2012 EC250 or EC300

[Black01]

I'm not yet a Gas Gas owner I just sold my 2007 cr250 which I did everything possible to make it an enduro bike)
Im not sure which bike to buy. I've been told the 250cc bikes like the Ktm xc250 and Husqvarna WR 250 have more top end and less bottom then the 300cc in the same model. I rode a 2010 Ktm XC 250 and felt like the get up and go left a little to be desired. I realize that an enduro bike won't hit like the cr, but was hoping the EC might be the bike to get me the most complete power band. More then enough bottom with some get up and go if I need to tackle something steep. Has anyone tried the ec250 and ec300? Does the 300 just feel like a more powerfull package through every power range? Im a little concerned about people claiming Gas Gas bikes are more suited for shorter riders. Does the 2012 suit a guy 6' better. Or would I be better off on a Ktm xcw. Any other info would help me finally make this difficult choice. I'm also looking at the Ktm XCW, husaburg TE. Thanks black01

[Jakobi]

The 2010/2011 models have a lower seat height and peg clearance than other brands which gives them the small feel. They aren't cramped to sit on though. The 2012 models have changed frames, rear shock length, and linkage which gives them a taller seat height and more clearance under the pegs.

My 2010 has run the stock EC300 top end and head, then an S3 head with 1.9mm squish using the high high insert, then a complete S3 250 cylinder and modified insert squish 1.2mm and 14:1 CR. I would recommend you set the port timing, squish and compression ratio regardless of what brand you decide to buy. Imo its the biggest bang for buck mod. If I was a racer I'd do it before even taking the bike out on its first ride. As a casual rider at the first top end.

The 300 has more power in the bottom/mid area. More punch and more torque. The 250 is softer with a more pronounced hit in the mid range. The 250 is easier to keep on the pipe without beating you up. The 300 is a beast and provides more reward when changed earlier in the rev and by using the torque. Both will scream at the top end when you open the throttle. The engine also responds really well to jetting changes and you can tune it to hit harder and be more pipey, or smooth things out simply by changing the needle. My preference at this point is the 250 as it gives me the biggest grin by allowing me to use more of the power thats available. The lighter piston revs up quicker. You can also change the flywheel if you get a kick only model which will make it snappier also. 2k2 vs 2k3. The same applies across all brands like you have said. 250 more of a revver and 300 more of a grunter.

The comment from my mate who owns a TE300 when he rode the gasser was that the bike didn't lack power/punch and that it steered really well. When you turned it just went there. Thats what these bikes are all about.

[Diggs345]

Originally Posted by Black01

I'm not yet a Gas Gas owner I just sold my 2007 cr250 which I did everything possible to make it an enduro bike)
Im not sure which bike to buy. I've been told the 250cc bikes like the Ktm xc250 and Husqvarna WR 250 have more top end and less bottom then the 300cc in the same model. I rode a 2010 Ktm XC 250 and felt like the get up and go left a little to be desired. I realize that an enduro bike won't hit like the cr, but was hoping the EC might be the bike to get me the most complete power band. More then enough bottom with some get up and go if I need to tackle something steep. Has anyone tried the ec250 and ec300? Does the 300 just feel like a more powerfull package through every power range? Im a little concerned about people claiming Gas Gas bikes are more suited for shorter riders. Does the 2012 suit a guy 6' better. Or would I be better off on a Ktm xcw. Any other info would help me finally make this difficult choice. I'm also looking at the Ktm XCW, husaburg TE. Thanks black01

I have just purchaces a ec 300 r and i love it , cant give you any advice on the 250 as iv only rode the 300 .
The new bike is taller than the old model as i found out several times yesterday when i couldnt reach the floor and toppled over , if your over 6ft you wont have that problem though .
There was a few ktms with us yesterday and allthough there was the usual gas gas piss taking they did say the bike was so sexy looking

[Clay]

Black01,
Where do you live?
Clay

[Black01]

Thanks Jacobi and Diggs for the advise. I'm starting to lean towards the EC 250. Hey Clay I live in Washington State and the Canada boarder. I ride with a group of guys in Vancouver Canada. There is a huge amount gnarly of single track in Vedder and blue mt. Areas. I've noticed that the Spain E-start model are standard models, where in the US they are the Race model with E-start. Is this correct or am I just making things up? If I do get the gas gas should I get the e-start or non e-start. I enjoyed having it on my bros xc for sticky spots. Then again if I decided to put a rekluse in I guess it wouldn't matter. How does everyone find the function of the starter? Seems like the Ktm has tons of problems with theirs.

[Diggs345]

I guy i ride with has 12 ec with electric start and over 100 hours on his bike with no problems , to be honest i wanted an es model but i went with the rae as it has marzocchi and ohlins , i dont think ill bother putting it on as they start real easy anyway , 9 times out of 10 first kick:

[wence]

I have a 12 E-start and have not had any problems at all starting the bike except when I had a buggered plug.
Nothing would start it then though.
The suspension( marz/ohlins is awesome), nso if you are thinking a rekluse then go the race to get the suspension.
Cheers Mark

[Jakobi]

Best just have a look at diggs thread. He covers all the pro and cons for e vs r models.

[Black01]

The USA E-start comes with the marz/ohlins and renthal bars. Basically a race with e-start. At least the shipment that is coming in now.

[Moto7man]

I have a 2011 EC 300 with E start. I'm a vet rider and I've had about 45 bikes. Before the Gasser, I had a CRF 450R and a Kx 250 two stroke. Don't be scared of the 300, it has torque and its fast but the power is very linear. I've raced about everything including a CR500 two stroke. The 300 is in another league compared to any 250 but it isn't a 500 two stroke by any means. This is my first E Start bike and the button is awesome. Jackobi is right, these bikes turn really well. Compared to your Cr250, you will like the Gasser a lot whether its a 250 or a 300. The Gassers are awesome!