Ktm vs. Gas gas

S

singletracker

New member
I've been on KTM for several years now with the exception of giving an 08 Beta 400RR a go. The Beta was hard to get parts for and was kind of a cross over year so some of the parts I needed were current and some were from older models, so it wasn't a good experience.

My current bike is an 09 250xcw with KTMWORLD suspension and the e-start removed. It's set up well, but the Gas Gas really has my attention.

I'm 5' 7.5", 165-170 lbs, 43 year old enduro and HS racer, Illinois. Top B to mid pack Senior A rider, who wants to move up a bit. I plan to race about 10 enduros next year and a couple of HS.

I've never ridden a Gas Gas, and I'm wondering how the 2011 250 Race version will stack up to my 09 250 xc-w or to a KTM 2011 250xc. I would appreciate any direct comparisons regarding the suspension, handling, power, and overall quality of the bikes. Would the Gas Gas fit my small frame better?
 
The gg 250 race and KTM 250xc match up quite evenly IMHO........You can probably turn the same lap times on each bike when setup correctly. Can't go wrong with either........If you are a little shorter the GG is nice since it's slightly lower.

I think the new 2012 GG should be a step up!
 
I'm exactly the the same height as you and YES the gg will fit you better. We've had a couple of 4-stroke KTM's and I've had a ride on an 09 KTM300 and IMHO the GG hands down out turns the KTM's (at least the 3 I've been on). As far as quality both bikes are top notch. I just love the way the GG bikes feel/handle and you won't have a power shortage. The new VCHSS champ rides a GG!:D
 
Hi

Hi, KTM rider 98-09. 2t and 4t

08' Beta 450 09-2010

Got 2010 300 early 2011

WAY out turns any KTM I've owned, much more stable In the rocks stock suspension or tuned.

Of all the bikes I've owned my GG feels the most "trials like"
 
If you buy a GG, Ryan M. won't like you anymore.;)

I ride a '10 GG 300 and like it. Brian D rides a GG too, when he's not hating his Husky 4s. I've also have a Husky 2s, KTM 450 and like them for different reasons. I had a 250X which I liked. The only bike I really couldn't live with, was an older KTM 200. So I guess I like just about everything.:D

I really don't think a different bike is going to make you faster, unless of course you're setup is all wrong, which it doesn't sound like it, or the bike is just completely worn out. But you know, sometimes it takes a new bike to get motivated again.
 
Based on everything I'm reading and finances I think I'm just going to freshen up the 09 this winter. Besides I wouldn't want to upset Ryan M. :D
 
they turn differently, I've got an 06 ktm 200, and a 08 ktm 450 and a 11 gasgas 250, I've rode newer 200's but did not like them in that new frame, that's why I've kept my 06, the gasgas will turn under both the ktm's, even the 06 200 (which I thought turned really well), with confidence. Sweeper corners where you kick the back out is much more in control on the gasgas than the ktm, ever ktm I've rode wants to kick out the back tire and unload the shock too easy
 
Singletracker,
I could tell you all of the ways that the GG is better than the orange bike but you would expect me to do that. I'm in middle Tennessee. If you want to spend a day and come down during the winter when you prolly have snow, I will let you ride a 2011 Nambotin. It has the same suspension as the 2012 production models. I am confident that you will like the Gas Gas. This offer is open to anyone.
Clay
email: clay@ggor.us
cell: 615 347 6519
 
Clay said:
Singletracker,
I could tell you all of the ways that the GG is better than the orange bike but you would expect me to do that. I'm in middle Tennessee. If you want to spend a day and come down during the winter when you prolly have snow, I will let you ride a 2011 Nambotin. It has the same suspension as the 2012 production models. I am confident that you will like the Gas Gas. This offer is open to anyone.
Clay
email: clay@ggor.us
cell: 615 347 6519
Click to expand...

Wish I was closer, I would be all over that offer :D

Sethro
 
Clay said:
Singletracker,
I could tell you all of the ways that the GG is better than the orange bike but you would expect me to do that. I'm in middle Tennessee. If you want to spend a day and come down during the winter when you prolly have snow, I will let you ride a 2011 Nambotin. It has the same suspension as the 2012 production models. I am confident that you will like the Gas Gas. This offer is open to anyone.
Clay
email: clay@ggor.us
cell: 615 347 6519
Click to expand...

That's a heck of an offer. I'll have to see how far of a drive it is. Thanks
 
Yeah, I asked Ryan M. about the KTM vs GG before I bought mine. He thought the KTM would whip the GG. I'll hear it from him too. That being said, I'm pretty darn happy with my choice so far!
 
My buddy who rides GG and Beta has just completed Bronze class at the roof of africa extreme enduro on a rented 2012 ktm 300 and he says that the GG frame/suspension/geometry is better and makes the bike climb better, but he was really impressed with the ktm engine
 
Clay said:
Singletracker,
I could tell you all of the ways that the GG is better than the orange bike but you would expect me to do that. I'm in middle Tennessee. If you want to spend a day and come down during the winter when you prolly have snow, I will let you ride a 2011 Nambotin. It has the same suspension as the 2012 production models. I am confident that you will like the Gas Gas. This offer is open to anyone.
Clay
email: clay@ggor.us
cell: 615 347 6519
Click to expand...


I would do this--I'm just over here in Memphis--but I'm afraid it would turn out to be 1 of those $8000 "free" rides!
 
Last edited:
I thought I made my mind up a week or so ago, but i can't stop thinking about the Gas Gas.

How does the engine characteristics of the 2011 Race 250 compare to a 250 xcw? Which has the bigger hit? Which has more bottom end? Which is more four stroke like?

Thanks for everything so far.
 
singletracker said:
I thought I made my mind up a week or so ago, but i can't stop thinking about the Gas Gas.

How does the engine characteristics of the 2011 Race 250 compare to a 250 xcw? Which has the bigger hit? Which has more bottom end? Which is more four stroke like?

Thanks for everything so far.
Click to expand...

They're both 2 strokes. Both can be made as mild or wild as you want. For both you really should be looking at setting the squish band and port timing to meet your needs. It makes a huge difference on both bikes. The KTM has the advantage that you can easily change the preload on the powervalve. The GG can be changed but it takes a bit more work (unless if you get the adjustable pv cover).

Ultimately the big differences in power delivery will come from ignition timing (both bikes have dual maps), compression, port timing (base gasket stacks), and jetting.

I can make my 300 run smooth as a 4 stroke, or hit like a 125mxer just by swapping some brass.

IMO the choice between KTM/GG should be based on ergonomics. Throwing a leg over each its immediately noticed that they are very different machines. The ktm feels like you sit up on it and it carries you along. The gg feels like you sit in it and become one with the bike. You need to decide which one feels right for you.
 
I find they handle significantly different

I ride standing up, so the ergonomics are basically the same for me once I setup my bars and levers how I like them
 
My problem is that it is unlikely that I will have a chance to ride one before I buy one.

I understand that bikes can be tuned with jetting and with base gaskets. I've adjusted the pv and jetting on my 250 xcw several times, and I switched to an sx head in the past week. I'm not sure I like the sx head though.

Jetting is a given with a new bike, but I won't be replacing any base gaskets until it's time for a top end. I was hoping someone could tell me more about the stock characteristics of a well jetted Gas Gas 250.

I think I would like the smaller frame of the Gas Gas, and hopefully the suspension would be on par with my revalved KTM or at least could be with a little work.

Thanks for your advice.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

gladtobekickin
Allen Head bolt replacements?
Replies
5
Views
54
SS109
SS109
J
Electric start kit for 2000-2015 gas gas
Replies
1
Views
945
chopper
C
(F5)
Well I'm a feelthy steekin traitor it seems
Replies
11
Views
135
farmerj
farmerj
V
GasGas GP300 KYB Fork Stiction Issue
Replies
5
Views
85
coopernicus
coopernicus
J
2008 gas gas electric start
Replies
7
Views
3K
Jer
J
Back
Top