'05 MC250....info

[CampX]

A buddy of mine has a mint (as in maybe 10 hours on it) 2005 MC250 for sale. I had a good look at it today, and if I didn't already have on '05 EC300, I'd be all over it.
My buddy said it was "a snap-show", and I am guessing it was too much bike for him. Just how snappy is the MC version, compared to the EC version?
Don't see too many MC bikes, not much info to be found for it......

[jostby]

First, is this a 4-speed or 6-speed? I think they were marketed both ways in the U.S. While I'm not that sure about 2005, the earlier MC250 models had a 19" rear wheel, CDI unit was the same as the 200cc enduro models (changed the curve of the ignition timing for a harder hitting top end), a 2K2 stator (lighter mass/faster reving flywheel), no spacer between the cylinder and the reed block and at one time I read that they used a different cylinder head but I've never been able to verify that, if true it would probably provide a little more compression. I'm unsure what type pipe would have been used.

My '00 XC250 was marketed as a "cross", it had all of the above but with the 6-speed transmission, 18" rear wheel and FMF Gnarly pipe. At 300lbs (out of the shower) it works great for me. When I first bought it in '01 I was 250lbs and could easily wheelie through all 6 gears. So yes, there are some builds that have some awesome power and performance.

As info, I mainly ride single-track mountain trails (with very steep ascents and switchbacks) and it still pulls great from low RPM's but would probably be quite a handfull for someone much lighter.

For more info check out the sticky post "GasGas History".

If anyone can add anything to my foggy history lesson, please do!

[CampX]

It is a 6-speed tranny, and has a 19" back tire. No markings or stickers on the front forks, so I wonder if they are different than the 45mm Zokes on my 300.
Thanks for the info and insight. If he still has the bike a month from now, I'm gonna crank out some overtime at work and buy the bastard!

[jostby]

are the front forks gold in color, Ohlins? The SE models made after the XC models (starting about 2001 or 2002?) used Ohlins forks but I'm still not sure about the MC models.