Reasons why.

[Stavros]

Hello,
I have more than 30 year involvement riding and racing dirt bikes, almost exclusively enduro. The majority of the bikes are KTM, mainly 2 stroke.
My present bike is a KTM 350 EXC F 2012. It is a very very good bike, smooth and useful power, very good handling, good suspension, excellent FI. The terrains I drive are mainly goat paths, rock gardens and single truck forest paths. The open forest roads are considered connecting segments out of the "official" Sunday's dog fighting (4-5 hours).
The KTM as I mention *before*is very good and I think I am faster than ever.
But...... the human mind plays a lot of games and since a few months (after I saw the pictures of Gas Gas 2012) I am thinking to buy a GG 2012 250 Race.
I try to find reason to do it. I try to put the logic thinking to over the emotional impulse. I need help to build the ....reasons why list.
What about the suspension, the linkage? How is the handling? The motor? The sensitivity of the jetting? The possibility to drive fast for a long period? All these in comparison to an excellent bike, the 350 EXCF 2012.*
I know that there are two different bikes and the "proper" comparison will be with the 300 EXC but this is the reality albeit I would be interested to hear the 2t comparison also. *Please let's focus on the driving performance and not to financial and maintenance issues.
May be it is not only me with this kind of *problem!!!
I would like if it is possible to ask to present specific personal experiences and not to reproduce the already know tests from magazines.*
Thanks in advance
Stavros

 

[Jakobi]

Hi Stavros,

You already have my opinions on this, but just wondering if maybe you could provide some info in where abouts you are located so that if there's anyone near by they may offer you a ride on their bike. Another consideration is the availability. I know here in Australia that all the 250 Race models have been spoken for with no ETA on the next shipment. I don't think America is much different either.

I'm also keen to hear others opinions on this matter.

 

[Simmo737]

These bikes are a disease, they aren't what anyone sensible would buy.

But they work and are one big long smile.

The reason is that they turn and track better than a Suzuki, are as reliable as a Honda, and have just enough minore issues to keep you interested. The motor is IMHO not as good as a kato, but it is a 5 percent sort of thing.

And they are cheap here in OZ, at least 2000 bucks less than a Yamaha 450.

 

[Stavros]

Jake,
I live in Athens and I drive around 100 km around. I have a personal relation with the distributor and I will have a test drive for sure but you know it is very different a first impression from a sort drive than the experience of a mature "relation"
Stavros

 

[Jakobi]

The first impression is usually pretty good (if the gg is going to be your thing). From there things only get better. Like Simmo said, very reliable and handle very well. Not hard to tune for your needs (just like any ol 2T). There are a few quirks but things are getting more and more refined year by year.

Look foward to your ride report and impressions

 

[boyscout]

The slower the speed, the more technical the situation, the more the Gasser will out shine the KTM. All bikes go fast enough for me through the fast stuff, the ruff and tight stuff is where its at for me, and...chicks dig it.

 

[bchatt]

Well in the end, and you know this already, there is only one way to know. You have to buy a bike and ride it for a year - then you will know if it is a good bike for you, and that is all that counts. Reviews, opinions, reports, lists, reasons and all the thinking and analysing count for little.
I believe bikes are about "feel", and what feels right to someone else may not feel right to you.

 

[Stavros]

Barry,
May be you are right.
Stavros

 

[bchatt]

Hi Stavros
Like you, I have been riding dirt bikes for over 30 years, and had many different bikes. I don't know if it is just a stage in my life, but now, at 53 ( having my 07 EC250 for 3 years), I cannot remember a time when I enjoyed riding more than I do now, and I look foward to my next ride more than I ever did before.
I'm pretty sure it's the bike - while there are a few little things I don't like about it, even after 3 years, every time I go for a ride on it I think "shit this is a really neat bike". I don't recall being so fond of any other bike I've had.
It just feels good - what more can I say

 

[GMP]

Reasons why? How about a clean holeshot and 2nd place finnish today on a deep sand course with a five year old bike tuned for rocks with a 100 hrs on the top end? Still a reliable rocket in the woods.