Cannondale Wide Open

CANNONDALE WIDE OPEN

Despite rumors suggesting otherwise, Cannondale is full steam ahead for ’02. Look for a ton of revisions to the American-made dirtbikes, most important being reworked fuel-injection. The liquid-cooled, 432cc, reversed-cylinder-head Single now features mapping from Optimum Power Technologies as well as a more powerful Sagem control unit.

Said to ease starting, broaden the powerband and improve low-speed operation, the new setup is already in use on the “entrylevel” X440S, which retails for $5999. Future models will also have a new undergas-tank Max-Air Box, which replaces the previous steering-head-opening design. Lightened frame spars, a lower seat, sleeker plastic and recalibrated suspension valving are also among the changes. Prices are as follows: $6999 for the X440 motocrosser, $7295 for the C440 crosscountry and $7595 for the E440 enduro.

Jimmy Lewis