on the 350/390 models, which suits my 100kg frame
well. Both ends have a plush and progressive feel
that makes for a stable and controlled platform
to do the business from. Bottoming resistance is
excellent for enduro work at each end. Both the
48mm USD forks and the 46mm linkage mounted
shock are fully adjustable for preload, compression
and rebound damping and have revised settings
this year to handle those bigger impacts. As a
heads up, for MX style work the suspension is
capable, but too soft for going genuinely hard...
as it should be. Weekend warriors should be
pretty happy though.
It has fairly typical ergonomics for a modern dirt
bike – that means awesome. It’s narrow front to
THOR'S
HAMME
back, easy to grip with your legs, has a long,
flat and quite tall seat height. This in general
promotes a very effective place to operate
from. Nothing catches and all levers and pedals
are where they should be and function nicely.
The Nissin brakes impressed me. They are
powerful and have excellent feel on all surfaces.
The rear in particular feels more positive in all
respects over the main Euro opposition.
TRAIL RIDERS’ DELIGHT
It’s probably fair to say that not too many 480RR
machines will be sold for national enduro
competition work. To race enduros successfully
on this bike, you will most likely need to be big,
KIWI RIDER 45