Editor's opinion
A couple years ago DR published a 300 comparo that didn't include GasGas. I whined to Jimmy Lewis about it. here is my letter and his answer: (Remember a couple years or so ago, like late 2011)
Dear DR:
In the spring I'm planning on buying a 300, so I was ecstatic when your
cover advertised a 300cc comparison. And the contents page stoked me
even more when I read "the top three 300cc two strokes". But alas, when
I turned to page 56 and found not two but THREE KTM products I threw
your magazine across the room. I now apologize for the terrible things I
said about you, and my wife has since taken me off self-harm monitoring
and given me my pocket knife back. But really, what gives? Did you miss
Erzberg this year? Dougie Lampkin took second (that's 2nd place) (edit: actually it was third) on a GasGas 300. And that was on an injured ankle. If that race doesn't prove the Gasser as a tough 300 I don't know what does. The bottom line is I would like to have ANY of the new 300's, but I have a 30 inch inseam, and the GasGas advertises a shorter seat height. So that is where I'm leaning. But I would have loved to hear your opinion on on the pros and cons of the newest Gasser and how it compares to the KTM 300 products.
BTW, I'm not mad at you anymore, and I hope you forgive me.
cheers
eric
Jimmy's reply:
Eric,
We intended to have all the 300s in that comparison. Gas Gas did not
have 2012s yet, TM was between shipments of bikes and the 300 Husky has
not changed and it would have been slaughtered in weight feel,
suspension performance and hard starting. So we just focused on what we
had and what we knew. In reality for most riders, these are the three
best choices for a number of reasons including dealer networks and parts
availability. But that is not to say that the Gas Gas could not
challenge any one of these bikes for the right rider. In the past I have
preferred the Gas Gas over the KTM until just recently. I liked the way
the Gas Gas handled, the six-speed gear boxes and the style of the power
deliver on the GG, but I will have to confess, I have not ridden a new
one lately (I want to) and the KTMs have really improved in every area I
just listed off. I'm not sure about the shorter seat height version but
I can see where that is a concern for some riders and the ability of Gas
Gas to cater to a niche market is the advantage they have a s a smaller
manufacturer and it may just be the use of a shortened seat, a product
that is available from a number of aftermarket suppliers for KTM.
As for The Erzberg result, that is the rider. How do I know? I finished
Erzberg two times on a Gas Gas 250 so don't call me biased.
JIMMY
He inlcluded a pic of him at Erzberg but not sure if I can attach it. lets see