Heres how it went.My opinions are soley based on what I bikes I have ridden or owned so far and also based on my buddies riding impression.I've made the following changes to the bike before riding. 24mm keihin carb, 38 tooth rear sprocket, 60 psi of air into rear shock; I was only able to get that much inside. Bike shop was not able to fill nitrogen into shock also. Changed shrader valves at home and aired up shock.
Took the bike out today to the track to get some seat time. Suspension feels plush, front feels good. Not springy or stiff, like my cr2 that I've owned before. Rear feels a little spongy/soft. Power feels the same as my cr2. Went ot the local pit bike track to let my buddie have a run at it. After 5 laps, he gave me the verdict. Front suspension is perfect, power is ok, rear suspension feels to "springy" and was scared to really jump it fearing he'd do an endo when he lands because of the feel of the rear shock, over all handling good. He was really amazed on the front end and dosen't feel like it's going to wash out. He said that he had more traction with this front end than his Marzocchi equipped bike!!
Ratings: 1 to 10
front suspension: 10. I never did ride a marzocchi, red baron, etc. bike but to me this front end is good as is gets. Not to plush or stiff. With fork oil change, it should be dialed in better.
rear suspnsion: 3 .Big bike type swingarm. Shock feels springy/ bouncy .Maybe I need to have more time to play with the shock and adjust rebound settings.I had problems charging and also check pressure after ride; no pressure at all. Maybe I'm doing something wrong??? Maybe shock is dead??
Power: 6: good enough usuable power. Maybe with the high compression piston that Staggs is sending, it should boost up power.
uspen
Overall fit and finish: 8 . the bike is really a beauty and had no problems at all except some shipping damages. Parts could be found locally to replace damamged components.
overll rating: 7 . for a knock/ chinese or what ever you wanna call it, I really do enjoy the bike.I really like the front suspnsion . I really don't know about racing the bike as is, but given more power and a better rear shock, I think it should keep up with the Jonez's. As a backyard basher and play bike, it would do definately good and meet all expectations.
I'll try and post some vids up. Not the greatest quality but my camera kept on dying due to weak batteries.
