I have had a 2001 EC 300 for some time and really liked it. Often thought if it had Estart it would be perfect.
I did buy a new 2010 EC 300 however. Sent the Carb to RB Designs before even riding so I don't know what difference it made. I was nervous because everyone talking about the Sach's suspension and how bad it was. And lastly I have an FMF Q stelth on...everything else is stock.
Rode at St.Joes riding park 2000 acre riding park in Missouri with a bunch of friends. I was a little dismayed that it lacked the low end torque of my 01 (which btw has a 13T front, LTR power valve cover, FWW, Gnarly pipe, and a shorter silencer)...go figure.
When I got used to first gear being between 1st and 2nd on the 01 and actually used the gear since it was useless on the 01, and in my head saying I shouldn't be using first things got much better.
The bike has enough lug to do most things although I am going to try to get some more for my lazy style, but when it comes on the pipe it really scoots. The thing that I really ended up liking the most is that there was much less vibration, and the suspension was just really nice (210 plus gear). St.Joes has a ton of loose 3-6" lava style rocks and there was just a real low deflection to the ride at speed. Things that I would be nervous going through I would just gas it and it would track really really well. I would imagine if I put a stabilzer on my 01 it would be similar...maybe. I found that I could pick a line and just get it everytime...very good in the confidence inspiring department. I just got faster over the 3 days where normally you just get wore down progressively.
For a few reasons I wished I hadn't bought my 2010 but after riding it I am really glad I did. Few things I am going to still do is the Head mod by RB Designs, and try out my LTR power valve cover from my 01. I really like riding in 2nd having the lug to do what I need then blast away when I get the chance instead of changing 1-2-1 back to technical. I also have a 50T sprocket...who knows where I will land on that.
Overall I normally don't think it smart to buy a new dirt bike but the new GasGas has me being a believer all over again. The chasis just works great in the woods. I have ridden recently 09KFX 450 kinda worked over, 08KTM 450 EXC, 05WR 450, 09 KX 450 rekluse, 06YZ250F with FWW and pipe, 01/04 GG 300, 05 GG 250, and a 450X. I have not riden one of the newer KTM 300's but I would assume my rear suspension would work better over a wider range of stuff having the linkage. I would not say it if I didn't believe it but I really think this may be the best woods/trail bike out there. It is quiet when you want it to be, rides light, fast when you need it, and the chasis works real well.
Got a squeal I am still tracking down that is NOT the clutch...at least I am pretty sure it is not. I am pretty sure it is the pipe springs that attach to the cylinder. Perhaps some RTV or something...sure is annoying though. That is about the only thing that I could complain about. The stock grips which I thought looked like crap actually performed pretty well...glad I didn't cut them off yet. The tires that people say are crap work well at 12 in the front 9 in the rear...at least for now. I have a Michelin S12 just sitting there in the shrink wrap when this is done.
If you are on the fence about getting the bike or not...I can't recommend it enough. I am cheap, but don't mind paying for something nice. This is really something nice.
I did buy a new 2010 EC 300 however. Sent the Carb to RB Designs before even riding so I don't know what difference it made. I was nervous because everyone talking about the Sach's suspension and how bad it was. And lastly I have an FMF Q stelth on...everything else is stock.
Rode at St.Joes riding park 2000 acre riding park in Missouri with a bunch of friends. I was a little dismayed that it lacked the low end torque of my 01 (which btw has a 13T front, LTR power valve cover, FWW, Gnarly pipe, and a shorter silencer)...go figure.
When I got used to first gear being between 1st and 2nd on the 01 and actually used the gear since it was useless on the 01, and in my head saying I shouldn't be using first things got much better.
The bike has enough lug to do most things although I am going to try to get some more for my lazy style, but when it comes on the pipe it really scoots. The thing that I really ended up liking the most is that there was much less vibration, and the suspension was just really nice (210 plus gear). St.Joes has a ton of loose 3-6" lava style rocks and there was just a real low deflection to the ride at speed. Things that I would be nervous going through I would just gas it and it would track really really well. I would imagine if I put a stabilzer on my 01 it would be similar...maybe. I found that I could pick a line and just get it everytime...very good in the confidence inspiring department. I just got faster over the 3 days where normally you just get wore down progressively.
For a few reasons I wished I hadn't bought my 2010 but after riding it I am really glad I did. Few things I am going to still do is the Head mod by RB Designs, and try out my LTR power valve cover from my 01. I really like riding in 2nd having the lug to do what I need then blast away when I get the chance instead of changing 1-2-1 back to technical. I also have a 50T sprocket...who knows where I will land on that.
Overall I normally don't think it smart to buy a new dirt bike but the new GasGas has me being a believer all over again. The chasis just works great in the woods. I have ridden recently 09KFX 450 kinda worked over, 08KTM 450 EXC, 05WR 450, 09 KX 450 rekluse, 06YZ250F with FWW and pipe, 01/04 GG 300, 05 GG 250, and a 450X. I have not riden one of the newer KTM 300's but I would assume my rear suspension would work better over a wider range of stuff having the linkage. I would not say it if I didn't believe it but I really think this may be the best woods/trail bike out there. It is quiet when you want it to be, rides light, fast when you need it, and the chasis works real well.
Got a squeal I am still tracking down that is NOT the clutch...at least I am pretty sure it is not. I am pretty sure it is the pipe springs that attach to the cylinder. Perhaps some RTV or something...sure is annoying though. That is about the only thing that I could complain about. The stock grips which I thought looked like crap actually performed pretty well...glad I didn't cut them off yet. The tires that people say are crap work well at 12 in the front 9 in the rear...at least for now. I have a Michelin S12 just sitting there in the shrink wrap when this is done.
If you are on the fence about getting the bike or not...I can't recommend it enough. I am cheap, but don't mind paying for something nice. This is really something nice.
