Talk me into or out of a 2018/2019 ec300

[Niall-griffiths]

Hi all, I've owned a few gas gas now, but all have been 2002-2006 models, I currently own a 2009 exc 250 that I'm not massively impressed with, not a torquey motor (it does Rev well tho) harsh forks and the 5 speed box is just not spaced very well. I'm not that keen on the bike although it does have its pros. It feels light, it handles well at speed and the brembo brakes are brilliant.

most my riding is local green lanes so it's nothing to technical.

I have been looking and I am very tempted by a 2018/2019 ec300 I have seen a lot of good reviews and not much if anything negative

how do the new bikes compare to the older model gas gas? My 06 ec300 defiantly felt heavier and bigger all around than the Ktm,
what are the brakes like on the newer gas gas compared to the brembos Ktm are using? I have found the Ktm brakes very powerful.

are the newer bikes stiff suffering with jetting issues and massively excessive squish clearances or have these been dialled in more?

lastly is there anything out the ordinary to check on these models compared to any other bike?

 

[Gasser Nate]

Buy one, sort the squish and ride. Massive improvement over the old models in all regards.

 

[gasgasman]

Yup.
Light years ahead of the older bikes.
WAY easier to work on.
Fasteners don't require a support truck of tools.

 

[gg3]

Hi,I had a 2010 ec300 & now a 2018 xc300. New bike beats it everywhere.I recommend taking the head to an auto machinist & reduce the squish.Lots of gains & it is cheap.Starter system is fairly shit.You may have no problems but most likely will at some point. I have had a ride on a 2020 KTM EXC250 TPI & a Husky 2020 300tpi. The Nissin brakes I think still have way more feel. Brembos are very powerful but 'grabby'.KYB suspension package is super awesome & I prefer it to the KTM WP setup.The new KTMs are better finished,TPI motor is fantastic,they feel real light,use less gas(but who really cares),no fuel mixing,always runs perfect & starter works.

 

[Niall-griffiths]

Hi,I had a 2010 ec300 & now a 2018 xc300. New bike beats it everywhere.I recommend taking the head to an auto machinist & reduce the squish.Lots of gains & it is cheap.Starter system is fairly shit.You may have no problems but most likely will at some point. I have had a ride on a 2020 KTM EXC250 TPI & a Husky 2020 300tpi. The Nissin brakes I think still have way more feel. Brembos are very powerful but 'grabby'.KYB suspension package is super awesome & I prefer it to the KTM WP setup.The new KTMs are better finished,TPI motor is fantastic,they feel real light,use less gas(but who really cares),no fuel mixing,always runs perfect & starter works.

Thanks for that,

most the places I ride there is lots of sections you are getting into top gear easily wide open, how's the new gas gas handle and stop at speed? Are the Kyb forks a good all arounder for tight stuff but also high speed uneven surface?

 

[swazi_matt]

Thanks for that,

most the places I ride there is lots of sections you are getting into top gear easily wide open, how's the new gas gas handle and stop at speed? Are the Kyb forks a good all arounder for tight stuff but also high speed uneven surface?

having converted my 2010 to kyb's on the front I can only assume that if the 2019 kyb's aren't good out the box there are a million tuners that work on kyb that will be able to get them to perform for your riding area and style

I had my kyb's set up perfectly for lots of rocky slow terrain but when i hit the fast open areas inbetween they saved my bacon lots of times - numerous times i was sure i would have gone down with the Sachs

 

[gg3]

Like Swazi said,the KYB's give you so much confidence to just slam through stuff.High speed hits are no problem.My old Sachs shock tried to kill me several on these types of hits.I have put heavier springs in the KYB's because I'm a fat bastard,but even standard they were excellent.

 

[Moto7man]

The new ones are the best.

 

[Stoby]

2018

Still feels gasser like but lighter and better suspension . But i believe engine build quality is suspect . Do not regret buying . a guy with 19 husky 300 asked to swap . Hated his bike he loved mine but said rear suspension too stiff hes 180 i'm set up for my 260 . he still liked the front better than his.

 

[Niall-griffiths]

Thanks for all the replies some good info here, looks like I will shop around for a 2019 model, looking online there was a few minor upgrades?

on another note any of you guys tried the newer models out on a mx track?

 

[RockJunkee]

Honestly they are good bikes are they thousands of dollars better than you 2010 probably not. Nissan brakes are fine. Brembos a touch better imo especially the rear. They are heavy for 2t. Mine feels a pig. I would guess your 2010 would weigh close to similar . I had a 13 300 xcw and now own an 18 xc 250 gg it's not light years ahead of my 13. Is it better is it worse it has its pros and cons.

 

[gg3]

yeah,compared to any brand of 250cc mx bike the gasser feels heavy,turns slow,suspension too soft & gear spacing is all wrong.But its not designed for mx.if you want to just play on an mx track no problem,actually alot of fun.If you want to do a club day,your going to get an ass whooping.
If your planning to go up against your mates KTM SX450 on an mx track,wear as much roost protection as possible! It really is taking a knife to a gun fight.
Guess how I know

 

[Mudshark]

I've had Gas Gas since 1999. Several over the years and all great bikes. I have had a 2018 and now a 2019. There is no comparison. The KYB suspension is better than any other Gas Gas suspension by a noticeable margin. The entire bike is completely different and still retains all the good stuff we all love about the older bikes. I have owned KTM, Betas and Gas Gas for many years.This final version of the Gas Gas is the best bike I have ever ridden period. Get one.