I've got the blessing from upper management!
 

Well, my wife has given her blessing for a new bike. :D

Sometime between now and spring, there will be a GG added to my garage. I've been researching the '07 and '08 bikes. It looks like the '08 EC250/300 received only slight modifications. From what I've read the front fender, headlight, seat profile, and crankshaft bearings have been changed. I don't care about the cosmetics, but I'm curious if the crankshaft bearings justify the higher '08 expense.
Were there issues with the '07 bearings???

The more difficult decision for me will be the choice of the EC250 or EC300. From riding my 200EXC, I have learned that 'less is more' and it has been a blast to ride on Michigan's singletrack. I always like the EC250 for it's do-everything well characteristics. Back when I had my 250, I always desired to convert it to a 300 just to try it. My biggest concern coming off my 200EXC is if the EC300 will be too tiring in tight woods. I would love the extra torque, but not at the expense of wasted energy from me.

Are the '08 250's coming to the U.S. as DE's or EC's?
It would be great if they are DE250's (my preferred choice). I believe the '07 bikes were imported as EC's. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Do the 300's have better manners as DE's or EC's?
I would think EC300's may be better for tractability. I would like to hear opinions from the 300 riders.

Thanks

The bearing issue is to deal with emissions. The new bearings are sealed which will allow the bike to run on 1% premix. There were no performance issues that I know off. Ktm is doing the same (among others).

The 300 will allow you ride more lazily, as you can ride more like a four stroke right of the bottom end.
I like it, but after a 6hour enduro, you know you have been riding !

The rekluse clutch take a fair bit off the bottom end in terms of "instant" pulling power and does tame it a bit and much easier riding.

Just MHO

K

Matt,
What happened man did you get tired of that pumpkin or us giving you crap about owning it?:p

Seriously glad to hear you are coming back over to the dark side.:cool:

How the motocycle responds with a Rekluse is highly dependent on how the Rekluse clutch is set up.

I personally prefer a sharp, crisp engagement. As such, that is how I have set up my Rekluse. The 300 will respond very strongly on the low end when set up that way. It responds instantly. :D

The nice thing about the GasGas engine is you can tune it to your liking with appropriate jetting and with mods like the RB designs head mod.

The 300 engine is just the ticket for me with strong low end and very linear power.

This quote (from KTMTALK) is from a buddy of mine that I ride with from KTMTalk...he ride a 525....

The widowmaker is a hill at a riding area close to us called the Ridge http://www.ridgeriding.com/ and it is pretty gnarly, rough and steep.
I never put a foot down and torqed right up it on my 250....what a sweet bike!

If you're going for an 08, get the 'racing edition.' It's like the old DE bikes, only better.

From the press release it sounds like all '08s will be 250s/300s with Zokes/Sachs in DE trim unless special ordered. Nothing wrong with that at all. Some early '07s came as ECs but mine is actually a DE.

The '07 250 has really nice power, fast and smooth with enough low end and really good overrev. Smoother and higher reving than the '01 XCs with the FMF pipes.

Nope, the 200EXC is a great bike... no major complaints about it. It has really helped me increase my speed this year and taught me to ride smoother, maintain momentum, etc..

Thanks Glenn, that's all positive news!

Did all of the '07 bikes finally get USA compliant VIN #'s (no letter as the 10th digit)? Michigan's system will catch the european vin's and prevent me from getting it plated. Hopefully, the '08 bikes will be imported correctly.

Matt,

The VIN is compliant as far as format, but some states like NJ now have a master list of bikes that may be plated. If your bike is not on the list, no plate regardless of the VIN being in compliance or not. Check with your local DMV. You can eaisly get a Vermont tag though, thats what I did.