Ok Guys,

As some of you know, 2 friends of mine got new 2002 Cannondale E440's this week (tuesday). Both of them came off DRZ400's and are ex-racers. They know how to ride fast, real fast, in the woods and cross country.

One of the guys is my favorite guy to race with. He's an ex wrestler and about 150lbs. I KNOW how fast he was on his DRZ400. He was one fast mother!@#$er.

I'm 6'3" 220lbs and ride a tricked out XR650R set up for woods. Believe it or not, on this bike, because of it's ability to "hook up" I'm probably one of the fastest guys in our group. Today (sunday) we all went riding and everyone was excited because the debut of the new Cannondale E440's!

Unfortunately, I never got to ride the Cannondale's because I had one of the worst riding days of my life. To give you an idea of the pace we were riding at, in one day, I did all of the following:

Destroyed both my SRC brush guards ripping one right off the bike.

Cracked up both of the cups on a pair of brand new MSR knee guards (yes, I'm swollen and limping)

Sprained my left wrist.

Broke one rib (a first for me and it sucks).

Bent my right foot peg bracket causing my kickstarter NOT to return after kicking (talk about a pain in the A#$!!). Don't ask me what it's like to have to restart a 650R after you've crashed and it's flooded!!!!

The reason I share this with you is because although I didn't ride the Cannondale E440's today (because of injuries), I GOT TO DO SOMETHING EVEN BETTER; I rode at peak levels (my maximum ability) with two of my friends as I witnessed them experience THEIR FIRST DAY on these American made machines.

I'M SORRY TO SWEAR, BUT I'M HERE TO TELL YOU THAT CANNONDALE ISN'T ******* AROUND! THEY MEAN BUSINESS! THESE BIKES KICK ASS!

CANNONDALE E440 - OUR FIRST RIDE AND REVIEW

First off, the suspension of course was very stiff. Anyone whose familiar with OHLINS knows that it takes a good 10 hours plus of hammering before it's really broken in. So, the first thing we had to do is back off the compression (PROBLEM SOLVED!). Then there was too much rebound; a little more toying with clickers (PROBLEM SOLVED!).

Now the suspension was dialed and the guys were building confidence on the bikes by the minute! Within a few hours we were riding "up to the limit". I know how fast my friend was on his DRZ400 and I can tell you within a few hours on the Cannondale E440 he was ripping it up like it was a walk in the park. Much faster AND SMOOTHER with less effort. It was amazing. Here's the first reason why:

The Cannondale's chassis is (I believe) the most rigid on the market. Their decades of experience building mountain bike frames probably made this a breeze (I've owned Cannondale MTN bikes my whole life because of this.).

Combine this with OHLIN'S SUSPENSION (the best on the market) along with Tallon Hubs, FAT DID spokes and rims and you have the greatest handling enduro in the world! Period.

I saw it today! These bikes handle like you wouldn't believe. I've got full race tech suspension and gold valves set up by a guy with 30 years experience on my 650R and the OHLINS is one notch up. Everybody who rode the Cannondales raved over the suspension and steering. I didn't have to ride it. I saw it firsthand chasing my friend at speeds up to 80 miles an hour in sandwashes or 20 miles an hour through nasty rocks, g-outs, tree roots and trees. Mind you, this is STOCK, out of the crate, with less than 10 hours!

Here's the second reason why he was so fast:

THE MOTOR AND FUEL INJECTION

The Cannondale has an ECU which means you can ride it from sea level to 12,000 feet with no adjustments required. Today we rode from 5,000 to about 8,000. Because sometimes we go down to the high desert (about 3,000 feet) most of us have our bikes jetted in the middle. This means when we get to 8,000 feet our bikes are "feeling it" a little. THE CANNONDALES NEVER MISSED A BEAT!

One of the things everyone was raving about was the throttle response. UNLIKE ANYTHING THEY HAD EVER EXPERIENCED...

HOW'S THIS FOR HUMILATION?

Sometimes I would get way ahead of everyone and then fall and have to restart my bike. Of course because it is has a carb you know what happens. I'm getting passed by everyone as I kick the **** out of it! My friend was in front of me and fell over in the rocks (Moron me being in 'hot pursuit' bumped into him!). Any other bike he'd be flooded and starting would be an issue. NOT THE CANNONDALE> IT'S FUEL INJECTED AND STARTED INSTANTLY WITH THE PRESS OF A GREEN BUTTON!!!

HOW ABOUT POWER?

I'd like to know HP and TORQUE ratings on these bikes. We were ripping up a tight and twisty wash. I was chasing the Cannondale with all my ability. On his DRZ400 I'd have a chance with the big 650R to get by him. With the CANNONDALE there was NO CHANCE!

You know those tight corners in a wash like this that you end up "squaring off". He was rocketing out of those like that bike was on Nitrous. I couldn't believe it! When "GTMS34" was talking about passing CRF450's and YZ426's I was skeptical. Today, I AM A BELIEVER! (Again, sorry to swear but) THESE BIKES ARE FASTER THAN **** !!! And they aren't even broken in yet....

The power is so smoothe and tractible that they were never using their clutch (unlike the DR's). Over and over the comments about the throttle response were the same no matter who rode them "unlike anything I've ever ridden".

OTHER STUFF

This bike is Narrow and Trim. It's 5 inches trimmer than a DRZ400 measuring from the widest part (the radiator shrouds).

This bike is also light, but not too light. For high speed woods and cross country riding you don't want a bike that's too light. Tr riding a CRF out here and you'll find out. At 249lbs the E440 is perfectly balanced (NOT fat and NOT a-n-a-r-e-x-i-c, either).

It also comes stock with a Panoram Enduro Computer. This is the trickest little gizmo I've ever seen. It's even private labeled for them with the Cannondale Name on it! Check it out at:

http://www.trailtech.net

The tires are Michelin front and rear. Although, we pinched a tube on one of the Cannondales from hammering it, it was due to a "stock" paper this tube (like all the stock tubes). However, the tires worked awesome the guys said and they hardly wore compared to most of the other stuff we run out here.

How would you like to change your spark plug or air filter in less than 60 seconds? With the new E440 you can! There's a quick release little button under the seat - push it - and you've got hte seat off with instant access to you plug and air filter...

One other thing that impressed me was NOT the fact that if you tried to buy just the rims, hubs, spokes and suspension it would cost you over $4,000... No, what impressed be was that after hammering these bikes hard ALL DAY LONG I checked the spokes and they hadn't loosened a bit!
They're were like "piano wire" from the factory and remained this way.

How about the multi-faceted ignition schemes the E440 has? There are 3 different timing schemes available. One geared for LOW-END, MID and TOP. They hadn't got the manuals yet from Cannondale so we don't know what setting they came on. We all assumed they had to be set in the middle.

For dual sport people it comes stock with a HI-LOW Beam headlight, and a dual filament tailight with license plate mount (Yes, they even run the wire from the light under the seat so all you have to do is "Plug In" your brake light switch.

The chain guide is like something you'd buy aftermarket. Tallon sprockets. And, the exhaust isn't real loud.

FUEL ECONOMY

Because of the fuel injection we believe the fuel economy (for the amount of powe it's putting out) is going to be impressive. I'll know tomorrow what that was. I',m as curious as the rest as the tank only holds 2.6 gallons. We went 60 miles today and there was still fuel left.

Needless to say, I love my 650R and I'm big enough and strong enough to ride it fast and keep up with the quickest, but.....

<After seeing what my friends did on these bikes today within just hours of getting use to them...

<After falling again and again and having to go through the hassle of a carb that flooded my engine... while everyone is passing me in the dust!

<After watching them fall in the rocks and just pick it up and "hit a green button" with no flooding due to fuel injection... (by the way, I'm convinced the cannondale could be started upside down!)

<After bending my damn foot peg so my kickstarter wouldn't work!

<After having to pay $5,000 for my 650 and then pump another $2500 into it to get it to the level I ride at (not too mention all the trial and error...

<Then, after pushing my bike to it's utmost limits and watching a stock american made machine out handle it...

I'm not going to wait for the reliability to "pan out". Cannondale is backing the E440 with a 6 month warranty! (KTM will only give me 30 days) As much as I can ride where I live I"LL HAMMER THE **** OUT OF THAT E440 in 6 months. Plus, get this, in pricing the parts they are all comparable with the Japanese!

I don't know how I'm gonna come up with the cash (yet alone, handle the bath I'm gonna take on my 650R) but I'm gonna get me one these Cannondale E440 "Warlords".

Aren't they the sexiest, most majestic enduros you've ever seen? Take a look for yourself:

http://www.cannondal...ges/E440-lg.jpg

You can read the specs here:

http://www.cannondal...e440_model.html

I'll keep everyone updated from my day of purchase on, ok?

jay

P.S. Special thanks to all the other Cannondale Owners (GTMS34 and EMARACING etc) who are kind enough to take the time to share experience and input with us on these bikes.

P.P.S. Again, sorry to swear, but CANNONDALE ISN'T ******* AROUND WITH THESE BIKES! THEY'RE OUT TO MAKE A STATEMENT I THINK!

P.P.P.S. Think about this; if the reliability IS THERE, it's payback time baby!


************************************************
1st Update - CANNONDALE E440 REVIEW
************************************************

CANNONDALE FUEL ECONOMY
(you ain't gonna believe this!)

I realize a lot of people (especially in my old state of CA) may be concerned with the CANNONDALE E440's fuel economy; reason being it only has a 2.6 gallon tank and it may be a while before an aftermarket tank is available. The good news is that based on our first ride it looks like the CANNONDALE get's approximately

38mpg

Not hard to believe considering it's fuel injected. This means we should be able to conservatively go 90 MILES on a tank. Not bad at all. Around here (Prescott AZ) we rarely do 90 miles rides. Come visit us and you'll see why!

GOOD NEWS

I will be getting my own CANNONDALE E440 tomorrow... I'll be posting after every ride and keeping everyone up to speed. It may be awhile before I can really ride it hard as I'm still recovering from some injuries from last sunday 1/13/02 (the broken rib thing is messing up my sleep).

SPECIAL NOTE TO ANYONE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING A CANNONDALE E440

I'm so excited about these bikes that I've made a special arrangement with my local dealer to broker them. The CANNONDALE E440 normally retails for $7500 and I believe it's a steal at that. Here's why:

Just the OHLINS Suspension, TALLON Hubs and Sprockets, D.I.D. Rims with heavy duty Spokes, IMS Style footpegs, HD CR TYPE Chain Guide, PANORAM Enduro Computer, MAGURA Bars and Hydraulic Clutch and ACERBIS Handguards would run us well over $5,000 if purchased separately...

This is truly a bike that you can ride at "race pace" right out of the crate. It needs nothing. It's as top notch as it gets. Not only that, I think we can all agree that it looks like a Black and Silver Warlord. Definitely the best looking Enduro in the history of the sport. Click the link below to see for yourself. This is one bike that actually looks better "in person" than in the brochure; a true exception!

http://www.cannondal...e440_model.html

Best of all (unlike a KTM or HUSABERG) it comes with NOT ONLY handguards but a SKID PLATE too!

(NOTE: Can you imagine paying $9,000 out the door for a KTM 520EXC and NOT getting a skid plate or even handguards? That's what my friend paid in CA after driving 4 hours! Maybe they leave them off as it would add 5lbs to the total weight of the bike?)

With the CANNONDALE E440 we get handguards and a skid plate and it still only weighs 249lbs... with electric start AND fuel injection!

Unfortunately, because of CANNONDALES marketing, you probably won't see dealers bending on the price (this is if you can even find a dealer). In fact, we may find (like with KTM) that many dealers (because of the demand) will actually increase the price through inflated shipping and set up fees.

The arrangement I have made is a good price along with the added benefit that if you are out of state you may be able to avoid over $600 in sales tax. Anyone whose interested can email me below for more info. Thanks.

Jay Peters

JP70@CableOne.net

[ January 16, 2002: Message edited by: jpeters ]

JPeters.....awesome write up....

but do you think the bikes are okay....or just getting by.....

Yes...I have two bikes for sale....once they are gone.....and of course I test ride a dale (yeah right) I am most likely going to score one of em......and get it plated.....oh my.....

now I wont sleep thanx to your review.....and I have to get up and go do that army physical training stuff early early......

damn.....all worked up!

great write up!

HR

OH....by the way.....heal up and ride it for yourself....I just have to know what YOU think twisting the speed grip!

I went into the dealer on Sat. and it looks like my worst fears were realized. You see I have the x440s and think that it's the greatest bike on earth. But, now I know that I was wrong. It didn't take long to fall in love with the new E,and C models. Here's a little review from my stop at the dealer.

1) Cannondale put a quick release seat on their bikes. Yes quick release. Other bikes may have it but I have never seen it. Basically it takes about 1-2 seconds to get to the knew Max-Air box underneath the seat. Looks very user friendly and is suppose to increase power.

2) New exhaust and plastic makes it look even sweeter. Everything looks like it goes together a little smoother.

3) Juice clutch feels very nice.

Don't get me wrong, I still love my x440s but I'd just like all you new C and E riders to know that there is a jealous X440s owner here. I still wouldn't give up my bike though, I still love it. Now if the snow would melt and I could just go riding.....

Anyone want to buy a barely used X440S...

The write up indirectly confirms what my dealer told me this weekend....
Strolled down to the dealer...and the owner who rides but doesnt sell...(he always pushes someone to a sales type, I like that...clearly defined lanes of responsibility.....but he rides rides rides and races off road...personal friends with Malcolm etc....I digress...but very knowledgable guy)
And I was asking about the X440s and the E....
He said for the $$$ you cant touch the X440s in its catagory.....but he did say for all purposes...the E and C and the other '02 'Dales were for the most part completely new bikes.....both are awesome he said...just the C/E series are very very different in a lot of ways....
Fasteners, suspension settings, electrical, actual ECU, frame, some motor components....etc....very long list....same awesome components, just notched up from what they learned last year.....
he was out for the release and rode em all.....and plans on purchasing probably the first E that hits the showroom....heck he owns the place......so......
Also....every report so far is that the reliability issue that the magazines (and we ALL know how much we trust that crew) reported is a thing of the past.....bikes making podiums across the country and doing it without DNFs etc.
so..........
JPeters......
I think you are only scrathcing the surface on the E and C bikes.....time will be the truth merchant!......
Damn I hope I can sell my machines!!!!! only two of em...great price!.....

HR


[ January 14, 2002: Message edited by: Hawaii-Rider ]

Thanks for the awesome report. Now all I have to do is find a dealer that wants to sell me one. The closest to me(Denver area) doesn't seem to interested. Any suggestions?

Co-Rider....

My local dealer here is the best without comparison, over all dealer I have even had...Period. Sells Hondas and Cannondales.
The E's are supposed to hit the store here last week of Jan, 1st of Feb...and I know you can be squared away.
I will offer any assistance I can....but you probably can find one closer....
if nothing else, dont be affraid to write or call Cannondale and tell them your situation and they will point you to your next best dealer...and hopefully jerk a knot in the one you have been trying to deal with.

Glad to do what I can.....know at this distance it aint much...but I will make sure it runs well and is broke in properly.....k.....I promise!

HR

jpeters -
Wow, what a report!! You realize you've just made it worse for those of us who can't get one yet!! Thanks also to MADEINUSA, DXRE, and others for the great reports - if this keeps going, Thumper's going to have to make a separate "Cannondale" section!! Keep those reports coming!
It sure seems like the reliability issue is being put to rest.
I visited my local (used to be) 'Dale dealer last week, and didn't see any 'Dales. When I asked about them, I found out they've dropped the brand because of the initial problems with the bike! Not only that, the guy gave me a lecture about how they were no good, and I should buy a DRZ instead! He needs to see this forum - he's gonna be sorry he made that decision. Like yo said "payback time!"
Anyway, thanks again for the report jpeters, and heal up soon. I planned on upgrading bikes late this year, this is making it awfully hard!!

Cowtrailer

"Sometimes I would get way ahead of everyone and then fall and have to restart my bike"

Sounds like your XR650R, aka BRP (Big Red Pig) was doing a good job of getting out front. I just had mine out on a nice straight stretch of dirt road and hit 90 mph (Honda speedo) before backing off (running out of road ) .

I have yet to max out the flying BRP.

I hope you enjoy the Dale, just remember that the real Cannon is the Big Red Pig.

You know..........
reading these reports on the E440 makes me want to say "aarrrggg, I just bought my X440s, I should have waited for all the models to hit the floor."

Then I take a deep breath and remind myself that:

Getting to my air filters and plug is no harder than other bikes I have owned.

The E is $7499 list and I only spent $5500.

Ok I feel better now.

Jay, awesome write up. Glad to hear your buddies like their bikes so much. Makes me want to go out and get a new E or C also. But I'll wait until next year, and stick with the old X440s for now. That $4950 investment makes me smile pretty hard everytime I think about it.

Going to go write my first race report now.

This might sound a little weird, but, can anyone tell me how wide the bikes feel?(cases, knees, etc.) I'm looking to buy an e and thought I heard they might be wide???
Also, has anyone put a scott's dampner on one?

The bike is super narrow. Slimmer than most 125's. Scott's will have a mount ready "in about a month".

Dang it....Had my sights set on the x440s and now you come up with this...it's just not fair! Now I want the e440!! It's only money.........thank goodness for overtime!! Seriously though, thanks for the great review, keep it coming and try not to have too much fun out there!!!!

Thanks for the posts guys. You got me thinking of the Dales. I buy American if things are close. I race a YZ426 in MX and HS and a WR250F in enduros. The starting drill, even though I am good at it, is a pain. My HS races are dead engine start. If the YZF doesn't fire up first kick, its last place to the 1st corner, unless there is another unfortunate YZF owner nearby. Also, try doing the drill while stalled on a super steep uphill in an enduro. IT SUCKS!

DRZs are just too heavy, undersprung and underpowered. Can't deal with them. Great trail bike though. My friend has dropped a ton of cash into his, and now it rocks, but it is still heavy and costs more tricked out than a Dale or CRF.

So I almost bought a CRF last month, but a dislocated shoulder (skiing) stopped me. Its either a C, E or the CRF. What are you guys paying for a C or E? Any advice?

Hawaii Rider,

Are you about to be unfaithful to your 'Berg? Say it isn't so?

Seriously though, which dealer are you referring to as being a great 'dale dealer? I haven't made up my mind as to what bike will be my next purchase, but I will but it in no more than two months. Can't wait and the E-Dale is real appealing. I still wish I could get a blue one though. Silver and Black doesn't look that good on the net, but maybe they look okay in person.

Also, what are the MSRP's for the E and C models? I e-mailed Cannondale and they said I had to talk to my local dealer. I figured I could wimp out and check here as it is quicker.

Greg M

This makes the new bike decision even more tough. CRF450, Gas Gas, or C440?

"This bike is also light, but not too light. For high speed woods and cross country riding you don't want a bike that's too light. Tr riding a CRF out here and you'll find out. At 249lbs the E440 is perfectly balanced..."

I didn't know there was a such a thing as too light. That's only 8 lbs lighter than an XR4 and thats definitely heavy enough to make me want to ditch it. Maybe it carries it low enough to feel like a bigger difference.

Quote

Nope not unfaithful...the Berg in my mind is still the utmost in closest thing to a factory Bike you can buy off the showroom floor
....but I havent ridden a 'Dale yet....My 650 is so smooth and sweet....its scary....but....I aint married to it....and nothing is forever! and dealer support is extremely high on my list now that I am settling down here for a while....
South Sound Honda is the one I am talking about...couple of blocks from the house here in West Olympia....they are like night and day different from my last dealer encounter in Lacey Washington
.....whew...lets not go there!

C: = 7295
E: = 7495
Both are MSRP

Hope that helps....I have set up a test ride with the owner on the 'Dales....so will set one up....and just see how it goes!

HR


[ January 15, 2002: Message edited by: Hawaii-Rider ]

Quote

Yes. That's exactly it. I had a 2000 XR400R with over $8500 invested (not too mention all the friggin time and trial and error). If you haven't got the free report I wrote all about this bike then you'll want to request it by sending a blank email to the address below:

XR400STORY@InfogeneratorPro.com

The CANNONDALE E440 out of the box makes way more power (everywhere!) and feels a foot narrower as well as 25lbs lighter. The CANNONDALE E440 compared to the XR400R has the bulk of the weight a lot lower. In fact, now that I think about it, unlike the XR which carries the bulk of it's fuel capacity "up in the sky", the CANNONDALE E440 carries it below the level of the seat!

I'll be picking my CANNONDALE E440 up in a few hours. Once it's broken in anyone in the area (or out of state) whose interested in purchasing one through me is more than welcome to come over take mine for a "demo" spin. I've got a great dirt road up behind my house I could almost hit 100mph on my XR650R! Wooooo Hoooooo!!!!!

Jay Peters

[ January 16, 2002: Message edited by: jpeters ]