New to GasGas and new to forum!

[Kevan]

Hey folks!
I figured this would be the right spot for an introduction.

My name is Kevan and I'm located in central Ohio. I recently purchased a new 2009 GasGas EC300 from a local dealer. I'm incredibly happy with it.

I had a really bad accident on a motorcycle 20 years ago and swore I'd never get on one again. After my better half decided she wanted to learn how to ride, specifically off-road, I realized that my stupid fear was just that: fear...something I could conquer easily.
Took about 3 minutes of riding to get me over that hump (no pun intended). LOL

The day we brought her home:

I'm incredibly happy with it. Even in the break-in stage, the bike has PLENTY of power and torque for the trails in this area.
First day out was VERY muddy as it had just finished raining a few hours earlier. The bike handled great and really put me at ease. One "puddle" turned out to be a "small lake" and I found myself up to the seat in water. A blip of the throttle and I'm through it and out the other side, albeit very wet. The bike didn't even care, but did ask for a bath after that first day of riding:

The only downside about getting into off-road riding again: I'm sore as hell for a couple of days after riding! I forgot how physically demanding this sport is.

I do not plan to modify the bike other than a headlight/tail light and a computer (mainly for trail distances and maintenance scheduling). A TrailTech Vapor is en route, but I'm still looking for a decent headlight/tail light combo. Suggestions are welcome.

Her bike is a Yamaha TTR-125, as this is her first time doing this stuff. We also purchased a pair of 2010 Yamaha Raptor 250 ATVs, which we're having a blast on as well.....but I still lean toward my EC300.

I look forward to reading and joining the discussions here on the forum.
Thanks!

 

[roostafish]

Awesome! Good stuff. Trail tech makes a high quality light. I think it's ugly, but it works good. Personally I'd just order the gasgas headlight and taillight. The tail light has a very nice mounting structure and doubles as a handhold for lifting.

 

[moto9]

Awesome! Good stuff. Trail tech makes a high quality light. I think it's ugly, but it works good. Personally I'd just order the gasgas headlight and taillight. The tail light has a very nice mounting structure and doubles as a handhold for lifting.

The best money you can spend on your scoot would be getting the suspension done.
It will make a night and day difference and twice the joy to ride.

 

[gg3]

Welcome,great looking bike,even when dirty!

 

[john01]

Welcome to the club and GasGas bikes. Nice story and hope you guys continue to have fun playing in the dirt/mud.

 

[nhrider]

Welcome!

I'm glad you got back on a bike. I had a bad accident on a dirt bike and the only thing holding me back is the wife...

 

[SideshowBob]

Welcome back!

 

[HuskyDude]

Congrats are in order I think, for conquering your long term fear on riding and for such a great choice on bikes.

If you're gonna be riding in any more deep puddles (or lakes) maybe a suggestion would be to re-grease the suspension and other vital areas. These bikes are shipped with minimal amount of grease to start with.
Having the front end done (re-valved) is also a great idea. Money well spent IMO.

 

[biggstr6]

Welcome , Glad you like the bike .

You might want to reroute those upper carb hoses to the airbox if you do alot of deep water riding. And the right side power valve vent hose to the frame connection that the gas cap now goes to and get a shorty gas cap vent.

 

[GMP]

Congrats and welcome!

 

[Kevan]

Thanks everyone!

I don't plan on going snorkeling with the bike anymore. LOL That one instance just kind of surprised me.

I will tweak the suspension down the [off]road. The rear is a little stiff right now, but the fronts feel alright (I'm sure I'll mess with them a bit too. LOL).

I maintain all of my gear (SRT-10, all my guitars/amps, etc), so the motorcycles and ATVs will get the same "done correctly the first time" treatment all my stuff gets.
Big thanks to the GasGas folks for making the Service Manuals and Owners Manuals available to everyone (for free, no less!).

I got a GoPro Hero HD for my birthday this year, so I'll be sure to get some fun trail videos up for everyone to enjoy.

Thanks again!

 

[nambo-trev]

welcome man, i had a really bad street bike accident a few years back too and swore the same thing,but when riding(any kind!) is in your blood theres no going back by the way nice bike, looks sweet!