Have been soaking this sight in since December '09, and like many others that have joined lately could not pass up the deal Honda put out on this bike ('08's for $4399 otd).
I really enjoy reading posts on first ride impression's of the XX. Probably because there have been virgin red (mine) and black (buddies) XX's sitting in the barn alongside EHS and Barker boxes since early February. Until yesterday!!
Prefacing with my latest and current rides (KX 500, Lightly modified DS 650,and a highly modified but sold Quadzilla) might help some see where I am coming from. Approaching the bike I believe it is one of the better looking sport ATV's out there. Climbing aboard it feels fairly small compared to the DS. Push the magic button (no magic button on big bore 2 smokes) and the FI has it running like it was fully warmed up (FI = excellent). Next, I did not have to push 500 plus pounds backward to get out of the barn. No rewind on DS (Rewind = sweet). Down the gravel, mud, and blacktops we go. Obviously the people that call XX's hawgs and tanks have never ridden DS's. I felt like it was nimble and maybe even a little darty at speed. The IRS is what truly put a smile on my face though, took maybe 1/4 mile and first 2-3 bumps to realize this was the biggest advantage for XX over DS (IRS = AWESOME). Power and mechanical engine noise were my only disappointments. Thought there was quite a bit of valve train noise, and was wishing for more power immediately. Hopefully the 13 tooth, EHS, and Barker packages will bring it to life. If not, will definitely be looking for some compression and port work. With IRS, FI, Rewind, and only $4399 otd I do not see anything that can touch the XX for value. Finally, last two comments: RED is minimum of 2 bike lengths quicker than BLACK!!!, and, Anyone want to buy a DS 650?
I really enjoy reading posts on first ride impression's of the XX. Probably because there have been virgin red (mine) and black (buddies) XX's sitting in the barn alongside EHS and Barker boxes since early February. Until yesterday!!
Prefacing with my latest and current rides (KX 500, Lightly modified DS 650,and a highly modified but sold Quadzilla) might help some see where I am coming from. Approaching the bike I believe it is one of the better looking sport ATV's out there. Climbing aboard it feels fairly small compared to the DS. Push the magic button (no magic button on big bore 2 smokes) and the FI has it running like it was fully warmed up (FI = excellent). Next, I did not have to push 500 plus pounds backward to get out of the barn. No rewind on DS (Rewind = sweet). Down the gravel, mud, and blacktops we go. Obviously the people that call XX's hawgs and tanks have never ridden DS's. I felt like it was nimble and maybe even a little darty at speed. The IRS is what truly put a smile on my face though, took maybe 1/4 mile and first 2-3 bumps to realize this was the biggest advantage for XX over DS (IRS = AWESOME). Power and mechanical engine noise were my only disappointments. Thought there was quite a bit of valve train noise, and was wishing for more power immediately. Hopefully the 13 tooth, EHS, and Barker packages will bring it to life. If not, will definitely be looking for some compression and port work. With IRS, FI, Rewind, and only $4399 otd I do not see anything that can touch the XX for value. Finally, last two comments: RED is minimum of 2 bike lengths quicker than BLACK!!!, and, Anyone want to buy a DS 650?
hno:
