Mine arrived in the mail box today.
In the DirtBikeMag thread, stainlesscycle gives his impressions of this DirtRider review:
Quote:
just got sept issue of dirt rider - review is pretty bland - doesn't point out any positives - they kinda dwell on the fact that it's sprung soft and lacks midrange(?). didn't touch on handling much, did they even ride it
overall pretty vague review.
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The article was comprised of a classic two-page spread. The first page has a full-page photo of a green & blue clad rider astride rearward as the Gasser is brought down a 45 degree angle off a sandstone (or maybe granite) boulder. Under the bike photo in large font were the words, "AGAINST THE GRAIN."
On the top of the second page was "2012 GAS GAS XC300." Below it were three 2x2 photos of the right-side of the seat and number plate, left side of the motor, and a super close up of the brake side of the black swing arm "Racing Gas Gas Factory."
Captions: 1) The chome-moly frame mates to a plastic subframe. Both are plenty durable. 2) THe gas Gas power plant vibrates, but not as much as a KTM 300. 3) Cool components and careful attention to detail. Spaniards have style.
Key points in the body of the article:
1) The ever-unique XC300 features a subframe that has proven to be every bit as durable as a standard steel or aluminum unit.
2) Galfer rotors, Twin Air filter, and heavy-duty tubes all come stock, as does the FMF Q Stealth spark arrestor.
3) The most common remark from first-time Gas Gas riders was that the motorcycle felt exceptionally "normal" and that it wasn't as odd as they'd expected.
4) Aside from a steppy junction between seat and shroud, the ergonomics are comfortable and encourage a naturally aggressive and forward sitting rider position, and the bike fits a wide range of riders, starts easily and positively engages into gear.
5) The stock suspension setting is much to soft for your average American (I'm assuming spring rate). Riders up to approximately 160 pounds will enjoy the stock spring rates, but anything over that and the lack of damping causes the suspension to blow through the stroke.
6) Shock damping is good initially, but once past the mid-stroke it gets fairly soft, a handling weakness that becomes apparent in long, choppy straights.
7) The Ohlins shock lacks a high-speed compression adjuster. We found that the PFP (floating piston in the fork) which affects pressure in the cartridge was a fun setting to mess with, and ended up liking around three-quarters of a turn from stock.
8) The XC300 maintains stability at high speeds and doesn't feel like it's begging for a stabilizer, though in slow sections the early engaging steering stops seemed out of place on a bike with so much trials DNA.
9) Our test bike came jetted way to rich. For California altitude and temps, a leaner needle position and main jet dramatically improved throttle response and overall excitement.
10) Once jetted, the power pours on smoothly and lugs extremely well in lower RPM ranges while the top end comes to life in a strong burst that doesn't mind being revved out.
11) The hitch is the mid-range: The XC300 vibrates a lot while transitioning from low to top end, and pulling performance suffers when you're not either lugging it or keeping the revs up. As one rider put it, the power will "jump the midrange" and fall off on momentum-robbing hill climbs and deep soil sections that might require a downshift. We're sure the aftermarket would be happy to tune that out.
12) Gear spacing is decent and the hydraulic clutch has a nice feel and predictable engagement point.
13) A growing number of shops in the States are committed to helping the brand.
14) The XC300 is a solid machine, and those of you who don't like to follow the herd and aren't scared of a little fine-tuning may find yourself loading up a Gas Gas when you go to buy your next bike.