I just finished another day @ Saddleback MX. The 'dale is performing great. I'm still stalling it a couple times per ride. I'm still thinking of the flywheel of my XR650R. A bit more clutch and I'll be good. The power delivery is the best I've ever ridden. It drives out of the turns nice and straight ruts or no ruts. The Ohlins suspension is starting to work sweet. Even though the tires are starting to wear, I can still pick any line I want and it sticks. They changed the track by adding some new whoops before a 3 table section, and they put in an uphill double. The uphill double is the hardest part. It's a long distance for the size of the takeoff. Hard on the gas in 3rd gets it done.
I'm still getting used to the bike and it's the best package I've ever owned.

[ January 05, 2002: Message edited by: gtms34 ]

Quote

What other bikes have you owned? where are its weaknesses and strong points compared to the others?

GTMS34.....you know.....you can
just stop rubbing it in....okay...enough enough enough.....aaagggghhhh

Hey do you have an O-ring chain on your machine or is it a straight 520?

Glad the bike is settling down and you are really getting into it!

great update reports and please keep up the longterm reporting here!....love it!...

Went for a ride up here today as well.....
rain rain rain...but fun....35+ miles on single track....monkey butt!...

HR


[ January 05, 2002: Message edited by: Hawaii-Rider ]

Hey YZcourt,
You want me to recall the bikes I have owned?????
Here goes, 1979 RM125 and 250, 1983 Husky 250CR,
1985 YZ250, 1986 RM250, 1987 KX250, 1990 RM250,
1993 DR350s, 1996 RMX250, 2000 XR650R,
2002 Cannondale X440s. Whew, did it.

The strengths of the 'dale are:
Quality of equipment ie: Ohlins, DID wheels, stainless spokes, Talon, braided steel lines, reversable offset bar clamps, aluminum bars, domino throttle and clutch handle, programable fuel injection, electric start, separate motor and trans oil, stainless steel filters, Pirelli tires, FMF exhaust, ect.
You know how we do our own things to our bikes?
Bars, suspension, pipes, etc. The 'dale doesn't need it. $5500 dollars gets you all the above and more.

It is rated @ 244lbs. but it handles like it is much lighter both on the ground and in the air. It handles better than my RMX250 did. It is better than the YZ426 I ride. The YZ is stone stock. It handles MUCH better than the XR.

The power delivery is the unreal. No lie, you will have to ride one to understand. It has no powerband, it pulls all the way through. It has a strong pull all the time but wide open is VERY strong. The exhaust tone changes, the front end comes up, and whoa baby you had better be hanging on. I can compare it to the '01 YZ and WR 426 because I have some hours on those bikes(and I did it without buying them) . The Yamaha's don't pull like the 'dale. I have not ridden the CRF but I have passed them on the uphill staight. Take that for what it's worth.

E-start is huge. I used to think a properly jetted bike starts easy so who needs E-start? Once you've had it, you'll never go back to kick.

Weaknesses:
I am the biggest weakness the bike has.

The other things I can pick on are:
Dealer prep, the bike had been greased but the bars were not centered, the shifter was loose, one fender bolt was loose, and it wasn't clean when I picked it up.

The motor is noisey. It has timing gears not a chain. Gears are stronger but noisey. Once you're moving you don't notice. I don't mind now but I didn't buy it the day I planned to because of the noise. I called the factory (try that with any other bike) and got some peace of mind.

The throttle is so light and responsive, it can get you in trouble 'till you get used to it. I about flew off the track twice on the first day.

The footpegs are virgin metal so they rust. I'll give 'em the Krylon touch tomorrow. The vent/overflow hoses are cheap. They were split or crumbling. I have replaced them. The bolts for the bottom of the rad. shrouds stripped twice. The cause was the nut clips. They were not centered over the hole because they were too long and hit the radiator. Fixed by grinding a little off the clips.

I can't say that there are any serious weaknesses. Definitly nothing like my past bikes, overheating, junk suspension, bars, triple clamps, carbs, pipes, wheels,and the list goes on.

I'll keep posting my ride reports. With the 'dale I'm either years ahead of the Jap bikes or the biggest sucker in So Cal.
Only time will tell.

Sweet

Kevin,
You're right about the magic button. Now the only time I lift my right leg is to take a pee... . Seriously, once you've had an e-start bike you will never go back. In three or so years I think the majority of all bikes will have them. I own a KTM, and love it, but I am also pulling for Cannondale to make it. Good luck with your ride and keep us posted.

Mike

Hey Mike,
I really want the 'Dale to make it. I've had non-riders stop me at the gas station and ask about the American flag and "made in USA" on the swing arm. We all know the bikes of the rising sun are good along with the Aussie's and Euros but for a US company to produce this caliber of dirt bike at a competetive price is awesome.

Hey HR, sorry, I missed the chain in the earlier post. The X440s has a non O-ring chain.

The best price I can find on the x440s is list (5995)plus shipping ($150). Does anyone know of any dealers willing to ...deal? I am going to look at a cannondale motorcycle here in vegas today. However, I don't know what model it is. I just have to touch one. Cannondale needs to work on their dealer finder. It says there are none in Las vegas. However, they do have a...ooohh I hate to say it... quad dealer that also sells motorcycles and I am going there today. Keep those cannondale posts coming!

--marc

One more question on the cannondale. Oil changes? Is it like ktm/husaberg every or every other ride you need to change the oil. Or is it more like the jap bikes where oil changes are less frequent.

--marc

Marc,
Huntington Beach Honda 714-848-5533 Speak to Buba or Rodger. Drop my name (Kevin Beach)if you want.
They had never seen me before and they sold for $5499 + tax, prep, reg. The prep was only $78 so I know they're not packing profit in there. It may be worth the drive. I'll get you in to Saddleback MX (free)while you're here.

The engine and trans oils are seperate so you can probably go with longer intervals. The oil filters are stainless steel which gives you several benefits. Reusable, better filtration, no air bubbles in the oil. The oil flows through the filter. Oil doesn't flow through paper filters. The stainless screen pops air bubbles in the oil stream.
Good luck deal hunting.

The only thing I don't care for on the Cannondale is the rear disc brake is on the opposite side of the brake pedal. This causes the rear brake line to sit too close to the coils of the rear shock (where the brake line crosses over the swingarm to get to the caliper). This could be an easy fix with a clip or bracked. European Left sided kick engines always had the rear disc on the opposite side, and it always bugged me on my 1989 KTM 540. The shorter the brake line, the better. If this is my biggest complaint of the bike, I MUST LIKE IT. If I didn't own a CRF450r, I would buy the dale.

OK I just got back from checking on a x440s here is las vegas. Wow is it nice. Wow is it TALL! Granted, I only have a 30" inseem but I will definately have to see about lowering it. Are there any radiator guards for it yet? Oh yea, even as tall as it was, it felt really light. If you are ever on a bike that is to tall, they always feel majorly top heavy. I did not get that feeling at all. The guy wants list price +tax and $250 shipping. I ll see what the honda place can do.

--marc

OK now here is a really silly question. How come there is no kickstand. What does one do when you stop. Its not like one can find a tree in the desert to lean it against.

What companies offer aftermarket kickstands.

--marc

Pro Armor is fabing skid plate, guards etc. on my bike. I'll let you know when they're done and what I think.
Call the factory about the kickstand. The C and E models have them. Maybe it will bolt on the X.

Always ride with a buddy so you can lean your bike on his bike (or if your lucky, her bike)!

KICK-STAND for X440S - I got mine at www.utahsportcycle.com. I worked with the owner and got a great stand. Just let them know it's for the X440S. I have been using it for months now without any issues whatsoever. The bike tends to sit more upright than most stands, but has never tipped. The bolts have not come loose in months of riding. I would recommend this stand.

OK, barring any unforseen stuff in the next couple of days, I will be buying a x440s on monday or tuesday. Some facts about my research. Any questions, call cannondale. I swear they treat you like a lost family relative. Good news, cannondale is now selling their motorcycles as fast as they can make them. The new cannondale aluminum skid plate is the same size as the plastic one that comes on the bike. So if you see any serious rocks, I would suggest getting something with more surface area. Chaz at cannondale told me NOT to upgrade the stator on the x440s. I am planning on dual sporting it so its nice to know that the factory stator can support the lighting. The fuel injection system allthoug new to off-road bikes is not anything that new. So it is a proven reliable system. And, it has a "limp-home" mode which is nice in case of a serious failure.

Since it gets dark around here before I get home, I will have to wait until next weekend to report on it. But to all those that have em, keep those reports coming!!!!

--Marc
Soon to own X440S
TTR-250 Wifes Bike... But, if it wasn't for the cannondale would probably buy another for me.
91DR350s (for sale)
99TW200 (for sale)

MMERSOL.....question

DO you know what if any restrictions are on the MSO....I was told by Cannondale reps that is is Off Road Use Only on the MSO...which at least where I am from...prevents Dual Sporting/Street legal potential....but then...Washington is pretty draconian!

HR

Actually, I don't know. I am in Las Vegas and I just figured that they would license any dirtbike. I have never heard of anyone having a problem. But... You are correct, I had better check it out before I lay My money down.

You are probably good to go...when I lived in Missouri...I could street licence a CR500...not an issue....but in the peoples republic of washington....you cant...we have an anal retentive no conversion to street bike government and state patrol.....thats all.....

HR
I am jealous by the way!....