Practical test: Enduro equipment

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Practical test: Enduro equipment
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Practical test: Enduro equipment

Practical test: Enduro equipment
Off road

A week on the Enduro in the border area between Italy and France is perfect for putting clothing and accessories through their paces.

Holger Hertneck

11/10/2005

A lot is happening in the enduro sector. The automatic clutch from Recluse is certainly one of the most exciting technical innovations. This retrofit accessory is one of the many interesting products that MOTORRAD put to the test in Piedmont, Italy. Among other things, the testers were able to see the brand’s latest clothing collections for the 2006 season Acerbis and Scott try out the qualities of the current FIM tires from Bridgestone check on a wide variety of substrates. The strongly fluctuating weather conditions (sometimes sun, sometimes fog, sometimes dry, sometimes rain) with temperatures between just above zero and up to 25 degrees Celsius offered ideal conditions. Of course only from the tester’s point of view? that of the driver naturally makes the most of the fun when the sun is shining.
Three KTM enduros (525 XC, 450 EXC and 450 EXC Sixdays) served as test machines. The test area was the old, largely disintegrated military roads from the First World War above the tree line and forest and forest roads that can be found everywhere in the mountains. With the realization that it doesn’t always have to be a hundred kilometers long border ridge roads to push man and machine to their limits. A path labyrinth limited to a few square kilometers of wilderness is sufficient for this. Only those who spend days with the selected products in an authentic area of ​​use, heave the Enduro over rock steps and shoo through streams, can correctly assess the function of the equipment.
Without this effort, the Alpinestars Tech 10 boots, for example, would have received a less good rating because they only fit properly and reveal all their qualities after one or two days of intensive entry. If you just slip it on quickly, you will not be enthusiastic about the wearing comfort. The same applies to many
other products ?? also in the opposite direction. What looks like at first sight
leaves a good impression, can prove to be unsuitable on tour. That’s why MOTORRAD’s tried out intensively. Because with the right equipment, enduro riding is twice as fun.

Acerbis Impact 06

Acerbis Impact 06

MOTORRAD was able to try out the brand new Impact 06 line for the coming season. The jacket has all around
lots of practical pockets, a soft collar that is not on the neck
rubs, removable sleeves and various width adjustments,
for example on the cuff and in the crook of the arm, one
enable individual customization. When driving, the good freedom of movement and the fit are convincing. Only a little more ventilation openings would be desirable. The processing
is impeccable ?? This also applies to the pants, which have leather trimmings on the inside of the knees for better vehicle control and
did not give any cause for criticism during the test week.

Conclusion: functional, well-made enduro suit with many practical details
Provider: Acerbis Germany, phone 09621/420800,
www.acerbis.com; Price: jacket 169.95 euros, pants 159.95 euros

Scott Anaheim

Scott Anaheim

The Anaheim pants were completely convincing in practice. Great cut
and fit, practical ratchet fastener on the waistband, neat workmanship, stretch on the inside of the knees and almost windproof. With the jacket, which is also of high quality, we like the detachable sleeves, which can be stowed in a large back pocket, the pleasantly soft collar and
the narrow, flutter-free cut. However, the latter also has some disadvantages. For example, the forearms are very tight, so it gets really tight with elbow protectors. In addition, the waist size is not adjustable, so the waistband moves into a sitting position when the front pockets are full
uncomfortably high? the jacket then practically sits on the thighs. Width adjustments on the pleasantly soft cuffs and attached breast pockets would also be desirable. The Anaheim can come up with functional ventilation openings in the chest and back area.

Conclusion: a neatly finished enduro suit with a slim jacket without width adjustments
Provider: Buse, Telephone 02471/12690, www.buese.com;
Price: jacket 169.90 euros, pants 149.90 euros

Alpinestars Tech 10

Alpinestars Tech 10

After two days of acclimatization, the Tec 10 equipped with inner shoes fit like a glove. Three sturdy buckles and the relatively narrow cut ensure an extremely firm hold in the boot, which you have to get used to. Also of the very thick sole that
the feeling for rear brakes and shifting is limited, however
ensures absolutely pressure-free stand on the notches. The workmanship and protective function of the boots are excellent, for example
the Achilles tendon is completely protected thanks to a special plastic slide construction. Other plus points: The smooth sole does not get caught and the boots hold tight for a surprisingly long time, even in the rain.

Conclusion: very expensive, but top-quality cross boots for the best hold and maximum protection
Provider: Alpinestars, phone 0039 / 0423-5286,
www.alpinestars.com; Price: 459.95 euros

AXO Pro

AXO Pro

The smart eyeglass strap attachment ensures a good fit even in tight spaces in the helmet cutout. The soft foam on the eyeglass rim and the non-slip strap have proven to be easy to wear. The original screen, which steams up too quickly, was not convincing. The double-glass retrofit pane for 16.95 euros, however, always provided a clear view.

Conclusion: Cross goggles with high wearing comfort without
Pressure marks, but the original screen is not fog-free
Provider: Axo Germany, phone 07145/93620,
www.axosport.de; Price: 59.90 euros

Shoei V-Moto

The V-Moto collects most of the pluses with its perfect fit. Put on and feel good is the motto. None of the testers complained about pressure points. The head ventilation is noticeable, the umbrella adjustment is sufficient, and the double D-lock works perfectly. The only point where opinions differ is the cutout of the face. At least for large cross goggles, it is a tad too tight
but effectively protects the face and, above all, the nose
from dirt, falling rocks, flies and drafts. With a measured 1378 grams (size L) the Shoei not one of the absolute lightweights and thus just misses the mark “very good”.

Conclusion: high-quality enduro helmet with a slightly small glasses cutout, but excellent fit
Provider: Shoei, Phone 0211/1754360, www.shoei.com;
Price: from 329 euros

Practical test of enduro equipment

Madhead
Knee protectors

Due to their extremely voluminous design, the knee pads are only suitable for wearing over cross pants, which is also where the chrome look comes into its own. Three wide Velcro straps ensure a tight fit, but they have to be re-threaded every time? a quick release would be more practical. But the protective function is impeccable: the movable shells cover the knee joint very well.

Conclusion: extremely voluminous protectors for maximum protection

Provider: Louis, Telephone 040/73419360, www.louis.de; Price: 19.95 euros

Madhead S6P gloves

Madhead S6P gloves

After just a few hours of use, the motorcycle grips are covered with lint ?? the palms of the S6P are visibly losing material. In addition, they create wrinkles at the roots of the fingers, which leads to uncomfortable pressure points. This is due to the rather mediocre fit of the gloves, the palms of which are too big and the fingers too short. The grip for the brake and clutch levers is decent, and the airy feel is also convincing.

Conclusion: light cross gloves with weaknesses in fit and workmanship
Provider: Louis, Telephone 040/73419360, www.louis.de; Price: 29.95 euros

Schiesser Thermo Plus

Schiesser Thermo Plus

The Thermo-Plus collection, which is extremely comfortable to wear, is more suitable for cooler temperatures, but by no means for over 20 degrees Celsius. This is ensured by the very fluffy, quick-drying fabric, tight-fitting but completely pressure-free cuffs and seams as well as the good fit. Long-sleeved shirts and trousers transport moisture from the surface of the skin to the outside and keep you comfortably dry and warm.

Conclusion: top-quality, cozy, warm and soft functional underwear for cooler days
Provider: Schiesser, phone 07732/900,
www.schiesser.com; Price: Zip-Shirt 44.95 euros,
Pants 39.95 euros

Shift rain suit

Shift rain suit

When it rains, just put on the two-piece shift suit and the driver stays dry. As good as at least, because the jacket and pants are equipped with elastic stretch inserts in some places, which is true
improves freedom of movement, but lets some moisture through over time. In practice, however, the water protection was completely sufficient even with prolonged, light rain. Nice for brand fetishists: Thanks to the transparent design of the rain suit, the clothes worn underneath not only stay dry, but also clearly visible.

Conclusion: sufficient rain protection for everyone who shows
want what they wear underneath
Provider: Zupin, phone 08669/8480, www.zupin.de;
Price: 54.95 euros (set price)

KTM racing mirror

The non-street-legal, ultra-light folding mirror made of sturdy plastic, which can be mounted on all conventional handlebars in a few minutes, ensures at least a little view to the rear when off-roading. As a stopgap, it is quite practical, but very
susceptible to vibration. Positive: Thanks to the spherical head clamp, the mirror can be easily rotated into any desired position and thus ensures
every driving position for the right angle.

Conclusion: universally fit-the mirror for one
Minimum of consideration when riding enduro
Provider: KTM, phone 09628/92110, www.ktm.at; Price: 15 euros

Recluse Z-Start automatic clutch

Tired of constantly pulling the clutch lever? Then the automatic clutch Z-Start, which creates the frictional connection with the help of balls and centrifugal force, is exactly the right thing. When the engine is cold
is the force applied to the test machine, one KTM 450 EXC Six-days, a bit rough, but that subsides after a short warm-up phase. The switching operations without lever actuation initially require some effort. It is only when downshifting that the gear changes are a bit hard at times. The use of force, on the other hand, takes place smoothly and smoothly. In difficult terrain, the driver can fully concentrate on the route. A stalling of the engine is almost impossible? In the test run, the KTM only went out twice, which was probably due to the mountain air (over 2500 meters). Instead of the clutch lever, the 450 had an additional handbrake lever for the rear brake, which is clearly advantageous on tricky downhill sections. Speaking of downhill: parking in downhill direction with a gear engaged does not work? the motorcycle rolls away. Also almost impossible: idling with the engine running
Find. Overall, the Z-Start made a great impression, although the testers would have liked to briefly pull the clutch and let it click again in front of obstacles in order to lift the front wheel.

Conclusion: great automatic clutch that the driver
Relieves a lot of work, especially in difficult terrain
Provider: Two Wheel Distribution, Telephone 07145/936213,
www.2wheel-distribution.com; Price: from 499 euros

Braking wave

With the floating wave off-road brake disc, which can be installed by hobby mechanics in a good ten minutes, the already good KTM EXC brake system shines with an even clearer, firmer pressure point. The system, which is absolutely stable even under high loads, requires little manual effort and can therefore be operated with a clear conscience
call it a “one-finger brake”. The tested wave model of the type KT02FLD (with TuV) is a real recommendation.

Conclusion: from the first moment on, “snappy” disc, which does not weaken even when the braking system is loaded
Provider: Uwe Keszler, phone 04334/18760,
www.braking.de; Price: 149.64 euros

Acerbis Multiplo E.

The very well made top hand guards with sturdy, curved aluminum bracket, which is intended to prevent the handlebar end from getting stuck in the event of a fall, can be assembled in around 20 minutes thanks to clear assembly instructions. The Multiplo doesn’t bother you in the least while driving? The aluminum bracket, which is strongly curved on the outside of the handle, never gets in the way of the hands, but should be a little less angular.

Conclusion: Top hand and handlebar protection with a lot
well shaped, stable
Aluminum brackets
Provider: Acerbis Germany, phone 09621/420800, www.
acerbis.com; Price: handguards 89.95 euros, holder kit from 29.95 euros

Bridgestone ED 663/668

Thanks to the high proportion of negative treads on soft and medium soils, the new coarse tollers with FIM and road approval ensure a lot of grip and proper propulsion and are very precise on almost any surface. The grip on asphalt is also impressive. The limit area is easy to control, and the studs do not suddenly buckle, at least at an air pressure of over 1.3 bar. The Bridgestone are also suitable for stony and rocky surfaces, but the rear 668 tends to break out of tunnels in the flank area.
The rubbers hold round in mixed road / off-road use
1000 kilometers. With a slightly longer lifespan and without the noticeable knockouts, it would have been enough for a “very good” rating.

Conclusion: recommendable, street legal all-round enduro tire for mixed soils
Provider: Bridgestone, phone 06172/408255,
www.bridgestone-mc.de; Price: Manufacturer does not specify

Gotz lifting stand

During various service work, MOTORRAD was able to convince itself that the tripod stand is actually stable. Enduros can be jacked up with surprisingly little force and without jerking (lifting height 30 to 42 centimeters). One point of criticism:
The lift stand is pressed and screwed together and cannot be dismantled for transport without tools.

Conclusion: a stable assembly stand with which sports enduro bikes can be jacked up with ease
Provider: Gotz, Telephone 07476/933150, www.goetz-motorsport.de; Price: 34.95 euros

Vaude Splash Vent 20 + 5

Chest and waist belts ensure perfect hold, which is particularly important when riding enduro. The rucksack fits neatly and offers enough space for your daily luggage thanks to its zippered volume that can be increased to around 25 liters. Cell phone and small items can be stowed in the two outer pockets. The integrated and easily fixable rain cover, which kept the contents of the Vaude Splash absolutely dry, proved to be extremely practical in practice.

Conclusion: very practical, lightweight daypack with practical rain protection
Provider: Vaude Sport, Telephone 07542/53060, www.vaude.com; Price: 64.95 euros

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