NEW! GasGas EC250 4-stroke w/Yamaha Engine!

[Ud_luz]

I think GG is off on the wrong track here. If I wanted a Yamaha I would go down to the Yamaha store and buy one. The 250f market is crowded with the most excellent KTM and Yamaha leading the pack with the street legal Husky also available.

I'd be a little concerned if I was a dealer ordering these machines. The GG300 has a decent following and some KTM riders have been picking them up. I just don't see a new 250f from GG making any inroads unless it has something really different to offer. The frame and suspension difference aren't going to do it IMHO. Street legal would grab some sales though.

[gasgasman]

Here's Sherco's 250F!
Found post on Thumper Talk:
http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/sho...d.php?t=719128

[Skidad]

Here is some interesting reading. Aussie Dirt Bike Mag shootout between the KTM, Husky, Sherco and Yamaha 250 4 strokes for 09. The Honda was not available yet. I like that Sherco and with proper tweaks could be super sweet.

FWIW they mention the Yami motor needs a 6th gear and even though jetted perfectly was a good bit less fuel efficient than the others in the test. Very good overall power though.

http://www.adbmag.com/ContentItem.aspx?contentID=3994

[MattR]

I didn't want to poo-poo the idea, but just sticking a yamaha motor in it does nothing for GasGas. There is nothing unique to draw in buyers. The 250 4T market is overloaded as is. I agree with Glenn that it does lower investment cost but GasGas needs to only use the yamaha engine as a starting point. Perhaps the 5 speed tranny would work, but the 6 speed allows you to modify/fine tune final drive ratios with sprockets much better. I'm not going for top speed, but better spread of power.

IMO, GasGas should purchase unassembled engine components from Yamaha. They can install their own "300cc+ cylinder and piston kit", install the other Yamaha valve/cam components, and Yamaha lower case with tranny according to GG's spec. Then, replace the side covers with GG versions. This would be a true GasGas-Yamaha hybrid with a unique 300/350cc displacement. It's something that I would be willing to buy.

[Rick]

Is a Beta really a Beta? Or a KTM in a red dress with a linkage?

[Skidad]

Originally Posted by Rick

Is a Beta really a Beta? Or a KTM in a red dress with a linkage?

VERY different bike but decide for yourself. I would love to own one of these beauties.

[Rick]

Is that not a KTM powerplant in a Beta frame??

[gasgasman]

Yes. Old school KTM motor.

I've seen a lot of broken Betas at the National Enduros.

[Ud_luz]

Originally Posted by gasgasman

Yes. Old school KTM motor.

I've seen a lot of broken Betas at the National Enduros.

It couldn't have been from the KTM RFS engine. They've proven to be superb engines (20k+ hard miles are common).

[Pete406]

Hey,GG used to use TM motors!