Late model GG Suspension Review

A

AZRickD

New member
A local dealer is beginning to sell an unusual number of Gassers recently (three). I've gotten a few questions bounced my way but with all the suspension component changes recently (I have an 05 and theirs are 08/09 models with an 09 EC250 Racing possibly in the mix), my knowledge base is lacking.

Can y'all offer up your listing of what is available currently? My bike comes with the Zokes/Ohlins. One of the new one comes with Zokes/Sachs, another with Sachs/Sachs, etc, etc. Just a bit too much for me to keep up with.

I await your efforts to turn me into a GG suspension sales expert. :p
 
07 - Zokes front, ohlins rear standard. Racing bikes came with Ohlins fork and shock.

08 - Zokes front, sachs rear standard. Racing bikes came with Ohlins shock and possibly fork.

09 - Sachs front and back is standard. Racing is sachs/sachs I believe. Nambotin replica comes with Ohlins shock.
 
That was quick. Okay, let's move on to specifics.

How do these function (compared with themselves or other makes)?

What about the 45mm vs the 47(?)mm vs the 50mm?

Sachs vs Zoke forks?

Free-association and stream-of-consciousness thought encouraged.
 
Forks:
I've ridden an 01 with 43mm WPs stock and modified. Modified they were decent, but still not great. My 07 has Ohlins 48mm forks. I upped the spring rate from stock and it's good, but a little harsh on the small stuff. I have some new compression valve springs coming to soften up the initial part of the stroke. The ohlins forks are good, but nothing special.

The 09 bike I rode at the ISDE had Sachs 48mm forks. These suckers were awesome. I had no issues spending 6 days with this bike. The suspension was so good on that 09 I strongly considered buying one, but unfortunately my bank account vetoed that idea. I will have a new bike in 2010 hopefully with the Sachs suspension.

Shock:
Ridden a few different ohlins shocks and the sachs shock. All were good though again I think the sachs was my favorite. I'm not overly sensitive to the back end of the bike so honestly any of the shocks I've tried have been just fine.


So, personally I think the sachs suspension is the best thing going. Stock, the valving and spring rates on the 09 ISDE bikes was perfect for me. I set the sag and rode the bike for 6 days straight. Didn't even adjust a clicker.
 
Not a clue. I literally showed up, set the sag, added a few other parts (BRP triple clamp & SUB mount, steering damper, flexx bars, LTR PV cover) and then rode the bike for 6 days. Didn't even touch the clickers.
 
My Ohlins forks are awesome. I upped the spring rate as well and encountered a little hashness as well. I installed 1 of the stock springs and that made it near perfect for the spring rate. I weigh 165 without gear. I also ordered the optional compression valves with high speed adjustment from Ohlins. I'm very happy with the results. Rocks become pillows and the bike goes where I point it.

I gotta ride a Gasser with the Sachs suspension.
 
While we're on the subject, anyone know what spring rate comes stock on an '08 EC300, 45mm 'Zokes and Sachs rear?
 
SpeedyManiac said:
The 09 bike I rode at the ISDE had Sachs 48mm forks. These suckers were awesome. I had no issues spending 6 days with this bike. The suspension was so good on that 09 I strongly considered buying one, but unfortunately my bank account vetoed that idea. I will have a new bike in 2010 hopefully with the Sachs suspension.


So, personally I think the sachs suspension is the best thing going. Stock, the valving and spring rates on the 09 ISDE bikes was perfect for me. I set the sag and rode the bike for 6 days straight. Didn't even adjust a clicker.
Click to expand...

Maybe the ISDE bike had modified Sachs forks ?.

The standard ones that come with the enduro bikes (non 'racing' models) over here in Europe are way too harsh for the average rider. Several of my customers have since sold their 09 bikes and gone back to KTM because they are unhappy with the forks on rough rocky terrain. This is despite many oil grade changes, air gap adjustments and clicker adjustments on their part (and on mine).

On my own bike, a 09 EC300, I have revalved the compression stack and made it better but I would still prefer the 45mm zokes up front for Irish terrain.

The 'Racing' suspension seems to be better, but only, it seems, in the hands of expert riders. The Marzocchi forks suited the average rider better as they had a plusher set-up straight from the crate.

I think that the move to Sachs forks was/is a mistake for GG, and one that will cost them several customers. The sachs shock is quite good though.

Just my 2 cents
 
I have a 09 250 Racing and found the forks to be really stiff. I was advised to adjust the preload first but the tool to do it did not come with my bike. I am in the process of trying to get it tuned but I don't think it will be able to touch the Ohlins setup on my 200.
 
The factory guys told me to leave the preload alone. What they told me is to remove the bottom shim stack from each fork. Take the nut off and remove ONE of the three large shims from the stack. Keep the shim handy because you might want to put it back in once the forks have broken in. They claim it takes 20 to 30 hours before the forks fully break in (Sacks). Also you need to take out the top space an mill 4mm off of it and mill a little out of the shoulder of the cap. This gets the fork to settle down into its stroke alitte bit. To turn the preload adjuster (if you must) Just find a nut that is the correct size. I would contact Mark at GoFasters. They should have a video of all of this.

Brian

add said:
I have a 09 250 Racing and found the forks to be really stiff. I was advised to adjust the preload first but the tool to do it did not come with my bike. I am in the process of trying to get it tuned but I don't think it will be able to touch the Ohlins setup on my 200.
Click to expand...
 
SpeedyManiac said:
Forks:

The 09 bike I rode at the ISDE had Sachs 48mm forks. These suckers were awesome. I had no issues spending 6 days with this bike. The suspension was so good on that 09 I strongly considered buying one...
Click to expand...

The friend just bought his A-racing son an '09 ISDE EC250. It's in their garage undergoing the new-bike-go-over. These are big KTM fans that are hoping that the Gasser is as reliable as their KTMs have been.

Last week I let three KTM-riding members of a rival club test ride my DE250. The consensus is that the Gasser is now on their list when it comes time to buy another bike.

I'm feeling a little left out in this Arizona buying spree. :o
 
AZRickD said:
The friend just bought his A-racing son an '09 ISDE EC250. It's in their garage undergoing the new-bike-go-over. These are big KTM fans that are hoping that the Gasser is as reliable as their KTMs have been.
Click to expand...

Actually, it's an EC250 Racing, we just put the ISDE plastic on it. Kid's:cool: ........it's all about the bling.:rolleyes:

I still can't get over how well these things turn, yet not much headshake at speed, my son came to the same conclusion. I feared the engine would diminish his enthusiasm, but he really liked it.
 
If anyone can benefit from the "Racing" suspension, it's him.

Since you like to tear into suspenders, all you need is the right blend of shim stacks, etc.

What's he going to do about the steering stabilizer? Are you going to mod a GPR mount or go Scotts?

What was his impression of the GG motor vs his 250XC?
 
AZRickD said:
What's he going to do about the steering stabilizer? Are you going to mod a GPR mount or go Scotts?
Click to expand...
GPR makes an underbar mount, unfortunately only for their version 4, so I guess we'll be buying another stabilizer. I have 3 version 1's at home now.:(

What was his impression of the GG motor vs his 250XC?
Click to expand...
He felt they were very similiar. He really liked the suspension and handling on the YZ 250 we were thinking of changing to, but felt the motor was bit much for some of the more technical races he likes. Although he is only 19, he doesn't ride like most kids (you know Martin, right?), he's very smooth, has excellent line selection and doesn't just clutch it out of a corner hoping for the best. He really liked the GasGas motor and we haven't even played with the jetting yet. He is doing 2 of the Endurocross qualifiers this year and felt the GG would be a better pick. He is also pretty excited about the 6 speed as he always felt he was giving away a lot of topend to the 450's in the higher speed desert races. I just hope these GG's are as durable as the KTM's have been for us, reading everything I have here has helped to alleviate my concerns as the reliability factor appears to be very good.
 
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