- 2014-11-04 13.04.32 (450x800).jpg (196.48 KiB) Viewed 5366 times
Since my buddy didn't makethe trip I chose not to got the forest alone, and headed to 3 Palms which had 2 prepped and 1 unprepped tracks on a Tuesday.
- 2014-11-04 14.02.23 (450x800).jpg (185.83 KiB) Viewed 5365 times
Things I would have done given time: 15t counter to 14t, set sag, move shifter up. As it was the weather was threatening so I hit the tracks, after a while the drizzle required taking off the goggles, I always like that anyway. There was no one else to roost me.
Engine- like a diesel, it pulled the many 180 turns by just arcing the corners a bit wider, it idled at 7 mph with stock gearing. Didn't rev it past 6k too much, but on a few practice starts I let her sing and barely saw 3rd and 40 mph before running out of room. It has afterburners. No vibration other than chain snatch when pulling rpm's way down pulling high gearing. Pretty quiet. Fan never came on, avg. temp 195, high 230. Never even thought about clutch pull, effortless. Was not a wheelie monster. Hooked up and driving. Performed as expected, "A-" as ridden. Needed to be geared for dirt.
Suspension As stated sag not set, ordered with 1 spring stronger than stock both ends and got the spares. Grabbed gears through the whoops no problem. Never a jolt or shock from flat landings. Reacts consistently off of jump faces seat bouncing or standing. This bike without any adjustment outperforms the '12 & '13 KTM's I usually ride. I don't see a trip to the suspension specialist on my to do list. I may not have been using the last 1-2 inches of the fork travel. Never wallowed or packed or blew through the travel. More than expected and "B+" rated out of the box.
Handling Smooth sandy prepped track allowed me to set up my own lines and berms. Had trouble keeping the front loaded,it tracked well under braking, let off and it pushes. Could be sag or Michelins etc. Not a problem, just something to tune in. Direction changes it felt light, I couldn't lean as much as I wanted until I dial it more. On this day and track it was a rear wheel steering bike, and man that was fun, lock the rear brake a bit and bring it out a bit under smooth steady gobs of power.
Ergos leaving the pits bars felt high (BRP bar mounts) and seat firm. On the track never thought about it again. The brakes the same way, barely a thought, equal to KTM's. I had to be gentle on the front with the previously mentioned lack of weighting the tire enough. Has the same weight feeling as a KTM 350 I ride. The kill switch has a detent, you have to push it again to start. That cost me 15 minutes of troubleshooting..
I realize this bike is not intended as a motocrosser, but I can attest that if you choose to do so you won't be sorry.
This bike will see all sorts of usage, a 2nd set of OEM wheels with 50/50 IRC GP1's will see some canyon carving and exploring.- 2014-11-05 09.04.18 (450x800).jpg (205.17 KiB) Viewed 5366 times
