Part 2: My next bike will be a ...

[Mark Tracy]

Hello Fello Gas Gas riders - this is a really great forum, although my original plan was to buy a 2007 GG 300, I could not wait. The reasons being, turned 50 and wanted it "now", EPA leagality, and just want a 30+ 4 stroke. I am now riding a 2007 KTM 250 XC-F-W 4 stroke. It handles like no other KTM and steers wonderfully. They suspension is the best I ever rode on, and that is box stock. Motor is nice but I see a 315cc kit in the future as they are out with great sucess. I don't me to brag on my "K" bike but I really like it. Gas Gas needs to have a 250 F or better yet a 350 F with EFI in a 125cc frame - that would be a great bike!!!

Thanks guys!

MarK

 

[flybars]

Mark is that the street legal one. I've been reading about the 315 kit also. Does this bike have alot of good usable low end? What does it weigh? With the 315, will it do 60mph for short stretches comfortably? Congrats. I knew U were looking for something like this.

 

[MattR]

Mark, good luck with the new ride. I've read some good write-ups on that bike. Sounds like a blast to ride! I'm surprised that GasGas has not released a FSE/FSR 250. It would be a nice bike for the E1 class in Europe.

Back to my dilema...
I analyzed my riding style some more this weekend and I'm definitely better suited towards the 300. I tend to short-shift my 250 and keep the rpm's lower and lug it on the singletrack. On several laps, I forced myself to stay in gear longer and get the rpm's higher. While it helped me launch out of corners better, I found myself not in control as well. I crashed once in a mud section and pinballed off a tree with my bark buster. No damage, it's just not typical of me while riding those trails. Overall, my speed was consistent between laps, but I was more smooth and confident with the short-shifting/lugging style of riding. This in my mind indicates a 300 would be better for me than a 125/200.

 

[GMP]

Mark,

Good luck. I heard those bikes were getting hard to find? Also heard a lot of good things about them. Only bug seems to be jetting and running hot, at least at tight trail speeds. So far they are very reliable, and lighter than the Yamaha. I rode the Yamaha (modified WR250) and the suspension is very nice in the rocks, its just a little to heavy. The nice thing is that they don't have too much extra power that just tires you out. I can wait a little, so I'm hoping the '07 GG 250 with the geezer switch on the bars will be the best of both worlds.

Matt,

The thing I don't like about 300s is the instant pull. Not a hit but the pull starts immediately. For a play bike its great but if you race, and don't race often enough like me, it tends to wear you down. The 250 has just enough to lug around if you want to. Its smooth stock. If you do some mods for more bottom, you have to be carefull not to introduce to much of a hit in the midrange, as they seem to go together.

 

[jlk_250]

Matt,

Have you ridden a GG 300 yet? Some people prefer it, some prefer the 250, 200, or 125. I think the KTM 300 may have instant pull that wears you out but the GG seems to be smoother. For me, the 300 instant pull is much less tiring than the 250 midrange hit. When I'm fresh it doesn't matter. When I'm tired and lazy the 300 is a lifesaver. Other people have suggested the opposite so I think it depends on bike setup and rider preference.

Jon
'01 XC300

 

[GMP]

Of course everyone is different with different styles, opinions, preferences. You could probably be happy with either with some personal setup. You could start with either and go from there. Tune down the 300 if its too much or add more snap to the 250. Its very doable with bolt on mods.

 

[flybars]

Matt, if the 300 pulls too harshly for U then I think the rekluse would solve the issue. How did U like that '02 300 for sale?

 

[MattR]

jlk_250,
I don't have a DE300 near me to try out, so I have to rely on rider's opinions and my personal experiences aboard the XC250. Could I make a wrong decision? Yeah... but everything I hear about the 300's sound good.

Flybars,
The '02 SE300 sounds very nice. I contacted Mike and was told there was someone local checking it out first. So we'll have to wait and see if it is still available later this week. Then, the harder decision for me will be to figure out if I want to convert my 250 into a 300, buy Mike's '02 300, or hold off and get a brand new '06 or '07.

 

[flybars]

I know exactly what I would do if I were in your position. I'd get the '06 EC 300 with all the street legal stuff and plate it. With the money U save from the great deal U got from not buying the '07, U could put all the LTR stuff and protection etc. on it and even maybe the rekluse! I've always had to pinch my pennies so that is how I think.