Top end power is quite flat compared to a race version . However , it has a wide , meaty and very effective power zone from idle to the upper mid-range and because it gets great traction it never feels wanting for power in tight or difficult terrain . Even in the open , shortshifting , the nice six-speed gearbox makes for decent progress . In fact , in slick conditions , single track and for obstacles , it is pretty grunty . There are Rain and Dry mapping options with Dry being a little punchier . At one stage climbing a tricky slippery steep uphill the track split and both routes were crap ! To the left were large roots with axle deep holes between them and to the right a massive dug out rut and step . I took a punt and chugged up the even steeper , but non-dug up ridge between them . The smooth torque propelled us up and over with ease . I was impressed and relieved to have made it . There ’ s no doubt , the XTrainer engine is a class act in tough going and will probably make you look better than you are in the process .
SPRINGY BITS I had no problems with the suspension and I ’ m not a light guy . I ’ d seen online comments that the forks were disastrously soft , but they ’ re actually pretty good . Sure , if you hit an MX track , they will bottom out hard , but for intended use ... again , obstacles and technical riding ... all good . The shock
KIWI RIDER 49