Why Upgrade from a 2005 to a 2011?

[ScottyR]

If I could unload my 53yr old wife for a 40yr old hottie...

Hey ya have to keep up with the newer bikes or you'll fall so far behind it won't have much trade in value. You might as well just keep it like my 1976 TY175. There is nothing wrong with having two three bikes ya know. To bad you're only allowed one wife.

I cant really complain about my 39 yr old wife. She is in better shape than most 25yr olds. She has ran 3 marathons this year and still plays competitive soccer with 20-25 yr old kids.

 

[eff]

If I could unload my 40yr old wife for a 32yr old hottie with a tight bod for not a lot of money I would be all over that.

LOL. The quote of the year!

 

[celler]

Wife
Much too smart around dirtbikes. She can notice the smallest detail changes to the bike.
No issue if I get a new bike. I had bikes when we married and she had a dog. Both are off limits to any negotiation.
She has run about 10 marathons and now mountain bikes with me so everything is good on that front. Even has a beer with me after 27 years of marriage. But then I have wine with her.
When seeing some of the young mountain bikers in Colorado I think I'm too old to handle that. I'm in pretty good shape but face it I'm 50 and like beer.

Good for the economy - Good point. With Obama taxing when I'm living (1/3) and then when I die (55%)he will get 2/3rd of everything I earn. Might as well spend some. Kids out of luck either way. Having a trust is a PIA anyway.

Clay - More paperwork? I think I would rather think I get him some beer money.

Technical reasons - Some ideas but must be more input? I have 3 bikes so I get the idea of a tight new bike. Any difference in weigh feel. The GasGas feels heavy compared to my KTM and YZ. Also did they not go to the smaller lighter brake calipers. Subframe is a good change.

Thanks for all the responses. Been fun.

 

[Nhuskys]

I cant really complain about my 39 yr old wife. She is in better shape than most 25yr olds. She has ran 3 marathons this year and still plays competitive soccer with 20-25 yr old kids.

Uma's looking pretty good at 40.....

 

[ScottyR]

I sh-t you not, they look a lot a like. Just something cool about something you arent going to have.....

 

[hudson_hollow]

I upgraded from a 04 to a 08 300EC last year. I expected the same bike, just newer, better looking and tighter. Gas Gas had made many small but significant changes in those years. Longer kick start makes starting a lot easier. The little magic switch that changes the ignition curve and works really well. Easier "on the fly" clutch adjustment. Lighter subframe. Standard bar to a "fatty". Nothing Earth shaking, just little improvements that added up to a better all around motorcycle.

 

[hudson_hollow]

"Uma's looking pretty good at 40....."
That's right!!
When my wife turned forty, I told her I would trade her for two twenties. She was ready for me on that one and replied; "Twenty goes into forty more than forty goes into twenty."

 

[blitz11]

That is possibly the best comeback I have ever heard. She's a keeper!

 

[Rick]

I just upgraded......a few years back....put USD forks on my 99 which in my mind gave me at least and 03. I would love to upgrade to an 11 200...

My 99 EC has been such a dream to own, I've never really wanted a new bike.... Ya Right!!! The body work on the newer bikes looks so good!!!

 

[Ud_luz]

but after having it a few months and riding it I am sold on the GG bikes. I gave my son the 2010 because he liked it so much

Obviously not, you gave it to your son.

I told my son if he anted one go get it himself. Mine's an "old" 07 and there's no way I'm giving it up. The new ones couldn't possibly be that much better.

 

[gasgasman]

The new ones couldn't possibly be that much better.

First signs of denial.

 

[john01]

Ud luz you are wrong; I gave it to my son because he works for me and has been doing an awesome job and making money for me. I gave it to him because he like me loves the bike. Now I will just get me another one maybe an 2011 300 with e-start. LOL you sure you're not in denial?

 

[Clay]

You guys are killing me!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Clay]

I cant really complain about my 39 yr old wife. She is in better shape than most 25yr olds. She has ran 3 marathons this year and still plays competitive soccer with 20-25 yr old kids.

Yeah.....and she puts up with YOU!!!
Poor woman!

 

[mackmack]

I perfer the 05-06 models. I still have an 05 and an 05.5 300. I have had 07 and 08 models and perfer the larger layout of the older models. The 07 up are super cramped for a 6'2" guy even with a tall seat my 08 seat to peg junction was nearly 2 " tighter than 05 with a tall seat. I also perfer the 05-06 suspension over the 2007-2010 models. New new one look better for sure and are lighter.

 

[webmaster]

There is always personalized setup - and any suspension setup can be made right "for you" by a good suspension tuner (e.g. Les at LT-Racing) - seat foam, bar risers, pegs, etc.

GasGas refines the bike year after year, gradually improving an already "good thing"...

For me, I see the following benefits on the newer model GasGas' bikes :

1. Marzocchi front/ohlins rear combination on suspension is a very good thing...
2. The motor is much lighter with new center case castings - removed the hump for the counter-balancer, etc. (which year did this change happen? I forget...)
3. The new sub-frame design drops a few pounds off the bike as well and improves ergonomics.
4. The '05 had a boyeson rad valve the '11 has moto tassarini v-force reed cage. - better all-around response and power. Great move.
5. The gasgas pipe on the '11 provides broad power and performs well.
6. Improved fit, finish and quality at factory.
7. Clay Stuckey and GasGas OffRoad US.

One thing I did like on the older bikes is those uber strong DID U-Rims that came on the bikes for a few years back 2001-2002 timeframe... I don't think DID makes them any longer.

jeff

 

[GMP]

Jeff, funny you should mention the rims, see my post in the Chassis forum.

Macmac, perhaps you can have a new bike your way. See if an '05 subframe/tail fits on a new mainframe like it will on an '07.