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2017 Contact 250
Just found and joined this forum. I'm looking at the new 250 Contact. I have been doing vintage trials. Now I want to explore modern trials. I can't find much about the Contact. How much is in common with the more advanced Gas Gas trials bikes? Brakes, sprockets, wheel bearings, etc. I cant find a parts list yet.. Are the frames the same? Where is the engine sourced from? I will most likely buy the bike anyway. When it comes time for replacement parts, I just want to know that parts are available. Jeff
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Great Questions as a gasgas trials bike owner I rode the contact and it is a great buy for someone new to modern trials bikes . The bones are all trials bike the parts are great for someone who does not need the suspension a Race version gives you . The seat tank combo gives you a Sherco Xride type of trail bike , I have one of those to and it just does not get used much . The engine and power are great for trials events and messing around the back yard . I do not know of a better buy out there for a starter trials /Xride bike . Good luck if you do get it . PM me if you have any questions . I really like my gg trials bikes and have owned a bunch of brands .
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Any idea if it is a current engine? Who is a good parts supplier in the U.S. ? Thanks and looking forward to being on the GG Team. Jeff
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The contact is the TXT bikes with bigger tank and added seat. It has cheaper suspension (oll? front forks), and other equipments whitch give it smaller price point. Same engine and frame.
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Thanks. I am off Tuesday and going to look at a new one. Jeff
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My son and I were looking at the Contact today and if I did not own a Sherco X ride as my third Trials bike / with a seat I would buy one . They are a copy of my 2014 Factory with a few changes that up to killer intermedate / expert you would not no the difference . I would change out the tires at some point with a better tire and put in a tubeless tire setup . And that is it :D just ride it!! Mattos had two on the floor .
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Plus 1 on the difference Rod you nailed it . My 300 Race will eat you up if you blip it at the wrong time . But it does help me get in shape picking up my bike ! |
They did not have a Contact 250, so I rode the 280. The 280 is a little bit of a pain to start so I put a deposit on a 250 Contact. Rod ..If you are reading, does this bike come with the appreciation package? My current background is cross country riding. So...new bike...trials bike. What oil and ratio for a GG trials bike? I know this can be a can of worms. Thanks to everybody for chiming in. Jeff
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Jeff you are going to love your bike they do however have a starting technique that you will need to learn . I try to find TDC top dead center choke on and then a good kick gets it most of the time . The most it takes me is 3 tries and do not forget to take off the choke . If you take care of it in 5 years it will bring you back $3500. in 10 years $2500. Unlike enduro bike they do not need many extra parts . So enjoy your new bike !
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I had no trouble starting the 280 after it was warmed up. But for my use, I would prefer a little easier starting. I will use the bike for practice, goofing off in the back yard and trail work. A lot of starting and stopping.. Jeff
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Congratulations and enjoy your Contact! My '17 Gas Gas TXT 125 is an awesome bike and in 6 months I've become hooked on trials riding.:D
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I thought the Contact had a fuel screw. It has a different carb.
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Picked up the 250 Saturday. I may have misled some to think I don't know how to start a 2 stroke, not a problem. That being said, the 250 is easier to start because of the lower compression and maybe a little bit better jetting. The 280 can be a chore to start hot or cold. I don't know why. The TXT and the Contact use the same engine if I am correct. It started on second kick today. It is just too sloppy here to ride. Hope soon I can ride. My dealer said Maxima at 100 to 1. But the manual says 50 to 1. Any suggestions? Jeff
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In my trials bikes I run 80 / 1 most of the time since you are not running them hard and long like my enduro bikes . So by going 80 / 1 it does not load up and rarely fowls a plug . Enjoy your new ride !
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I agree with Rod if you are riding trials but if you are using the bike for trail riding where you wined it out a little more oil is a good thing .
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What octane is the most used? Jetting off idle doesn't chop clean without a little rattle every now and then. I am running 102 race gas.
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I run 102 octane also and it seems to run very clean . I would call Bud at Mattos or Jim at Foxs trials barn they deal with these issues every day and have always been very helpful . Or you could put a Smart Carb on the bike I did do that to one of my trials bikes .
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Is it normal for it to have a low RPM irregular spaced slight pop on deceleration? Jeff
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Been riding the Contact about 3 times a week. Took it out doing trail work. It is perfect for trail work. Runs great. Got jetting pretty close now. Thinking about going to the Trials Training Center next week. I am ready to put it in trials sections. I have been doing vintage trials and am wanting to expand. Just having fun. From what I am hearing, this bike is a hot seller. Jeff
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Will 4th gear pull a long hill, and is it usable in a techy section on the Contact 250? The gap on my 2010 Sherco 290 between 3rd and 4th is too big for the type of riding I like to do, I want a more usable 4th gear. I miss my Scorpa SY250.
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Yes, it pulls 4th fine. 5th and 6th is where the gap gets bigger. So now it is time for a ride report. I went to the Trials Training Center. I got schooled by a 70 plus year old instructor. I rode it on the intermediate line. I rode my bike and tried a TXT 125. There is nothing that would hinder the Contact 250. The suspension is fine. I would not adjust it if it had clickers. The tires are O.K. for lower intermediate and less riders. Better tires will be helpful for more advanced riders. (I can't tell the difference) The only change I made was I went up to a 40 pilot. It puts the fuel screw more in the middle. It has a lean pop on deceleration, but it is NOT engine knock. The other change was I changed to the BLACK throttle tube. It slows down the acceleration and softens out the engine.. Starts easy, idles perfect, shifts good. I have used the bike as I said earlier in the post. Trials and trail work. The seat works very well. It would be nice if the hole for the seat mount was pre-drilled. I am very happy with the 250. For me, the 250 is a better choice than the 280. The 250 starts easier, has less hit, very little noise, and it didn't hurt that it was less money. Only negative is you can't run pump gas. I am running 102 unleaded race gas. Not a big problem in Nashville,Tn. I tried pump 91, race gas 98, 102, 105, 110 and 100LL avgas. 102 and 100LL (low lead) ran the same. Nashville small airports will not sell me avgas unless I have a airplane sitting there...I don't. But a friend does. I will stick to 102 race gas. Yup...I like it. Jeff
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Rode the Contact today. It ran crappy and was hard to start, fouled a plug. New plug and re-adjust fuel screw for hot weather. It is back to normal. A note to future buyers. I replaced the 36 pilot with a 40. I think I can fine tune summer to winter with the 40. It needed to be leaned out today. Jeff
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Are you still using the oem front sprocket? I read somewhere dropping 1 tooth in the front in addition to the black throttle tube is a great combo for the contact 250. I'm ordering the black throttle tube this week and might also get a new front sprocket. Thanks! |
Higher octane has slower burn. Some say higher octane burns richer. Lower elevation like Nashville Tenn, has higher oxygen density. That may be why my bike is lean with lower octane. I just could not jet it. 102 octane was about right. It was still lean at low rpm. The 40 pilot was about right. The 40 made it perfect at idle to low rpm but rich coming into the needle. I dropped the needle 1 clip. Perfect! I went to a 9 tooth front because it was better for the very tight turns we make. I can not explain oxygen levels scientificlly, but, it works for me. It runs perfect, starts easy, idles perfect. I might run a 45 pilot in colder weather. You are at higher elevation, 92 might be about right. Jeff
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It has been a while. Any other ride reports from Contact owners? I richened the pilot to a 42. It starts better and has better off idle response. The lean pop on decal is completely gone. Spark plug looks good. Re-jetting is easy and no reason not to try. Check your jetting in a higher gear [4th]. Roll the throttle from idle and up. It should be smooth. I did a event. Rode the novice line. Had a blast. I would like to hear what other Contact owners have to say. Jeff
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One year ride report. Been using it for trail work last couple of weekends. The seat is a big plus. I practice my trials skills in the back yard. Starts and runs great. No problems. Still find no need to upgrade anything. Some will say the tires. When riding the novice line, traction is not a problem. Skill is the problem. (we don't do splats nor boulders) I am thinking about cutting an inch or so off each end of the bars. Is there any reason not to? I am surprised I don't see much more about the Contact. Anyone hear any chatter about the Contact ES?
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Gas Gas Contact es 250
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Hello To all.
I'm new here and I live in Malta, I'm looking for a light and trail capable bike to replace my CRF250L, currently i was set to get a Beta Alp 200 ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktSVwkKil1E&t=1s ) it's a cross between a trial bike and trail. I always fancied a trial bike, incredibly light and capable machines but for some reason they all look intimidating for me. Recently by luck I discovered that a Gas Gas dealer recently opened in the island and the first bike that came into my mind was the Randonne, unfortunately i discovered that these are not into production anymore, such a shame. the dealer instead had the new Contact Es (road legal ) complete with seat, needless to say i was impressed by it and it looked impressive, super light and very well made. after a minute tough doubts started to come, I ask the dealer if it's a handful to ride it on the road he immediately sad ''No, not at all'' then i asked him if it's capable to ride it at least at 80km/h and his response was '' yes of course, why it wouldn't'' then i really was asking myself if this guy is trolling with me or he really mean it. i asked about road usage because in order to go to my favourite trails i need to get to the street first, some of them are least at 15km away, i asked also about fuel range and he told me for were i'm planning to go it won't be a problem but he didn't gave me a definite answer or the fuel range, worst case he told to carry some oil so when i get to the pump then i mix the oil into the tank when refuelling. I'm also new to 2 stroke's so I'm worried if the Contact 250 would be too much for me, I'm afraid that the first twist of the throttle would end a flip over. I also noticed and later discovered that the road legal version( maybe only here in EU) The bike comes with two exhaust manifold's and another carburettor, the manifold that came pre installed with the bike is for the Homologated setup which it comes black painted and it has some sort of flexible pipe and breather attached to it at the front but very unobtrusive and merely visible also the carburettor has something different but i didn't ask what, the guy at the shop didn't seem to be mechanical minded. the other manifold and carburettor are for a full power setup i assume. So, my question is. what's the top speed of the Contact Es 250? can be ridden moderately without risking to blow up the motor? what range I'm looking at with a 3.5 litre's of fuel? If the radonne was still available I think i would have done the order u put my cash on the desk,why the hell gas gas stopped producing it? I'm no expert rider when it come's to offroad but I would like to improve and with a light and trial capable machine i think I might double the fun and improve my skills, i got tired to the heaviness of the CRF and tall seat, I'm only 32 inch inseam so a low seat is very much preferred. So should i stick with the plan of buying the Beta Alp or the Gas Gas might work for me? I spend 2 good days thinking about the Contact since I first laid my eyes on it and imagine how many more places i could go through with such a light machine but I think I may make a mistake to take it instead of the alp. So I'm open for suggestions and thought's about it, any advice is welcome. Kind Regards Daniel |
The Contact is a trials bike first and everything else 2nd. The seat is a novelty and horribly uncomfortable to ride in the seated position. 80kmh is going to have that bike screaming and you wouldn’t want to do it for more than a few seconds. It sounds like that is not the bike you are looking for. Just my opinion though
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so if i can't reach 80km/h then for what' speed it's intended to do on the road since they come road legal?
similar bikes like the Ossa explorer, scorpa TY, montesa 4 ride? are they all the same as the contact? |
I have no idea why they make them road legal. Here in the states they do no such thing. I always figured it was just some Euro workaround so they can sell them in a certain market.
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I am in no way putting the Contact down. I recently rode one at a trials event and it was a ball of fun. I just can’t see where having one a a primary trail bike would be much fun. And I especially wouldnt want to ride one on the street. It’s just not what they are intended for
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+1.
A GG Ranger seems like the better choice. |
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Top speed is not for hwy use. If I were to guess 50 mph? Second of all, the seat is great until you plan on using it. Bouncing down the trail while seated, the rear mount on the seat broke. I was able to modify it and make it MUCH stronger. The clip inside the seat is no longer used. The seat base at the rear is too thin to be strong. The Contact is a real trials bike. A beginner will not find any short comings. Ridding the "3" line, the Contact is more that enough for any rider. Experts will not find any problems in the "3" line. As you get better, you will most likely find things to be changed...tires? If you can out ride the Contact, get a better bike. I love my 2017. One word of warning. Check on overheating of any trials bike. They just don't have enough cooling system for long, steady rides. Good luck.
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I went to a Ryan Young Trials clinic last week. When he was setting up everyone's bikes he mentioned my front suspension on my Contact 250 was very slow in both directions "like Molasses". He said it would just require a little more effort to do some things. He did not seem to have any problems wheelies and nose wheelies and read wheel hops on it.
I have not done anything to the suspension at all. I did buy the bike new so I don't think there would be too much oil in the forks. Has anyone changed the fork oil yet? Do you recommend just sticking with 5w oil and 160mm air chamber for oil level? Is there anything else I can do to speed up the front suspension? |
You could try 2.5 wt. That would speed it up in both directions. Measure the oil level before you dump it. I don't know if it is true, but, I have read someone claimed different weights oil in each leg. Otherwise, how do you like the Contact. Any problems? Mine is great.
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I will try some lighter weight oil and see how it goes. |
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