HELP! '08 ec300 OR '05 de250

[thelonius]

I'm about to pull the trigger on one of these bikes. I'm am just so tired of looking. My biggest concerns are suspension and power delivery. I have ridden an '05 ec300-the suspension was super plush. Is the suspension on the '08 ec300 (zokes/sachs) as plush as the '05 250 (43mm zokes/ohlins)? I see alot of guys seem to think the forks on the '08 are harsh. My '07 ec300 was perfect! Also, if the de has the snappier ignition/lighter flywheel will I be complaining about lack of bottom? I do like a wheelie machine. I am so conflicted, any insight would be helpful! BTW, the '08 is a much better deal...has alot more in aftermarket goodies including the R&B carb mod and G2 throttle. What are these worth? There is a $1500 price difference b/w these two bikes.

 

[gasser]

No contest go with the better deal. I just changed my 07ec250 to a 300 and love it. I like the larger ignition a lot better (especially on the 300). Any 300 will be a wheelie machine with a crisply tuned carb.

 

[MattR]

If the 300 engine appeals to you, then I would go with the '08 since it is the latest rear end design, more aftermarket goodies, and overall better deal. If you were going to convert the 250 to a 300, then you have to consider the cost of the cylinder, piston, etc.. For me, I would get the '08 and modify later as needed. Just my $0.02

 

[thelonius]

Thanks. That's (kind of) how I was thinking, but I would like to hear more about differences in suspension, too.

 

[GMP]

The '07+ with the new subframe is a significant improvement IMO. If the suspension is not to your liking on the '08 its just setup/valving. If you had and liked an '07 then you know the components are good.

 

[skid jackson]

if you don't like the de flywheel you can easily add a FWW. I added 10 oz to my 06 de 300 to calm it down a bit. I'd go with the 08 just cause its newer

 

[REVERUP]

I believe the 300 will satisfy you more.
You can ride it lazy a gear high and not stall. Or you can ride it on the pipe and let er rip. It does it all. The 08 is more updated, so this is a no brainier to me.

Roscoe

 

[wence]

That almost sounded like poetry for a bit then...

 

[thelonius]

Dang...you cats would make me lean towards the more expensive bike.

 

[keving]

FYI on some deals I have seen

There is a nice 08 EC300 for sale near you in Memphis (KTMTalk ad). I was interested in the bike but it is too far away for me to go. Lots of extras and a good deal at only $4900. That is about the most I would pay for a used GG. Unfortunatly, they just do not hold their value compared to some others.

There is a new EC300 available in Greenville, SC (Upstate Cycle) It is only $6000 new.

 

[thelonius]

OK guys...can anyone confirm similarities/differences b/w 07 and 08 ec300 suspension? I want plushness like my 07 was (prefer not to revalve, my 07 was not). I'm asking b/c it's alot more than I want to spend but it's also a good deal.

 

[keving]

In my opinion, if you are really concerned about the suspension, you will probably need to have a custom re-valve and maybe also re-sprung for your weight. Nothing hurts a riding experience more than improper suspension set-up.

I became a suspension snob from road racing, and I carry the knowledge from that over to the woods bikes as well. The biggest lesson I learned was, factory suspension is always a compromise between a wide range of riding types, riding styles, terrains, rider weights and the most important thing, cost. If you want to go faster, narrow the focus of the bikes handling traits down to your needs.

If you are really concerned about the suspension action, plan on spending $300-500 to have the bike set-up specifically for you and your type of riding.
When I start shopping for bike modifications, I would always spend the first (and typically the most) money on suspension and then protection.

 

[REVERUP]

That almost sounded like poetry for a bit then...

Ha Ha! That does have a bit of a rhyme twang to it. I didn't notice until you said something.

Well, when you ride the 300 it is like poetry in motion!

Roscoe

 

[thelonius]

ok...hope you cats are right. I'm getting the 300. Just talked to the guy tonight. If I get it home and it's not what I thought it would be, I will put it up for sale immediately and buy the de250 I was looking at. Afterall, the grass is greener on the other side, isn't it?

 

[roostafish]

You know why the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence? There's more poop (fertilizer) over there.

 

[thelonius]

Psyche.........I bought the 250. If anyone's interested, there's a killer deal on an '08 ec300 that is like new (10 hr) AND LOADED for $5500 in NC.