First, I have to say that this UHE site makes me actually care that my computer and internet service actually function! I am looking forward to hooking up with those of you with interest in getting a ride together. I am semi-retired, with an at home business, so my time is always open to riding. Taffy wanted further comparisons to other Bergs, and asked if I raced. I raced from 1967-1996, competing in enduros and desert races in my adult years. In the 90's, I rode a KTM 550DXC, and a 1992 Husaberg
FE501, in the Colorado enduros, and the USRA desert races in Utah. In 1995, racing in the senior class, I had a life changing crash in the Wendover 100, damaging three cervical vertebrae. I ended up losing a lot of shoulder and arm strength, and some function of my hands. The neural surgeon said I was over motorcycles, so two weeks after surgery, I bought a 1996 KTM 360, as a rehab tool. In all honesty, I have lost some of my nerve, real high speeds bother me, and I don't take the risks I used to. My wife says it well, I don't have too many crashes left in me.
This new Berg is more refined, the quality of machining/casting of the engine cases, fit and finish, and equipment added on. The ignition and carb are the most noticeable changes, and I wonder if it wouldn't be worth it to upgrade earlier Bergs. The suspension is finally geting very well sorted, I feel like I am riding one of those bikes in a magazine test with factory suspension, it really works! The power of this 450 is a welcome thing to me. My 501s had that mongo power right off idle, building up to a nuclear reaction as revs increased. When I was younger and stronger, I liked that, now it wears me out too quickly. A real eye opener for me was a weekend where I had to ride my wife's CRF-230(had the cases off my 501 getting heliarced), and found that I could ride hard all day without tiring so much. I didn't exactly keep up, but I was riding! This 450 is the perfect blend of civility and power. I can ride as fast, or faster, than on my 501, and I do not tire out so fast. I rode Delta, Colorado yesterday. Only place nearby without snow right now. Delta scares me some, many skinny ridges, steep soft hills, square edged washouts, and assorted traps that come up quickly. On this 450, I found finesse and confidence I have not had for a while. I didn't even have to change my long underwear! I have no wisdom to share concerning the suspension or carb set-up. The dealer jetted my bike for my altitude, and it's so spot on, I have not touched it. Same with the suspension, I have not felt a need to touch a clicker yet, can't even tell you where they are. I am not that lazy, just waiting until it is above freezing to fool with things. I have ridden whoops, rocks, sand, and ruts, and marvel at how good it is.
I did fall off a skinny ridge, and rode it to the bottom, (or did the Berg ride me?)and cracked the plastic tank shroud by the lower radiator fin mount. She's not a virgin any more!
