Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/1517946
The hydrostop, or bo oming cone, has been im- proved to resist bo oming on hard hits. Clickers are hand-adjustable, top and bo om. No more need to carry a screwdriver, the new XACT Closed Cartridge fork is tool-free compression and re- bound. As a testament to how well the new WP XACT Closed Cartridge fork performs, our lead man Beau Viens really put the '24 300 XC-W to the test with a few sharp jumps and flat landings. Yes, during these stunts Beau was using all the travel but what was remarkable is the fact that even a er fully bo oming the suspension, the hydrostops in the fork absorbed all of the hit, without transforming any of the energy to the rider. You'll no ce in the picture that Beau's body posi oning was literally unaffected while bot- toming the suspension to the fullest. I might add that it took some effort to use up all the travel as the bike certainly isn't so or wallowy. It's a plush ride yet it doesn't dive to the stops like the XPLOR fork did when pushed. The newly designed PDS Shock compliments the fork well and also requires no tools. It tracks great and the rear re stays on the ground. Those who ride a gear or two high and just let the sus- pension do its job will love the new chassis. Brakes are by Brembo with the HARDENDURO model boas ng a fully floa ng front rotor and a solid rear disc with guards. The feel is typical Brembo, powerful yet predictable and without the slightest hint of mushy. The new frame delivers a much different ride compared to the previous genera on. The bike has a solid feel and goes exactly where it's pointed. Steering is precise and the bike begs to be ridden on the pegs. Factory Edi on triple clamps have a 22mm offset. How's the new motor perform? Well, the bike begs to be lugged. The en re package responds well to the lugger. It pulls down so low without stalling. It also behaves fine in a higher gear than one would expect on steep climbs. When searching for trac on, two or even three gears high with the thro le open is where the new motor shines. Basically, it's perfect for the nas est of the nasty. KTM has also thankfully addressed the weak ligh ng is- sue on the off-road lineup with bright LED lights. We're told the new ligh ng offers 300% more illumina on. Certainly appreciated when ge ng back to the truck a er dark. 12 Trail Rider www.TrailRider.com Even after flat-landing off a large rock Beau's body position was unaffected ven after flat-landing off a large rock Beau's body position was unaffected