2 rides and 140 miles later here is my quick opinion on the new berg. I'll start with what I don't like.
This is the noisiest motor I've ever set over, likely due to the 70 degree, closer to the ears. Frankly, it sounds like I'm stirring a bucket of bolts every time I hit the throttle.
Fuel economy is VERY disappointing. 30-32 mpg
A slab of marble would be more comfortable than this seat.
Loose rattling noise (Loose cam chain) started today. Loosened the 21mm nut until I heard the click and the noise went away. For how long is any ones guess?
Now for what I like.
Absent the fuel economy the FI is FANTASTIC, NO BOG, instant throttle response, chugs very well without dying. Twisting the throttle is pure pleasure! Starts flawlessly thus far!
Suspension right out of the box, everything at factory setting is far superior to any KTM I have ridden or owned, can't speak about Jap bikes because I havn't ridden any lately. I will spend the next few days playing with the clickers, but if it got no better I wouldn't be terribly disappointed with the way it is now.
This is by far and away the most agile 4 stroke I have ever ridden, it's just point and shoot, flick it from side to side like a 200. VERY IMPRESSED! I would go so far as to say it's more agile than the 300 KTM I sold, and turns WAY better!
This bike turns better than any bike I have ridden, the front tire is VERY planted, it never seems to want to wash out, I complained about that on every KTM I ever owned. Hburg got it right, no complaint at all. The rear tire breaks loose a little easier than a KTM 530, good throttle control and it's a non issue in my mind.
Brakes are very strong, you could make an argument that the front brake is a little to grabby, a light touch is necessary.
Odds and ends observations
Not a big deal but both the brake and shifter were too low for my taste, quickly remedied.
Your boots will quickly destroy the finish on the motor covers, frame, and some of the rear plastic.
The chain comes 1 link too long, unless you want to go up in sprocket size. The first time you adjust the chain you are at the back of the swingarm. Too long is easier to remedy than too short. Personally I think 13/50 would have been a better stock choice, but for trail riding I think 13/52 is about perfect, for faster riding 14/52 would be about right.
This is the noisiest motor I've ever set over, likely due to the 70 degree, closer to the ears. Frankly, it sounds like I'm stirring a bucket of bolts every time I hit the throttle.
Fuel economy is VERY disappointing. 30-32 mpg
A slab of marble would be more comfortable than this seat.
Loose rattling noise (Loose cam chain) started today. Loosened the 21mm nut until I heard the click and the noise went away. For how long is any ones guess?
Now for what I like.
Absent the fuel economy the FI is FANTASTIC, NO BOG, instant throttle response, chugs very well without dying. Twisting the throttle is pure pleasure! Starts flawlessly thus far!
Suspension right out of the box, everything at factory setting is far superior to any KTM I have ridden or owned, can't speak about Jap bikes because I havn't ridden any lately. I will spend the next few days playing with the clickers, but if it got no better I wouldn't be terribly disappointed with the way it is now.
This is by far and away the most agile 4 stroke I have ever ridden, it's just point and shoot, flick it from side to side like a 200. VERY IMPRESSED! I would go so far as to say it's more agile than the 300 KTM I sold, and turns WAY better!
This bike turns better than any bike I have ridden, the front tire is VERY planted, it never seems to want to wash out, I complained about that on every KTM I ever owned. Hburg got it right, no complaint at all. The rear tire breaks loose a little easier than a KTM 530, good throttle control and it's a non issue in my mind.
Brakes are very strong, you could make an argument that the front brake is a little to grabby, a light touch is necessary.
Odds and ends observations
Not a big deal but both the brake and shifter were too low for my taste, quickly remedied.
Your boots will quickly destroy the finish on the motor covers, frame, and some of the rear plastic.
The chain comes 1 link too long, unless you want to go up in sprocket size. The first time you adjust the chain you are at the back of the swingarm. Too long is easier to remedy than too short. Personally I think 13/50 would have been a better stock choice, but for trail riding I think 13/52 is about perfect, for faster riding 14/52 would be about right.