Need help buying a new bike pls

[brokenheadbrad]

Hi all. The title says it all. I have a 2008 KLX 450 but really wanting a new 300 2 smoker. There is a gas gas dealer that i have built a relationship with willing to sell me a new 2012 GG 300 for $7800. But a big dealership in Denver (about 1 hr from my house) is willing to deliver a 2013 KTM XCWe for $8000. I'm sure i would be happy with either but im still struggling to decide. This bike will be for trail riding mostly but some enduro / hairscramble. The resale of the ktm will be higher but i plan on keeping whatever i decide on for at least 5 years. I like the looks of the GG just worried i'll be cramped in the cockpit. I am 6'2, 205 pounds B class vet. any incite to help my decision would be greatly appreciated. THX!

[john01]

The 2012 GG is more open/roomy than the 2010 GG that I had and I sold it to a friend that's 6' - 5" 225 lbs. It's his favorite bike of all time and he's had quite a few. He installed the tall seat and tall bars. IMHO the GG handling and ergos makes it a better bike. I tried a few KTM's as my son had a couple and I never could come to grips with their ergos. I feel like I'm sitting up on the KTM's over looking the number plate as the front end twitches and the back tries to find traction. Have you sit and stood on the GG?

[Jakobi]

How much can you get a 2013 Gasser for??

John covered the bases. Both good bikes. Asking here will get a biased answer to a certain extent. You'll find some own both brands, and others will tell you what John has. I'm with him that the KTM just feels a bit alien and less confidence inspiring for me.

[brokenheadbrad]

thx for the quick replys. I did sit on a 2012 gg 300 and it felt pretty good (except for the 2x4 for a seat). I really like the looks of the gaser but the more i research i think the KTM is more advanced. The gaser engine reminds me of my 1996 KDX 200 which is not a bad thing but i like a bit of a hit. Also i think the GG is like 20 pounds heavier. (anyone know?) 2013 Gaser would be around $8500+. $8000 for 2013 KTM. $7800 for 2012 GG. So the real difference is 200 bucks for a year newer model KTM.

[desertgasser300]

Uh oh! Sounds like you have been reading the mags or have been on KTM talk?

Don't get hung up on the weight thing, it's all relative. The Gasser is way more balanced then the KTM. You have to wonder why the Gasser is a bit heavier? One big reason is the cases are sand cast and thicker then the KTM = more durable in the long run. Seat foam can be changed. I stand up 80% of the time so the seat isn't an issue. The electric start is years better then the KTM.

If you do get the KTM keep a spare shifter in your bag and a counter shaft seal available.

I would put my 97' Gasser against any new machine.

[Wimpy525]

6'5" on a 12 300 no problem with room in the cock pit. Gutz has a tall seat just got mine have not installed yet. Road my 525 today and was missing the 300 all day.