by GMP » Wed Aug 14, 2013 1:03 pm
First off, I ride in some real nasty crap locally. A lot of the trails were cut by trials riders who also ride enduro bikes, so you know where I'm coming from. First ride I was very careful and avoided some of the more extreme obstacles, no problems. I was riding with Cruiser in JT, PA Sunday and although the rocks were a lot tamer, there were a few big log hops that I touched down on. No damage, but once I got a good bite and got thrown forward. This was to be expected sooner or later and is not a complaint. The bike is light, small, and powerful, and begs to be popped over stuff, its fun! For all but Micheaux and Foggy enduros and all the ECEA harescrambles there would be no problem at all.
The Beta linkage is more mainstream, like a Honda or Husky, with a short rocker, so the shock clevis appears to hang lower. Not as low as a KTM though, they are the lowest IMO. The '12+ GG has a longer rocker, so it actually sits lower off the swingarm, but this gives the impression of a higher shock eye because it is obsecred by the pull rods. Its also much easier to damage the small Ohlins shock eye than the clevis or rocker on most other bikes. I ran a Scorpion skid on the GG after taking a couple good bites out of the shock eye, and a trip half over the bars but on a rock at higher speed. This was a good part, and touched down all the time, but eliminated any hooking concerns. We made up some Delrin slider pads to add to the bottom of the skid, worked even better crossing the many logs left from Hurricane Sandy, but rocks tore them up. The semi closed design was a major mud trap though and a PIA to clean out.
So, I'm looking at a Stillwell guard to protect my investment. Its not cheap, but the solid ramp before the shock clevis should answer your question about getting hooked on stuff. They made it for Cody Webb, it will work for me! I have a couple designs of my own I was planning on making up but just not enough time, maybe later.
Never gave a thought to linkage on the old GGs, I remember hitting once when I screwed up a railroad crossing on a steep raised bed, but thats it.
Think about it this way, another good thing about the Beta is you have the option along with KTM and GG. Your SOL for linkage protection with all the others.
Glenn
'13 Beta 300RR Racing