Gas Gas or KTM

[Magellan]

I've sold my thumper and am looking for a 2 stroke woods bike.

I had my eye on a used Gas Gas EC300 that I liekd quite a bit, but it isn't available, so I'm back to looking.

I rode the Gas Gas and liked it quite a bit. If I wasn't concerned about money, I'd probably just buy a new one. But I don't think I can afford it.

So, I'm looking into used bikes.

There are a lot more KTMs available than Gas Gases on the used market.

The only negative I'ver hear regarding the KTMs (I'm considering the EXC 300) is that there is somewhat of a hit near in the mid-range.

Coming from a 4 stroke, I'll expect some time getting used to the characteristics of a 2 stroke, but want the transistion to be as easy as possible.

Looking for advice, expereince, etc with the KTMs, especially from anyone who has ridden both.

On a side note, I also considered a KDX. For the same money, I could probably get a used KDX220 and dump some cash into it to improve the suspension, etc. But then I start thinking that that'll just be a big hassle. I want to spend my time riding, not building a bike. I have other projects for that. Anyway, that's probably a topic for another forum.

Thanks,

Mag.

 

[sloopy]

i currently have a ktm 450 exc and like it but i rode my friends bike ktm300 exc and liked it more. it just felt more comfortable to me. that would be my choice if i were to get a different bike. from my experience with ktms they are strong but when you do break them the parts are expensive and if you dont have a dealer near by the jap bike shops are no help.

i have never ridden a gas gas i hear they make a great 2 stroke bike i would like to ride one. here again if the money is an issue you should check on how much parts are and how available.

 

[barkbuster67]

If your going used, then I would base my choice more on the dealer near you and what they sell. I've ridden both and they stack up agaist each other very well. Go to any Enduro and all you see is ORANGE. I ride a Gas Gas 300 and can hontestly say they are very easy to ride and only get better the longer the trail is.

 

[SpeedyManiac]

Life's a gas.....gas. Seriously, I would go GasGas. I love my 200, the bike is AMAZING, it turns with surgical precision, the suspension is great (although I'm having some difficulty getting the front end dialed in) and the motor is pure MAGIC!

 

[GASGAS18]

want to buy my 2000 gasgas EC 200?
http://www.msnusers.com/mercedes-benz05/shoebox.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=8

 

[Magellan]

No thanks. Looking for a 250 or 300.

 

[Enduro_Nut]

Go GG. After owning the '05 I sold it and went back to the GG. Better suspension, power curve and overall qaulity.

Don't get me wrong the ktm was good - just not as good!

 

[Zerotact]

I think the dealer plays a HUGE part in this. There is a dealer out in my area, he has somehow managed to get his prices down to and below mail order prices. He also happens to magically have what you need most of the time... He swears that any part you'd need on a bike, he can get it cheaper than what that same part would cost for a jap bike.
This makes a gas gas an obvious choice.

 

[Magellan]

OK, I've made up my mind. I'm getting a Gas Gas. Hopefully an EC300, but may have to settle for the DE.

Mag

 

[JTT]

Congrats! Give us an update after the first ride ;)

 

[Matt R]

I think the dealer plays a HUGE part in this.

Mag,

You will be very happy with the EC300 or 250. Most likely, it will be the DE version. You will just need to add some flywheel weight. I don't agree with Zerotact's statement. A local dealer would be nice, but it is really no hassle to mail-order your parts. I live in Michigan and have to get my parts this way. I highly recommend Smackover Motorsports (from Arkansas) for GasGas parts. They also have a good forum dedicated to GG riders. In case you didn't know, many parts crossover from jap bikes. Check out gasgasrider.org for the parts crossover.

Welcome to the GG addiction!

 

[scar tissue]

Good luck with your choice and search. I've ridden both and own the KTM. Which means nothng except I found a smokin deal on it.

The gas gas feels smaller and lighter and engine smoother or some would say not as powerful. but they are great bikes in the 300 CC class. An enduro buddy of mine kicks my butt on his every other weekend.

The KTM has a larger feel to it (which works well for me being 6'3") and a stonger feeling motor. Its been bullet proof for me and I love the close ratio MXC transmission for enduros and trial riding.


Coming off a 4 stroke myself, the power delivery took a little getting used to. Now, I'd never wish to go back. IMO 2 strokes are alot more fun.

I don't think you could go wrong with either one. Just decide which attributes you like the best.

Good luck

 

[CPT Jack]

I would personally go for the 300 either way (EC or EXC). Nice broad, easy power. FYI, I have the GG250 XC and it definitely has a mid-hit, so if that's of concern to you, make sure you get an EC model or a 300. Heck, get a new one. What's 6 grand? A drop in the bucket!

 

[cdcracing]

I've owned both . I had a ktm 300 and thought their wasn't a better bike . My buddy got a GG 300 I rode it a couple of times and had to have one . It turned sharper the engine was smoother and the suspension was excellent . The ktm might beet it in the straight aways but when you get in the real nasty tight stuff the GasGas just preforms better . Thats what I think about the 2strokes . 4strokes I prefer something different a ktm 400 . :aj:

 

[TPbeMe]

I agree with Matt R; Smackover has been great doing business with. Coming off of a DRZ 400E, I bought my EC 300 from Smackover in '03--and I live in Florida. The build quality, as well as, dealer setup is the best I've ever experienced. Moreover, the availability of parts is better than what I experienced with my neighborhood Suzuki dealer--and cheaper too!
As for the power of my EC 300...
The first couple of rides left me feeling the bike was lacking in "snap," however, after becoming acquainted with the 300's linear power band, I discovered the bike's power delivery to be pleasantly "deceptive." Being a lazy rider, I can lug it everywhere, letting the bike do the work. On the other hand... when I'm feeling a bit "froggy," my 300 can scare the living @#%& outta me--it's all in the wrist!
Build quality, nimble handling like no other, light-weight feel, predictable linear power band, smooth seamless suspension, all makes a Gas-Gas a pleasure to own.

Tom P.

 

[euro gasgas]

I was with Magellan last night when he picked up an almost new EC300. '04 with 2 tanks of gas run through it. Very, very nice...

- jeff

 

[Magellan]

GG in Garage!

Yup, EGG was there and provided excellent bike purchase consulting services.

I got some jetting issues to work out and need to strip it down and do a proper setup. I wasn't too impresed with the previous owner, but the bike seems to be in great shape.

Even my 3 year old thinks so and said, "Daddy, I love your new regular dirt bike." (I have a trials bike as well).

I can hardly wait to really ride it. I've run it around the yard a few times to check it out and give me kid a ride (much easier than on the TTR since the GG has a flat seat). It'll be a week or two till I get out. I want to get it jetted correctly and get some protection on it before I head out.

Thanks to all for the help in making the decision. I feel I made the right one and appreciate all the input from both sides.

In the end, I really do like blue, but just couldn't buy another jap bike.

Gotta go change my signature...

Mag.

 

[TPbeMe]

Mag:

Do yourself a big favor... order the LT-Racing jetting kit for your new 300--it's worth every penny!!!

Good luck and enjoy,

Tom

 

[BunduBasher]

I can hardly wait to really ride it.

Yup life ... is a GAS .... GAS

Congrats - I love my GG Pampera 280, wouldn't swap it for any other bike !!! :ride:

 

[Magellan]

Installed the ltr let lit and some other goodies and hit the trail yesterday. I took it easy since it was my first time out. My god. What a fun bike! I rode a friends before, but was cautious on it and didn't really 'ride' it. All I can say is that I made the right decision.