adb - ads and reviews - 07 models

True they needed to address main bearings here in Oz particularily on the 450 and 550 2004 2005 and 2006 models. The 650 already has these crank changes from 05 onwards etc except it did recieve diff counter balancer bearing I think.

I think the Berg 450 wont get a look in mate as the new WR450 is getting all the hype these days . But i guess the review will tell all.....not that I hold ADB Reviews in good stead as there testers tend to be abit biased....

mate tested the new wr45o for a uk mag.

pretty much the same as the old one just wrapped in a new frame. and the frame hasn't really improved it that much.
haven't ridden one myself just what the test said.

the wr250 on the other hand is much improved.

I find it interesting how every year the big 4/5 bring out major new improvements. Mags test and find nothing to improve, they are brilliant out of the box, then another year passes and the mags talk about all the problems that last years bike had that is noe addressed with the new model. I seem to recall that every WR/YZ 400/450 has been the the best thing ever. Each time I've ridden one, of a CRFX for that matter, I've gone away wondering what all the fuss is about and happily got on my 98 501 and ridden off. ADB seems as guilty as most.

Incidentally the Berg came 6/7 in the 450 test, Yam winning. 2 thing they did say about the big that rings true are that the suspension is a little harsh in the initial stroke out of the box and the footpegs are a little forward, especially if yiou are a larger frame. Both items, amoung others, I'm currently addressing with my 07 650 right now.

Steve

Aussieforcesaid:
"New counter balancer , one piece unit for longer service life" "New crankshaft tolerances for longer service life"

to shim a crank and not trust building tolerances to beiing perfect is an absolute basic in life. the bearing thing? if i knew that the parts were there i'd say why didn't they fit them the next week. why '07?


agree with everything about your perspective's steve....

as for the stroke in the shock - have husaberg gone to a Std OEM spring without re-valving? can we check someone?

regards

Taffy

Taffy,

the standard springs are 0.44 in the forks and 8.4/250 up back. Apparently the valving is somewaht changed as well, but dunno specifics.

I'm getting an 8.8 and 9.2 sent down as I type to experiemnt with this weekend as well as some 0.46s

Gotto mount the steering damper and move the triple clamps as well. Lots to test. Will post something of substance when I get it sorted out.

Steve

PS, fitted Dale's carb kit and its nearly as good as the 501 with no fiddling other than fuel screw. More to do here needle and maybe tps.

One things for sure, the 650 is veeery fast

8.4 as standard but it used to have a PDS1 until 3 years ago. a PDS1 starts with 7.1 so in a way i'm right.

7.1 - 8.4.

back off the compression slightly is all you can do.

regards

Taffy

Aussieforce,

My old 98 501 eats modern 450s with linear grunt off the bottom, your 600 will do the same if the carb is right. Ergonomices and suspension can be a personal thing. All modern bikes are multi adjustable, even to the point that Bergs offer optionally, springs, high seats and adjustable pegs as well as have standard adjustable bar mounts, steering offset, as well as numerous clicker and preload options front and rear. Don't like the damping, change the valving. They're a bit like a canvas and a paint set for an artist, they provide a basic set of componenets then its up to the rider to finish it off.

Without getting the springs right, preload is discussed elsewhere, you'll never get the bike to work as designed. I collected my Berg from the biggest Berg dealer in Oz (Big because they love Betgs and look after their customers, Suttos in Penrith) but they still reckoned that after setting the preload in the shop for me I didn't need a spring. When I checked it at home it had too much preload, sag was 20/120 and needs to be 30/100. This means at least 1, or possibly 2 springs stiffer. Too much rear sag apart from upsetting the PDS, (its Position sensitive) but also unweights the front. You must get the springs right or nothing else will work as intended.

ADB admitted to testing 7 bikes in 2 days, and I bet the 2 days weren't riding 12 hours a day. They had a number of testers but they admitted to NO setup of bikes, they test then as delivered by importers. They can provide useful impressions, but what is best is what you have to decide after riding them yourself.

And if speed is your objective, and if your on a modern bike, if you're good enough, the bike is. Its 98% rider. If you liike Berg character, then its the bike for you and won't hold you back once you take advantage of the opportunities to get it right. Check my gallery for setup of my 501 which will no doubt offer you some ideas for your 600. Frank Pons at Biketek in Sydeny does awsome suspension.

And Taffy, progressive springs don't work, never have.

Cheers
Steve