Static Impressions - 300 Race

[singletracker]

What has changed about the 2012 to make them taller? According to Clay they have greater ground clearance, so it must not be something as simple as a different seat or subframe. Does the shock have more travel than it used to?

[john01]

New sub frame, frame, and seat. I think the new bike is a about an inch taller in the seat 37.2 vs 37.8. Suspension travel for the 2012 is 12.4 F and 12.6 R vs the 2011 at 11.6 F and 12.2 R.

[singletracker]

Originally Posted by john01

New sub frame, frame, and seat. I think the new bike is a about an inch taller in the seat 37.2 vs 37.8. Suspension travel for the 2012 is 12.4 F and 12.6 R vs the 2011 at 11.6 F and 12.2 R.

I guess I should ride one before making a judgment. I like the suspension on my 2011 Race, but a little extra travel in the shock wouldn't hurt anything. Another positive way to look at it is that a good tuner could lower it about a 1/2 inch, and it would still have the same travel as the 2011. Everything else about the bike seems to be a step in the right direction, except the loss of HS compression adjustability.

At any rate, its probably still a good inch shorter than KTM's, and I'm sure it is a phenominal bike. I'm looking forward to some more in depth ride reports.

[john01]

I'm betting it's an awesome bike and I know it's has a lower seat than the 39" on my 08 Husky 144. I just need to figure out how many CC's I want .

[ScottyR]

I am barely 6ft tall and the 12 fits me perfect. It is still shorter than a 2012 Berg TE300 but it is taller than the 11 Gassers for sure.

The more I look at the 12, the more I am impressed with it. It is a really well put together bike.

In a few weeks I hope to be able to ride it!

[3beejay3]

I think the difference is only 15mm taller than last year - which is like 5/8", not a really much of a big deal..... Having had a couple Huskies, which are probably as high as anything out there, anything shorter is fine with me - I'm only 5'8"- barely, with shorter legs.
Even so, I've got along fine on my TE & TXC for the past 5 years.

Once the suspension is set up and broke in, I think most guys probably won't notice the 15mm difference too much.........

[STEVEV]

It's easier and cheaper to make a tall bike short than to make a short bike tall.

[Cruiser]

That seat is stiff.. just the seat would make 1/2" difference.. Saw a 12 on friday right before it was delivered to the new owner. Stopped in at Matto's to to kick tires.. 12's are very refined! a big step forward..

[shark4465]

that's where i got my bike from budd is a great guy to deal with rode the bike yesturday love it

[Wimpy525]

Budd cant keep a Gas Gas on the show room floor! I picked mine up Saturday so that accounts for the 4 he had. Love the motor just, just need a tall seat and some springs and I'm ready to go