WHAT'S HOT
- Traction improved every time the rear wheel spins--and that's happening more than you might think
- Front end pulls the bike around the line in turns
- Drive system seems well-built with good fit and finish
- The AWD bike doesn't pick up too many awkward traits
WHAT'S NOT
- Price. The kit doubles the buy-in
- Weight penalty on the front end
- Upper chain drive bulge bothers some riders
- Reliability simply unknown
SPECIFICATIONS
- Price: $12,594 (kit and Honda CRF250X)
- Actual weight (ready to ride, no gas): 257 lb
- Seat height: 37.5 in.
- Ground clearance: 13.5 in.
- Seat-to-footpeg distance: 21.0 in.
OPINIONS
I was apprehensive about all the moving parts involved in the two-wheel-drive system, but the reality is that none of the chains, shafts and gears intrudes negatively on the riding experience. I expected the bike to shine in tight, rough, technical trail sections, and it pulled out of situations that would have stymied a lesser machine. On my first ride I took off in deep, soft sand and the benefit of the front wheel pulling through the sand rather than having to be shoved through by the rear wheel is pretty amazing. In those first feet the bike felt like it had a very effective steering damper installed. The drive of the front wheel does make it want to go straight, but once you initiate a turn, you aren't fighting the bike at all. That feel of the front wheel floating and wiggling is gone. The steering is rock steady. With the Christini, when the rear end gets away from you, the front wheel pulls the bike back in line. From a performance standpoint I cannot fault this bike. Just the improvement in rear tire wear is worth pursuing two-wheel-drive technology. If money wasn't an object, I'd have one. Christini is asking a fair price for the product, but that price isn't in my range.
--Karel Kramer/6'1"/210 lb/B rider
Christini has put together a great product this year; the bike is by far the best bike you could possibly have if you ride enduros or rough, rocky, steep terrain. What I like most about the AWD bike is, if you mess up going up a rocky face, you can actually restart from where you left off because the front end pulls you up, which is unlike any other regular motorcycle. Also, at high speeds going into a corner, instead of the bike pushing, you just point the wheel where you want to go and it will pull you to that point! One thing I didn't like was the feeling when you're going fast over chop--it's just a weird feeling with the front wheel pulling. I also noticed the front end seemed a little heavy. The last problem that could go wrong but didn't for me is there is a second chain, which means just another thing to work on if it slips or stretches. Overall, I would rank this bike for trails and rocky terrain a nine, and can't wait to see how it performs on a motocross track!
--Chris Dvoracek/5'11"/160 lb/B rider
This is the most unique dirt bike I've ever ridden. It has gobs of traction without sacrificing the overall ridability. I immediately began riding more aggressively and started braking later in turns due to the planted feel that this bike delivers. The Christini also blasts up hills like a frightened squirrel scampers up a tree trunk. Although I didn't get to ride this bike on wet, leaf-covered single-track or slick rocks, I have no doubt that the Christini would have a huge advantage over other bikes in a long, grueling enduro. The only things I didn't like about this bike were the heavier steering feel and the chain cover that protruded a few millimeters too far, which whacked my left knee several times. Other than that, I believe two-wheel-drive dirt bikes are not a novelty, and as the price comes down over time, you'll see more and more people riding them.
--Brian Purtymun/6'3"/175 lb/C rider