I am thinking about trying my luck with GNCC I am pretty fast through the trails with the DS but the only thing that slows me down is when I have to double check between two trees that are pretty snug. I am thinking about trading my tonka truck for a predator but I really love my DS I just wish it were smaller. I think I will wait for the baja x to come out to see how much smaller that is before I make my mind up. What do you think I should do?

 

I belive the Kevlar wheels for the DS application made it 2-3" thinner. could always run the stock size rear wheels backwards, that would shave off at least 5-6" of width in the rear, Front? i think HSD can custom make you a set of -1 aarms, and get the kevlar wheels, youll be as skinny as the rest.

 

Nobody is going to say that a DS is a great woods racer, simple fact is that it's a big bike. Close to 500lbs, no reverse, and 50" wide, are probably not the winning combos for woods racing. but if you *want* to do it on a Bomb then I'm sure that you wont be the only DS in the race. imho...

 

you can narrow the bike if you wanna, but it'll cost.
a set of nerfs will keep the rear tires from hooking trees, and a stabilizer will help tame the shocking effects of hitting a tree with the front tires - both of these items are a MUST if you decide to race it.
as far as no reverse - the top two dominating bikes in GNCC dont have it either. I don't even know what reverse is for...?...lol, never needed it myself.
I ride GNCC style courses most of the time I'm on my bike, and most of my buddies on EX's can't keep up if I really cut loose and hammer down. if I road GNCC, it'd have to be on a DS, cause I'm not capable of navigating anything smaller due to my height.
i would say go for it before you change bikes, because you may like it, or you may not like GNCC

 

Thanks for your opinons guys I really appreciate it.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

I agree with high tower I am 6'6 and weigh in at 235. There is just no other bike that feels right for us. I consistantly race through the woods against a quadzilla and we usually end up about even

 

i race the ds 650 baja cross country and you guys nailed it. I work for the forest service and all our national trails are 54in min. Also most Gncc trails are also. A steering stabilizer is a must because the ds don't fit in most quads grooves. Nerf bars as stated will keep you safe and a set of holeshot xcr tires and run stock gearing. a 15 is to low for my style. shift less with a 16. A big gun or any peipe the makespower down low. No need for reverse pick your way before you get there. Never crowd a rider in a bad area he may goof so leave yourself room to pass.

 

I am going to have my license soon(13 days!!!) and I live in jersey. I am willing to make the trip to PA for alot of races but are there races in NJ/