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.

[jap450exc]

Hate to kill the speculation. however this case was not at all what has been discussed so far. This is actually a case of a idiot behind the wheel of a pickup. cross both lanes in a turn hit the bike head on, drug it down the road and busted lots of parts.. Go to thumpertalk.com, dualsport forum, yannipalooza 09 thread. you can see the whole report. start about page 29. rider walked away with just a sore elbow.

[nhrider]

Originally Posted by jap450exc

Hate to kill the speculation. however this case was not at all what has been discussed so far. This is actually a case of a idiot behind the wheel of a pickup. cross both lanes in a turn hit the bike head on, drug it down the road and busted lots of parts.. Go to thumpertalk.com, dualsport forum, yannipalooza 09 thread. you can see the whole report. start about page 29. rider walked away with just a sore elbow.

This is just a little fun we are having on the GasGas site...

thumpertalk...never heard of it. LOL Where do you think I got that pic from?

[jap450exc]

Oh i know it just sounded like a few were actually believing the swingarm had broke on the road. Everybody has got to have a little fun every now and then.