97 Gas Gas EC250

[sacgas]

Hi - forgive me for my ignorance but I am looking at a 1997 EC250 this weekend with the intention of buying it and had a few questions. I am in California and have called a shop or two about parts availability (pistons/sleeves/cranks etc. and looking at the forums and the GASGAS site there seems to be enough information out there to be able to maintain a 00-09 bike but I havent found much at all on the older bikes. So my questions are.

Are there manuals out there for the 97-99 EC bikes (200/250/300)?

What are the big differences between this generation and the following? Ive noticed they went to inverted forks but otherwise it doesnt look to be any difference.

Hmmm...thats about it. Any information would be appreciated - it is either the 250 or a KDX and I am pretty torn between having parts and a vast poll of other KDX bikes to shop around vs. the one gas gas in California that I have to go 400 miles away to get parts (but have a better working bike as the compromise!)

 

[Rick]

I have a 99EC200 and parts are easy to come by. Go Fasters is an excellent source.

Good Luck

 

[roostafish]

The '97 is an excellent bike. It should have a counterbalancer in the engine, which is really sweet. The later ones don't. The only disadvantage that bike has over newer ones is the Marzocchi magnum 45 fork. The're fairly old school in design, and can tend to foul the fork seals if you don't change the oil frequently.

If you're ever offended by the forks, there are lots out there to swap to, but honestly, they're probably fine.

Another nice thing is the '97 has a great look, it's unique and very attractive in my opinion.

 

[sacgas]

Sounds like the motor/frame/electrical and most of the other bits and pieces are the same as the 00 and newer bikes then? I just want to be able to use the technical manuals available on the newer bikes on the 97 if needed (I havent found anything that says it covers the 97's)...the bike has dust covers currently so hopefully this doesnt become an issue (otherwise its a good reason to fit up some newer inverted forks!) I will keep up on maintenance and more then likly change the oil before I even get the bike out for good measure.

Anything else I should look for that could be a typical problem for these bikes (I know typical motorcycle stuff to look for and it doesnt seem like the gas gas has anything outside the typical)?


Thanks again - hopefully next weekend I will have something to report in the trails/rides section

 

[Loosenut]

Seeing that it's a '97, check out the foot peg mounts. They tend to crack over time. It's not anything a welder can't fix, but it happened to my '00 EC300.

 

[Cruiser]

Check which charging system it has... some 97's had the ducati energia which is basically what eline uses.. and this can be wired to run 140+ watts for some very good output.. If it still has the counterbalancer a major ++.. I have my 97 and dont ever want to get rid of her.. They are great bikes.. very reliable and very user friendly.. have fun riding the tight technical and muddy stuff with the CB!! Doesnt rev out as fast as a motocrosser,, but a great enduro mount.. And a Honda cr piston kit will fit in the older ones.. I'll have to check my paperwork to find the kit #..

 

[darren]

I have an 98 250, recently replaced the forks forks for shivers as i had major trouble bottoming out with no real adjustments on the compression side as the magnums have too much free bleed on the initial travel on compression.

I rebuilt my engine using a 03 technical manual, the only thing different is the counterbalance shaft which needs the gear nut lock in on using stud lock,

Enjoy!