Any 07 2 strokes in the US yet?

[ScottyR]

I am curious to see what the 2007 US Spec DE/EC models look like and how they are configured. Has anyone seen one or better yet, does anyone OWN one that they would like to give a ride review on?

Do they have lights? If not, do they have a lighting coil to hook lights up to? I would like to hear a real report of a DE and an EC ridden back to back.

Thanks
Scott

 

[Boomhauer]

Go Fasters had 2 at the LMS Race here in Tx. I would give Mark or Steve at Go Fasters a call. I can say 1st hand that the 07's are NICE!

 

[Berkyboy]

All of the 07s we recieved have EC ignitions with MX number plate, LED taillight, GasGas Pipe, GasGas muffler (not a spark arrestor), and o-ring chain.

At Six Days this year I didn't hear of any issues other then some riders struggled a little getting used to the new quick change airfilter (it takes a little getting used to.)

The new subframes are the biggest improvement and the new platics make this bike a real looker.

 

[42GEORGE]

I have seen and ridden an 07, it has a new subframe, rear fender/side panel setup (very similar to the ktm) new air box and seat. This was all done to improve the handling of the bike which I've heard is quite impressive but I only got to ride one in a parking lot. As for the looks, it finally looks like it belongs in this decade!! Oh and there is no headlight but the wiring is there.

George
05 de300

 

[Nick]

Try to get used to that quick change filter on the 450

 

[Tracy Fuller]

07 gasgas

We have 300s in stock now.I bought a 07 300,and will be riding it the 1st time Sat.I'll post opinion on the ride Mon.Tracy Fuller

 

[Tracy Fuller]

07 gasgas

Rode the 07 300 Sat.I'm not good at doing test reports,so here goes.We rode fast wooded doubletrack,technical singletrack at Brushy Mt Motorsports park.The 07 is the smoothest motor I have ridden.Does not have as much hit as my 05 DE,but i believe I can actually ride the bike faster.The suspension is great.I adjusted the sag,and did nothing else.I weigh 170 and race Sen.A .I have a 03,and a 05 300also.I believe the 07 is the best I've ridden.Tracy

 

[ScottyR]

Lets see some pics!!!

 

[GMP]

What I have heard is very positive and the bikes feel a lot more improved than they look.

 

[mr4736]

So, when are you going to pick your next bike, Glenn? I am kinda curious if you are going to switch brands.

 

[GMP]

Actually, I'm very close to picking up an '07 Yamaha WR250F. Vastly improved, outstanding build quality, and much lighter than I expected. It fits me perfect too, and at the price, I can afford to totally trim it out.

 

[Eric K]

Glenn,

Let us know how it goes after the honeymoon is over. My experience has been that 4 strokes are very nice when you first get them. Over time, they lose some of their appeal.

 

[gasgasman]

Over time, they lose some of their appeal.

Yeah, like right after the first top end job.

 

[GMP]

I've been the big 4-stroke route twice, so forget that. The 250F is another story. Its so easy to ride and go fast, and do it longer without getting tired. Eric, you don't race, and if I didn't, I'd be looking for maximum thrill factor. While I still love the GGs, I can't help but beleive that I can go faster on a slower bike. I'm closing in on 50 yrs old and I have to work harder just to keep the status quo, so maybe its time to step down in power. My best friend and good A rider who rides a KTM 520 may switch to a 125 this year, now thats a change!

The Yamaha is a good 250F. I did a lot of research including talking to Les who has had more than a few apart, and he agrees they they hold up very well with reasonable care. The guy I ride with with the '03 has had no issues and then valve clearance has not moved since new, thats 4 years. Personally I would do a cam chain, tensioner, and inspection every year, but a lot of guys don't. Maybe its because in the woods there not bouncing off the limiter all the time.

Anyway, I havn't bought it yet but its a leading contender. I want to ride the '07 completely uncorked and JD jetted first. I was absoloutely shocked at how light and snappy the bike felt, even with the soda straw exhaust insert. It felt lighter than my EC250.

'07 GGs (DEs) have yet to show up here.

 

[JTT]

I have a buddy with an '06 YZF250 and had the opportunity to ride it on an MX track this fall. So easy to ride, it's almost unfair. Very light feeling and smooth power delivery. Still couldn't hang with my EC250 on the freshly harrowed hills though and was very cramped for me (bars and position would help a lot). I do agree they are easier for sure...not convinced yet it will equate to lap times though, as it hasn't in several attempts I've made...feels faster though!!

I still hate the sound of them though.

Glenn, drop me an email or PM, I've been trying to track you down on another subject.

Joe

 

[GMP]

Joe,

Yeah, I wouldn't expect it to be as fast as the GG, but thats the point. It may make me a better rider because of that. The big hills here are so covered with big rocks, as are the more open trails, that the added horespower of a 250 2-stroke is no advantage. Most of the time its pick your way up in 2nd gear, speed and momentum are not an option. Where I can see the GG would be an advantage is in the sand, but I only do a few of those a year now anyway. Also, the 250F guys say its no problem once you get used to reving the bike more, as the power is just spread out. I'm not crazy about the sound either but wouldn't run a loud pipe. Nothing is more obnoxious than a 440 Cannondale at 11K+ RPM, with the open can and short header. I used to ride with ear plugs.

I can't prove it as I didn't weigh the bikes, but the GG feels heavier. I will try to weigh the '03 EC250 and the '07 WR250 on the same scale. Like I said it surprised me. As far as ergos I like compact bikes, I'm only 5'9" so it feels perfect.

 

[Tracy Fuller]

Glen,I just bought a 07 Gasgas EC 300.If your looking for smooth no hit power,this could your bike.I have about 4 good rides on it now,and it runs very very smooth.Not really like a 2 stroke.My 05 De would prpbably smoke it in a drag race.But//I believe I can ride it faster in the woods because I can maintain my speed better,and the bike handles better also.I also race,mostly harescrambles,and I try to not waste energy,which I believe a real fast bike can cause you to do.I had a friend say It reminded him of a 250 four stroke.Just my thoughts.Tracy

 

[GMP]

Tracy,

Thanks, I'm still kicking it around. Probably make a decision in a few weeks.

I always avoided the 300s because of the instant off idle pull. Yes, they are smooth through the range, but they are strong and yank immediately when twisted.

Looking back, I think I overbuilt my 250. It ran great off the bottom but was a bit too strong in the mid sometimes. With all the work I did I think the FMF pipe was too much and a Doma, Messico, or GG pipe would have smoothed things out a bit more.

 

[cdn280]

I found the instant off idle pull was way more controllable with the slowest G2 throttle tube. (#400)

 

[GMP]

I had the G2 in my 250 and it was great, but the bike still pulls strong, with just slightly less twist.

My friend who has the '07 WR250 bought my old '03 EC250 for his son, so I have the opportunity to compare them back to back, in some of the nastiest terrain you can imagine. Once the WR is properly set up and uncorked, I'll compare and ride both, and make the call.

Someone else weighed their '07 WR250 on a shipping scale. Set up like my GG with all guards, damper, computer in billet guard, HD tubes, ready to ride, bike weighed in at 245 lbs. Not bad, and I have a few ideas to drop even more weight and move some lower in the chassis.