K R500, ticking bomb?.

[sone]

Looking around for another weekend toy at the moment and noticed one or two early r500's tht fit within budget but wondered what they are like reliability wise. What is considered leggy for a well maintained one?. Or am I better looking. At a 300/400 variant or something completely different.
Search didn't reveal much.

Cheers

Steve

[PHOENIXUK]

I see budget rising gently.....laugh:

[sone]

PHOENIXUK said:

I see budget rising gently.....laugh:

Just don't tell the wife(-:.

R 500 k any thoughts people?.

[pikeyboy]

Personally, I think they ( K series) are a ticking time bomb in that state of tune. I imagine all potential buyers will be aware of it needing the Dave Andrews et al rebuild and would no doubt use this as a bargaining tool when you're selling. Duratech is a different kettle of fish though and are known to be pretty robust.

[rubystone]

The KR500 is reliable if looked after. I'd say it's far more reliable than a Fireblade engined 7 for instance

[pikeyboy]

rubystone said:

The KR500 is reliable if looked after. I'd say it's far more reliable than a Fireblade engined 7 for instance

Now then, I didn't say they weren't reliable, I said they are high maintenance in the state of tune and are thus no different to any other highly tuned normally aspirated engine. Its the fireblade gearboxes that are usually a problem, although mine has been sweet as a nut so far, fingers crossed!

[Ult-Jim]

Go for it! Don't worry about it as a road car. You will lose your licence before you have to re-build the engine if you drive to the limit on the road. Or you will end up in a bush or ditch like so many do! Have mechanical respect, heat up and cool down gently before and after pushing hard like any vehicle with over 500 bhpt and with a ali block & head. And with the number of cars you have owned what's in the price for a total rebuild anyway! Brilliant cars add it to your list of experiences.