushed helmet!
Once I grew out of it I passed it down, but that’s how cool of a guy AJ is!
That and he plays a Carvin.
A bike for each month of the year plus how good can't wait to see the 001 2022 cr500af .times are looking good for the cr500 because of aj.keep it coming Kaplan 💯
the King Of Ping ,damm Cpt America you made me spit my drink all over my computer screen ,im going through a low patch in my life but that made me do something i havent done for a spell and thats have a laugh,thankyou
“rip your house off the foundation 500” hahaha
God Bless America ken Aj a great interview and a gorgeous collection of 500's Another awesome day at New England motorcycle museum 🇺🇲💪🇺🇲💪🇺🇲💪
end screen. ..let me start the four stroke with my pinky. XD Great interview w/AJ.
Glad to hear he is making discontinued parts like the countershaft and other hard to find parts.
Really like to see people with a passion, just saying motor on.
Hey Cap, the bike you’re saying that’s a 97’ has a 98’ seat cover and decals. I know because I’ve owned both.
Pure insanity love it!! Great video! The KING of PING missed that the first time. Best name !
Very nice...simply awesome.....Australia is watching...great interview excellent work..cr 500 forever...💯💯💯💯
In England we call 4 stroke dirt bikes 4 bangers.. long live the 2 strokes baby
God bless you for keeping these bikes alive for the long haul. Thank you and God bless you and God bless America 🇺🇸
Congrats on the new engine...its a piece of art right there. Awesome listen to him tell his story. Im a 89 guy but that 91 ooo wee.. If i could only justify buying it. There all beautiful
I luv two strokes my first new dirt bike was a CR 125, I'm riding a KTM now 2020 250sx.
Thank you both!
My fella had my dog 🐕 going mad with the grrrr stuff lols grrrrrr
This is some of the coolest stuff ever 🇺🇸
This is a cool interview! Thank you Sr. for spending the time with Andrew. Andrew seems like a great guy with a great team and would be a pleasure to do business with. Hope I can get one of these bikes from you Andrew. God bless you both!
It’s not the angle of the dangle or the sag of the bag but it’s the throb of the knob that does the job !!!!!
The introduction, of all introductions AJ!
Aj builds the best cr500af going around, just top quality beasts and drool worthy bikes, I love em all ❤️👍😁
Awesome video thanks for sharing. I am very Patriotic & I love the red white & blue parts & graphics on those bikes! I hope they're available for sale somewhere so I can buy them for my 1990 & 1994 CR500's I've had for over 20yrs. Nice to hear parts are still gonna be available for the engines. "LET ER' RIP, TATER CHIP!" 🤘🤘
If Honda brot 2strokes back, they would make $$$$
That #17 bike is absolutely beautiful !!! In my opinion that gen had the cleanest looking plastics
Now i wanna buy a brand new crf450 wear the motor out and have this guy build me my dream bike with it!! This is freaking awesome!! Just recently found this channel and have always loved 2 strokes didnt know they are still being made with 500's. These are some nice looking motors. WOW
I love ❤️ it 💪 the CR 500 is the bike to have . When I get some cash 💰 I’ll hope and pray this gentleman, genius, trailblazer, great American will sell me one 🙏 long live the CR 500 👍
Same here
👍
We have been doing this since 1997,no intention of stopping, so we will be here when you are ready
That’s awesome, fantastic 👍 I will put in my order as soon as my cash comes in , hopefully before Christmas 🎄 😃 that would make a great Christmas present to myself 😆 thank you
awesome, no one talks about seth anymore.
guy was nuts, and always wadded it up lol.
Seth Enslow,crazy AF.I remember that dude
Your channel is simply awesome!!! I want to make the pilgrimage up to the museum. Once I get back in my riding Groove again. Been 20 years and jumping back on thr 2 stroke in a few weeks!!
I would kill for those bikes. I rode about half of them on Maine trails in the 1980s. They were more durable than they got credit for. Did some mock racing with friends. We loved to do time trials on fave trails. Ah the good old days when you could buy a track warrior and resto mod it for about $300 with better clutch, should, heads etc.
I got to look this up I'm buying one. there ain't nothing better than having a new frame with the best motor ever produced or a motocross bike. somebody buy this guy a beer for doing this.🏁😎👍🏁💯💯💯 I won $20 when I was 11 years old. my 20-year-old friend, Cory, bet me I couldn't start his 86 CR500 in my socks. yeah that was an easy bet. first kick and she roared to life.....🏁😁🏁
Damn ! I got a RM 250 01 and my dream is to one day try a CR 500 AF !
I sure wish AJ Manufactured cases for a 250s because that’s why I’m scared to ride my 88 250 my cases already has JB Weld inside where the connecting rod tried to peek out through my cases and it’s been Setting for over 20 years wow I didn’t know there were a shortage I knew In early 90s Canadians were buying cylinders and 500 engines for ice racing
We have been looking into addressing cr250 billet cases , we go have billet cranks in stock for them .
Www.built500.com
When it comes time to do a total rebuild of the '96, you are getting an order for one of those billet cranks AJ.
Might need some odds and ends for my RC500 build too..
Already got it gona installed soon
Im talking about MY '96 Ken! 😄
AJ will hook you up Doc!
Build any 500 2 stroke motors to go into the crf450 L dual sport bike ? Might be fun if I ever get bored with my RXV-5.5
Possible, I've had that request many times so will look into it :)
Motocross was a movement in those days ⚓️☠️
An excellent video. I've never seen AJ before. I've seen his bikes though.
I use to run a CR480R Elsinore 4-speed when all my friends had 80's and 125's and 1 friend ran a Suzuki RM250.. I was 14 and My friends brother sold it to me for a grand .. said it needed to be rebuilt but still ran decent and wanted me to get used to first.. 2 months later he tore it apart as a winter project.. gave it back a week later .30 over .. i took it up to the high school on that weekend rolled it down the hill and pop started it in 2nd... got on it hit 3rd and 4th and it was a lot faster.. i expected more from what he had told me about it but was not complaining...when i pulled up next to them 5 minutes later it stalled ..and he said well you warmed it up nicely reached over and shut off the choke and said try that again... I rolled down the little hill to the practice field and as soon as I dropped the clutch this time it was a much angrier and violent answer.. I grabbed 3 and 4th to try and bring the front end down.. I went across the practice and game field about 4 or 5 times ground frozen with 6in of snow and ice across it.. when spring training started months later those trenches were still their from that test ride.. i kept that bike until 87 when the new HONDA TRX 250 R quad came out and I went up rt20 and bought one off of Doug Danger..I'm 52 right now and just telling that story brings me back to that exact second I realized how special that bike was...
Great video and info. I remeber the 1st time i rode a cr 500. Had to lean it on a tree to kick start it. Lol. What a beast. Really enjoy all your videos. Awesome bikes. Thanks again.
Love u guys. Thanks for all the hard work.
Never never would I trust myself on a 500 2stroke. I rode a Rm 400. Crazy power. Then another friend had a Kawasaki 465 I think. Mid 80 but crazy 4-5 th gear wheelie. So I’m older like ken & smarter lol. I’ll enjoy no hospitals. 🤪🇺🇸
Sounds like HONDA CORP are the real pencil pushers. They, "Threw away the original mold of the 500 cylinder "! WTF! Why would they discontinue the replacement parts for the 500? It's got to be one of the most requested parts for keeping the originals alive
They are only mandated to have 7 years worth of replacement parts. When its gone, its gone.
They made new moulds. It was a situation where they were replacing older molds that have gone out of spec.
Instead of throwing away the old ines,they screwed up and threw out the new ones.
Caused us some backorder issues, but they made new molds and still mske the cylinders.
Ken's bike I delivered there is brand new engine,new cases,crank,cylinder,head etc,every part new. Same bike as if honda continued to make them has always been my goal :)
Back in the day i had a new 85 Cr500 and a few years later bought an 86. I regret selling those machine. Awesome power true beasts.