Opinions on a 2011 EC250

J

julian5000

New member
Hi all.

I'm new here, and new to Gas Gas - meaning I've never owned one before, but the more I read the more I like them. I've been off riding for a few years, and looking for a bike to get my back into it. I'm hoping I can get some opinions before I buy.

I've found this 2011 EC250 with 145.5 hours on the dash:
https://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=1413289397

Being in New Zealand there aren't a ton of bikes for sale to choose from (I'd love one with electric start), I like this one because:
- Low seat height (I'm 5'7")
- 2 Stroke, Light and Nimble

My last bike was a crf250x - no complaints, just always felt like it was a bit of a heavy pig. Keen to get something lighter and nimble as I like stuff like tricky climbs and single track.

My concerns are:
- Is that a high number of hours for these bikes? I don't want to buy a bike near the end of it's life.
- I'm not a super-experienced rider, is this going to be a huge step up from the crf in terms of peaky power delivery?
- I've done some reading and from what I can gather, parts aren't too hard to source if you're prepared to do some research, does that sound about right? I have the added challenge of living at the arse-end of the world, so getting stuff shipped can be tricky too.
- I like to do my own work on my bikes, and keeping them in top shape. Is it possible to get a proper workshop service manual for these bikes?
- Is it practical (i.e. not eye-wateringly expensive) to fit electric start? I think I read about some bikes having it fitted.

Sorry about the long novel, I appreciate any input given.

Cheers
Julian in NZ
 
Hi Julian, welcome to the forum.

That bike looks like it's been fairly well looked after and 145 hours isn't a lot. There are guys on here with bikes with well over 500 hours that are still going strong.

The Gassers are known for having a nice broad spread of power for a 2 stroke so you shouldn't have any real issues converting from a 4 stroke.

There are some members on here in NZ who could give you a better idea of parts availability over there but you can get most parts from the internet if you need to. There are a couple of sites in Spain who can deliver to Australia within 7 days.

www.motocrosscenter.com

www.greenlandmx.com

There is a service manual in a pdf form that was made for the 2005 or 2006 bikes but nothing much has changed engine wise since then. There used to be a link to it online somewhere but if you can't find it someone on here can email it to you. Here is a link to it on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/gasgastips...41828.437695096268450/779194742118482/?type=3

I believe that an electric start can be added to the 2011 bikes but it would probably cost you over $1000 for the parts. Here is is a link to a U.S.site. https://www.ktm-parts.com/EE855002510.html

There is a wealth of knowledge on this site so feel free to ask any questions.

Phil
 
The hours aren't too serious if it has been properly maintained. My 2010 has about 350 I think. Ask the owner when last he did a top end to see if you need to include that in the cost (I did one every 100hrs and bottom at 300 - bottom could have carried on for another 100 according to my mechanic)

It will be a big difference to the crf (especially if the crf was stock standard) but within a month of riding you will notice this as a good change. I use my bike mostly in what would be considered extreme technical rides and it is fine.

The 2011s came out with the option of electric start so you may be able to source one from a part-out bike but it is no problem using the kickstart... it is not a 4t
 
Awesome, thanks for your input. I'm feeling better about it now, going to see it tomorrow.

Having the workshop manual makes me happy - I'm confident to tackle stuff with that on hand. I'll give it a good going over and see what kind of life it's had.
 
I had/have a 2010 model as well. Solid little bike.. I can't recall the exact hours I put on it, but it'd be up over 300hrs, with the crank rebuilt at 260hrs (done purely for maintenance).

If it's been well maintained I don't think you'll have any issues. Pretty bomb proof little units. You may want to double check the specs on what you have though as a there were several models released with varying suspension setups.

I wouldn't be too concerned about the electric leg, but that's just me personally. Once the bike is dialled in it should start easily and be pretty resilient to stalling. Every now and then you get caught out somewhere difficult, but that happens and saves having to maintain the starter setup.

It looks pretty tidy, but I'd be asking why there is a new cylinder and piston in it? Has it been swimming etc? I wouldn't expect to wear out a bore in 145hrs unless if it's been drowned or dusted, and then I'd be considering what damage may have occurred in the bottom end.

I'm in Australia, and I think the price might be a bit steep for a Gasser. They're usually a fair whack cheaper than the competition to buy new, and known for not holding their value well at all.

And finally, the side stand in the pic looks after market :D :D The tab on the frame is known to snap off if owners let the stand return under it's own force too often.
 
As far as the electric start I have destroyed knees. 3 surgeries on the right including a partial replacement and 2 surgeries on the left. I know I'll eventually need electric start however mine starts great and easy with the kicker
 
The 2011 is a good "average" bike. Not really a light bike, it's heavy for a 2T. Goes well enough and can be tuned for lugging or screaming. The best feature is that it's a bit more compact than other bikes. The suspension is adequate and can be made better with valving. It makes a good trail bike, but it's not special enough to command a high price. Resale can be poor so buy carefully. A GG will still be running long after popular brands have been parted out.
 
Jakobi said:
It looks pretty tidy, but I'd be asking why there is a new cylinder and piston in it?

I'm in Australia, and I think the price might be a bit steep for a Gasser.

And finally, the side stand in the pic looks after market :D :D The tab on the frame is known to snap off if owners let the stand return under it's own force too often.
Click to expand...

Cheers all. I'll definitely ask about why the cylinder was done.

Regarding the price, there just seems to be bugger all bikes for sale in NZ at the moment, maybe everyone can see a glimmer of summer and are hanging on to them?!

And yea, definitely aftermarket side stand haha. Is that something that can be fixed, new tab welded on etc?
 
Neil E. said:
The 2011 is a good "average" bike. Not really a light bike, it's heavy for a 2T.

The best feature is that it's a bit more compact than other bikes.
Click to expand...

Do you have to go later model to get a light-feeling one? There are a few new 2015 ec200s around here for about $9k - that would take some sweet talking to get past the finance department but....
 
New tab can be welded onto the frame without too much issue.

The 2012+ Gassers are both heavier to push around, and more stable feeling on the trail.
 
Just went and had a look. I think it's an honest bike, but it shows all the signs of its hours and age. Bumps and scrapes, fork seals were weeping a bit, the plastic part where the tank mounts at the top missing a section.

No stand, but apparently it didn't come with one?

But I rode it and I'm sold on getting a GasGas, felt at home straight away. The ergonomics are made for me.

I don't think he'll take what it's worth unfortunately. Might need to go see a new EC200 just to see what they're like :D
 
Oh yeah, he said he did the barrel at the same time because it needed a bore and it was cheaper to buy the kit (piston, rings, cylinder etc), than it was to buy a piston kit and get the bore done.
 
julian5000 said:
Oh yeah, he said he did the barrel at the same time because it needed a bore and it was cheaper to buy the kit (piston, rings, cylinder etc), than it was to buy a piston kit and get the bore done.
Click to expand...

Unusual that it would need to be recoated at 145hrs unless it's had a failure or ingested some dirt.

My tank cracked up the top mount too, but no missing section.

If you've got the coin for a 2018 EC250 I think you'd make many of us here very jealous! I'd avoid 2012 models (first year new chassis, few niggles). 2013 refined and is rock solid. 2014 saw some updates to the engine and chassis to better improve on the 13 even more. 14-17 are essentially the same bike dressed differently.
 
The 200/250/300 all run the same chassis, so no substantial weight savings on the scales. The 250 and 300 share the same bottom end, but 200 has it's own setup.

Barossi on the forums is from NZ and has been rackin up hours on a 200. He'd be the man in the know. I've tried 250 and 300 and prefer the 250.
 
julian5000 said:
I wish I was looking at a 2018!!

- there seems to be a few new 2015s around over here, 200s and 250s, the 200 seems like a good price but I can't find much info on what they're like:

https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dirt-bikes/auction-1432018339.htm

Any good?
Click to expand...

Yes it is. I have one, and love it.:)
If you have the chance, you should try to get a test ride. The chassis is somewhat different from the 11, and gives you more room in the cockpit. I am 182cm and it fits me perfectly after I lowered the footpegs slightly.
 
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