Any 07 2 strokes in the US yet?
- Thread starter ScottyR
- Start date
Leon_gasgas
New member
Hi!
I got enough of my MC250 '05 and mainly its 4-speed gearbox (doesn't fit at all in hard enduro conditions) and I just bought a '07 EC250. The difference is unbelievable. The factory has really improved the bikes for this year. It reminds me in many ways of my old '98. It is just lighter (at least when driving), with better ergonomics and suspension (I kept my old wheels and my Ohlins fork and the dealer kept the new parts for the MC in order to agree on the price). The Sachs shock felt just like the Ohlins. The improved power delivery (very snapy) is super easy to control. It is really up to you how much power is transfered to the rear wheel. I did't feel any need to use the "cloudy" mode even though I was on iced paths.
Glen, at least try one '07 (The full on EC, not DE or XC..), before you decide on the fourstroke. I don't think there is any better and easier enduro machine on the market.
Leon
http://www.gasgasrider.org/gallery//showphoto.php?photo=585&limit=recent
I got enough of my MC250 '05 and mainly its 4-speed gearbox (doesn't fit at all in hard enduro conditions) and I just bought a '07 EC250. The difference is unbelievable. The factory has really improved the bikes for this year. It reminds me in many ways of my old '98. It is just lighter (at least when driving), with better ergonomics and suspension (I kept my old wheels and my Ohlins fork and the dealer kept the new parts for the MC in order to agree on the price). The Sachs shock felt just like the Ohlins. The improved power delivery (very snapy) is super easy to control. It is really up to you how much power is transfered to the rear wheel. I did't feel any need to use the "cloudy" mode even though I was on iced paths.
Glen, at least try one '07 (The full on EC, not DE or XC..), before you decide on the fourstroke. I don't think there is any better and easier enduro machine on the market.
Leon
http://www.gasgasrider.org/gallery//showphoto.php?photo=585&limit=recent
Last edited:
prk03
Gold Level Site Supporter
I was waiting for the article on the 250wr in cycle news to help me decide which bike to buy. I was not overly impressed with the results so it looks like the GasGas 250 will be my new bike. I was leaning towards the ohlins shock but maybe the sachs is just as good. It was difficult to decide between
2t or 4t. I have not ridden a GasGas before but by all accounts it seems the perfect enduro/trail bike. I am one of the KDX guys ready for a change and want top notch forks/shock. I am a ok rider but my main goal is to finish enduros with me and bike in one piece. Any further comments or suggestions from anyone.
2t or 4t. I have not ridden a GasGas before but by all accounts it seems the perfect enduro/trail bike. I am one of the KDX guys ready for a change and want top notch forks/shock. I am a ok rider but my main goal is to finish enduros with me and bike in one piece. Any further comments or suggestions from anyone.
GMP
Active member
I don't care what any of the mags say (except maybe Trail Rider). I listen to other riders who can evaluate a bike and above all my own opinion. Its not a question of what bike is better or not, its whats better for the individual at that point in their riding career. Sometimes less is more. If GG had a competitive, reliable 250F at a reasonable price, it would be a no brainer.
I've been on GGs since '00 except for a short time on a Cannondale. It will be a natural progression from a KDX. I came off KTMs and instantly improved once I realized how suspension is supposed to work. The Sachs shock is fine, if I go GG thats what I'll get.
I've been on GGs since '00 except for a short time on a Cannondale. It will be a natural progression from a KDX. I came off KTMs and instantly improved once I realized how suspension is supposed to work. The Sachs shock is fine, if I go GG thats what I'll get.
GMP
Active member
Loaded with street legal junk I don't need, making it heavy as well. Plus, it has a lot of the EPA crap the WR has anyway. The TC is nice but no e-start, 19" wheel, and I suspect would need an immediate revalve(for rocks). It will be much eaiser setting up the WR than stripping the TE.
REVERUP
Gold Level Site Supporter
GMP I thought I would throw in my 2 cents on the bike debate as I have recently rode my first Late model WR 250F. It was an 05 still with the cromoly frame. The bike was basically stock besides being uncorked ( CRD exhaust) grey wire and air box mods and minor suspension mods based on someone a bit lighter than me.This bike is Paul Neffs sisters bike.
Scott Neff, Paul's dad, also swears by the reliability of these small bore 4 stokes, and this is also his weapon of choice,although his is an 04 model. He also states the valves don't need adjustment all the time like other makes, they stay put. The bike was offered to me for a day, since my Gas Gas was torn apart down to the frame in Les's shop.They wanted to go out the next day after Paul's 6 days party, to Capitol Forest to do some trail clearing and riding. We had a real bad wind storm here and many trees went down.
So anyways, I must say I'm not a 4 stroke guy. Actually pretty much anti 4 stroke. Well this ride opened my eyes to how technology has improved the 4 stroke. Probably my biggest problem with 4 stroke motors is engine braking.I hate engine braking. This bike had virtually none. This was a very welcomed surprise! The motor had all kinds of torque power but being in the right gear was much more important than on my Ec 300, which is a lazy man's machine.The bike made me feel fast. I must have liked it cause at one point of the day Paul said to me " you ride that bike good" That made me really think, this coming from a 6 days gold medalists. He also let me ride his new YZ 450F stock, geared up with a fly wheel weight, but thats a whole other story.
If you rode the 250F in the higher rpm range it rewarded you, but still didn't tire you like some larger bores will do to you. A much more smooth delivery, which was very evident on the sloppy slick red clay of Capitol Forest.This bike felt light and flickable and went where you wanted it to.Handling wise, It felt about like my Gas Gas but didn't quite have the same ability on super tight turns like my Gas Gas, but what does! That could be due to the suspension set up of that particular WR.
The magic start button was pretty cool for the off and on sections where we had to remove trees. Fit felt comfortable for my 6 foot 200 pound frame.And even with the aftermarket exhaust, the exhaust note wasn't to loud. It passes NMA race sound tests here regularly.
After a full day of riding this bike I have a new appreciation for 4 strokes. The WR in particular. I would buy definitely buy one after talking with Scott about reliability issues, which he says as long as you do the regular oil changes and filter changes they are very, very reliable, unlike some of the horror stories we all hear about other brands of small bore 4 strokes.
I totally understand why your thinking about making the switch. I could race one of these and be very competitive on it in the woods and tight stuff. Which here in Washington is the majority of our races. Only about 5 out of 20 being super fast races in the desert or dry lake bed. I'm thinking about getting my wife a new bike. I'm sure it will probably be a WR. That will be a win win for me. I can ride the WR more, And test to see if my times are quicker on the small bore 4 and she gets a new bike and spoils me for a season! Good luck on your decision I hope what ever you chose is the right bike for you. Bikes these days are so darned expensive making the right choice is important. To have to turn around and sell it cause its just not the one, hurts the pocket book.
So there you have it my 2 cents. Later, Roscoe
Scott Neff, Paul's dad, also swears by the reliability of these small bore 4 stokes, and this is also his weapon of choice,although his is an 04 model. He also states the valves don't need adjustment all the time like other makes, they stay put. The bike was offered to me for a day, since my Gas Gas was torn apart down to the frame in Les's shop.They wanted to go out the next day after Paul's 6 days party, to Capitol Forest to do some trail clearing and riding. We had a real bad wind storm here and many trees went down.
So anyways, I must say I'm not a 4 stroke guy. Actually pretty much anti 4 stroke. Well this ride opened my eyes to how technology has improved the 4 stroke. Probably my biggest problem with 4 stroke motors is engine braking.I hate engine braking. This bike had virtually none. This was a very welcomed surprise! The motor had all kinds of torque power but being in the right gear was much more important than on my Ec 300, which is a lazy man's machine.The bike made me feel fast. I must have liked it cause at one point of the day Paul said to me " you ride that bike good" That made me really think, this coming from a 6 days gold medalists. He also let me ride his new YZ 450F stock, geared up with a fly wheel weight, but thats a whole other story.
If you rode the 250F in the higher rpm range it rewarded you, but still didn't tire you like some larger bores will do to you. A much more smooth delivery, which was very evident on the sloppy slick red clay of Capitol Forest.This bike felt light and flickable and went where you wanted it to.Handling wise, It felt about like my Gas Gas but didn't quite have the same ability on super tight turns like my Gas Gas, but what does! That could be due to the suspension set up of that particular WR.
The magic start button was pretty cool for the off and on sections where we had to remove trees. Fit felt comfortable for my 6 foot 200 pound frame.And even with the aftermarket exhaust, the exhaust note wasn't to loud. It passes NMA race sound tests here regularly.
After a full day of riding this bike I have a new appreciation for 4 strokes. The WR in particular. I would buy definitely buy one after talking with Scott about reliability issues, which he says as long as you do the regular oil changes and filter changes they are very, very reliable, unlike some of the horror stories we all hear about other brands of small bore 4 strokes.
I totally understand why your thinking about making the switch. I could race one of these and be very competitive on it in the woods and tight stuff. Which here in Washington is the majority of our races. Only about 5 out of 20 being super fast races in the desert or dry lake bed. I'm thinking about getting my wife a new bike. I'm sure it will probably be a WR. That will be a win win for me. I can ride the WR more, And test to see if my times are quicker on the small bore 4 and she gets a new bike and spoils me for a season! Good luck on your decision I hope what ever you chose is the right bike for you. Bikes these days are so darned expensive making the right choice is important. To have to turn around and sell it cause its just not the one, hurts the pocket book.
So there you have it my 2 cents. Later, Roscoe
GMP
Active member
Roscoe,
Thank you, that was a very accurate assesment IMO.
My friend with the '07 WR has another son with an '03 WR. I have ridden this a few times. It has a pipe and the "free mods", and feels pretty good in the rocks and technical stuff. It actually feels lighter than it is, even though its tall, probably because its so user friendly. I run a trials tire on my GG. I hopped on this 250F with a half spent knobby and expected to fight it. Wrong! The bike hooks up so well. Now, the '07 is a major leap from the '06 and certainly the '03. Feels lighter picking it up, and feels way lighter riding it. I cant comment on steering because it was brand new and the sag was not even set. I don't expect it to cut like the GG, but I do suspect it will be more stable in the rocks at medium to higher speeds. Even the '03 felt very planted, gave you confidence. The kid overalled his class at the last race on that bike, in a nasty mountainside mud fest that sent better riders packing at the first gas. He credits the bike and its adequate but non-tiring power.
I will give an honest opinion once I ride the '07 fully uncorked and setup.
Thank you, that was a very accurate assesment IMO.
My friend with the '07 WR has another son with an '03 WR. I have ridden this a few times. It has a pipe and the "free mods", and feels pretty good in the rocks and technical stuff. It actually feels lighter than it is, even though its tall, probably because its so user friendly. I run a trials tire on my GG. I hopped on this 250F with a half spent knobby and expected to fight it. Wrong! The bike hooks up so well. Now, the '07 is a major leap from the '06 and certainly the '03. Feels lighter picking it up, and feels way lighter riding it. I cant comment on steering because it was brand new and the sag was not even set. I don't expect it to cut like the GG, but I do suspect it will be more stable in the rocks at medium to higher speeds. Even the '03 felt very planted, gave you confidence. The kid overalled his class at the last race on that bike, in a nasty mountainside mud fest that sent better riders packing at the first gas. He credits the bike and its adequate but non-tiring power.
I will give an honest opinion once I ride the '07 fully uncorked and setup.
cladoo
Site Sponsor
The February issue of Cycle Canada has a test of the '07 EC300 (that I set up). The test is a comparison of the GG against a Husaberg 550. They tested the bikes out here in AB. There are some great photos (thanks Trudy) and a good evaluation. The only gripe was that the suspension was too soft for North American riding. I will try to copy it and post it if I can.
Claude
Claude
"07" EC 300 is awesome!!!
Thanks to Bob at N.T.M I bought a brand new 07 EC 300 and it goes just as expected, I also have a "99" EC 250 that I have owned for the last 5 years. These are in my mind the best enduro bikes made, it handles so well. anyway Kudos to the Gas Gas team that brings us such great bikes!!
Thanks to Bob at N.T.M I bought a brand new 07 EC 300 and it goes just as expected, I also have a "99" EC 250 that I have owned for the last 5 years. These are in my mind the best enduro bikes made, it handles so well. anyway Kudos to the Gas Gas team that brings us such great bikes!!
