Desert ride opinion... Yes it it works in the desert, and works very well.
The desert conditions made it a bit easier than usual out there as it rained and tacked up the sand some, making for some of the best riding I've encountered over there.
First note, the power of this 300 is flat phenomenal and makes you look like a hero in deep power robbing sand. I made a couple steep and deep sandy hills easily while my buddies tried and tried. Eventually they made their way up and around on the kiddie run.
Les' suspension set up smooths out deep sand whoops awesome and with only a few clicks on the compression I was feeling very confident. I could have probably added another click to the rear, as late in the day I found a washed out ditch at speed and felt the rear just hit bottom as I pulled up and clenched the ol cheeks.
The motors power really allows you to get up in an instant on top and charge, I'm really liking it.
The bike was very stable at speed through gnarly loose granite and Pumice rock. I also toped out in 6th gear along an Irrigation dike access road to see how it felt on top of the range, very stable.
The clutch. After I dumped my oil and a change to my usual grade and brand it did seem a little more quiet but was not silent. I still heard it on occasion on sandy hilly starts from a stop. I does not affect the feel or operation of the clutch so I am not going to fuss about it and see if she breaks in some.
I haven't added a gasket to the e start yet so that is still status quo. Not bad but not as good as I think it can be. Maybe have time to make a gasket and add it on Saturday then try again this Sunday to see if that improves it.I like the button alot, I know, I know, I'm getting old and lazy.
Fuel mileage. unfortunately I did not get a actual mileage for a tank of fuel again. I had 3 guys with odo's. First guys KTM stocker on the fritz before we head out. Now I'm down to 2. Second guys KTM made it 3 miles down the dike, whole bike on the fritz, intermittent spark we think after tearing into it. Left him behind. Now I'm down to 1 odo. Made it 7 miles, after that screen went blank, on the fritz. I cant win.
I will try again this weekend to get an actual mileage. I can tell you It did seem as if I was getting decent mileage as I did 1 loop that I know the approximate mileage to and what was left in the tank seemed on par. But thats just a guesstimate and that ain't gonna do. I need actuals.
I really feel good about this bike.
Roscoe