I spent some a decent amount of time riding a GP450 earlier this year and was generally quite impressed with it. It is infinitely better, and easier to ride off road than a T�n�r�, which is to be expected given the weight difference and the quality suspension. It�s the sort of bike that can make a decidedly mediocre off-road rider (me) feel really rather good!
Less impressive on the road though. Some odd ergonomics. The seat-peg-bar position isn't right and leaves you in a cramped position, despite having the optional high seat. The gearing isn't quite right either, particularly the spacing between them. The generic dash is cheap and nasty looking and lacks some fairly crucial warning information and the plastics feel low-rent and flimsy - not in keeping with the quality the cycle parts. (I've also never known a speedometer react so slowly to changes in road speed.) The headlight is far worse than the XTZ�s, and as we all know, that's bad enough! The petrol filler, being where it is, is a real ball-ache if you want to carry any luggage (other than CCM's own (expensive) offering which is tailored around the filler). To give CCM their dues, the test bike I had was a late prototype. However, the production models don't appear to be significantly different?
Will it succeed?? I'd like to think it will, being a hand-built British bike. It looks good and feels good. It's definitely an excellent off-road proposition. Plus, it�ll set you apart from the crowd and make you feel a bit different, a bit special. For the rider who spends a lot of time on the lanes and trails in their home country, riding maybe no more than 80-100 miles to get to them, it would be ideal IMHO.
Sadly, I'm not entirely convinced it will be a long-term success? A long distance, touring, commuter or RTW bike it is not. For me, the engine's reliability would always be a nagging worry if I owned one. I'd also have to spend a good chunk of hard-earned cash on sorting the riding position and ergonomics out, which all adds costs on top of what is an already rather salty price tag.
AJP�s XT660-powered offering, although a good chunk heavier than the CCM, looks more my cup of tea�