Opinion of Changes to US GG line for 2012

[Clay]

I know I'm taking the risk of starting a thread here that could run 50 pages!
For this thread, please don't get bogged down in the details. I want to limit it to the broader model range topic.

For 2011, we have four 250 2T models and five 300 2T models. Of course, the Nambotin is unique and not really pertinent to this discussion.
I am thinking of the following models for the US :
Keep the standard 250/300 with kick start and 45mm Marzocchi fork/Ohlins shock. Price would stay about the same...$7599/7699.
Keep the 250/300 e start with 45mm Marzocchi fork and Ohlins shock. Price would stay the same...$7899/7999
Combine the Six Day (6D) and Race models into one model with the 48mm Marzocchi and Ohlins shock. This bike would be called the Race model and have the components that both models have now. The rad braces, skid plate, Galfer rotors, brake cooler, etc from the 6D and the Race kit from the Race model. This unit would prolly be $1000 higher than the standard model..... $8599/8699.

For 2011, we have a 6D and Race 125 and 200. This combination model means we would only have one of each.

All of this is contingent on the factory being able to deliver this model early (August/September of 2011) and not later like the Race model this year.

What do you think?
Clay

[stainlesscycle]

i see no reason to have more than this:
e-start bike
non e-start bike
48mm fork bike with all the good stuff
nambotin

so you have a base model, a e-start base model, and full blown race setup and a bling bike (nambo)

3 models per size (125 and 200 could be just 2 models..) or even just a race model...

i never figured out why gg had so many similar models sold under different names. i would think there's only 2 kinds of customers buying. those that race and those that trail ride. you really only need a trail setup and a race setup. the trail bike could easily be blinged out to race setup. the only big difference would be the front end. i would think that the majority of the base model purchaser would put all the armor stuff on anyways....

[Clay]

Originally Posted by stainlesscycle

i see no reason to have more than this:
e-start bike
non e-start bike
48mm fork bike with all the good stuff
nambotin

so you have a base model, a e-start base model, and full blown race setup and a bling bike (nambo)

3 models per size (125 and 200 could be just 2 models..) or even just a race model...

i never figured out why gg had so many similar models sold under different names. i would think there's only 2 kinds of customers buying. those that race and those that trail ride. you really only need a trail setup and a race setup. the trail bike could easily be blinged out to race setup. the only big difference would be the front end. i would think that the majority of the base model purchaser would put all the armor stuff on anyways....

Stainless,
The 6D models are bigger with the European customers than they are here. Currently, a big percentage of our sales are 6D models but that is because I priced it too close to the standard model (didn't know it had all of the bling when I priced it). If the 6D went away but the cool bling was added to the 'new' Race model, then the guys currently buying the 6D would buy the Race. Is that what you are saying, too?
Clay

[ScottyR]

I agree that there are way too many models in the GG lineup.

I would go with the following for 2012.

125 - Wouldnt bother importing it unless it is a 150.
200 - Std only as most guys who are buying them are just trail riding and it helps hit a nice price point as an entry level bike.
250/300 Std
250/300 ES
250/300 SixDays - An accesorized std model like the current 6 Days with closed cartridge forks and stiffer valving.

Lose the current Race edition for 2012. No need for both 6 Days and Race. If GG cant build the Race any earlier than Jan/Feb than dont bother at all with it. You lose too many buyers by not having bikes available in the fall.

Nambotin or Cervantes Special Edition - Completely blinged out with TTX suspension, race ignition etc..Very limited #s and priced accordingly. Build it in the current Race bike production schedule so dealers can have them for the spring.

I guess the next question is what is the future of the 250/450Fs? An EC300F based on the Yamaha motor with an Athena kit from the factory would be a pretty cool bike. Unfortunately, I think it would be priced out of the budget for most riders. Personally, I think that everyone is jumping off the big 4 stroke bandwagon and that concentrating on 2Ts is the safest plan.

[stainlesscycle]

Originally Posted by ScottyR

200 - Std only as most guys who are buying them are just trail riding and it helps hit a nice price point as an entry level bike.

really? afaik there's a 200cc class in most every enduro/harescramble across the country. it is an excellent trail bike, but with a litte tuning, it makes an excellent race bike - perfect gearing and power for tight woods, and it doesn't feel toy like the ktm200 does.. and it's the only 200 2t out there aside from the ktm..

[dank]

i rather like how ktm has their deal set up in the sense that they have a race edition (xc) and a trail (xc-w) for their two stroke enduros. if we keep the standard bike, with option of estart or not, a race edition with different suspension components and other little bells and whistles, then have the special editions for people with too much money on their hands. definately need to lay out the differences for new buyers, but being able to choose a full out race bike versus a trail hopper would be nice, and to be able to get a race ready bike without paying an arm and a leg (nambo) would be nice too.

[jeffs2200]

Clay, your plan sounds pretty good to me.

I do have one suggestion though. If you could get GasGas to make a 200 with the esart standard instead of having to order it seperately I think you could sell quite a few. I think it would be a big hit with women riders as well as some older guy's.

My wife currently rides a KTM 200 and loves it except she wishes she had the estart. If you brought in a estart 200 I am sure she would have to have one. The fact that the GG is also a smaller feeling and lower bike helps as well. I ride with some older guys who also love their 200's and have considered a GG200 but would really like the estart.

[Clay]

Originally Posted by jeffs2200

Clay, your plan sounds pretty good to me.

I do have one suggestion though. If you could get GasGas to make a 200 with the esart standard instead of having to order it seperately I think you could sell quite a few. I think it would be a big hit with women riders as well as some older guy's.

My wife currently rides a KTM 200 and loves it except she wishes she had the estart. If you brought in a estart 200 I am sure she would have to have one. The fact that the GG is also a smaller feeling and lower bike helps as well. I ride with some older guys who also love their 200's and have considered a GG200 but would really like the estart.

Jeff,
Good idea. Should it be a Race version or a standard?
Clay

[Clay]

Skidad,
I didn't mention this but I plan to give the factory some reccommended valving specs and ask for stiffer springs for fat assed Amewricans like me.

BTW....I am pretty much opposed to the 50mm Zoke. I think it is waaaay too stiff for the average rider.

I understand that all of the Euro companies are working with direct injection. I have hopes that we may one day have a EPA compliant two stroke although, getting them approved by the EPA is very expensive.

Clay

[roostafish]

For me, less is more. No need for a dozen models, so I second the original reply.

Two strokes in kick only or e-start, all but the 125. Truthfully, I'd like to see a 150.

It is nice that our bikes chime with lights. Front and rear please.

I don't give a rip about four strokes. If GG is going to sell them, that Yamaha powered 250 seems okay. The big one is a pile though (my opinion). I wouldn't bother. Maybe buy someone else's engine for that too. Not that it matters to me.

Maybe there is trouble back East with two stroke trail bikes, but we have no such problem in the PNW. It may be coming, but at some point, if the demand for two strokes is high enough, the producers will make them, and make them legal.