Thought Id give a quick synopsis since my post at 0 hours.
I now have 10 engine hours on the bike - very hard hours - a baptism of fire - no road riding for this baby. The bike has only done tight and deeply rutted single track, rocky, roots, muddy the lot, since new and yesterday, its first river crossing at depth of the front fender tip.
I am just a dad that rides trail bikes, only a grade 2/3 once every 3 weeks rider, no racer or mx'er. My average speed is 22.5 km/hr according to the speedo, so that gives an idea of the terrain I travel; I always trailer the bike in. I have dropped the bike 3 times now. Ride with 15/15 psi on tires (seems too high).
The bike is so light compared to my Husky 2006 TE610. Due to this my body weight placement on the FE seems critical, mandatory, wheresas the Husky had a lazy approach. With the map switch on soft on the FE, if I don't sit right forward on the bike, I would almost loop the bike on grade 3 hills - I can't have my tank bag on the bike anymore - will get a bumbag. To get traction on other terrain, I have to sit back for sure or I dig holes on the rear. I havn't changed the suspension\sag\clickers and I weigh 85kgs without gear, so this may be a factor - will setup at 15hrs.
One major reason I bought the bike was due to its air filter placement - my deepest water crossing on any bike was yesterday - and I couldnt be more happier - this thing is a submarine - very happy. I am concerned about electrics however when they get wet - why didnt the radiator fan etc etc short out? My TE610 has its air intake so low that it prevented many water crossings - I would walk it through leaning the bike at an angle.
My hotstart problem has majically gone away - in the earlier time on the bike, I had to feather the throttle on hot start up; now I just press the button.
Even of soft mapping, the bike has way too much power for my needs on s/t. ( I come from XR400R and TE610 backgound).
I think oil changes at 15 hrs are too long for single track only terrain - I am going to reduce the hours.
I have been using 98 octane fuel (BP Ultimate).
When I use it, I find the seat very comfortable compared to my Husky TE610. I am trying riding standing up most of the time now and only sitting when tired. Still having problems changing gears standing up - despite gear lever height changes - practice - practice.
I am 6 foot and put 25mm bar risers on, but still find this too short, so will add another 5mm and put the bars in the forward position, as I am still not comfortable standing up.
I love the 1 tooth less counter sprocket - engine braking on steep descents is great - no more braking or pannick 'bum squeeze' moments. Seem to be in the right gear on tight s/t, and not in between gears using the stock sprocket. 75% of my riding is in first gear.
I am no where as tired after a ride on this bike - easier to turn and move about on the go.
I havn't checked the valves yet at 10 hrs, was going to wait until 15hrs - a gamble I am willing to take.
I didnt know whether the difference between this bike and my Husky TE610 would be worth the purchase, but all I can say is yes, yes yes - thanks to CodeMonkey and others for convincing me to buy the Berg.
Compulsory Mods (to me):
Fuel filter - at filler.
Bark Busters - now very scratched.
B&B bashplate - now very scratched.
Pivot Pegz
map switch
Fan Kit - it is on 90% of the time in my terrain. I turn my headlights off to conserve battery power.
B&B header heat guard. (carbon fibre ones look better but may trap heat more under engine?)
Rear Brake Disk guard
<=30mm Bar risers
removed plastic ball from fuel cap
1 less tooth cs sprocket (for tight single); 52T rear.
Other Mods:
fork air bleeders
12v power lead for GPS etc.
Hyde clutch cover
Force radiator guards
CV4 under tank blanket - vapor lock insurance
fuel line heat sheat
seal savers on forks (questionable)
B&B front sprocket guard
Force frame guards
Hyde headlight cover
RAM ball mount mirrors
Future Mods:
Heavy Duty Tubes so I can drop PSI to below 15 for better traction.
Fuel filter at fuel pump.
Best Regards
Fizz
I now have 10 engine hours on the bike - very hard hours - a baptism of fire - no road riding for this baby. The bike has only done tight and deeply rutted single track, rocky, roots, muddy the lot, since new and yesterday, its first river crossing at depth of the front fender tip.
I am just a dad that rides trail bikes, only a grade 2/3 once every 3 weeks rider, no racer or mx'er. My average speed is 22.5 km/hr according to the speedo, so that gives an idea of the terrain I travel; I always trailer the bike in. I have dropped the bike 3 times now. Ride with 15/15 psi on tires (seems too high).
The bike is so light compared to my Husky 2006 TE610. Due to this my body weight placement on the FE seems critical, mandatory, wheresas the Husky had a lazy approach. With the map switch on soft on the FE, if I don't sit right forward on the bike, I would almost loop the bike on grade 3 hills - I can't have my tank bag on the bike anymore - will get a bumbag. To get traction on other terrain, I have to sit back for sure or I dig holes on the rear. I havn't changed the suspension\sag\clickers and I weigh 85kgs without gear, so this may be a factor - will setup at 15hrs.
One major reason I bought the bike was due to its air filter placement - my deepest water crossing on any bike was yesterday - and I couldnt be more happier - this thing is a submarine - very happy. I am concerned about electrics however when they get wet - why didnt the radiator fan etc etc short out? My TE610 has its air intake so low that it prevented many water crossings - I would walk it through leaning the bike at an angle.
My hotstart problem has majically gone away - in the earlier time on the bike, I had to feather the throttle on hot start up; now I just press the button.
Even of soft mapping, the bike has way too much power for my needs on s/t. ( I come from XR400R and TE610 backgound).
I think oil changes at 15 hrs are too long for single track only terrain - I am going to reduce the hours.
I have been using 98 octane fuel (BP Ultimate).
When I use it, I find the seat very comfortable compared to my Husky TE610. I am trying riding standing up most of the time now and only sitting when tired. Still having problems changing gears standing up - despite gear lever height changes - practice - practice.
I am 6 foot and put 25mm bar risers on, but still find this too short, so will add another 5mm and put the bars in the forward position, as I am still not comfortable standing up.
I love the 1 tooth less counter sprocket - engine braking on steep descents is great - no more braking or pannick 'bum squeeze' moments. Seem to be in the right gear on tight s/t, and not in between gears using the stock sprocket. 75% of my riding is in first gear.
I am no where as tired after a ride on this bike - easier to turn and move about on the go.
I havn't checked the valves yet at 10 hrs, was going to wait until 15hrs - a gamble I am willing to take.
I didnt know whether the difference between this bike and my Husky TE610 would be worth the purchase, but all I can say is yes, yes yes - thanks to CodeMonkey and others for convincing me to buy the Berg.
Compulsory Mods (to me):
Fuel filter - at filler.
Bark Busters - now very scratched.
B&B bashplate - now very scratched.
Pivot Pegz
map switch
Fan Kit - it is on 90% of the time in my terrain. I turn my headlights off to conserve battery power.
B&B header heat guard. (carbon fibre ones look better but may trap heat more under engine?)
Rear Brake Disk guard
<=30mm Bar risers
removed plastic ball from fuel cap
1 less tooth cs sprocket (for tight single); 52T rear.
Other Mods:
fork air bleeders
12v power lead for GPS etc.
Hyde clutch cover
Force radiator guards
CV4 under tank blanket - vapor lock insurance
fuel line heat sheat
seal savers on forks (questionable)
B&B front sprocket guard
Force frame guards
Hyde headlight cover
RAM ball mount mirrors
Future Mods:
Heavy Duty Tubes so I can drop PSI to below 15 for better traction.
Fuel filter at fuel pump.
Best Regards
Fizz
