EC300 which year to buy?

[(F5)]

Ok so I’ve been very happy with my ‘02 EC200. Much prefer it to the EC250s I’ve ridden (Too aggressive for a muppet like me).

But I made the mistake of riding a mate’s EC300 (think 08 or 09 with ohlins & flywheel weight). That was easy to ride & didn’t feel like a big bike.

Ok so I’m saving money, I’m not going to afford new, here in New Zealand the new ones are a bit dear for my budget.

So my question is; which year is best bang for buck?

2006 = Blue & Ohlins shock.

Later models went Red & most with Sachs from erm 08?. When did the dual ign switch become std?

I’ve kind of been warned off the Six Days versions as being super aggressive on power & hard on suspension (from an older year 300 owner).

Are there any other changes or would a low mileage 06 be as good a bet as an 09? (which I just might stretch to).

Should I (can I?) swap my Ohlins over?

 

[roostafish]

The '05 got the dual map ignition and new frame. '07 got the new subframe and plastic. As far as I know, '07-'08 are the same, with the '09 getting a Sachs fork instead of the 'Zoke Shiver.

A low hours bike of any year is probably pretty good.

 

[gg3]

Look around for an ISDE model 07 I think.Had the Ohlins forks & shock,race pipe & tinkered with by the GasGas factory guys.

 

[biggstr6]

I haven't had alot of experience with different year gasgas, but I got a 08 ec300 and its great . I'm 54 years old mid pack c rider in hare scrambles.

 

[(F5)]

Look around for an ISDE model 07 I think.Had the Ohlins forks & shock,race pipe & tinkered with by the GasGas factory guys.

Yeah I know a chap who bought one & preferred his older 300 for the power & he is a pretty gun rider. Had to revalve the suspension as was waay too harsh as set up for experts. I'm no Chris Birch. His has Mazzoc forks, Ohlins is an option.

thanks for answers so far guys.

So what was the subframe change?

 

[EtienneNZ]

There is a Mint looking 2005 EC300 on TradeMe for $4500.00. Looks like a very nice deal if you are keen. Got Ohlins and nice pipe. LOL, just checked as I was typing this - its SOLD

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dirt-bikes/auction-316138427.htm

 

[(F5)]

Ohh bargain.

There’s an 06 waay down in the ‘Gill that’s been on for ages at $5k. I have that much but waiting for some more to come in ‘cause there’s some of that earmarked just in case.

 

[biggstr6]

You could call Halls ,they had a new 08 ec300 on their site for $4999.00 I think. Don't know if its still there or not.

 

[jeffs2200]

You do not list where you are from so this may not be helpful.

Bill at Motoworks in Grand Prarie Tx. has a brand new 09 300 he would make a good deal on.

I am guessing from your post you may be from Aus, or NZ.

 

[dank]

he says "here in new zealand", therefore i would assume he is from new zealand

 

[jeffs2200]

Woops, I missed that part.

 

[biggstr6]

woops , me too.

 

[(F5)]

Hmm, I'm sure I had location on my profile, seems to have fallen off so I've re added it.

Any thoughts on the Sachs vs Ohlins & whether I can swap them over from an '02? ie: does anyone know if they are the same fitment of Ohlins between the years?

 

[bchatt]

There was a change to the rear shock length around 05- 07. I know, that's a bit vague! There will be someone here that can clarify that.
What I am trying to say is from 07 on, the handling improved over the older years. I have an 07 which I love, a friend has an 05 which I hate - feels like the steering angle is a lot steeper than mine - well that's how it feels to me.
Mine has Marzocci forks, which, after some tinkering, I am very happy with. It has a sachs shock, which blew apart at 50 hrs, was repaired under warranty (known problem with some of these sachs shocks - read LTR site) and has been fine since - now 130 hrs.
While Ohlins have a certain "aura" about them, I believe the marzoccis are ( or can easily be made to be) very good forks for our conditions.
I wouldn't be too worried about swapping anything!