Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/807546
March/April 2017 9 everything was working. Other than some slight de- fl ection on the sharp-edged pine roots, for a big kid, this little 144 was doing a fantastic job. Brett made a couple quick clicker changes and away we went. As the race progressed, the light- weight and easy-turn- ing TM really began to shine. As a rider fully suited up at 235 pounds or so, all the components of the 144 were getting a work-out. Especially the clutch, it got fl ogged mercilessly but never complained. Even with my size 13 Gaerne's stomping the shi er like an angry moose, the gearbox never missed a beat with no false neutrals to be found. As the day progressed, the small bore continued to impress. Heavy guys on small bores can be problematic, but the TM proved to be a sturdy, durable mount. At this point into this rather windy ride report, the most impressive trait of the TM144 was how much torque it had for a small bore. Yes, the clutch got fanned mercilessly, but it does have remarkable low- end torque for a small bore. During the second half of the event, what I thought was going to be a day of goat path riding through pretty pine trees was a bru- tal torture test of switchbacks and endless whoops. As the roll chart was nearing the end, I found myself actually riding a gear or two high and just twisting the throttle. is is where the electronically con- trolled power valve really shined. is is a small bore that can handle a fair amount of lugging. Nice when you're getting tired. Riding the TM144 in the fi rst race of the season proved to be a real treat and renewed this guy's faith and interest in small bores. It's a featherweight that can be lugged and it absolutely loves getting its neck wrung. In fact, during the fi nal straight and trying my damndest to make up lost time, I'm sure this little TM was revving so high only dogs could hear me coming! I've always felt bikes are tools and there will always be the right or better tool for the job. For the Sandy Lane Enduro, I really liked this machine. It was a very tough, tight event and as I learned to trust it and just wring it out, it proved to be a great tool for this job. Incredibly durable and it really delivered. In closing, there's no question the TM is in a dif- ferent league. If you're a "dare to be diff erent" rid-