I got the chance to ride the new bike this weekend in a variety of situations from dirt roads, fast 2 tracks, fast single track that was sandy and whooped out and various "event type" single track at the Jackpine Enduro. I have 5.5 hours on the motor now. I had to "work" at the Enduro so I couldnt be riding all the time, but i did get a great sampling of trail that I either pre rode or sweep rode for the events this weekend. The bike is noticably lighter than the 2003. They claim to have lost 7 pounds and I believe them. I use the 18 MM off set tripleclamps on both bikes but I feel that with the different frame and swingarm that the '04 turns better and is even more stable. The suspension is very good, better than my 2003. (I had my forks done by Enduro Engineering and they were very, very good. EE did both bikes but the '04 is better) My shock is stock and works great. Valving might be a little lite in the huge sand whoops but in the more "event type singletrack" it was awesome. OK, the motor - at first I thought it was a little less powerful and didn't have that adrenalin rush midband hit that I was used to so I thought it was weaker. But as the motor got some time on it and I became more used to it the bottom end got stronger and it started pulling harder right off the bottom and was just more "electric" smooth and easier to ride. The bike has the Rad Valve stock and with a converted SX motor I expected it to just be weak off the bottom then hit and pull hard. NOT THE CASE! This motor is really smooth and easy to ride, makes going fast easier because it just pulls so evenly and helps throttle control. The gearing was great for even first gear bar banging tight virgin trail. I geared my 03 down, but this one seems good. The stock jetting was perfect and I have no spooge at all. It was very hot and humid (high 80's) this weekend and about 1000
Ft. I like how the bike starts right up and will sit and idle. As I reflect back on the time spent on the bike "easy to ride" and "feels light" keeps ringing in my head. I love the bike and I'll bet it will wear the rider our a little less because of the weight, the handling and the motor. I had no problems with the rear brakes getting too hot or going away in some "brake dragging" situations and they stop great. (I'm not real hard on brakes though) I did put my solid rear rotor on it though so that may have helped them. I used stock brake shoes. I thought the brakes worked good.
If you get one I suggest you send your forks to Enduro Engineering and get them valved and sprung for you - mine were awesome and I never even flet like touching the clickers. They were spot on. I do have a tendency to tweak the settings but it just feels well balanced and turns so well that for now I'm pretty happy with it.
I hope this helps some of you.
Ft. I like how the bike starts right up and will sit and idle. As I reflect back on the time spent on the bike "easy to ride" and "feels light" keeps ringing in my head. I love the bike and I'll bet it will wear the rider our a little less because of the weight, the handling and the motor. I had no problems with the rear brakes getting too hot or going away in some "brake dragging" situations and they stop great. (I'm not real hard on brakes though) I did put my solid rear rotor on it though so that may have helped them. I used stock brake shoes. I thought the brakes worked good.
If you get one I suggest you send your forks to Enduro Engineering and get them valved and sprung for you - mine were awesome and I never even flet like touching the clickers. They were spot on. I do have a tendency to tweak the settings but it just feels well balanced and turns so well that for now I'm pretty happy with it.
I hope this helps some of you.
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