Once bolted on, it immediately felt as if I could leap tall buildings with nary a worry of ever bottoming out. Chassis balance was a huge improvement. Still, the fork was transmitting more chop to the bar than I like and not quite settling into turns as it should. Significant, to-the-stops clicker twisting didn't alleviate the problem enough, so a call to Pro-Action produced some quick answers. The '07 WP units are the first to feature small bladders at the top of each fork, and they have a pretty dramatic effect near the top of the stroke. On early '07 WP revalves (mine included), Pro-Action was using 40 psi per bladder but has since changed the recommended level to 30 psi.
Luckily, I have a friend with the special needle tool for the job, and we headed out for a quick "before and after." Prior to this ride I had actually taken the time to read the instructions, correctly set the sag (duh!) and switched every clicker back to Pro-Action's recommended settings. After a moto with the original 40 psi, we moved the bar out of the way and lowered the bladder pressure-a 10-minute job. The difference was immediate and impressive. The fork now settled into the stroke perfectly and the bike cornered more predictably, especially on flat, slippery sweepers. I felt fast and confident and didn't change a thing for the rest of the day. Best of all, the bike was no longer tiring to ride and I could concentrate on line choice rather than just holding on. I have ridden many KTMs since 2000 and have needed to revalve each and every one for my weight and skill. This is some of the best WP stuff I have tested.
| Hard Parts | 93.0 |
| Turnaround time | 19/20 |
| Function | 47/50 |
| Communication | 10/10 |
| Design | 9/10 |
| Price | 8/10 |
| www.pro-action.com |
| 724.846.9055 |
Arai
VX-Pro3 Helmet
In its previous version, the Arai VX has been at the top of our helmet list. This, the company's newest off-road helmet, is full of updates, innovative features and new styling. We've been testing and racing in the new VX-Pro3 for months. Here's what we really think.
The VX-Pro3 is a premium piece (MSRPs of $473.95-$587.95) and features a list of modifications. Starting inside, Arai developed quick-release cheek pads which can be easily removed by medical staff to aid helmet removal off an injured rider. It's a little change that could make a big difference. The cheek pads don't work better or worse than before while riding and the overall fit of the helmet seems unchanged. Not one of our test riders has ever complained about the fit of an Arai.
The rest of the new highlights are found outside the shell. The short chin bar keeps its smooth, rounded shape, but the nose piece is tilted out 11 degrees to give more room in front of your face. This doesn't extend the chin bar out. Arai is adamant about keeping the shape and size of its helmet oval and smooth (including the chin bar). The philosophy is this: the less there is for the ground to grab, the less your head and neck will move. Therefore, the overall egg shape is smartly retained in the new VX.
On top of the shell, a few bolt-ons have been added. Top-mount diffusers are now in place over the rear exhaust vents. These add style and keep the vents a bit cleaner, but that's about it. Even with these additional bumps, Arai is still the cleanest helmet out there. Nevertheless, we hope the external additions stop here.