Am I nuts? 1999 EC 250
 

So I can get a deal on a 1999 EC 250. Perfectly good running 2T. I'm actually considering it.

What I don't like is the GasGas situation and the zooks on the front being out of business as far as dirt bike forks. I know they foul the oil quickly but I maintain my bikes well and have no problem changing fork oil.

So what do you think? I assume parts would be difficult anyway as its a '99.

We're talking $600

Is this a throwaway bike? Ride till it dies then use as paperweight?

I also understand this is a GasGas site and you may be a bit biased.;)

I like weird and different things. And a 16 year old spanish bike from a bankrupt company may fit the bill. I'm also looking at '96-'99 Suzuki RMX's as comparison. I also am no stranger to throwaway bikes as our little group has an aprilia climber 1990 trials bike.

if I ran across one of those for 600, I would be all over it..

I have had a few rmx's, as have a lot of guys on here.. that gasser will run and turn circles around them..

if it is nice, you should be fine.. I just bought a gasser trials in that "money "that I will never sell..

No issues at all unless it's an unmaintained POS condition bike. They're great bikes and the 99' and older have the counter balancer for a super smooth engine. The body work can be updated all the way to the 2011 style and many forks can be adapted to work on the bike (older WP, YZ KYB, etc). I feel the bikes were way ahead of their time. They are tough bikes and handle well! I never feel my bike is lacking comparing to the newer bikes I ride with:D. I wouldn't worry about finding parts (many yrs interchange). Just remember it wont' be perfect, it's an old dirt bike.

Got pics??

For $600, you can't go wrong. Basically, the only "GasGas" item on the bike is the engine, not counting the piston and rod (the only consumables inside the cases). Everything else came from another brand/outside source. Brakes may be either Brembo or Nissin, so CR250 pads fit the Nissin brakes (as well as other brands). Wheel bearings are easily sourced at a bearing house. Piston may require a specific size, but I think that an older CR250 piston will fit, as will a CR250 rod. Crank is bullet proof and easily rebuilt. Oh, the hubs and wheels are specific, but rotors and sprockets are easily sourced. The crossover list is quite extensive, plus just search and ask. Lots of folks willing to help out here.

Considering it half the price of the RMX I have always wanted. I'm afraid I'll always regret this bike. I get the buttery smooth counterbalanced motor and other sources parts. Doesn't make me real nervous.

I don't have pictures as I originally hadn't even considered buying this. But the price is right now. Maybe I'll regret not buying this.

Apparently the only solution is to get both! But my budget does not allow this. Plus I don't like duplicate bikes. Each bike is a tool for a job. Got my sport touring street bike. My good dual sport and now time for a woods weapon.

This doesn't include my kids bike and the various quads I have as well.

The RMX is garbage.
The GasGas is something worth having.

The RMX will go down as the second greatest disappointment right behind the 97 CR 250 in the modern era.

Interesting, you are literally the first person I've heard say that. So because i always try to learn more, what makes it so bad?

Most of the people i know who own one or have owned one say its one of the best woods bikes they've ever had.

Uh.
Don't buy one.I don't know who you've been talking too.
But they are the ultimate turd in the 250 woodzification 2 stroke realm of that era.

You will love the Gasser and getting parts is easy.
Lots of used stuff out there also.This forum is loaded with parts.

I'm actually lagging here I've promised like 3 people parts for their Gassers.
Just been fishing everyday.
Lots of stuff out there.Lots of years and models interchange.Also with other brands.

Go for it......nothing to loose......those 45zokes are buttery smooth.....when set up right......just need your own oil well....j/k!
Mine lasted 10 years.....before I converted to USD forks.....

Hmm. I've talked to former and current owners. They are way better than kdx's. Thanks for the input.

Anyway, how often will i have to change fork oil? Can i still get bushings etc fir them? Or should I look immediately for forks?

Im not a stranger to mods and swaps. Or old bikes for that matter. My son had a 1989 Rm125 as a first bike. My current dual sport is a highly modded klx 300, including fork swap.

And don't forget the GG has a super easy hydraulic clutch, not cable. That makes a huge difference out in the woods.

Hiw many hours will a top end go for?

Had a 300 top end last 140 hours, depends on the conditions.

Well paying more for it than I wanted in our negotiations. I think we're both getting a fair deal. I get it Monday.:o

Congrats and welcome to the family

I thought you were comparing an older detuned unreliable and unsorted Suzuki RMX 250 to the newer 1999 GasGas 250 which is light years ahead of the Suzuki.

If you are comparing the RMX 250 to a KDX 200.of the same era.Then the RMX wins??
Although most who are actually familiar with both.bikes would still.take the KDX.

I doubt "whoever" you are talking to is actually familiar with all.3 bikes.
Otherwise it's worthless speculation.

Well I've never ridden a gasgas, even though I just bought one.:eek:

I am familiar with both the RMX and the KDX. I only like the '96-'98 RMX. I can't believe anybody who has ridden both the RMX and KDX would think the KDX is a better bike. After I ride the gasser, I may be one of the only people on the planet who is familiar with all 3 bikes.:D We have a KDX "buddy" bike that we put inexperienced friends on.

But those are the only bikes I have riding in to compare to. I can't wait to ride my new to me gasgas!

What forks are on the '99? They are conventionals. I wont have pictures until i pick it up monday

If it still has the EC forks they will be Marzocchi Magnum 45's.

Thanks. I'm like a fat kid at a candy store waiting to get this.

No link for the manual on these on the tech page. I'll go ask the google machine!

well... maybe not the only one..

I had a 93 wr200 Yamaha, a 94 rmx250, and a 95 kdx200.. I would take a gasser over any of them.. but after it, the rmx would be #1, wr #2, and kdx #3... I never really got along with the kdx, but that also was the first year of convention forks on the kdx..( I am just a trail rider, with a few enduros thrown in... not a fast guy at all...)

Comparing the RMX to the KDX is part of your evaluation.
The KDX gets compared to bikes in its class.
The RMX is at the bottom of the 250 class of its era.Plain and simple.
Both are play bikes.

From a standpoint of ownership.A bike you have to maintain.
Parts availability etc.
Then the KDX wins hands down.
Both are turds.
The KDX has a 20 plus year run.Go on any craigslist site and you can find one.
The RMX not so much.Why is that??
Which one is the bigger or best turd.Is it really important to try to nail that one down??

If you were riding in that era then you would know.
Speculating about bikes 20 years later??

Buy the Gasser.

Hatfield, You will love the GG. Came from a CRFx and have not looked back. Where are you from. If WV (Hatfield) you will love it on the single track.

Enjoy

Well SW VA. Close enough. We ride HMT, but i find more single track other places. Thats what i like is the single track. There is a new place fairly local to me that has had Graham Jarvis come and teach 3 classes and they had a hard enduro race 2 weekends ago that obviously graham won. Called MT Motorcycles. I'll be taking his class when he comes next spring.

Am I nuts? 1999 EC 250
 

Oh boy. Basically $900. Traded a nice kids yamaha quad and some cash.


http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k5...psmkatch8d.jpg

You, sir, scored:)

That's super clean. You're going to love it!

What are my "must do's"? I will be going over everything. But is there anything that is gasser specific?.

Yeah, just go over your typical brakes, bearings, fresh fluids, etc.

Specifically, I'd check condition of reeds and pull carb and head off. Jetting can be tough, especially on older Gasgas. Make sure your reeds are in great shape and if it were me, I'd send my carb and head here:

http://www.rb-designs.com

Tons of guys here have used Ron and you won't regret the results. M

I have a buddy that is a carb witch doctor. He gets all our jetting.

Dude i bought it from was the original owner. Still the original front tire. It'll get a top end etc. this winter. Had the owners manual. With jets taped to it.

I'll pull swingarm and get all the bearings greased. Needs rear wheel bearings.

Nice work! How does it run?

Am I nuts? 1999 EC 250
 

Well i rode it back and forth in the walmart parking lot and did great. Lol

Started second kick

Needs a left side shroud graphic.

I think you've found a nugget. Great find.

Our '99 EC 200 I picked up 3 years ago was similar. It's a fantastic bike and gives nothing up to new bikes. I rode it last year with a buddy who has a '15 KTM 200 and we traded. He was shocked at how well the 16 year old bike ripped and handled.

Great bikes!

That looks mint! well done. At the very least you've saved it from matt black paint and metal mulisha stickers.

I'm serious I'm looking for the left side shroud graphic if anybody knows where I can get them. Also the link to the manuals on the home page does not cover 1999. I'm told the '99 is the last counterbalanced motor. Anywhere I can purchase a manual?

Exactly what I was thinking!

So it gets torn down on Saturday for TLC. I'm going to order a piston as well. I typically get wiseco and have had no issues. I assume its the same for GG. Also any suggestions fir a gasket kit? I'm going to do the brake pedal bushing thats on this site.

http://checkpointoff-road.com/store.html

It hits the case now so I want some more space. What about the impeller? Is the plastic impeller prone o failure?

Suspension goes to my suspension guy.

Also I need radiator guards/braces and a skid plate.

Recommendations on reed's?

Just keeping it stock for now.

I wouldn't worry about the water pump if it's working properly. There was a rash of faulty pumps around 2010 but the old bikes seem to be A OK:D

Anything on my other questions? I want to get the items ordered so I can ride soon. Plus it has 2 missing spokes in the rear i may just relace the whole thing. I'll see if the rest of the nipples are free. If they are I'll probably just order 2.