2012 300 Review......WOW!!

Jeff Melik

New member
OK guys, after reading some postings on this forum that tend to focus on a few of the petty shortcomings of the 2012 I figured that I would take the time to come on here and throw in my two cents about the new 2012 300 Race Model. I will start this review by saying that if you are on the fence about purchasing, or considering choosing another brand because the wait time is longer than expected then you are making a huge mistake. This bike is worth the wait.


The amount of time that I have on the bike basically consists of one race, an 80 mile enduro in NJ that due to a burn happy club didn't end well. (that's a whole other story) I can honestly say that in all my years of racing I have never come across a bike that is so race ready right out of the box. The only thing that I did to prep it were add Hand guards, rad braces and a BRP chain guide and sprung it for my weight.

Ill hit on a few upgrades to the bike that haven't really been mentioned too much that stand out and make the bike a big improvement over previous models.

New Linkage/Chassis: WOW does this bike handle well. The taller stance and better ground clearance make rutted corners no problem. Dragging foot pegs is a thing of the past. It seems very well balanced and the new linkage keeps the wheel on the ground better producing much more out of corner traction.

Magura Clutch: I am a clutch fanatic and the new master cylinder gives a much more consistent and smooth feel.

Rear Brake Pedal: Gives a much more "tight", positive feel. Stiff spring helps fight brake dragging.

Seat: The seat is flatter and taller. Aside from being much more comfortable it gives you more a feeling of sitting on the bike than in it.

Looks: People couldn't stop looking at the thing I had several people come back for a second round of looking at it just to take pictures. I can assure you if you own one of these you will have the best looking bike at the races.

Ill finish up by saying that if the radiator shrouds popping out of the grommets is going to keep you from buying the bike then shame on you. That thing can flap in the breeze all day for all I care. (by the way mine never came out once)

The only Issue that I had all day is the the jetting seemed to be a bit rich for my liking but I'm sure I can sort that out pretty quick.

If you guys have any questions about setup or the 2012 in general ill try to help out the best I can. Maybe I can take a little heat off of Clay. haha

-Jeff
 
...gives you more a feeling of sitting on the bike than in it.

Does it still retain that feel of the old gasgas chassis? or has it become more KTM-ish in terms of feel.
Im only referring to what it feels like to sit/stand on. I hate riding the 09era KTM chassis, just because it feels weird to stand on that bike, all fat around the ankles.... :p
 
Noobi i have found mine to feel similar in the stance i am while standing up but it has got a lot better stability while your up :D

What jetting are you trying jeff? I have put 42p n3cj#3 175m and it seems to lug well and certainly livens her up :p
 
Noobi, I wouldn't say it feels like a ktm at all. (I don't like the feel of a ktm at all) to me it Feels More like a Japanese bike. It feels slim and less cramped than the 11 to me.

NATO, I tried a few different combos. I think my pilot and main are good at 42 and 75 but the stock needle seems too rich and I have an nc3h hat seems too lean.
 
The N3CH#3 should put you right about on the money (for approx 500M and 15C-25C). N3EH#3 is half a clip richer. Most find the bikes will be cleaner off the bottom using a W/J diameter needle than the H but the difference once set with the right pilot is minimal. The N3xx needles are leaner towards WOT than the stocker as well so to keep the same top end you'd want to look at sizing up the main one. The N3xx does tend to give a pretty big transition from mid to top though. Much harder hitting than the stocker.

Fasntic review and some great feedback! Seems very much in line with what all the other lucky 2012 owners are saying!
 
I'll Take Footpeg Dragging...

Nice write up Jeff. It sounds great. I, for one, will welcome not dragging footpegs.

...in order to touch a foot when stopped.

At 5'6", I opted for a '10 solely for the lower seat height.

But its great to hear that GG has kept the handling crisp and the ergos pleasing. I loved my orange 300's, but after a couple of months on my Gasser, the Orange bikes really do feel "wierd." The best way I can describe it is they don't feel as natural.
 
I don't think the shrouds will keep anyone off the bike, it was just a quirk being discussed and easily fixed. Only thing in my mind deterring people is the delivery delays and thats beyond the control of everyone downstream of the factory. And yes, an orange bike feels nasty after ten plus years on GGs.
 
I think what Glenn meant to say was ...

I don't think the shrouds will keep anyone off the bike, it was just a quirk being discussed and easily fixed. Only thing in my mind deterring people is the delivery delays and thats beyond the control of everyone downstream of the factory. And yes, an orange bike feels nasty after ten plus minutes on GGs.

;)
 
I was going to buy one but since you said the jetting is a little off I'm not going to now - thanks for the heads up :D
 
jeff,you looked pretty comfortable on the gasser squeezing through the trees at sandy lane,hope i didnt hold you up at all!!
 
Back
Top