2005 vs. 2008 ec's???

[shaheeb]

I am interested in buying an 05' gas gas. i am complete noobie to the gassers and wanted to ask if the newer ones are miles apart from say the 05 model ec250?

i've been riding an 07 ktm sx but have heard great things about the gas gas bikes.

I would be willing to get one but was hoping you guys could enlighten me what you think and or have experienced.

Cheerios!

[joey11]

The 07 model year was the "big" change I believe. New square subframe and airbox along with a difference seat. They also come with a Sachs shock. You can upgrade to Ohlins though. The 05 models are a great bike, as are the newer ones. Not sure of the weight diff. Maybe one of the gurus can enlighten us on the weight diff. I can tell you they feel way lighter than they really are. They carry the weight low. I have an 03 and and 06 EC250 and the 06 seems to steer quicker, but the 03 has been an awesome bike and its holds up well to abuse.

[SpeedyManiac]

The only significant difference between the 05s and the 07/08s is the subframe, airbox, seat and rear fender/side panels. The 05's have the same steering geometry which is important.

[Loosenut]

GasGas tends to keep refining rather than do complete make-overs. Having ridden all but the '07 models, I believe could be happy on any year model of the GasGas. My 2005 is not much better (with exception of the forks) than my 2000.