Montana300
Member
- May 4, 2000
- 123
- 0
I found the time to put 110 miles on the '01 this weekend in technical mountain trails. The new bike is definitely better, some because it is new and also because there has been some definite improvements.
What is better:
Clutch, maybe it is just a change in leverage at the lever, but I really like the more progressive feel and easier pull.
Fork, I was worried that I wouldn't like the inverts as much as the conventionals on the '99, but the tradeoff in rigidity is appreciated.
Shock, I need to add some preload, but for slow trail work it was great, has the 300E received a lighter shock spring?
Tank, love the clear, there is more room to change your clip and the shrouds are now screwed onto the tank so they don't catch on your pants.
Chain slider, it seems that the chain slider atop the swingarm now has taller sides to help keep the chain from contacting the kickstand, this noise drove me nuts on the '99, nice change.
What is not better:
Tires, Bridgestones, especially the front, still don't work where I ride.
Front brake, spongy lever, works well but not solid feeling, bleeding did not help, suggestions anyone?
Bars, existing bar clamp for Scotts damper only works on "1", not really a problem, but to open up the cockpit I have to buy a different bar clamp.
Pipe, had to make some adjustments to my old Gnarly pipe to make if fit the '01 because the new jug is wider on the right side, basically I pounded it flatter on the back with my 5lbs. hammer!
I love the new bike. I was somewhat worried that I wouldn't like the new forks but no worries there, and the other updates are appreciated. My only real complaint is the front brake, but that may be fixable.
Current jetting; CGK needle 3rd position, handcut slide at approximately 7.5, 42 pilot, 178 main, AS 1out. I was riding at 4-7000 feet, 90-95 degrees. I think I will raise the needle one and see if it doesn't improve the power delivery a bit.
Final words, I don't need no four stroke...
What is better:
Clutch, maybe it is just a change in leverage at the lever, but I really like the more progressive feel and easier pull.
Fork, I was worried that I wouldn't like the inverts as much as the conventionals on the '99, but the tradeoff in rigidity is appreciated.
Shock, I need to add some preload, but for slow trail work it was great, has the 300E received a lighter shock spring?
Tank, love the clear, there is more room to change your clip and the shrouds are now screwed onto the tank so they don't catch on your pants.
Chain slider, it seems that the chain slider atop the swingarm now has taller sides to help keep the chain from contacting the kickstand, this noise drove me nuts on the '99, nice change.
What is not better:
Tires, Bridgestones, especially the front, still don't work where I ride.
Front brake, spongy lever, works well but not solid feeling, bleeding did not help, suggestions anyone?
Bars, existing bar clamp for Scotts damper only works on "1", not really a problem, but to open up the cockpit I have to buy a different bar clamp.
Pipe, had to make some adjustments to my old Gnarly pipe to make if fit the '01 because the new jug is wider on the right side, basically I pounded it flatter on the back with my 5lbs. hammer!
I love the new bike. I was somewhat worried that I wouldn't like the new forks but no worries there, and the other updates are appreciated. My only real complaint is the front brake, but that may be fixable.
Current jetting; CGK needle 3rd position, handcut slide at approximately 7.5, 42 pilot, 178 main, AS 1out. I was riding at 4-7000 feet, 90-95 degrees. I think I will raise the needle one and see if it doesn't improve the power delivery a bit.
Final words, I don't need no four stroke...
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