Late model GG Suspension Review

[AZRickD]

A local dealer is beginning to sell an unusual number of Gassers recently (three). I've gotten a few questions bounced my way but with all the suspension component changes recently (I have an 05 and theirs are 08/09 models with an 09 EC250 Racing possibly in the mix), my knowledge base is lacking.

Can y'all offer up your listing of what is available currently? My bike comes with the Zokes/Ohlins. One of the new one comes with Zokes/Sachs, another with Sachs/Sachs, etc, etc. Just a bit too much for me to keep up with.

I await your efforts to turn me into a GG suspension sales expert.

[SpeedyManiac]

07 - Zokes front, ohlins rear standard. Racing bikes came with Ohlins fork and shock.

08 - Zokes front, sachs rear standard. Racing bikes came with Ohlins shock and possibly fork.

09 - Sachs front and back is standard. Racing is sachs/sachs I believe. Nambotin replica comes with Ohlins shock.

[Skidad]

Some of the 07's came with Zokes front and Sachs rear. Mine did.

[AZRickD]

That was quick. Okay, let's move on to specifics.

How do these function (compared with themselves or other makes)?

What about the 45mm vs the 47(?)mm vs the 50mm?

Sachs vs Zoke forks?

Free-association and stream-of-consciousness thought encouraged.

[SpeedyManiac]

Forks:
I've ridden an 01 with 43mm WPs stock and modified. Modified they were decent, but still not great. My 07 has Ohlins 48mm forks. I upped the spring rate from stock and it's good, but a little harsh on the small stuff. I have some new compression valve springs coming to soften up the initial part of the stroke. The ohlins forks are good, but nothing special.

The 09 bike I rode at the ISDE had Sachs 48mm forks. These suckers were awesome. I had no issues spending 6 days with this bike. The suspension was so good on that 09 I strongly considered buying one, but unfortunately my bank account vetoed that idea. I will have a new bike in 2010 hopefully with the Sachs suspension.

Shock:
Ridden a few different ohlins shocks and the sachs shock. All were good though again I think the sachs was my favorite. I'm not overly sensitive to the back end of the bike so honestly any of the shocks I've tried have been just fine.


So, personally I think the sachs suspension is the best thing going. Stock, the valving and spring rates on the 09 ISDE bikes was perfect for me. I set the sag and rode the bike for 6 days straight. Didn't even adjust a clicker.

[snaissidis]

Speedy Maniac,
would it be possible that u have the rear sachs settings?

[ferguscawley]

Originally Posted by SpeedyManiac

The 09 bike I rode at the ISDE had Sachs 48mm forks. These suckers were awesome. I had no issues spending 6 days with this bike. The suspension was so good on that 09 I strongly considered buying one, but unfortunately my bank account vetoed that idea. I will have a new bike in 2010 hopefully with the Sachs suspension.


So, personally I think the sachs suspension is the best thing going. Stock, the valving and spring rates on the 09 ISDE bikes was perfect for me. I set the sag and rode the bike for 6 days straight. Didn't even adjust a clicker.

Maybe the ISDE bike had modified Sachs forks ?.

The standard ones that come with the enduro bikes (non 'racing' models) over here in Europe are way too harsh for the average rider. Several of my customers have since sold their 09 bikes and gone back to KTM because they are unhappy with the forks on rough rocky terrain. This is despite many oil grade changes, air gap adjustments and clicker adjustments on their part (and on mine).

On my own bike, a 09 EC300, I have revalved the compression stack and made it better but I would still prefer the 45mm zokes up front for Irish terrain.

The 'Racing' suspension seems to be better, but only, it seems, in the hands of expert riders. The Marzocchi forks suited the average rider better as they had a plusher set-up straight from the crate.

I think that the move to Sachs forks was/is a mistake for GG, and one that will cost them several customers. The sachs shock is quite good though.

Just my 2 cents

[AZRickD]

Originally Posted by SpeedyManiac

Forks:

The 09 bike I rode at the ISDE had Sachs 48mm forks. These suckers were awesome. I had no issues spending 6 days with this bike. The suspension was so good on that 09 I strongly considered buying one...

The friend just bought his A-racing son an '09 ISDE EC250. It's in their garage undergoing the new-bike-go-over. These are big KTM fans that are hoping that the Gasser is as reliable as their KTMs have been.

Last week I let three KTM-riding members of a rival club test ride my DE250. The consensus is that the Gasser is now on their list when it comes time to buy another bike.

I'm feeling a little left out in this Arizona buying spree.

[Ud_luz]

Originally Posted by Skidad

Some of the 07's came with Zokes front and Sachs rear. Mine did.

As did mine.

[wence]

So did mine.