Yes, it pulls 4th fine. 5th and 6th is where the gap gets bigger. So now it is time for a ride report. I went to the Trials Training Center. I got schooled by a 70 plus year old instructor. I rode it on the intermediate line. I rode my bike and tried a TXT 125. There is nothing that would hinder the Contact 250. The suspension is fine. I would not adjust it if it had clickers. The tires are O.K. for lower intermediate and less riders. Better tires will be helpful for more advanced riders. (I can't tell the difference) The only change I made was I went up to a 40 pilot. It puts the fuel screw more in the middle. It has a lean pop on deceleration, but it is NOT engine knock. The other change was I changed to the BLACK throttle tube. It slows down the acceleration and softens out the engine.. Starts easy, idles perfect, shifts good. I have used the bike as I said earlier in the post. Trials and trail work. The seat works very well. It would be nice if the hole for the seat mount was pre-drilled. I am very happy with the 250. For me, the 250 is a better choice than the 280. The 250 starts easier, has less hit, very little noise, and it didn't hurt that it was less money. Only negative is you can't run pump gas. I am running 102 unleaded race gas. Not a big problem in Nashville,Tn. I tried pump 91, race gas 98, 102, 105, 110 and 100LL avgas. 102 and 100LL (low lead) ran the same. Nashville small airports will not sell me avgas unless I have a airplane sitting there...I don't. But a friend does. I will stick to 102 race gas. Yup...I like it. Jeff
2017 Contact 250
- Thread starter Jeff B
- Start date
Rode the Contact today. It ran crappy and was hard to start, fouled a plug. New plug and re-adjust fuel screw for hot weather. It is back to normal. A note to future buyers. I replaced the 36 pilot with a 40. I think I can fine tune summer to winter with the 40. It needed to be leaned out today. Jeff
Jeff, I'm curious what the issue is with pump gas. I use ethanol free 92 pump gas and at my elevation (about 3300 ft) it seem to work fine. Is there a symptom I should look out for that will steer me towards race gas?
Are you still using the oem front sprocket? I read somewhere dropping 1 tooth in the front in addition to the black throttle tube is a great combo for the contact 250. I'm ordering the black throttle tube this week and might also get a new front sprocket.
Thanks!
Higher octane has slower burn. Some say higher octane burns richer. Lower elevation like Nashville Tenn, has higher oxygen density. That may be why my bike is lean with lower octane. I just could not jet it. 102 octane was about right. It was still lean at low rpm. The 40 pilot was about right. The 40 made it perfect at idle to low rpm but rich coming into the needle. I dropped the needle 1 clip. Perfect! I went to a 9 tooth front because it was better for the very tight turns we make. I can not explain oxygen levels scientificlly, but, it works for me. It runs perfect, starts easy, idles perfect. I might run a 45 pilot in colder weather. You are at higher elevation, 92 might be about right. Jeff
It has been a while. Any other ride reports from Contact owners? I richened the pilot to a 42. It starts better and has better off idle response. The lean pop on decal is completely gone. Spark plug looks good. Re-jetting is easy and no reason not to try. Check your jetting in a higher gear [4th]. Roll the throttle from idle and up. It should be smooth. I did a event. Rode the novice line. Had a blast. I would like to hear what other Contact owners have to say. Jeff
One year ride report. Been using it for trail work last couple of weekends. The seat is a big plus. I practice my trials skills in the back yard. Starts and runs great. No problems. Still find no need to upgrade anything. Some will say the tires. When riding the novice line, traction is not a problem. Skill is the problem. (we don't do splats nor boulders) I am thinking about cutting an inch or so off each end of the bars. Is there any reason not to? I am surprised I don't see much more about the Contact. Anyone hear any chatter about the Contact ES?
Dirt Dud
Platinum Level Site Supporter
Jeff glad you are liking your trials / trail bike I am just getting back into the dirt again and it is my trials bike bringing me back ! I have always run 102 plus in my trials bikes they just run crisper .
Cardona Daniel
New member
Gas Gas Contact es 250
Hello To all.
I'm new here and I live in Malta, I'm looking for a light and trail capable bike to replace my CRF250L, currently i was set to get a Beta Alp 200 (
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktSVwkKil1E&t=1s ) it's a cross between a trial bike and trail. I always fancied a trial bike, incredibly light and capable machines but for some reason they all look intimidating for me.
Recently by luck I discovered that a Gas Gas dealer recently opened in the island and the first bike that came into my mind was the Randonne, unfortunately i discovered that these are not into production anymore, such a shame. the dealer instead had the new Contact Es (road legal ) complete with seat, needless to say i was impressed by it and it looked impressive, super light and very well made. after a minute tough doubts started to come, I ask the dealer if it's a handful to ride it on the road he immediately sad ''No, not at all'' then i asked him if it's capable to ride it at least at 80km/h and his response was '' yes of course, why it wouldn't'' then i really was asking myself if this guy is trolling with me or he really mean it.
i asked about road usage because in order to go to my favourite trails i need to get to the street first, some of them are least at 15km away, i asked also about fuel range and he told me for were i'm planning to go it won't be a problem but he didn't gave me a definite answer or the fuel range, worst case he told to carry some oil so when i get to the pump then i mix the oil into the tank when refuelling.
I'm also new to 2 stroke's so I'm worried if the Contact 250 would be too much for me, I'm afraid that the first twist of the throttle would end a flip over.
I also noticed and later discovered that the road legal version( maybe only here in EU) The bike comes with two exhaust manifold's and another carburettor, the manifold that came pre installed with the bike is for the Homologated setup which it comes black painted and it has some sort of flexible pipe and breather attached to it at the front but very unobtrusive and merely visible also the carburettor has something different but i didn't ask what, the guy at the shop didn't seem to be mechanical minded. the other manifold and carburettor are for a full power setup i assume.
So, my question is. what's the top speed of the Contact Es 250? can be ridden moderately without risking to blow up the motor?
what range I'm looking at with a 3.5 litre's of fuel?
If the radonne was still available I think i would have done the order u put my cash on the desk,why the hell gas gas stopped producing it?
I'm no expert rider when it come's to offroad but I would like to improve and with a light and trial capable machine i think I might double the fun and improve my skills, i got tired to the heaviness of the CRF and tall seat, I'm only 32 inch inseam so a low seat is very much preferred.
So should i stick with the plan of buying the Beta Alp or the Gas Gas might work for me? I spend 2 good days thinking about the Contact since I first laid my eyes on it and imagine how many more places i could go through with such a light machine but I think I may make a mistake to take it instead of the alp.
So I'm open for suggestions and thought's about it, any advice is welcome.
Kind Regards
Daniel
Hello To all.
I'm new here and I live in Malta, I'm looking for a light and trail capable bike to replace my CRF250L, currently i was set to get a Beta Alp 200 (
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktSVwkKil1E&t=1s ) it's a cross between a trial bike and trail. I always fancied a trial bike, incredibly light and capable machines but for some reason they all look intimidating for me.
Recently by luck I discovered that a Gas Gas dealer recently opened in the island and the first bike that came into my mind was the Randonne, unfortunately i discovered that these are not into production anymore, such a shame. the dealer instead had the new Contact Es (road legal ) complete with seat, needless to say i was impressed by it and it looked impressive, super light and very well made. after a minute tough doubts started to come, I ask the dealer if it's a handful to ride it on the road he immediately sad ''No, not at all'' then i asked him if it's capable to ride it at least at 80km/h and his response was '' yes of course, why it wouldn't'' then i really was asking myself if this guy is trolling with me or he really mean it.
i asked about road usage because in order to go to my favourite trails i need to get to the street first, some of them are least at 15km away, i asked also about fuel range and he told me for were i'm planning to go it won't be a problem but he didn't gave me a definite answer or the fuel range, worst case he told to carry some oil so when i get to the pump then i mix the oil into the tank when refuelling.
I'm also new to 2 stroke's so I'm worried if the Contact 250 would be too much for me, I'm afraid that the first twist of the throttle would end a flip over.
I also noticed and later discovered that the road legal version( maybe only here in EU) The bike comes with two exhaust manifold's and another carburettor, the manifold that came pre installed with the bike is for the Homologated setup which it comes black painted and it has some sort of flexible pipe and breather attached to it at the front but very unobtrusive and merely visible also the carburettor has something different but i didn't ask what, the guy at the shop didn't seem to be mechanical minded. the other manifold and carburettor are for a full power setup i assume.
So, my question is. what's the top speed of the Contact Es 250? can be ridden moderately without risking to blow up the motor?
what range I'm looking at with a 3.5 litre's of fuel?
If the radonne was still available I think i would have done the order u put my cash on the desk,why the hell gas gas stopped producing it?
I'm no expert rider when it come's to offroad but I would like to improve and with a light and trial capable machine i think I might double the fun and improve my skills, i got tired to the heaviness of the CRF and tall seat, I'm only 32 inch inseam so a low seat is very much preferred.
So should i stick with the plan of buying the Beta Alp or the Gas Gas might work for me? I spend 2 good days thinking about the Contact since I first laid my eyes on it and imagine how many more places i could go through with such a light machine but I think I may make a mistake to take it instead of the alp.
So I'm open for suggestions and thought's about it, any advice is welcome.
Kind Regards
Daniel
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memphis2857
New member
The Contact is a trials bike first and everything else 2nd. The seat is a novelty and horribly uncomfortable to ride in the seated position. 80kmh is going to have that bike screaming and you wouldn’t want to do it for more than a few seconds. It sounds like that is not the bike you are looking for. Just my opinion though
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Cardona Daniel
New member
so if i can't reach 80km/h then for what' speed it's intended to do on the road since they come road legal?
similar bikes like the Ossa explorer, scorpa TY, montesa 4 ride? are they all the same as the contact?
similar bikes like the Ossa explorer, scorpa TY, montesa 4 ride? are they all the same as the contact?
memphis2857
New member
I have no idea why they make them road legal. Here in the states they do no such thing. I always figured it was just some Euro workaround so they can sell them in a certain market.
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memphis2857
New member
I am in no way putting the Contact down. I recently rode one at a trials event and it was a ball of fun. I just can’t see where having one a a primary trail bike would be much fun. And I especially wouldnt want to ride one on the street. It’s just not what they are intended for
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Cardona Daniel
New member
I know it's no street motorcycle but to be able to ride on the street so you can go to your preferred trails without the need of using a trailer sounded good to me.
Cardona Daniel
New member
with a 37 inch seat height? .....naahh
Top speed is not for hwy use. If I were to guess 50 mph? Second of all, the seat is great until you plan on using it. Bouncing down the trail while seated, the rear mount on the seat broke. I was able to modify it and make it MUCH stronger. The clip inside the seat is no longer used. The seat base at the rear is too thin to be strong. The Contact is a real trials bike. A beginner will not find any short comings. Ridding the "3" line, the Contact is more that enough for any rider. Experts will not find any problems in the "3" line. As you get better, you will most likely find things to be changed...tires? If you can out ride the Contact, get a better bike. I love my 2017. One word of warning. Check on overheating of any trials bike. They just don't have enough cooling system for long, steady rides. Good luck.
I went to a Ryan Young Trials clinic last week. When he was setting up everyone's bikes he mentioned my front suspension on my Contact 250 was very slow in both directions "like Molasses". He said it would just require a little more effort to do some things. He did not seem to have any problems wheelies and nose wheelies and read wheel hops on it.
I have not done anything to the suspension at all. I did buy the bike new so I don't think there would be too much oil in the forks.
Has anyone changed the fork oil yet? Do you recommend just sticking with 5w oil and 160mm air chamber for oil level? Is there anything else I can do to speed up the front suspension?
I have not done anything to the suspension at all. I did buy the bike new so I don't think there would be too much oil in the forks.
Has anyone changed the fork oil yet? Do you recommend just sticking with 5w oil and 160mm air chamber for oil level? Is there anything else I can do to speed up the front suspension?
Wow I totally forgot I posted about the slow fork movement here. I do really like the Contact. I am still struggling to get better. I am not anywhere close to outriding the contact. My friend I used to ride with had a stroke and can't ride anymore so that adds to my struggle. Its definitely harder to push myself when I ride by myself.
I will try some lighter weight oil and see how it goes.
