From the factory suspension to the lack of a VIN number on the frame, the mid-displacement four-stroke Gasser is about as shady as it gets. In terms of suspension, the WP Xact Pro (aka “Cone Valve”) coil-spring fork is used by the Coastal Racing team rather than the WP Xact air stocker.
“The standard fork on this model is air, but we prefer a spring fork and run it with the Xact [Pro] shock,” Whitmer explained. “That’s just our factory configuration.” We’ve always done it that way. In terms of the frame, there are no VIN numbers on factory frames; instead, the frame number is marked on the head tube. That’s how we know what frame it is and how many hours have passed.
Russell explained why he prefers coil-spring forks, citing their progressive feel. “I’ve only ridden the air fork once, so I don’t have much feedback on it,” he admitted. “I believe the air fork is good at speed but a little harsh on slower terrain.” I was surprised at how good the stock fork still was when I rode it. I had only ridden a completely stock setup on a 450 once, and it was quite enjoyable.
“Whereas the air fork has more holdup, our spring forks are a little more progressive.” But when it blows through, it blows through, so it’s not the same. We developed our own settings for the spring fork after testing it.
