Opinions

[wrench]

A member of a local dirtbike forum had posed the following ...

[Any opinions on the Gas Gas 2 Strokes?

Man those bikes look sweet! How is the handling, parts availibility, suspension right out of the box? They seem to be right on par with Ktm just don't see many around. Looks like they are in for a major upgrade in suspension for 2012. The Six Days bikes look killer..]

I thought I would post his as well as my reply to him. In case I was in error with any of my statements, corrections could be posted here and I can make any needed clarifications/changes on the other board. Thanks in advance, below is my reply ....

[ GASSER's are great bikes!!!

I'm the "buddy" that bought Dan's [Bluelightning] 250 XC. I always wanted one and I like this one so much that two rides later I sold my KTM 300. It has the WP's [worked by Hyperformance Cycles] up front and Ohlins in back with a Factory Connection steeeker on the reservoir but who knows, it just works great!

The 250 motor is much tamer than the YZ 250 I had before the KTM, but it is easier to ride [great for an old guy like me] and pulls off the bottom well. I do think that the GG300 pulls much better off bottom and is a little stronger through the middle. I swapped out the factory pipe for a FMF gnarly pipe and kept the PCII silencer and that made the bottom and middle much better.

The older model's like mine [01] are getting harder to find parts [just have to put a little more effort into than the newer models] and figure out the "crossover/interchanges" but you can a lot of help and info from the GasGas forum.

The newer models [07-11] are getting the attention of the aftermarket Mfg's and availability is increasing, giving GasGas owners a choice of OE vs Aftermarket like the other brands enjoy. Kind of like it was for KTM not so long ago, and look at them now!

The new bikes are nothing short of stellar,although I have not had the opportunity to ride a 2010 or 2011 model. Every ride report that I have read has been A++ scores. I have seen several when I have been racing, but only long enough to say to myself "look at that gorgeous bike flying past me" and a few trees later, out of sight!

The reason that you have not seen many of them in the past is believed to be poor execution at promotion by the previous N. American importer. That has all changed, since Clay Stuckey [formerly w/KTM] took over as the Importer/Dealer network of the brand for N.A.

They are doing a nice job of promoting these bikes and have some really talented riders competing here in the states. There seems to be quite a fervor when these bikes and riders show up. While "wrenching" for GOR's Baldwin/Sanderlin DUO winning team at this years Perry Mtn 24hr race, I was quite impressed with their "paddock" and team effort, very much the "factory" feel and they still took the time to talk with anyone that wanted to ask questions of bench race. That goes a long way to getting people warmed up to the marque. Not bad for an operation based in Peachtree City GA!

Since the parts infrastructure was already in place and not a huge issue, as I understand it, GoFasters was given the parts distribution side of the equation. ]