Time for a new bike, but which one?

[firffighter]

Sold my '03 EC250 a couple of weeks ago. Loved the bike, but it was getting a little worse for wear and I am ready for a new ride.

So, I was thinking I would love to get my hands on the 250 gasser thumper. But, read a few reviews from Euro mags and seems like maybe not the way to go, althought I think they would make a perfect singletrack woods weapon. Plus, I dont think there are any in the states to get a hold of.

So, I am wondering about my next bike. I loved the EC250, but was thinking that the 300 would be a better choice. I like to lug and most of what I ride is 2nd-3rd gear tight woods. We also ride some steep terrain, so I was thinking the 300 might be a better choice. I am thinking '09 on up.

Thoughts?

[jhendr3702]

i think that would be perfect...my 300 is unstallable..
if i ever got rid of my 300 it would be for one of the new bodied 300's

[firffighter]

So many 300 models. 300EC, 300XC, 300 race edition.

Diffreneces?

[darren]

I recently added an 07 300 to my collection.

All i can say is get ready for some awsome arm wrenching power ( since i have been riding the 300 i think me arms have stretched 3inches)

Although you have the dual map which does tame the beast but its much more fun on full chat.

You wont be dissapointed. Good luck.

[TNT Cycle]

EC's in the USA are XC's which are non homologated models(no tail light or emissions stuff). So its really Xc or race model. Race models have stiffer suspension and lighter flywheel and more aggressive ignition(those to sometimes are the same as other models). In a nut shell thats about it.

Cheers,

Rick

[firffighter]

Thanks for the info.

Cant quite decide which way to go with a new bike. I think the 125 would be a blast for our Northwest woods!

Stinkin Gasgas with so many choices of amazing bikes they dont make it easy

[twowheels]

Originally Posted by firffighter

Thanks for the info.

Cant quite decide which way to go with a new bike. I think the 125 would be a blast for our Northwest woods!

Stinkin Gasgas with so many choices of amazing bikes they dont make it easy

125s and 200s will be available in Six Days livery or as Race versions for 2011, and we can't forget the eStart XC250s and 300s now can we?

As a related aside, a more complete listing of differences between the XC and Race would include (for the Race):
* true wave rotors on the front
* Renthal bars
* Ohlins shock
* different color plastic and graphics
* 2K-2 ignition (250 and 300 at least)

Decisions, decisions ...

[jhendr3702]

Originally Posted by firffighter

Thanks for the info.

Cant quite decide which way to go with a new bike. I think the 125 would be a blast for our Northwest woods!

Stinkin Gasgas with so many choices of amazing bikes they dont make it easy

i think it would be a hard choice.. the susp on the race version would scare me, but i am an old trail rider.. i would shure want to make a loop on one to be sure..
I think a 200 would be very cool ..... imho.... but to me a 300 is a do it all bike..

[Brian]

You say you like to lug....a 125 does not go anywhere without making it scream. I started riding on one, it was a lot of fun but also a lot of work. I spent way more time on the ground before switching to the Gas Gas. Because you have to keep the rpms up and slipping the clutch a lot = wheel spin, you can end up on the ground because of it. But I am a sucky rider anyways, not a god like some of the 125 riders you see.

[firffighter]

Good advice.

I think the 125 would have a high "fun" factor, but it might not be the best choice for a 40 year old, lazy trail rider.

On my KTM200's I could still ride a gear high from time to time and get away with it, but you had to be good on the clutch. I had probably the most fun with those bikes out of any I have owned.

I know the 250 or 300 are way more versitile.

I guess it is all a trade off, but with Gasgas it does not seem you can go wrong.

I would love to give a 125 a whirl first.

We have some NW guys who swear by 'em since we have mostly tight woods.