news bikes: CCM R30

vendredi 21 octobre 2011

CCM R30

mokarari à 04:09

04:09

mokarari

The CCM R30 comes in two versions with two different wheel options. First there’s the older motorcycles with the Austrian made Rotax motor made until mid-2002, then there’s the Suzuki XF650 Freewind-powered version made from then on. You can chose between cast or spoked wheels – the spoked ones arguably look better and work better when using the motorcycle off-road, but you’ll need to run tubes in the wheels.

Engine

The older Rotax 598cc motor in early CCM R30 motorcycles can be tweaked for more power, but the 644cc Suzuki item in later motorcycles is more reliable – and there’s big bore kit available, too. Both SOHC lumps are quite smooth for single-cylinders. The later CCM R30’s gearbox is noticeably slicker, too and its service intervals are a whopping 4000 miles apart. Avoid motorways like the plague.

Quality and Reliability

CCM motorcycles built between 2002 and 2004 (when they went briefly bust) don’t enjoy the best reputation for reliability and quality control. Swingarms pit, frames rust, base gaskets go (a fault addressed by Suzuki but not, apparently, passed on by CCM), exhaust welds snap and, rarely, the shock mount snaps at the swingarm.

Ride and Handling

All the CCM R30 needs is some sticky tyres and the fully adjustable WP forks, shock and narrow seat will let nothing come between you and a ridiculous angle of lean. Except piles should you prosecute very long rides very often. The four-piston Brembos offer great braking with both power and feel. Now you can add stoppies to your motorcycle stunt repertoire.

Value

Post-2005 motorcycles are much better built and the only CCM R30s that make the grade as a broadly worry-free purchase. If you’re mechanically competent and can pick one up for a good price then you can be more confident about earlier motorcycles, but otherwise it’s better to save your cash

Equipment

The CCM R30's componentry is top drawer, but there’s little else to embellish the CCM R30 – after all strict minimalism is sine qua non to the supermoto motorcycle role.