Is GG just allot of hot air?

[roostafish]

I had read about Gas Gas in magazines and thought they were interesting before I got mine. What pushed me over the edge was riding on the same minute as a Gas Gas at an ISDE qualifier. I was on a Husky 125. We had a good time that day, and our minute had all odd bikes (GG, Husky, TM, Husaberg), it was fun. Anyway, after the finish, the guy with the Gas Gas insists that I ride his bike, an EC 250 (1997 model mind you, this was 1998). I rode it, and I was hooked. In love, needed one. He saw my grin when I came back, and said, "go ride the course out to the first special test, then come back down the gravel, ride it hard." I did. I enjoyed it and thought, wow, how am I going to get one of these? Fortunately for me, later that year, a shop in town picked up Gas Gas. That dealer called me and offered me a deal I couldn't refuse. Now I'm on my third Gas Gas. I bought this one used from our beloved webmaster, and frankly, it, as a 2001 model performs every bit as good as a newer one. I have not ridden the latest, but it's plenty good enough.

All that to agree. Demo rides sell bikes. I let people ride my bike all the time.

 

[hudson_hollow]

I was going to buy a KTM 300 until one of my buddies brought over a Gas Gas 300EC that he was considering buying. We put it on my 5 mile test loop and he wasn't sold but I was. I didn't want a used one though, so I bought an 04 300EC new. I still own it and may be temped to buy another soon, but why when it's the best bike I ever owned, anyway?

 

[AZRickD]

Take a look at the ThumperTalk or KTM Talk threads where they're talking about all the dealers going out of business.

I've lost track of the number of KTM dealerships in Phoenix which have been absorbed into the darkness.

If the "dealer" doesn't believe in the product enough to stock them, them why should I consider purchasing on?

I took advantage of the Gasser Brotherhood and made a detour in a planned trip to ride with the Houston boys. Prior to the test ride I was contemplating a 2007 KTM. After the test ride I bought a 2005 Gasser that is probably the equal of a 2009 KTM from a handling (turns faster _and_ more stable) and suspension (more compliant and better rear end) standpoint. The 2009 Gassers are even better.

We now have a GG distributor in Arizona (sales@cherrycreekmotorsports.com) who has been bending over backward to demo and sell EC250/300/450 bikes. He's sold six or seven (?) of them in the last several months and is negotiating setting up dealerships in very difficult economies.

I'll be keeping my 2005 for another year or so and then probably part it out. If past history is any indication, the forum regulars will scoop it up like a school of piranha on a ham hock.

What I buy next will depend on who fuel-injects the next 2T. If KTM does that and also figures out their rear suspension woes, Gas Gas better come up with the goods as well.

 

[twowheels]

Keep the Faith

I know they are working on a better dealer network.It is a tough sell to get dealers to go out and get a new line of bikes that most of the general public has never heard of.

I'm right now trying to figure out how to get a new bike basicly no dealers in Mi but that won't stop me.Can you say road trip if need be.

Silver, guys: I'm working with Dale right now on getting a dealership set up in Metro Detroit, largely because I found the same thing - dealers that hadn't had bikes for years, were out of business, never left the office to hit the trail ... stay tuned.

 

[Fred1956]

FWIW Again

My .02 worth. I rode KTM in the early 80's when they were the "odd guys" and now they're part of the "Big 5". For me there's something about the underdog that endears me. I loved my KTM, it was a grounbreaker, came with Fox Shok standard and, while there were not as many gizmos back then they made use of them. Magura, Fox etc. It appears to me that Gs Gas is following the same path and I like it.
As for the demo rides....YES !! I had the opportunity to meet Dale Malasek, the Gas Gas inporter, and Ray Calahan, a small dealer here in OK at a trials event in Oklahoma a couple of weeks ago. If these two guys are any indication of the dealer network/representatives that Gas Gas is building...They will make it.
I quit riding/racing off road/MX in '98 due to family concerns and have missed it tremendously. I recently "got the bug" again and started shopping for a used bike. I went hunting for a KTM 4t on a budget, tough task considering my budget now days.
Anyway I went to Oktobertest trials event a couple of weeks ago in southeast OK with my 'borrowed rides' (a DR200S & a CR230F) and did some spectating and trailriding with my 16 year old son.
I got the chance to ride a trials bike for the first time in my life, Thanks to Dale & 'Shak' and while I was doing that Ray comes over and offers me a ride on his '08 300EC. Now mind you, I'm 52, I'm riding in jeans and an open face helmet from my Harley with work boots on a 'street legal 200cc dual sport. Not a 'hard charging dressed to the teeth guy'. My son was using my riding boots, helmet etc from my '98 days of racing so I was making due.
Anyway I took the 300EC out for a 15 minute ride with instructions to "ride it like it was mine".
I'm hooked, while I may not be able to afford a new one I'm exploring ways to buy the '08 and searching for older ones. No more KTM hunting and no more 4t searches. I want a 300!
Small companies will work with you and treat you better. I hope they make it and I'm gonna do my part to help.
I guess that was more than .02 but hey sue me

 

[GMP]

Use the economy and lower resale to work for you, and pick up an awesome bike for a steal. There have been some killer deals here lately. '07 is still basically up to date. Good Luck!

 

[gasser]

There is no doubt that GasGas will succeed. Only GasGas and Husky have plans and expectations of growth in the US this year.

 

[300XCRider]

I really do hope they do well here in the US. MY local GG dealer is a small outfit also. i plan to go through him to get all my parts and accessories. I hope he can make it.

www.lynchburgtnchoppers.com

The local Jap bike dealer is on its 3rd owner in a span of about 4 years, and the KTM dealer is no longer in business.

 

[gasser]

I really do hope they do well here in the US. MY local GG dealer is a small outfit also. i plan to go through him to get all my parts and accessories. I hope he can make it.

www.lynchburgtnchoppers.com

The local Jap bike dealer is on its 3rd owner in a span of about 4 years, and the KTM dealer is no longer in business.

Bush Motosports (60 miles east of Nashville, TN) was just bought out by Norris Supercycle. The owner (Randall Norris) put KTM on the map in this area. He did it by being well stocked and giving great service. I expect he will do the same with gassers now that he has a GG dealership.
He's probably only a couple hours away from you.

 

[Spode]

Norris

Bush Motosports (60 miles east of Nashville, TN) was just bought out by Norris Supercycle. The owner (Randall Norris) put KTM on the map in this area. He did it by being well stocked and giving great service. I expect he will do the same with gassers now that he has a GG dealership.
He's probably only a couple hours away from you.

WOW, that's great news! So glad to hear Randall is coming back to the motorcycle business.