from ktm to gas gas

[chchnick]

hi guys,

have switched from a ktm 450 to a brand new gas gas xc 300 (currently on its way to my local dealer).

just a few questions for you guys,

Who do you use for accessories? cheap to ship in to nz or local? im after a decent bash plate and rad gaurds.

Oils, do you stick to gro or other brands? im used to motul and motorex.

Finally, the best way to run in the new 300? heat cycles or the new trend im hearing? Thrash it of the stand?

Cheers

Nick

 

[Jakobi]

This and that.

Use whichever fluids you have available (quality of course). Mix at a healthy ratio (you determine). Jet the bike up (much reading). Enjoy it!

I use a bit of heat cycle and thrashing. Quick start and light ride to check for coolant leaks etc. Then load the engine up. It'll let you know when it wants to rev.

 

[Simmo737]

It's a tough dirtbike that needs about the same attention as your KTM. THe biggest thing you will notice apart from the missing 2 strokes is the chassis. The kato has a steeper steering head angle which combined with a lack of squat from the pds system makes for a quick turning bike through the bars but feels a bit less stable in ruts and berms and at pace. You'll think the gg turns sloppy until you realise that it turns as good without massive human weight transfer just like a jap bike, then you'll get your head round why this is a great bike. Cheers.

 

[bkwdc]

Steel and aluminum have different expansion rates. I'm a fan of introducing the two through heat cycles. Two or three should seat things up nicely. I also think that smoothing out all the new sharp edges is better done slowly. Plenty of time for flogging.

 

[chchnick]

cheers guys, some good info. still hunting around for some good deals on bash plate and rad gaurds

 

[Jakobi]

Stock bashplate is alright, or so I think. I prefer it to the aluminium force one I used on a 2010 model.

I've always liked carbon pipe guards. Balance between weight and some level of protection - of course they aren't indestructable. I've use P3, but would recommend the propower units (they are a site sponsor, and Aussie product).

Few good rad guards around. I'll let others chime in on that. I'm using Force, but I'm sure better are around (also site sponsors).

 

[chchnick]

the stock skid plate is ok, but id like some protection for the water puup cover etc. i see most guys use the carbon pipe gaurds. the force braces seem ok but how do they hold up on side impct?

 

[chchnick]

Went for a quick run in today, three heat cycles. Checked fluids etc. Will go out again tomorrow and one light ride, then will open her up. Feels like a nice bike, a bit more time and we will be inseparable.

 

[(F5)]

Sadly Linton at DAS is no longer a GG dealer but go see him if you want suspension work or anything other than genuine parts he is still keen and a font of knowledge.

 

[swazi_matt]

I have used the axp and the Hyde sump guards and of the two I would say the Hyde is better (once you have done the tweaking required for all Hyde products) protection is similar and it lasts well

I would however really like to give the TM one a try

 

[tonyraft]

If you ever break the plastic sub frame I have an unwanted one

 

[chchnick]

Awesome, did you swap out an alloy one?

 

[zeuszuki]

Went for a quick run in today, three heat cycles. Checked fluids etc. Will go out again tomorrow and one light ride, then will open her up. Feels like a nice bike, a bit more time and we will be inseparable.

Looks like you are from ChCh as well, should hook up some time for a skid. I usually hit up McCleans Island network.

 

[chchnick]

yup sure am, dont usually do mcleans anymore. find it quite lacking in so many ways. we do most of the organised trail rides and black ride in greta valley.
if tht sounds like you give me a buzz

 

[2taddict]

the stock skid plate is ok, but id like some protection for the water puup cover etc. i see most guys use the carbon pipe gaurds. the force braces seem ok but how do they hold up on side impct?

All the bikes I have bought new I have put a few hours on them then ridden them how I want to ride them. That way you can find any flaws while it is still under warranty. Change the oil though and keep check of what's coming out.
Then take it for its first service but shhhhhh!

 

[tonyraft]

Awesome, did you swap out an alloy one?

Yes I bought my bike when living in USA , gofasters doing good deal on changing it out so was a no brainer

 

[chchnick]

All the bikes I have bought new I have put a few hours on them then ridden them how I want to ride them. That way you can find any flaws while it is still under warranty. Change the oil though and keep check of what's coming out.
Then take it for its first service but shhhhhh!

ive put 1.5 hours on it in cycles. the last 15 min i rode it how i would have my 450. shes a screamer

 

[chchnick]

Fitted the force guards, not too bad of a fit. Only issue is that the top rad shroud mount doesn't go all the way home into the rubber grommet as the guards are a fraction too wide and push the centre of the shrouds out. No biggie really

 

[Jakobi]

You can replace the gromets with tighter ones, but best bet is simply to reshape/trim the plastic fin on the inside of the shroud. If you have a look you'll see where it contacts the guard.

Just out of curiosity, on the force you received, did they still use the oem rubber gromet with brass insert to mount the shroud, or have they tapped the guard itself?

 

[chchnick]

You can replace the gromets with tighter ones, but best bet is simply to reshape/trim the plastic fin on the inside of the shroud. If you have a look you'll see where it contacts the guard.

Just out of curiosity, on the force you received, did they still use the oem rubber gromet with brass insert to mount the shroud, or have they tapped the guard itself?

Still using the factory plastic insert, I'll trim the inner ribs of shroud even though I gate filing or trimming new parts but I'm pretty fussy.

Other issue is the clutch needs a bleed as it goes spongy on the lever and clutch is still partially engaged with the leaver pulled in causing the bike to stall out. Was going to bleed it myself but the dealer wants to do it as it's brand new, shouldn't be fixing up set up issues etc.

On a side note, my brother has a 14 factory replica with the rieger rear, the stock spring is too light for him (roughly 90-95kg) what rate Springs are available for that shock? Hard to get here in nz.