Dirt Rider

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At nearly double the price of a stock bike, the buy-in is intimidating. To make the decision easier (or more anguishing), many Christini dealers are hosting demo ride days so riders can feel for themselves if the AWD system is worth the cost. Check out www.christini.com to find a local dealer and to see if a ride is in your future.The AWD will also require more routine maintenance. The drive seems well-built, with great fit and finish, but moving parts are moving parts, and they need inspection and care. The main maintenance requirements for the Christini are to keep the chain drive lubricated, replace that chain's tensioner when it wears and keep the linear spline bearings lubricated (made easier with zerk fittings and a grease gun included with the bike). The drive can also make maintenance of the rest of the bike more time consuming--most obviously the way it limits access to the carb. We can't speak for the long-term reliability of the drive yet, but Steve Christini is so confident in his design he's letting DR induct the bike into our Long Haul fleet, so keep an eye on the magazine for updates as we rack up the hours. We're impressed. The AWD works. Most of the disadvantages are felt in the wallet and in the garage. On the trail it offers some very real advantages and doesn't do anything too goofy. Which brings up the best advice we can give anyone regarding the Christini: If you're not going to buy one, you better make sure your riding buddies don't...

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