Setting up my 05 GasGas EC250
 

I bought a brand new left over 05 GasGas EC250 right after I had bought a used 03 KTM300EXC that needed some work. I will be selling the KTM since the GasGas is still brand new (I only have about 2 hours on it) it also is still under warranty. I competed in a enduro on the KTM last weekend and finished third in the senior C class, I was just happy to finish since I haven't ridden a race like that since 1997 on my 95 KTM300MXC! I really liked the engine on the KTM especially the low end, it got me through some really tight and nasty stuff, it just wouldn't stall and kept chugging along! I would like to get the GasGas set up better for me. I have posted about it here before and haven't tried any of the mods that were suggested yet, I'm waiting to sell the KTM so I will have the extra money. I will try the LTR power valve cover and jet kit, longer shift lever for my size 12 boots also heavier springs front and rear, lower foot pegs and see what that all does for it. I also have the heavier flywheel that I might try and get a smaller front sprocket (12t). Since I did get a decent deal on this I don't mind spending a little to fix it up for my riding style (which is a slow senior C rider :) and size, 5' 11", 220 lbs. I plan on keeping it for awhile! What I was curious about is has anyone ridden a 03 KTM300 or similar year and compared it to a GasGas EC300? I have heard that the 300 has that similar won't stall low end grunt that the KTM has and I understand all I would need is a cylinder and piston assembly to convert my 250 to a 300? Would it be worth the swap for me if I found a good deal on a 300 kit? Thanks, Ash

I belive the biggest bang for the buck is having the head cut. My '05 300 was weak on the bottom compared to the '00 300 I had been riding. I traded heads with a fellow GGRC member when the head work gave him too much power. Well, the head gave me more low end than I could use. I ended up changing the jetting and gearing because it flat out ripped right off idle. Now with the CCK needle, #7 slide and -1 tooth on the rear sprocket, I have linear power with instant response. So I can pick my way through the boney stuff in 3rd gear and use that low-end torque to my advantage. A quick stab of the clutch lever still allows me to launch the bike as needed.

The owner of my old head had it cut as well, but not as aggresive.

That '05 250 is a super sweet ride. I rode one a while back and it compelled me to sell my KTM 300 ASAP-only a couple of days after I bought it. I ended up on an 07 EC300. The low end on the KTM felt much stronger to me. I still felt the GG was a better bike, obviously.