96' KTM MXC 550 A.K.A. THOR'S HAMMER. BIG BORE 2 STROKE POWER
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- Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
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Kaplan Cycles LLC
200 West Main St. STE 4
Vernon, CT 06066
The Most Powerful Production KTM 2 Stroke Ever Built
Extremely Rare & Mint Low Hour Original
Limited Production Big Bore 550CC
A 2 Stroke Power House Museum Piece
An Investment Quality Classic
The 550MXC is "The Big Block Chevelle Of Motorcycles"
Super Tuned By The Wizard & Then Frame Up Detailed
Looks & Runs Better Than It Did When New
Showroom Mint Condition
Just Invested Over $5,000.00 in New Parts and Labor
PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO FOR DETAILS
Dismantled To The Frame & Professionally Rebuilt
Mint Original Lower Frame Rails & Swing Arm
VPT2 Fuel
New Fuel Petcock
New Fuel Lines
New Air Filter
New Keihin Air Striker Carb
New Carb Vent Hoses
New Crank Seals
New Clutch Cover Gasket
New KTM Clutch
New MTL Gear Oil
New Spark Plug
New SunStar Gold 520 Drive Chain
New M5B Monster IRC 70M Rear Tire & Tube
New IRC 51M Front Tire & Tube
New Renthal 7/8 Black Handlebars
New Odi Ruffian Half Waffle Hand Grips
New Clutch Lever
New Brake Lever
Tire Pressures Set at 15psi
New KTM Seat Cover
New Hardware
New Front Fender
New Front Number Plate
New Side Number Plates
New Radiator Shrouds
New Staiger Designs Limited Edition Graphics Set
Full Rotisserie Frame Up Detailed
Steam Cleaned, Hand Washed & Degreased
Cleaned And Polished All Cycle Parts
Polished Swing Arm, Exhaust, etc.
Test Ride, Technician’s Note: Amazingly Fast !!
This Beauty is Ready to Show, Ride or Race Today
PLEASE CALL US WITH ANY QUESTIONS
AT 860-454-7024 M-F 9-5
_________________________________________
Sold on Q1 bill of sale, no title is available.
We now offer financing through Freedom Road.
Call 860-454-7024 and speak to Ken Kaplan Jr to get approved.
Message us your ZIP for a shipping quote!
Boy, you can tell this man has started way more 500s then probably anybody in the world he made it look like he was kicking a YZ 80🤷🏽♂️💯facts
He is welcome to proof his kick starting skills with my BMW airhead, with leaned down carbs and a lightweight flyweel.
Zooi ist van de booyyen bende , make my own power bike ,as I (god) did wth the ROTTEN powerless RG REES GEKS from janeeleepanneSET. Tijd voor hunne volgende HAHAHAHAGA sjheek down. DIE rotten poep ogen, in oost DEE hebben ze zich de ZIE kte gelachen om die berekenings schweins met foeke rommelpot gedachten.,hunne vUUrwerk tuning leidde tot grote gezichts verliezen ,zelfs bij de allerfoolste,foelkykers. Accus paraat om zich WÉÉR WÉÉR WÉÉR WÉÉR WÉÉR WÉÉR WÉÉR WÉÉR WÉÉR WÉÉR WÉÉR WÉÉR WÉÉR WÉÉR WÉÉR WÉÉR WÉÉR WÉÉR WÉÉR WÉÉR WÉÉR WÉÉR WÉÉR WÉÉR WÉÉR WÉÉR WÉÉR WÉÉR WÉÉR WÉÉR WÉÉR op te laden voor den volgende rONde foelligheid.Overwegen nog steeds de inZET van raceFOEKEN zodat hunne verborgen schweinerij/race misdaden niet ter oplichting worden aangeboden . Zo en nauw for something completely differance de BB s ,BRITSE BENDES. ?.................?....................................................................................the rotten islanden I hate SO much. My hate shallll ze vernietigen. Tis RAAR maar..............WARWAAR. ZE denken nog dat ze de dANs ONtspringen kennen ,door hiunne ROTTERIGE KENNIS den 2 hakt. Doris DAY leipen .KUT gedachten der niederlandische SCWEINErij.tiel,deebiel,meteenveensausje.💀
Bring it on Frankie
In the 70's I raced flat track on a "Bultaco"Racing Team- years later went to Motocross had a Yamaha YZ-250 and got into another class Suzuki RM- 400 that was a total Beast back then..Got a Kawasaki 750 cc 2-stroke street bike, I remember going 60-MPH pulling wheelies on the interstate..Then went to a Harley-Davidson 1200 cc lowrider..Loved Racing Flat-Track to me that was the ultimate adrenaline rush wide open during the whole race you never touch your brakes.Beautiful Bike-Now at 77 years old I would love to take that out in the woods and make it scream so everybody could hear it..Sounds Great-2..🏍💨💥🇺🇸👍
You know the song I got 5 0n it
This guy and his operation is highly underrated
My family has been in the motorcycle business for 50 years and Kaplan is legit OG, bro. Nobody does big bore 2 strokes better. I hope to get to see the museum someday. These are good folks and it's great to see these bikes from the past get some love massaged into them to bring them back to their glory!
Yea" he comes across some pretty cool bikes
Kaplan America never let's us down 👌👌💯
He sure doesn't. He found me my dream streetbike, that I bought from him...a restored from the frame up 1985 Yamaha 2 stroke RZ 350 Kenny Roberts Signature Streetbike, with low mileage.. Bike runs like a striped ass ape!
Just gorgeous!
It should stay in the museum. The condition & rarity makes it a draw.
This.
It's a 96 it's still new I'd rather break my Thema on it.
That's what I said too! Very rare machine. 💯
@@skyhawk409 Thema? They recondition the bikes to like new cond.
No. It’s made to be driven
I had a 96 550 MXC about 13 years ago. Same bike as this. I bought a new Mahle piston and had the cylinder re-nikasiled. I remember the new piston being about $500. It had so much compression when I put it together that the kickstarter would sloooowly go down with my 220lbs on it. It was on/off power, and when it was on you better hold on! It would carry the front wheel AND spin the rear tire in all gears and conditions. It kept bucking me, wish I’d have kept it now, it was a very nice bike. Great conversation piece.
I've got one of these, low hour, in Australia. Absolute animal, low to mid range RRrrip your house off the foundations.😆
One of the most gorgeous big bore 500's I've ever seen. Love the colors of the seats, plastics, and graphics!
It's friggin beautiful! I'm in love 💕
I 💯 agree. Might even be the best I've ever seen.👍
Looks like a brand new bike! Since you've ridden so many big bore two strokes and are particularly accustomed to the CR500, it would be really interesting to hear your impressions of it compared to others. Things like power delivery, handling, etc would all be very interesting to compare. I hope we still get to see it in your shootouts!
Def excited for that one
We wait with baited breath 👍👍
That first wheelie coming up the hill when the front wheel came up, then was down about to hit pavement but then came back up without much throttle or anywhere near powerband shows just how much torque that beast has. Wow truly a forever bike
When that 550cc belches smoke at 70hp it ain't no joke! Insane 😉 no bud light drinkers need apply.
Man that purple just looks the business. So much better looking than the boring colours of the new bikes! I've had 2 1997 ktms, one in this honey orange and one in white. These retro style graphics look amazing as usual too kap. Awesome guys keep it up👍💪
That thing exudes torque. Sounds really muscular. And looks beautiful. Good catch, Junior!
I have to admit Kaplan, that's one of the Best looking Motorcycles I've Ever Seen! Humbling for this Kawasaki Guy. Seriously, that I know where that KTM 550 came from- Motorcycle Heaven!
if you never smelled belray, you'll never know true motocross
KTM had quite the lineup big bores in 1996. You had a choice of 300 , 360 , 440 and the 550. And you could get most of these bikes in anything from the enduro EXC .
, Crosscountry/Motocross MXC or the most aggressive SX.
I think I remember the 440 being the fastest out of them......lots of top end
i had the 300 and it scared me more then my 94 Fireblade.. powerband was insane!
The 525 SX is a fun bike. Lots of pull.
I was able to ride the 360 in 2004, trading bikes with a buddy who just bought it. It scared me! The front end just kept coming up in every gear. I was on my 97 cr250 and after getting back on it, my 250 no longer felt intimidating in any way.
I was alowed ride my frend 440, in 200?and I still remember this, its scarre me a lott, Exactly First few Minute on
APTLY NAMED "THORS HAMMER 🔨" . Geez. Talk about a brute bike! The torque must feel like you could rip out sequoia trees from the ground with a chain 🤣 Ken, there's probably only a real handful of people on Earth who have sat on as many different bikes as you have- I hope someday you plan on writing a BOOK because I would love to hear your story from the beginning to the present, in detail, highlighting all of the magical moments and bikes people and places and things you've come across through these years. It sure has been a pleasure since I found your channel a few years ago getting to know you and your family and your adventures. Much love, True from Detroits Eastside, Michigan, USA.
Such a sick bike. Sounds like it has loads of bottom end. Wish they still made 500s man.
The only two stroke with more compression than that would be a Maico 700. Absolutely superb 👌
Yesssssss!!!!!! I had one. This beast was so incredibly insane it’s not even funny. So glad it’s getting a proper spotlight!
Love the commentary you never miss a thing, amazing machine thanks for showing us this rare beauti'
In Australia KTM made a 550 EXC which was road registered .. you could legaly ride it on the road... A local company also made a limited run of CR 500's which were road compliant and registered...
So envious of how effortless he makes riding look, and if you keep this in your bachelor pad you don’t need a mirror to shave in, just use the swingarm.
I had a '96 300MXC... let me tell you it was what, it was serious business. I had Letco weight the flywheel and replace the gearbox to 5 speed close ratio... FmF fatboy. One gear up on countershaft sprocket... I started every GNCC I entered in second gear... It pulled torque like a four stroke. I could race in 3rd to 5th and shifting was minimal.. It just pulled and pulled.
I cant imagine that beast. Wow.
Honestly guys, I’ve got three of these series motorcycles, the 500 550 and 440 I’ve never seen one that crisp - the Wizard nailed it! It doesn’t even smoke at all. Looks like an absolute gem of a bike you will never regret owning one of these. I’m not gonna bash the Kawasaki KX 500s I’ve got one myself I just finished rebuilding but the quality on these is absolutely mind blowing - a cut above!
If you read the test from the 1990s, the KTM 550 would pull away from the CR 500 and KX 500…. A true legendary bike!! Let’s see the shootout!!!!
In high school a buddies dad bought one of those and let me enter the hillclimb series on it. I don't think the bike knew I was on it! All of around 110-120lbs at the time, she barked outta the gate n we won our first one!!!
I AM 68 Y.O. I AGREE W/ KEN HONDA CR 480/500 WERE AND ARE THE KINGS I OWNED 4 BIG HONDAS BUT POSSIBLY MY FAVORITE BIG 2 STROKE WAS A 1986 KTM 500 MXC ! EVEN W/ BAD BRAKES THE MOTOR WAS SO SMOOTH AND STRONG SO RELIABLE--LOW VIBRATION I WANTED A 550 KTM ! THE BIG CRS WERE FASTER NO DOUBT BUT THE KTMS WERE THE BETTER DESERT BIKES AND I OWNED ALL THE BIG HUSKIES WHICH VIBRATED LIKE SIN CAN-AMS RMS ETC. LOVED MY CRF 450 AND RMZ 450 AND MY INCREDIBLE 2010 HUSKY 300 WMX----AS YOU CAN TELL I LOVED BIG BORE MX BIKES ! GREAT JOB ALWAYS FROM KEN KAPLAN
Captain Americe! The Legend on a Legendary Ride.
Absolutely stunning! That may be on my top five list of any/all bikes that I have watched on this channel. And that is saying a lot because I've watched them all. With that being said, I was up at the museum two weeks ago and saw the bike and also saw what they had going on for construction and stuff. I know that they need to sell bikes and raise money, but please keep this one. Stick it in the museum Ken. Again, I saw what you have going on up there and I know the goal is to raise as much money to put back into the business… But let this one be. Keep it! Absolutely gorgeous!!!
I own a 95 550 super fun bike forsure!
My friend Myron White collects these in San Bernardino ca.
Has 12. 2 have titanium frames!! Guys 68 & still Rips 💪
I think it’s wild how the KTM has everything on the reverse side 💯🤷🏽♂️ crazy
Wish I had known that lay over trick with my Yamaha IT-465. I would pull the plug and the fuel line and “prime” the cylinder for a cold start! Couldn’t pull start it or any other trick but started fine after it was warmed up! Rode the good off this bike through the woods of north east Connecticut in the eighties. I recently googled that area and one of my favorite trails would now be through a Walmart parking lot!
I rushed str8 to the comments to say there's no damn way he kicked that big bore like that 😭
Sir, you have the most amazing dirt bike I have ever seen. ALL RESPECT IS GIVIN
In the magazines if you can find some shootouts from 1992 (Dirt Bike - Desert Stormers test) they stated that the 550 started to pull away from all the bikes in the desert pretty easily including the XR 600 and blew past the CR 500 and the KX 500. However, they said the power is so smooth. They didn’t realize they were actually moving past the KX and CR because it felt like they weren’t going that fast when in fact they were. It’s also was discussed in the 1994 and 1993 shootouts that it was always faster because it would hook up better because of the torque and the smooth power band. Wide open it beat them in drag races. The only challenge at times is the shifting as they don’t shift under power as well as some of the Japanese bikes. However, let’s see what happens with Ken shoot out because here we are 30 years later.
This shop is the place to buy big 2 strokes. I cant believe the bikes they find......amazing
The original motors were for sidecars in Europe.. that’s why kick starter is on the left ..😎👍🏼
Now that's a beautiful beautiful bike!!!
I live in north central PA and have that exact same bike... no way is it for sale. I have not yet done a restoration on but would like to. Still has the original graphics, plastic, brakes, chain n sprockets. I would love to try that kehien carb, the original delreto carburetor was a week link.
I would keep this one Kaplan! It’d be a shame for some rich dude to buy this for his kid just to beat on it.
Sweeeet bike
I have one in my garage it was my race bike from 96 to 2000 . I love your video's they make me smile
Wow! Now that’s a saweet bike. Super crisp throttle response. On this channel I’ve seen a lot of sweet bikes but this thing in my opinion is top notch. Like you said, “ I think it would take quite a while to get bored with this bike.”
My mortar mix has not set up yesterday from my foundation repairs..darn it!!!!
I had one of these in a series of KTMs..440, 500, 550. All of them are awesome. The 550 is a stump puller. 440 was unbeatable in any drag race, 500 is a like a mix of the 440 and 550.
U don't have to nail 100 foot jumps to be bad ass with that thing , wow , sounds great 👌
I want that bike sooo much.
Things awesome but I would probably kill myself on it coming from a 250 ! Braaaaaaaaaap🤘
I rode a 380 it was pretty badass but the 4 speeds was weird.
Iv always found ktms to be so dreamy 😍
Thank you that noise brought back a lot of memories. I would bet the AMA wouldn't even let it race against the new bikes because of the noise level. But those were fun times, before the nanner nanners stepped in and made the tracks for 4 strokes. Don't believe me talk to ChatGPS. It will confirm that tracks can be setup to favor heavier bikes over lighter weight bikes. And that is how factory bikes get an edge.
That thing is a complete monster. They’ll be a hell of a hill climber if it wasn’t so rare, possibly because you don’t see those every day.
...that sound is beautyfull! optics are perfect anyway. man i can feel a lil envy...
Pulled through the gears in a wheelie! Good content! Nice bike!
😮❤
Damn fine bike.
One day I'm buying a bike from you guys
That motor sounds crisp... Running great!
You can tell he had way too much fun on that beast😂
Hi Ken, I'm from the UK, Nottinghamshire, but I feel like you're just around the corner. Love your videos. That KTM is definitely a keeper, so on point. Those right side up forks look so cool.
I'm in Leicestershire not far. Love these videos. Hopefully visit the museum next year on my bucket list. I'm now obsessed with 500's
I had one of these, set up for desert racing. Bought it in California in the Marines. Boyseen reeds, FMF good series pipe some carb mods and I’m telling you people do not understand. Absolutely would flatten your eyeballs. I shook everytime I got off of it. Also had a 91 KTM 540 I brought back from California. Sold them both for too cheap.
One of my buddies fathers bought one of those brand new back then and it was the sharpest looking bike in the trails. Just that engine sound. Brings back memories. I was riding a 1982 Honda XR80 at the time.
I owned a 540 1991 for 11 years
What a fun bike
Bike looks perfect. I happen to own the exact same model for already quite some years (since 2005 if I remember correctly) they are very rare and I have never come across another one in all these years. After having ridden the KTM for some time I bought a 2000 CR500 which I found easier/better handlling and the big KTM is still sitting in my shed. Your video gives me the inspiration to resurrect the old beast again. Thanks!
yeah dont let it rot. someone out there would give it a good home
Straight up bad ass!!!🤘🤘
Had the same year in a 360 , best suspension that I have ever had on a KTM
Owned a 86' MXC 500
86' CR 500 and 81 YZ490
Loved every minute!
Quite impressive. First time in a while I saw the Kaptain kick start an Open Class Bike.
Man thats a cool tough lookin bike, looks brand new , great job 👍
WOW! how did I miss this one? You can SEE the torque plain as day on this monster.
What a beast!
ktm 550 and kawasaki kx 500 best👍
What a monster man you can hear and almost feel the power through my screen
Now thats a mighty sounding bike🤤
Keep that baby in the museum Cap! Don't sell her if possible. -Michigan
The 550 is like a beautiful diamond ring, one of a kind! The only 550 I ever watched race was in Pine Bluff, Arkansas and it was white!
Prob a 1994 or 1995
I think it was 1994
I think it was 1994
while although the 550 is a great collectors, it's truly disappointing compared to a KX or CR-AF big bore, not to mention it lacks top end, and the notorious curse of the left side kick starter not being able to handle the right foot constant kicks for long. I would take a clapped out WR500 or even a well tuned early model IT490 over a 550 MXC any ol' day of the week. ⚙️🔥
Every once in a while I don't know how you guys could ever part with the bikes you sell. This is that once in a while. Everything about that bike is incredible!
Love it! Always wanted one!
Ive never seen one of those, thats definitely a museum piece... very appealing color scheme
Very interested in that bike's performance compared to a CR500 or KX500?! I have been surprisingly let down buy the Macco 700. Can we see HP numbers of all Four, and do a real seat of the pants comparison, drag race, hill climb, top speed/quarter mile?!! That would be epic Kap!!!!🤞
If memory serves, these didn't make any more HP than the 495. The engine had a lower rev ceiling, made more torque and used more fuel. The powerband was more suited for enduro, but at the time there weren't any aftermarket tanks big enough to quench its thirst. Kind of an oddball bike that answered a question no one was asking.
@@racebiketuner Super cool bike though. Yes bigger is not always faster. I have ridden many big bore bikes in the last 50+ years. My favorite was my 1999 KTM 380 MXC it would easily compete with CR500 and KX500 the 380 I had was the most durable bike I ever had. I rode it up until 2 years ago. Just can't ride anymore. RA is a bitch. Ride on......
@@Comet-hn3gm I get it, I was faster on my 00' CR125 around a track, those big bore bikes are hard to jump, To much Gyro Center of Mass of moving parts?! I still wanna Kap, do a 1/4 mile run, Hill Climb run, etc.
@@Comet-hn3gm I get it, I was faster on my 00' CR125 around a track, those big bore bikes are hard to jump, To much Gyro Center of Mass of moving parts?! I still wanna Kap, do a 1/4 mile run, Hill Climb run, etc.
@@racebiketuner The 1981 495 made about 50 hp at a higher rpm than most big bore bikes. The 81 495 holds the speed record of over 123 mph after gearing. Dirt bike magazine did a dino rear wheel hp test comparing the Maico 501 33 hp, Yamaha SC500 39 hp, and the 1994 KTM 550 61 hp at about 6400 rpm. Since the SC 500 was rated at 44 hp at the crank I'm thinking the 550 would be at least 66 hp at the crank. My 550 MXC has rad power valve installed and jetted so it may have a bit more power. With a 40 tooth sprocket in the back I should be able to break the 495s speed record. I'm going to attempt it. Iv already confirmed GPS 100.3 mph at 3/4 throttle at 5200 ft elevation. (ran rich because of a restrictive air filter, high elevation and hot air temp). Got her running good now. The 550 will answer the question Iv been asking for about 15 years. How fast can she go?
Very Nice 😊
Great video, I miss mine, I had a 96 KTM 550 mxc out here in West Texas,I owned many CR500 and a couple kx500, this was the best bike I ever owned awesome in the Sandhills
Awesome, love that sound, nothing else like it 👍
do you have a motorcycle maika
Wish I was in the same state as y'all cause I'd be up there asking if y'all needed any help ik my way around a 2 stroke very well back when I was like 14-15 years old. I had a 01 yz 250 2 stroke and after riding for the weekend I would tear my bike down completely down to a Bear frame just to clean it took everything off. took engine ,forks ,swingarm everything just to clean it up for the next ride 🤤🤌🏻👌🏻💪🏻🤙🏻
Best bike I've ever seen on this channel by far! Can't get enough of that color!
There is also a 440, 500 and of couse the 550. I have them all...here's an old comparison review of them I did on my other channel - great bikes:
ua-cam.com/video/i73zxj8QYX8/v-deo.html
2 STROKE EVERYTIME [Except the Honda XR400] I part-Exd for an 2016 New WR 250F worst Mistake in Bikes i have ever made. You cannot beat that 2STROKE Smell/Sound/Pull. Beautiful Bike Bud.
LOOK at the thumbnail 😅, BEAST of a bike was obviously made for Paul Bunyan as back up transport incase Babe the Blue ox sprained an ankle 🤠🤘🙏🇺🇸🇬🇧
Kaplan, man you rock! Thanks for all your vidoes showing the love of big bore 2 strokes, Bike week vid and so much more...and all the great memories! Some guys in my class would tip 'er over to start 'em, but I never used to tip my 500's to fill the bowl, I got the jetting pretty good and even my '84 air cooled and '85 water cooled cr 500 fired right up. Key is to get that piston JUST past TDC. My '92 KX 500 was even better at starting and easier to ride in both the fast sections and the tight palmetto sections here in Florida. I remember when my competitor showed up with a new KTM 550 and I was hoping it was too much for him "cause all I had was my little CR500! Love remembering the good ole days and can't wait to come visit Kaplan!!
I've been parting out KTM's for almost 20 years, I've been through at least 200 and I've never had a 540/550. To be fair I try to stick with KTM's that have kickers on the right (1998 and up). That's a sweet lil katoom.
mate thats nice real nice,i bet its a torque monster
Best 96' engine RM 125cc fastest Suzuki ever light no heavyweight & the only good year for Suzuki.I was running vs 250cc CR/KX,YZ & my Time was minutes better (motocross & free style) No internet/cameras & all next generation bling- bling😂😅
Coming back to this again because I just can't get enough. Still one of my favorite top five bikes I think that I have watched on this channel… In all honesty, it's hard to pick but let's just say I absolutely adore this machine!!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🦅🦅
I love your videos! Really starting to appreciate classic motorcycles
Glad you like them!
She's a beaut!! 😍 ✨️
Damn I miss the 90’s… I had a 95 XR250 I rode every weekend and in a few enduros, and I remember half the bikes were the “four” manufacturers, and the other half were KTM’s … I always thought they were great looking bikes!
I'm bringing back the '80s...that is badass!!! I usually like your videos, but this one is special and one can never go wrong giving props to Gary Nixon! Now you are reminding me to pull out the TIG get on with it and fix my 495s frame rails. Previous owner bashed 'em to shreds.
Wow that’s clean. How did these KTMs compare to the Japanese big 4?
Awesome bike.
Same year CR250R with SST pipe and basic mods would leave it in the dust. I'm guessing it's not a power valve motor by the lack of bottom end.
Wow! What a Beauty!
Parece muito forte ,bela Ktm .🇧🇷
I watch your site. Love your work. Looking to have some work done on my 2023 XR650L once I take delivery. Could you provide some ideas and your address or contact information ? Thank you
Just wish this operation was in my neck of the woods. I’d probably would be sleeping at the front door every day. What a job working with such motorcycles everyday.