What's this I see??

[GMP]

There is a limit to how far you can go in the quest for light weight. Sometimes pushing this limit does not become apparant until larger quantities of production parts are out in the field. This applies to both engine and frame design. Its probably more prevalent in 4-strokes because there is more incentive to save weight, and thats where most development $$ is spent these days.

My buddy just got a new '09 KTM 400 XCW to replace his '03 520 which is still in good shape. He is a both a great rider and proffesional wrench, and an ECEA class champ from a few years back. He commented how the new bike handles so much better, how light it feels, but also how it got that way. Much of the evidence can be seen in thinner brackets and other hardware, and in his opinion the new bike seems not as durable as the '03.

This is perhaps why the GG is a pretty tough bike and good for the long term, as its just a little behind the ragged edge of the weight/reliability compromise. A couple lbs. more, but also a couple years more in the garage.

As far as the Pampera, that bike is just not designed or intended for hard use like an EC. Its absolutely fine and perfectly reliable within its limits.