300 or a 250!???

[shaheeb]

I am trying to figure out what bike most prefer and why.

Lately I have been comparing a couple 2010 bikes: a 250xc by ktm and a 300ec by gas gas... and even a 2011 gasser ec250

i know its not a fair comparison with the KTM but I do know that I prefer a 250 motor than the 300 at this point, mainly because the 300 pulls much stronger and is harder to control in the slow tight riding areas we have.

we have been messing around with the jetting to get a smoother power but I am still not 100% stoked on the results, this could also be due to the stock suspension components, but mostly i think it is just the nature of a 300. The bike feels heavier than my ktm does and I ride it so much slower.

Could I buy a 250 cylinder and head? I didnt see any in the classifieds when looking.

Also, I dont think i can reuse my head since it was modded by RB designs for a 300 mill. we had the carb mods done at the same time as well.

I appreciate any input towards making this bike awesome and easier to ride.

For jetting we tried a few needles,

the cek, cck, jd blue, jd red--

so far all in the 3rd clip position
40 pilot
178 main
sea level to about 1500'
hot and humid temps

the red seemed to be the smoothest so far

 

[coopernicus]

Hello,

Please post some more details to help this site help you: What is your size and weight? Where do you ride with respect to altitude and temperature (average)? What are the characteristics of your terrain (average)? What is your honest assessmentof your riding ability? Do you plan to race? All of these details factor into the advice that could be given. I can't ride a 250 well to save my life and I can ride anything else (even smaller) faster. I'm on the bigger side (!) riding mountains at very high altitudes (up to 13,000 feet) and not racing so I prefer the 300.

Eric

 

[shaheeb]

Thanks Eric, Some vital stats are:

160lb rider w/o gear I'm 34 and have been riding two wheels since I was 6
altitude is mostly sea level up to about 2,000' on most rides
it is hot and humid here, hawaii...
speeds are typically 1st and 2nd, sometimes 3rd
lots of ruts, quick hillclimbs, off-cambers, dry river rock runs, trees and roots. when wet it is like slick ice...
I am running a 13/51 gear ratio
honestly ability wise I am an above average rider who cleans 95% of the hardest stuff
racing is not important but sometimes we ride like we are racing
i prefer lighter 2stroke small bore bikes because our trails are soo tight and I am a smaller guy. No 4 strokes here

Thanks

Rob

 

[EtienneNZ]

For the type of riding and your weight, I would seriously consider a 200 if I were you.

 

[gasgasnz]

I think standed gearing would help smooth things out for you? my 2011 300 with standed gearing, 180main, 38 pilot and jd red is super smooth, chuck on a trials tyre and you too will have found what I think is pretty much the holy grail

 

[Zeal]

Second vote for 200. Very few people can use the power of a 250 or a 300, especially if they are 160lbs.

Consider that the Canadian Enduro Champ for 2010 E1 class did it on a 150 2stoke and most of the time he was beating most of the E3 class. I know him (no super well) and I know that he is about 160lbs.

I don't think there is much reason to haul around a heavy motor that you don't use to its potential. You should get lots of power out of a 200 at the elevations you mentioned.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[noobi]

Im the same weight, although your probably a better rider, more experience. I ride and race a 200, I think any more engine and your just showing off really. I raced a 250 2t the other day, was probably slower than on my 200. I find the 200 is less likely to wick up and bite you in the ass than a 250/300, although it will still keep up if you really wind it open, especially at our weights 13:51 gearing, I saw 108km/h on the start straight of a xc a while back
I tried the ktm 200, and it was to sketchy for my liking, didnt track as well as the gg and being 125 based really wanted to be revved to the moon, which is counter productive to the kind of riding you like.

 

[stainlesscycle]

i have raced both a 200 and a 300. the real world main differences i've found is the 300 has it will climb anything in the wrong gear. it will pull the front end up easier. the 300 pulls harder from the wrong gear. you don't need to down shift as much. i ride 1 or 2 gears higher than i would the 200. i rarely ever really rev it out. at times it's a bit much any time the going gets tight. lotsa elevation changes here in wv, so the 300 works better for me in this situation. i like the way the 200 revs out a bit more - you can use all the power. on the 300 it seems like i'm trying to make a fire breathing beast, then tame it down so it's usable.

i ride the 300 totally different than the 200. i'm a bit heavier (190) and geared my 200 13/52 - it needs to be in the right gear on hill climbs, and you are a bit busier shifting, but the 200 is probably quicker in the really tight single track...

i have not ridden the 250 so i can't comment.

 

[GMP]

If you do the 250 conversion, have the head modded like on your 300 top end. remove the reed spacer. Get the JD kit and run the blue needle. This is how mine is set up. It will tractor just about as good as the 300 but will not bite you if you get sloppy. You can lug the 250 a gear high in the snot and stay hooked up, but it will come on the pipe and rev out quicker than a 300, but is still very controllable. I've ridden in Kauai and know what its like, too much power is the last thing you need.

I'll be getting a '12 and was thinking about a 300 for a change, but I'm still a bit hesitant knowing how well the 250s work.

 

[GasGas]

I just bought a 250 six days a month ago and don't really see the need for a 300. It's like a tractor on the hill climbs and does'nt seem to scare you like the 300. Lugs just fine. Infact i hit reserve on the last ride so I really luged it and it still worked fine. I was really surprized just how low it would lug. I use the rainy day switch alot too. What a great set up that is. Really tames it down when your in the snotty stuff.

 

[GMP]

I know what you mean, properly set up they grunt down to idle just fine. Top end is outstanding too. I recently raced a HS on a ski slope, big fast hills and a long slightly uphill start. I was 4th into the first turn in a field of mostly 450s, so yes its enough for sure. I've ridden 300s on occasion but always owned 250s. For most of the trailriding I do the 300 would be great, for racing though I like the 250 especially in the tight pines. I'd consider a 300 if I keep the 250.