Ktm 300 v Gas-gas 300

[Vindicator]

Humm... I don't know we've had two modern KTM's and I'll take the GG over them any day. To me it has more to do with the ergo's on the two bikes. I feel at home and part of the GG. The KTM's felt like I was sitting high up on top of them and not part of it if that makes sence. They were WAY more sensitive to my body position as well. If I was alittle to far forward, I had no traction. A little to far back and the front wanted to push at low speeds and twitch at high speeds. It may have just been set up issues or I'm not talanted enough to ride KTM'. Either way for me the GasGas bikes just "feel" more natural and My bike of choice.

Agree ! I was never that comfortable with my 07' exc 300 ergo, felt like I was riding on top of the front wheel and it was way to high for me ( I measure 1,73m). With the 11' GG300 Race I just simply fit in the bike and although it's not really low , it's not exaggerated high for my height .
Regarding the handling I notice a huge difference between the 2 bikes, I would also go for the GG without even blinking. More stable, amazing suspension, the new 48CC Zokes work really well. Sometimes it feels like the front wheel is not really on the ground . The only thing I'm not really used to yet is the offset of the triple clamps, in my ex KTM I think it was around 18mm while GG I estimate at least 20/22mm, makes my turning a little wider and it looks like the wheel is losing traction when turning.

 

[GMP]

T clamp offset is only one variable in the setup equation, and you can't comapre just this number across different bikes. If you think the bike pushes a little I would guess the new fork is too stiff and does not settle enough, is rebounding too fast, or your shock setup is settling too much.

 

[farmerj]

Thanks for the input, guys. I'll keep on the GG trail!

Jeff

 

[HuskyDude]

I am a Trials rider at heart and by far this bike is the most trials-like "big bike" that I have ever owned, it just wants to turn and go where you ask it and seems to me to be less prone to deflection.

Pretty well says it right there

 

[Vindicator]

T clamp offset is only one variable in the setup equation, and you can't comapre just this number across different bikes. If you think the bike pushes a little I would guess the new fork is too stiff and does not settle enough, is rebounding too fast, or your shock setup is settling too much.

Although the suspension is not setup for my weight the triple clamp offset makes a huge difference when turning. It's the same felling I got when trying the Husaberg 300, offset is wider than KTM's .

 

[dcg141]

Donny,

Can you comment on the "cockpit" dimensions/difference between the two? Ergos? I'm 6'2", and on my KDX my knees are cramped, my toes point downward, and it is hard to brake from that position. I rode a GG EC300 yesterday and it was much better. Is the seat to peg distance even greater on the KTM?

Thanks,

Jeff

I'm 5'8 so you and I are at opposite ends of the ergo spectrum. The Gasser as gotten a rep as better suited to shorter riders but your the second 6 foot + guy that has told me they like the GasGas ergos. The ergos of both bikes for me are comfortable. Like I said I slide back and forth between both bikes easily and I have about identical lap times. personally I think the Gasser is better in tight woods and the KTM is better when the terrain opens up more. Both companies know how to build excellent woods bikes and my customers love thier 300's...KTM and GasGas. Is one way better than the other? I can't see it and I've spent alot of time on them. Honestly compare apples and apples and ride both and pick a winner. By that I mean ride current versions of both. Its not bad being able to sell the best 2 strokes on the market.

 

[Jim Cook]

T clamp offset is only one variable in the setup equation, and you can't comapre just this number across different bikes. If you think the bike pushes a little I would guess the new fork is too stiff and does not settle enough, is rebounding too fast, or your shock setup is settling too much.

You folks need to pay attention to Glenn. This short piece of advice is one of the most concise and most accurate tips you will ever get on suspension tuning for how to make the bikes turn properly.
Thanks for sharing Glenn!

To expound of Glenn's statement:
When one hits the brakes prior to a turn, the suspension settles.
If the front end pushes in the turn, the rear suspension is not settling as quickly as the forks; which makes the steering geometry to slow.
If the front end "knifes in" and tries to lay down in the turn, the forks are settling faster than the rear shock. This makes the steering geometry to quick (or too steep).

For the last thirty years, due to what I read in my Yamaha "Racer's Manual" (which came with my '81 IT465) basically said for me to:
1. First get my forks to perform as I wanted them for conditions (absorb shocks and handle rocks, etc, and be predictable)
2. Attack the same turn over and over, turning the shock's compression dampening clickers 2 clicks at a time between attacks, until the front end neither washes out or knifes under during the turn.
When I would adjust the fork clickers for different riding conditions and terrain, I would then normally need to readjust the rear shock's compression damping clickers to keep the suspension balanced.

That info, and the fact that GasGas bikes LOVE to turn when the power is applied. Gas it a microsecond BEFORE you initiate the turn. The results are amazing. (especially for the ultra stable 2002-2004 chassis GG bikes.)

Good Riding!
Jim
The ISDT Reunion Ride is coming up in three of weeks. If anyone has a running dirt bike of '84 or older vintage, this is one of the most fun events a rider can enter. The ride is in northwest Arkansas at Mill Creek (Combs, AR).
http://www.ahrma.org/ahrma_pdfs/Z-20...bs_preview.htm
http://www.ahrma.org/ahrma_pdfs/Z-20...entry_2_17.pdf



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