GasGas History
- Thread starter MattR
- Start date
djroggen
New member
I was thinking that it would be cool if we could somehow compile photos of the different eras of GasGas bikes back into the 90's mainly. I don't think a thread like this would be the place but maybe in the photo galleries? The reason I bring this up is that I have a tough time finding photos of older GasGas bikes. I want to use some old bike graphics for inspiration for a new set of graphics.
djroggen
New member
Jim Cook
Platinum Level Site Supporter
My 2006 300 that was just stolen was a DE. In addition to what was posted, I would like to add:
The DE came with the MC frame (no steering head lock) and MC "Gold Series" Ohlins rear shock.
The "ignition map switchable" ignition came in during the middle of the 2005 year run, and came stock on the 2006 year model.
BTW, I still have paper parts books for the TM engined 1994 -1996 year models.
Don Knight formed South Eastern Gas Gas in 1997, later changed the name to Gas Gas North America, and was importing the '97 EC250 models. When we started Smackover Motor Sports in November of 1997, our first two bikes were the '97 EC250.
The only diference between the '97 & '98 EC250 was graphics, and the engine was carried 10mm lower in the frame on the '98 model, which made it easier to keep the front wheel on the ground.
Good Riding and History Lessons to You!
Jim
The DE came with the MC frame (no steering head lock) and MC "Gold Series" Ohlins rear shock.
The "ignition map switchable" ignition came in during the middle of the 2005 year run, and came stock on the 2006 year model.
BTW, I still have paper parts books for the TM engined 1994 -1996 year models.
Don Knight formed South Eastern Gas Gas in 1997, later changed the name to Gas Gas North America, and was importing the '97 EC250 models. When we started Smackover Motor Sports in November of 1997, our first two bikes were the '97 EC250.
The only diference between the '97 & '98 EC250 was graphics, and the engine was carried 10mm lower in the frame on the '98 model, which made it easier to keep the front wheel on the ground.
Good Riding and History Lessons to You!
Jim
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Dat dere Cookie Jim is a purty smart feller for a dumb Arkie.
Speaking of dumb Arkies, can I put 50mm WPs on my 01 XC? Would I need just clamps and forks from a 99 and use my front wheel, or would I need a complete front end with wheel? I like conventional forks for the rocks we have and I really like WP 50mms. Best forks I've ever felt. Kinda heavy, but worth it. They almost never blow fork seals, and they soak up everything. You can feel the weight a little when turning, but not a big deal.
Speaking of dumb Arkies, can I put 50mm WPs on my 01 XC? Would I need just clamps and forks from a 99 and use my front wheel, or would I need a complete front end with wheel? I like conventional forks for the rocks we have and I really like WP 50mms. Best forks I've ever felt. Kinda heavy, but worth it. They almost never blow fork seals, and they soak up everything. You can feel the weight a little when turning, but not a big deal.
Jim Cook
Platinum Level Site Supporter
Jeff,
You would need the correct triple clamp for the 50mm fork, and possibly need different wheel spacers and front axle. (not sure on the later without checking parts books) The wheel will interchange.
Is Fred going to be able to do your engine work, or did you find another bike?
Good Riding!
Jim
You would need the correct triple clamp for the 50mm fork, and possibly need different wheel spacers and front axle. (not sure on the later without checking parts books) The wheel will interchange.
Is Fred going to be able to do your engine work, or did you find another bike?
Good Riding!
Jim
Not sure yet. Probably look for another bike for awhile, just a good runner maybe rough shape? I'd like to find either a ec250 or 300 so I'd have the better lighting coil and woods valved suspension. I'v e looked at several on this site but they are all too far to go look at. If I don't find another bike in a few months I'll probably get mine fixed. I still have the old DRZ to ride. I might get the CRF 250 fixed as well, so I'll have time to find a good deal on another GG.
Gas Gas MC250 Introduction 1999
It is my understanding that the Gas Gas MC250 was introduced to North America in 1999. I am looking for information on an article that was written about the MC250 introduction, perhaps in Dirt Rider magazine. Does anyone have information on the issue or a copy of it?
Also, I may have the actual prototype Gas Gas MC250 from 1999. The picture in the article may be a clue to validating the providence of this bike. The VIN number ends in 975000 on the lower engine case but the frame and head stock tag reflect a 975001 serial #.
Any help would be extremely appreciated. Thanks.
Legacy
It is my understanding that the Gas Gas MC250 was introduced to North America in 1999. I am looking for information on an article that was written about the MC250 introduction, perhaps in Dirt Rider magazine. Does anyone have information on the issue or a copy of it?
Also, I may have the actual prototype Gas Gas MC250 from 1999. The picture in the article may be a clue to validating the providence of this bike. The VIN number ends in 975000 on the lower engine case but the frame and head stock tag reflect a 975001 serial #.
Any help would be extremely appreciated. Thanks.
Legacy
Jim Cook
Platinum Level Site Supporter
While you are correct concerning the 1999 to be the first year of the MC250, the article in Dirt Rider (I think it was February, '99.) was on the '99XC250 and the EC200, which were the first year models for both. I bought the EC200 test bike for the article the week after the test, and my youngest son, Brandon Butler, still rides that bike.
If the article says it was on the EC250, and not the XC, then bike was misrepresented in the article. That XC250 passed through my shop on it's way to a sponsored rider in Texas.
The numbers at the first of your vin # will tell you more than the numbers at the end, and yet they may not tell you what you want to know.
The numbers at the end of the frame vin number are "run numbers". Since the number ends in I would guess that your frame may be the first of it's run, since it ends in 001. What is your whole vin number on the frame?
Is your transmission a 4-speed?
Jim,
Thanks for the information. The VIN is *VTREC259811975001* on the head stock and again on a frame tag on the leading edge of the frame aft the front fender. There is a code on the botom of the engine on the kickstand side which is MC25-98 above
S 11975000 and it is a 4 speed. I was told the engine was sent back to Gas Gas for repair after a race and then placed back in the bike. Any additional information you can provide would be much appreciated. I will work on acquiring the Dirt Rider issue as well.
Legacy
Thanks for the information. The VIN is *VTREC259811975001* on the head stock and again on a frame tag on the leading edge of the frame aft the front fender. There is a code on the botom of the engine on the kickstand side which is MC25-98 above
S 11975000 and it is a 4 speed. I was told the engine was sent back to Gas Gas for repair after a race and then placed back in the bike. Any additional information you can provide would be much appreciated. I will work on acquiring the Dirt Rider issue as well.
Legacy
Jim Cook
Platinum Level Site Supporter
I'm curious about the frame.
Does the steering head of the frame have the steering lock on the side of it? The early model ECs had the lock, and your frame serial number identifies it as the frame for a 1999 EC250 (VTR"EC" = EC, "25" = 250, and the "9' in 259 denotes the year 1999).
Other than the having 50mm Marrazocci conventional forks instead of the 45mm, there was no difference in the chassis of the MC and EC, beside the loss of the steering head lock. (grasping for memories, here, but my son, Gabriel, says that his '99 MC250 4-speed had no steering lock.)
My son, Joshua, still rides his '99 6-speed MC250. (It was specially built for a sponsored MX rider by GasGas North America, my first US Importer of the enduro bikes.)
Rick
New member
I have that issue, it's the Dirt Rider test of the EC200, XC250 fown in Mississippi.... I burned a copy of it and posted it some place....
