EC250 Model Year Changes

[smooth]

Hello all,
I am hoping that someone can point me in the right direction. I am in the research phase of purchasing my next bike which has come down to the KTM 250 XC-W and the GG EC250, neither of which will be new. I am currently riding a KTM 400EXC which I really like for general trail riding, but I have been competing in a lot of Enduros lately and find the 400 to be too tiring for my 40 year old body. I am trying to find information as to the year to year changes on the EC250 from 2005 through 2008. Any assistance would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

~Curt

[SpeedyManiac]

2005/2006 are the same.

2007/2008 are the same. New for 07 was Sachs shock and redesigned subframe, airbox and rear fender.

[Dave]

Changes I'm pretty sure of:

2005 - new engine cases, new plastic, alum. kickstand, late model year got dual mapped CDI w/o switch, revised frame, shock got high speed compression adjustment, (?) US models got 2K-2 (lighter flywheel) ignition (?), lighting no longer standard equipment, integrated master cylinder/reservoir for rear brake, (?) larger front axle (?)

2006 - dual mapped CDI w/ switch, revised fork valving

2007 - revised frame, new plastic, new subframe, new reed cage (VForce-3 replaces RadValve), Sachs shock, new kick start lever, new shift lever, (?) revised engine porting (?), new piston with coating, all models now red (blue for 300s and yellow for 125s and 200s dropped)

2008 - ????

[smooth]

Are there any specifics on the frame/subframe changes in 07'? is there a significant handling difference? Also, what impact did the engine porting have? More low end?

Thanks!

~Curt

[SpeedyManiac]

I love the new subframe design. 1 bolt to remove the seat and the whole thing is a lot stronger.

The 2007 handles a lot better than my 2001 bike.

[Bearman]

Originally Posted by Dave

Changes I'm pretty sure of:

2005 - new engine cases, new plastic, alum. kickstand, late model year got dual mapped CDI w/o switch, revised frame, shock got high speed compression adjustment, (?) US models got 2K-2 (lighter flywheel) ignition (?), lighting no longer standard equipment, integrated master cylinder/reservoir for rear brake, (?) larger front axle (?)

2006 - dual mapped CDI w/ switch, revised fork valving

2007 - revised frame, new plastic, new subframe, new reed cage (VForce-3 replaces RadValve), Sachs shock, new kick start lever, new shift lever, (?) revised engine porting (?), new piston with coating, all models now red (blue for 300s and yellow for 125s and 200s dropped)

2008 - ????

did the 250 have the dual ignition map too? i thought it was only the 300. can anyone confirm this?

[GMP]

In addition to that mentioned:

'05 also got a steeper rake, major change, bike turns even sharper.

Late '05 250 also got dual map CDI. '06 got VForce reed valve to replace RAD valve. No major change.

You are in a good position. Good resale on the KTM and less on the GG, which is a superior woods bike as you will find out. Don't go older than '05, as they will be plenty inexpensive and handle significantly better than a KTM 250. The '07 subframe/plastic will fit on an '05/'06 if you decide to upgrade the bike later. There are some very nice '05/'06s out there. Good Luck.

[smooth]

Everyone- Thanks for all the information!

Was the frame and subframe changed in 07', or just the subframe?

Thanks!

~Curt

[GMP]

Main frame changed in '05 (steeper rake), subframe and entire rear section in '07. Thats why the '07 parts will fit on an '05.

[Dave]

Didn't the main frame tubing cross section change (round to oval) on the '07s? The '07 subframe has rectangular cross section tubing while earlier years used round tubing.