Midrange power
builds strongly into a
phenomenal top end
for better rear ‘guard support. Moving on
to the engine the cylinder head is lighter,
the exhaust is new, a lighter and smaller
DS-clutch, and a Pankl-built transmission is
fitted. The engine also gets TC and launch
control. The suspension is revised too, with
a new primary shock piston and firmer
valving at both ends. Lastly the spoke
nipples are new for better durability. So,
it’s not completely new but that’s a lot of
updates.
So, what’s it like to ride? Well, first up,
this was Liam Draper’s practice bike while
back in NZ from GNCC duties State-side. It
was standard except for a very cool looking
Mako 360 bar clamp that allowed the
bars to rotate for’ and aft, plus sideways a
whisker via a flexible urethane bush. When
forced hard by hand they seemed to move
quite a lot, about 6mm back and forth, but
I didn’t notice the movement when riding.
They do take harsh impacts away from roots