Not necessarly orange in Arizona

[AZRickD]

Howdy, all.

I've stumbled over here to research the Gas Gas EC 300 ('06 or newer). And possibly, but not likely, a TM 300.

I'll likely be buying after next season.

I currently ride a dangerously modified '03 KDX 220R Desert single and two-track. I'll race eventually.

I had been considering the KTM 300, and having ridden two '06 models (one an XC, the other an XC-W) at a riding clinic this month, I found them to be just fine. But I have some nagging doubts that cause me to check elsewhere. Things such as buzziness, rear suspension quirks, etc.

We have but two GG dealers in Arizona. One is 100 miles away up in Prescott. The other is a small-timer in downtown Phoenix who runs a mostly trials-only shop as an off-shoot of his repair place.

I'll be lurking mostly and posting from time to time.

Thanks in advance for the information.

Rick

[psycleboy]

Traded up from ktm exc200 to an ec (de)300 in '05, haven't regretted it for a second since! I also live in AZ (north phoenix) and everything about the Gas Gas is superior in my eyes for technical single track.

[mike989]

I bought my 03 FSE from that dealer in Prescott. Jim seems to know the Gas Gas pretty well.
We don't have a dealer in Vegas.
I have a 04 EC300, bought in Bakersfield. You'll love the bike. Lugs like a 4T, with the pleasure of 2T.

[psycleboy]

Pretty sure the gas gas dealer in prescott is no more, give mike at hard rock trials a shot, he's a good guy. Any time you feel like a test drive, let me know
(we normally ride at the mile markers near lake pleasant).

[AZRickD]

Thanks PsychleBoy.

I spoke with Mike at length a few weeks ago. He seems like a really nice guy. He has plans to expand. I hope he does so.

I ride a mixture of trails whenever I can hop on an organized ride from http://www.southwestdirtrider.com . I've ridden MM4, MM11, MM11.5. Mostly C+ trails. And one time I got stuck following B and A riders for 50 miles on the Cactus Trail. I was wiped out after that. I tend to do about 2/3rd of my riding at 136th & Dynamite and at Wildcat, with a bit of riding at the "Bar" since it is near my house.

Thanks for the ride offer.

We bumped into some riders who had fallen in love with their new Suzuki RMZ 250Fs. This bike got rave reviews in Dirtbike mag (best handling, ect), but, as usual, it is not set up for the type of riding I do. KTM and Gas Gas are the only real options for right now.

Later,

Rick