This past weekend I had the pleasure of riding an '02 Cannondale x440s. I have read the bad things about the Cdales and was as a result skeptical about driving to even look at the bike. I decided to do it and must say that I do not at all regret the drive. The bike is very well thought out, some very nice engineering touches. Construction is first rate better than the jap bikes on par with KTM. Riding the bike was a treat. Rode it in a wooded setting, single track and also blasted around in some farm feelings. Very responsive, nice power, didn't like the clutch (other three models have the hydraulic clutch), the ohlins do a great job of soaking up bumps. All in all a very nice package. After my ride and a conversation with the factory, yes it is true they are very accessible, I put a deposit on an '02 C440.