Classic 250vrs300 but wit a twist

[helienduro]

I'm sure this question has been posted many times, but I want to add an angle to it: which bike is best, the 250 or the 300 with a Rekluse EXP on it? They say the 250 is lighter-feeling and snappier and I know for a fact the 300 has incredible low-end grunt, but never had a chance to compare them and NEVER rode any of them with a Rekluse. I'm 6'3" 210lb, quite fast, reasonably fit and ride mostly tight, technical, rooty, rocky, narrow, steep and very slippery trails (it rains a LOT here in Costa Rica).

I'm intrigued by the 250's because of what people say about them: lighter feeling, more flickable, won't overheat as the 300's do sometimes. I installed a fan on my '09 XC-W 300 and solved that, but for my next bike I want the lightest and least vulnerable machine: no lights, no E-starter, FI, fan, etc.

The core of my question is which bike (250 or 300) works best with a Rekluse EXP. I never used one but the idea of a light bike that will not stall (therefore no need for E-start) that maybe will end up with LHRB only is very attractive. I imagine it as a fast-flowing, very agile, forgiving and fun to be on-the-pipe rocket. I'm looking at getting a 2012 GasGas and need advice to decide which, so thanks a lot for your help. Pura Vida to all.

[Jakobi]

I'm in the same boat. Currently riding a 2010 EC300 Race. Kick only so I don't mind kicking but its a real handfull to keep on the pipe and singing (which is how I like to ride). Wondering if the softer bottom end and more responsive/snappy mid will suit my riding style a bit better.

[singletracker]

I've owned 3 KTM 250's and I ordered a 2011 Gas Gas 250 Race a few days ago. The 250's seem to have just the right amount of power for me, Senior A/B. I've thought about getting a 300 because I lug the 250 at times, and I like tractable power, but I'm afraid that the 300's power might be a liability at the end of an 80 mile enduro. I get tired enough on the 250.

Well, I'm sure that didn't answer any of your questions, but I tend to ramble after a drink or two.

[Jakobi]

I'd never owned a 2 stroke before my 300.. Just kinda jumped right into it from a 250F. I'd love to give a 250T a burl to know if it would suit me. Only chance of that is if I borrow a mates Kato. Not sure how the gg would compare though. Guess I'll just wait and see how the 2012's look and how the feedback is and then I'll decide to drop the coin.

[GMP]

singletracker said it well, and my thoughts exactly.

250s are great, all around bikes. They can grunt around fine, even with the light 2K-2 ignition, or rev out if you want. You just trade off that extra super low end of a 300 for more quicker revving snap and run out. Also less vibration, and generally easier to jet. Overheating is not an issue on any GG, 250 or 300. Don't judge based on KTMs, as from what I've seen owning two and riding with many is that they do not have the cooling capacity of the GG motor.

[helienduro]

I had the same experience with my XC-W 300: once tired and with the throttle not completely under control, I had many instances in which I overgassed it, lost the rear end and therefore momentum and my line. It's one of the reasons I like 4T's, but hate their complexity and weight.

[2whlrcr]

I've got a '10 300 with a EXP Recluse. I was concerned about buying a 300, because I've ridden plenty of KTM 300's and thought they had too much bottom end, especially during a long race when you're tired. But the GG 300 is much tamer off the bottom and it's easy to keep the bike off the explosive part of the power band.

It is finicky on jetting, but when right, the bike has a very linear and manageable power band. If you like explosive quick power and ride on the pipe, buy the 250. The big negative for me on the 300 is, the bike is a paint shaker. Short of spending $500 bucks to get the motor balanced, I haven't been able to do much about it.

[swazi_matt]

To answer your question I would say the 250 would benefit more from the Rekluse than the 300 so would guess the 250+Rekluse would be a better bike than the 300

Reason I say this is I had a kx250 2t fitted with a Rekluse and thought I would never ride a bike without one, next bike was my 300 and I fell the low down grunt is as good the 250+Rekluse (and while I feel most bikes would benefit from a Rekluse exp) so rather decided to spend money somewhere else. Mind you that was a z-start with funky clutch I believe the exp I a completely different animal!

ALSO while boil and 300 go hand in hand when talking ktm it is not the case with GG! I have only slightly boiled my bike once and that was at the top of one he'll of a long rocky climb and it is Africa hot here;-)

[helienduro]

My feeling, and specially after your comments (thanks) here, is that the 250+EXP would be a killer machine. If the EXP is as good as they say then maybe going for the LHRB and eliminating the foot brake would make it unbeatable: light, agile, balls of the feet on the footpegs with toes in most of the time, very precise braking, will not stall, etc. I'm changing my road and MTB brakes to left-rear, right-front already!

[thumperrider1]

I had a 2011 250 with the CORE EXP and it's a great combo. Doing the same for 2012.