What to go for? 2007 ec250 R full Ohlins @ $3k or 2012ec300 @ $6k NZD

[Dunc]

I am hoping to have a GG in my shed in the next month or so, there are currently two bikes up for sale, budget is not great as we are building a house, option one is a 2012 ec 300 for $6k option 2 is an ec250 R 2007 @ $3k the 250 is full ohlins and look like it may be an ex team bike, brought into NZ IN 07 for a pro rider. 250 has 10 hrs on a top end rebuild and general refresh the 300 has only done 10 hrs from new. Thoughts appreciated!

[swazi_matt]

Personally I am wary of the 2012s they were a 1st year bike that had some rush changes made at the last minute (as well as many of the design engineers being fired as a result). A few of the changes did not carry through to the 2013+

But then again the 2007 is quite old - heavy but possibly more bulletproof - would investigate availability of spares for the ohlins forks

[Dunc]

Thanks for the info, yeh from what I have read re the 2012 it's mainly the plastic subframe that needs replacing, are there any other issues that are majors? The 07 May be the way forward the shock and forks have just been serviced so sounds like parts are ok. Would be nice to own what is really a near new bike but I have got time or money to fix up major issues, fitting an aluminium subframe is about as much as I would want to do.

[tonyraft]

If you get the 12 I have done the subframe swap so I have the plastic old one you can have ! Just pay freight , also the radiator shrouds are rubbish in the way they are held in but I can help you there with ideas if you get 12 , lots of people rubbish them but I've found my fine with a bit of fine tuning 6k for one with 10 hours sounds good buying to me , only thing I wish mine had was e start

[2taddict]

I bought a 05/300 with full ohlins for 3.5k and have spent about 2k on it. At the time I could only buy on a budget and work on the rest bit by bit.
I often ask myself though should I have put 3.5k deposit on a newer bike and just paid the rest off say 30 bucks a week. But anyway I now have it set up how I want it and own it.
Maybe tell the guy you will give him 5.5k for the 2012

[scratch250]

I've had a 12 for over 2yrs now w/o any real issues. I love the bike actually. Not sure what happens with the subframe, but mine has held up. I might add that i stand 90% of the time.

[desertgasser300]

Originally Posted by swazi_matt

Personally I am wary of the 2012s they were a 1st year bike that had some rush changes made at the last minute (as well as many of the design engineers being fired as a result). A few of the changes did not carry through to the 2013+

But then again the 2007 is quite old - heavy but possibly more bulletproof - would investigate availability of spares for the ohlins forks

My 2012 is an amazing bike, never a problem, just as bullet proof as any other year Gasser. After riding the 12' for 3 years I personally do not like the older frames.

[on2wheels4ever]

Buy the newer bike. We just bought a 13 300,my son rides it and it's a great bike. It's a much better bike than our 200 that was a 2000. I will buy another this year, a 250. It will be a gasser if I can get a deal or a Beta if I'm buying new. I think the Betas have better resale if that's something that is important to you.

[95jersey]

I paid less than $6k for my new 14 300. Keep searching those prices are too high.

[on2wheels4ever]

Originally Posted by 95jersey

I paid less than $6k for my new 14 300. Keep searching those prices are too high.

I agree, deals are out there, you just have to look. Most of the local Gas Gas bikes I see don't sell. That makes it a buyers market. They are a great bike that can be bought at a bargain price.