Observations

I was really surprised to see how much more refined this bike was compared to my 2009 250 XC-W.  One of the first things I noticed was the location of the CDI Box.  The CDI Box on my 2009 XC-W was on the frame, in front of the left radiator.  When running a headlight, the rubber clamp around the fork would rub against the CDI Box when the wheel was turned sharply to the left.  This new location looks to be ideal.

After removing the seat, I noticed some other refinements too.  There is a nice rubber gasket on the frame that rides between the frame and the gas tank.

As well as high quality clips and nice wire channels for accessing the air box.

Another refinement, the rear shock is mounted to a crossbar rather than directly on the frame.