The 98 MC250 may make sense for a release date of 1999. I see no technical data for the 98 or 99 MC250 models. Then nothing until 2002? This fits with the launch story I was aware of for the MC250 launch in N. America. Like I stated before, I am in search of all historical information.
Are you aware of any dealers that were around at that time and are currently active? They may be a way to get a better glimpse into the Gas Gas history. The previous owner has a lot of credibility IMO. He was a dealer, and very invested in the performance, growth, and development of the brand. As a collector, he has very refined taste and interest in unique bikes as well. He purchased the Bike from the factory race support team at the end of the race tour and it he had Manufacture's Statement of Origin and assorted documetation to support that it was the first import.
He could not produce the national magazine article (yet), but thinks it was Dirt World. The article has the remaining identification details as well as a clear description of Gas Gas's product line and promotional efforts.
So, if you have any information or where to look for it would be appreciated. I have yet to see any information that would dispute that this is the #1 serial number bike and the prototype used to launch the new MC250 line. Other than the 2 comments on this post. I have seen no information to suggest that there was a 97 MC250 produced for N. America as stated prior in the thread. However, I am not saying it is not possible!
I am aware that the development and commercialization of motorvehicle product is not always a clean and clear process, hence, a prototype classification ( or several prototypes). And sometimes these prototypes had a mish mash of parts due to engineering, sourcing, or part availabillty circumstances.
As is, the current body of evidence leads me to believe it is the first MC250 model imported and it was used for a race circuit tour (of note, the rider suffered a season ending race injury that cut the tour short). This bike also has a 4 speed gearbox, which was deemed to be a poor fit for N. American tracks and later changed for this market, but not the Euro market.
Again, I really appreciate your, and the other member's, comments that this IS NOT THE first N. American imported MC250. I invite others to share their opinions and any clues to this 20 year old Gas Gas mystery. Please forward forward any opinions, information, or contacts that may help. Please share this information within the Gas Gas community as well. Much of the information being sought was in the early days of the internet and those with firsthand knowledge may not have transitioned to the internet shift. That is why I am appealing to the internet Gas Gas community to reach out to the broader community. It could make for some great threads and usher in a wealth of information not currently in the electronic format.
Gas Gas is a great motorcycle product IMO and a great story which deserves preservation! Who better to lead this effort than the current leaders of this community?
Thank you Webmaster. And thank you to allfrom senior members to new members in the community.
Legacy
|