Product Testing - Seats, Suspension And More...

An '07 450 EXC has a 42 pilot jet and a 178 main jet. For lower altitudes, the F2 kit uses the 42 but opts for a 145 main with the F2 needle! For warm riding between 4000 and 9000 feet, we used a 40 pilot and 140 main! Our bike started easily, was warm-blooded, had perfect throttle response, boasted ample power and provided approximately 15 percent better fuel economy than the stock bike. The kit recommends the stock exhaust but also includes instructions on modifying the end-cap to essentially '06 EXC specs. That spec keeps the bike under the 96-decibel mark, but not far under. The kit also includes a threaded plug to allow routing the crankcase vent with the carburetor overflow lines. Frankly, we were amazed at the performance increase. The price tag is $99.95 for the full kit with the jets for 0-9000 feet, fuel screw and the complete directions. Just the jets are $59.95, and the fuel screw is $28.95, but getting the full directions is worth the extra few dollars. This kit is worth the money and the time required for installation. -Karel Kramer

Troy Lee Designs
Lopes 55 Knee Pads
Brian Lopes churns, pounds, pedals and hucks things on mountain bikes I wouldn't do in my dreams. So when the dudes and dudettes over at TLD dropped these Lopes 55 pads on my lap and told me to beat them up, I got on my dirt bike to even out the playing field. I figured with the assistance of a motor, I could put his signature pads to the test.

The uniqueness about this set is in its two parts (four if you count both legs). First, there is a neoprene sleeve that slides up over your knee. Then, the hard shell, standard-style knee cup and shin guard go over it. The two are held together via hook-and-loop fasteners.

The $80 pads stay put, sliding less than regular, non-Lopes units. However, I did catch the fastening strips on the liner of my moto pants every time I pulled them on or off. After some hands-down-the-pants adjustments I was ready to rock. And rock I did.

I've taken plenty of direct hits to these babies and they're holding up great. I really like the narrow profile of the shin section. They're slim and easy to stick into boots. After 30 hours of riding time or so, the fabric connecting the knee cup to the shin pad-which doubles as the hinge-is starting to wear. They're still a ways from tearing, but I guarantee this will be the first spot to give out.

These are great all-around pads and I use them a lot when I hit trails on my pedal dirt bike, too. Plus, I can throw the liners in the wash with my shorts and socks and save my friends from the perils of my stinky knees. Brilliant. -Jesse Ziegler