New guy with GG frame question

[Yugmoto]

First of all hello,
I'm new to the site but have had a couple GG trials bikes over the years. I think the GG build quality is top notch and I've always been interested in the enduro bikes as they seem like they would be every bit as nice as my 04 Husky WR250 was. I never seem to find one in my area for the right price at the right time, you know how it is. I really appreciate all the great info here and I have a question about GG frames. I've started accumulating parts to build a new singletrack bike and am using a Kawasaki (forgive me) KDX engine, the original idea is a KX or RM 125 with KDX engine. But I ran into a guy locally that has an early 2000s nickle plated GG125 with a seriously destroyed engine. I can get the chassis cheap, and I know almost anything can work with time, skill and money, but does anyone know if there are any similarities in frame design between GG and any Japanese bikes? I think the combination of the tractor KDX engine/gearbox and the lightweight and handling qualities of the GG would be awesome. I might try it anyway, but I thought I'd ask in case anyone here has a bit of knowledge on the subject.

Thanks

 

[bergerhag]

The Gasgas 125 engine is based on the Yamaha YZ125 engine atleast. That might help you in your research.

 

[Coop]

I used to ride a KDX. Lots of hybrid builds on kdxrider.net.

 

[AZRickD]

Some have said that the GG frames of a few years ago are almost felonius copies of the Kawi KX frames. Geometrically, anyhow. Can't say about the mounts.

 

[jhendr3702]

Some have said that the GG frames of a few years ago are almost felonius copies of the Kawi KX frames. Geometrically, anyhow. Can't say about the mounts.

that is what i had heard.. modified kx frames

 

[Yugmoto]

Thanks guys, I've been on the kdx hybrid site alot, I think a GG/KDX would be a first. I had been thinking about an RM pretty seriously, but this GG is cheap enough I may pick it up anyway and see what happens. Maybe it'll be slick as can be. I'll keep you posted. BTW, is there a better place in the forum for this thread? or is it okay here?

 

[nknudsen]

Go for it and good luck with the project!

 

[jhendr3702]

Thanks guys, I've been on the kdx hybrid site alot, I think a GG/KDX would be a first. I had been thinking about an RM pretty seriously, but this GG is cheap enough I may pick it up anyway and see what happens. Maybe it'll be slick as can be. I'll keep you posted. BTW, is there a better place in the forum for this thread? or is it okay here?

not 100% sure, but i have a bud with older gg and a spare kdx motor.. i think he tried to put kdx motor in the gg frame when he had gasser motor out for a rebuild.. something would not fit easily..

i will try to find out..

 

[AZRickD]

Which KDX motor? 200 or 220 ?

You might be better off with a GG 200.

 

[jhendr3702]

Which KDX motor? 200 or 220 ?

You might be better off with a GG 200.

on the one i am talking about was a 200 kdx

just talked to the guy who did try it, he said motor mounts were no where close.

 

[Yugmoto]

Yeah, the mounts have to be moved, but the biggest hurdle is the swingarm. Material has to be removed from each side, there needs to be enough left for the seals, and I don't want to trim the cases. Plus the pipe, tank etc. The KX125 is pretty straight forward and has been done. The RM looks like a good choice, Yz, probably not and I don't like Ally CRs. But the GG looks like fun. We'll see...

 

[djroggen]

My $.02 decide how much your gonna spend on building it. Then buy a GasGas that is proven reliable for that same money. Use the time you didn't waste and practice your corners. Or buy one that is already finished.

 

[Yugmoto]

I hear you djroggen. I've built/restored a few road bikes and rebuilt my dirt bikes, I'm confident I can build a reliable, well sorted machine. I probably will buy a GG or another Husky WR at some point. But for me building something is half the fun. As far as cost I received a complete, running, slightly grungy but titled 03 KDX200 in trade for some CR500 stuff that I had a total of about $500 in, and if I buy the GG chassis it will cost $300 with the title and a desert tank. After that, it's just me and my TIG welder. There is always the time and cost involved sorting the suspension/tuning, but if you enjoy doing it yourself it can be worth it.
GASGAS bikes are a bit rare in AZ it seems. We do have a dealer but I think he mostly deals with trials bikes. I always have my eyes open. I've ridden my GG trials bikes but never an enduro or mx. They seem like they would be perfect for the singletrack around here.

 

[AZRickD]

I bave an entire 2005 GG ready to part out and sell up here in north Phoenix.

 

[djroggen]

I know hasslebri built a works unit. That bike could be in a magazine. 2001 kx125 frame/kdx 220 hybrid.

The bike is amazing on the grass track, but just not like a GasGas in the tight stuff.

I think he is trying to sell it as we speak.

I hope he won't mind me posting pics. But they are worth 1000 words.

It's as reliable as anything but if I have learned anything over the years. If you want to build something like a "insert whatever" just buy it. Now if you want something better, or need a hobby I do understand.

 

[Fred1956]

I know hasslebri built a works unit. That bike could be in a magazine. 2001 kx125 frame/kdx 220 hybrid.

The bike is amazing on the grass track, but just not like a GasGas in the tight stuff.

I think he is trying to sell it as we speak.

I hope he won't mind me posting pics. But they are worth 1000 words.

It's as reliable as anything but if I have learned anything over the years. If you want to build something like a "insert whatever" just buy it. Now if you want something better, or need a hobby I do understand.

hasslebri has the coolest stuff, his 152 is insane & I've only seen/heard video of it

 

[Rick]

........that is super cool......

 

[nknudsen]

Just curious, what are the strong points with the KDX engine?

 

[djroggen]

Try riding his 152. Weirdest bike you will ever ride handles to a T. But the clutch is basically only for stopping, feathering the clutch does nothing for power. You just grab a handful and it goes. Chugs like a 300, but never rips your arms off. Kinda high jacking this thread...

 

[Rick]

Try riding his 152. Weirdest bike you will ever ride handles to a T. But the clutch is basically only for stopping, feathering the clutch does nothing for power. You just grab a handful and it goes. Chugs like a 300, but never rips your arms off. Kinda high jacking this thread...

IF I had the cash in hand, that 152 would be on a skid and headed towards Cali I have nice YZ 125 that is set up for off road which is more fun than a barrel of monkeys! But that 152 would top off the stable!

Sorry for the hijack!