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side of the bars for work in extremely tight terrain. Residing atop the upper tripk clamp is a very nice odometer, fitted with large digits for maximum readability when making time in the woods. The 248cc Rotax engine is basically the same as we've seen in previous Can-Am 250s and incorporates primary kick starting. Threading between the trees we found an abundance of torque, allowing us to scoot from tree to tree without shifting in most cases - a nice trait for an enduro bike. These rotary-valved motors have always put out a healthy dose of top-end power, and we were -r able to gobble up stretches of open terrain with ease. A nice all-around motor for the off-road rider. We would drop down one tooth on the countershaft sprocket - from a 15 to a 14 for lower overall gearing and better p.erformance in tight terrrain. Once the engine is brought to life after a kick or two, you'll notice a relatively low noise level emitted from the exhaust system. Once under way, the noise never gets to a level we would consider annoying, either as a rider or a passerby. An Answer aluminum silencer/spark arrester keeps you forest-legal and gets most of the credit for a lack of decibels. The air box houses a la.rge foam filter and is reached for service by removing a trio of slotted screws. The rotary valve intake system dictates a farther rearward carburetor position, and in order to connect the carb to the air box a rather elaborate intake boot ,. .. design was called for. While we were happy with this slick, sculptured design from an artistic point of view, it would be nice if it didn't butt right up against the shock spring. Keep an 44 eye on it. A dry weight of 227 pounds places the Can-Am squarely between the KTM MXC and Husqvarna WR, which tip the scales at 217 and 238, respectively. With the large diameter frame tubing, the Can-Am gives the impression of being a somewhat heavier machine than the figures indicate, yet it felt quite light when on the gas in the woods. We placed the bike on a scale, with approximately two gallons of pre-mix in the plastic tank and in ready-to-ride trim, and came up with a very believable figure right near the 250-pound mark. The Can-Am does its intended job very well, specifically when traversing the type of woods terrain where the rider has to continually make precise direcrion changes. Missing a cue while running [Jat out through the forest can easily spell an end to your fun. The machine is up to the task of u'ee-dodging, and the rider need only add a bit of body English as required to keep the bike on the traj]. But when it comes time to put a foot down, you may be left pawing for air, since the bike is a bit on the tall side. That's the price you have to pay for 12-inch suspension, but we'll gladly pay the tab for increased comfort and ground clearance. When you get into rocky terrain more benefits come your way, with fewer smashed toes, exhaust systems and engine cases. The 38-inch saddle height actually goes unnoticed until you are forced to take a dab. Deep water crossings present no problem with the Can-Am, aside from rendering the rear brake relatively ineffective. The air box intake, located beneath the surface of the seat bottom, is well-baffled to prevent the entry' of moisture or other foreign material. The Can-Am is one of a diminishing breed of dirt bikes that come equipped with a reasonable tool kit. Wrapped in a plastic roll-up pouch, the tools are of high quality and go far beyond the customary spark plug wrench. You'll find an assortment of allen wrenches as well as screwdrivers, sockets and a large double-ended wrench suitable for chain adjustment. The package will likely find a home in the fanny pack of every owner. As a total package, the 250 ASE Specifications Engine Type _ _ Displacement _ Bore x stroke Transmission Carburetor Intake system .Ignition Starting system Clutch Chassis Frame design , Frame material Front fork Rear suspension Suspension travel Front tire Rear tire Dimensions Wheelbase Seat height Ground clearance Fuel capacity Dry weight Suggested retail price works well enough to be seriously considered as a threat to the dominance of Swedish and Austrian iron. The motor stands out as probably the most friendly yet powerful prime mover in the class, with suspensjon and handling right in ,there with the other machines. It also has a collection of enduro-specific features surpassed by no other off-road bike. We feel the Can-Am 250 ASE is a worthy choice among the current crop of 250cc end uro mach inery. Wi tl) an improved braking system, it could be a great choice. • Air-cooled. single ,cylinder. two-stroke. 248cc. , 72mm x 61 mm. Six speed. 34mm Mikuni. Rotary valve. External rotor Bosch CDI. Primary kick. Multi-disc. oil·bathed . . Dual downtube.Reynolds 531 chrome-moly steel. 40mm Marzocchi Piffero. Quad Link. White Power shock. 11.8 in. front/ 12.6 in. rear. Metzeler 3.25 x 21. ' Metzeler 4.50 x 18. 59.0 in. 38.0 in. 14.8 in. 2.3 gal. ,,227 Ibs. $2.656.00