The suspension is fully adjustable on both
the front and rear and from the machines tall
stance, looked to be ready for desert racing!
I was wishing we had scheduled a ride on a few
miles of gnarly XC terrain but here we were
almost ready to turn it loose on a sandy MX
track.
A few questions were being asked as the engine
fired to life and a throaty rumble took attention
over the small talk. The engine sounded strong
and given Gas Gas’s reputation in the two
wheeled world, we expected a strong and controllable
power curve and it would only be a few minutes
before our questions would be answered by seat
time instead of gum smacking.
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| 2009
Gas Gas Wild 450 Engine: 4-stroke, single
cylinder engine with 4-valve cylinder
head, wet-type crankcase |
Now this model enters the country fitted with
a twist throttle, and was the main reason for
the questions prior to our ride. Gabriel Racing
should already have a thumb throttle conversion
in place by the time you read this if you are
not comfortable with the twist model.
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|
The Spanish
Gas Gas enters the United States fitted
with a twist throttle (left), but Gabriel
Racing offers a thumb throttle conversion
for the model. It also includes a Hydraulic
multi-disc Clutch, Electic Start, and
six-speed transmission.
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| The
Gas Gas 450 Wild comes stock with high
quality Renthal handlebars |
The
Gas Gas 450 Wild also features a steering
stem lock anti-theft device |
Ergonomics of the machine were about the same
as most, but felt more like a comfy stock trail
machine as the bars met our hands. Coupled to
the stock bars was what else…..an aftermarket
inspired anti vibe stem! So far, the positives
were adding up just on how the machine was built
but the proof is on the track not on the spec
sheet. The front fenders are on the slender
side and probably won’t provide trail
riders or XC type racers much protection
