KIWI RIDER MARCH 2021 VOL2 | Page 49

but , importantly , it certainly feels a lot lighter that the four-stroke alternative . All-in-all , it is a brilliant engine for genuine Enduro work , but I can ’ t help thinking it lacks a little excitement as the track opens up .
SUSPENSION SURPRISE The suspension action surprised me . While initially feeling soft - it is certainly very plush - it ’ s also fairly progressive and happily copes with reasonably big hits . Not MX-style huge jumps or open fast whoop tracks in Woodhill with my ageing 100kg carcass on it , but certainly happy on hard and fast enduro-style impacts . Out of the box the action is very free moving with light rebound control , it uses a decent amount of travel often . The effect is fluid with very little feedback
adversely impacting the rider – it ’ s free moving , but still controlled . For a rider of around 80kg , this Husqvarna suspension is up to the task of winning at national level with just some clicker / preload adjustment . The WP XPLOR 48mm forks and XACT LDS ( Linked Damping System ) are a class act . Both ends are fully adjustable for compression / rebound damping and preload .
CLASS EQUALLING KTM and its sister brand bikes have had class leading front brakes for many years . However , now they seem class , and brand equal rather than leading . The 260mm single disc with twin piston floating Magura caliper has great performance though , with terrific strength and feel . But … it ’ s not class leading , it ’ s more
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