I'm considering a new bike for next season. Trying to decide if it should be two or four stroke. I would appreciate owners of GasGas EC300s and Husqvarna TE510s posting their thoughts. A two stroke interests me due to the lower weight, lower center of gravity and slightly less maintenance. A four stroke on the other hand is good for motoring along at a steady pace. The nicest feature of the TE is the quick and easy valve adjustment. I have heard some say that a two stroke is more work to ride and thus more tiring. The type of motor I prefer is one that does all it's work with low end torque and is flexible enough to keep moving even in the wrong gear. I am just a trail rider and don't need a true dual sport bike. If any EC or TE owners would consider swapping bikes while out riding let me know. I'd be happy to show you around the Ganaraska forest or meet up wherever you normally ride.
why not TE 450 husky -- Electric start -- loads of torque -- relatively light weight -- fast easy to ride -- awesome blue/yellow paint What more could you want? I ride a te250 and it is a woods weapon.
Nice choice of bikes Neil. I know there are a few Gas Gas owners out there that will praise the 300. I too would love to hear from those with TE510 experience. I hear they are an overlooked (and some think superior) alternative to the KTM525exc. It apparently is lighter feeling and snappier because of a shorter stroke motor. I hope someone else can varify this. Happy shopping.
We own 2 te510's and you can ride one when ever you want. I don't want to piss off the KTM guys but I have ridden 525 in dirt and motard trim and the Husky is a better bike for me. If you would like to talk to me about the 510 call me. Armin 519 578-5993
I find the EC300 to be a bit of a dog power wise, there is no hit to tire you out. I say go with the 2-stroke. Jon
Neil, Super bikes on your short list. I spent some time before settling on a Husky TC450. I was really interested in a EC250 or 300, but a few things swayed to to the Husky like the e-start (optional on my TC but standard on the TE), no oil to mix or calculate at a gas stop, and the price. Here is a write-up by a ODSC member on another site about his EC300 http://www.2wheelcentral.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=38 The Husky is much quieter then your KTM 450 was stock, by a good bit, has all the same great bits like the Excel rims. The dealer in Stratford is the best I've dealt with yet. Any problems, and he goes above and beyond to sort it out. My bike wasn't perfect, but he made damn sure it was. Guess it doesn't matter which of those bikes you get, you will likely have the pleasure of dealing with Scott.
For someone to call any 300 2T a 'dog' is beyond me, unless it was ridden with the exhaust plug left in it after it was washed. Especially when referring to the only 2T that was in the top 10 or 20 final standings of E3, (there where 3 of them in the top 20, 1 finished second overall, and was the only bike/rider combo to beat David Knight in a special), but I digress. Back to the comparison. The ones you normally see are, 'Which 2T? KTM or GasGas' , or 'should i get a 250 or 300 2T ?'. Unless you are built like, or can ride like a top factory enduro rider, the 300 wins if you are strickly looking for a woods bike. Either 300 (KTM or GG) will blow 450's away in performance and handling, and only the 510/525's will match them for power characteristics.(mega grunt, flexible power, and still pull 5th/6th gear wheelies at will etc) BUT, we are talking woods bikes right? So, I'd say for 99% of the people, unless they are pushing 200lbs, 6'4", and also ride in open desert like conditions, the 300's win hands down unless you are that physically huge that you can overcome the weight, top heaviness and seat height to make it work. You mentioned that you heard the 2T is more tiring to ride. Physically no, but mentally yes, as things happen quite a bit faster on them. Engine and chassis response is right now instant, so you definitely need to pay more attention. I've owned 2T's before, and I've got the slowest G2 throttle cam on it. (maybe cause I like attempting trials stuff on it too) But, I've only put faster turning ones on 4T's. Thats my 2c's.
I've ridden both...although only one short ride on the 510...ridden a fair bit on the 300. Both are excellent bikes, both are really smooth and handle great. I think it boils down to what you will use it for the most. If you tend towards more single track woods riding, I'd go with the Gaser. The Husky will be more versatile for longer dual sport rides and road work. You will need to buy a bigger tank for the Gaser if you want to do some serious rides spanning a few hours. Both bikes appear to be pretty bullet proof. John is right...the 300 has no "hit" anywhere in the powerband (neither does the 510) which...if you're like most people...is a good thing for bikes of this displacement. This 300 motor has been refered to by some as a "3 Stroke"...ride one and you'll see why. It pulls and pulls and pulls...you can take it easy, lug the motor and ride conservatively, or crank the throttle and turn it into a rocket. Handling and suspension are both top notch (as they are on the Husky.) The 300 also has the dual mode ignition to tone down the power on slippery surfaces. Having said all that...if I was going to take something on a weekend dual sport trip for a few hundred miles, exploring logging trails and back roads...Husky. Two very different bikes, both are fantastic machines...just pick the one to suit your intended use and you can't go wrong I'd say.
I'd just add that you'd probably need a bigger on either bike if you plan on going further than 80-120kms. I squeeked out 120km on my stock GG tank, but with the bigger Clark tank have gone 160km and still had a couple litres left. (1 size smaller main jet than stock too) Funny how the 2T's come rich from the factory, and the 4T's come lean. Plus with the bigger motors its kind of like comparing a v8 with a v6. The v8 will get you better mileage if you take advantage of the grunt and are not working the engine too hard.
ec 300 or te510 I chose the EC300 after years on thumpers. I am not a racer, however, I do consider myself a fairly decent trail rider, and I find my Gas Gas to be very versatile. The bike is as dosile as you want it to be and it can rip around a motocross track as well as anything out there. It will not stall, is very nimble in the single track and handles the fire roads and long stretches equally well with the 6 speed gear box. I went into Rochers shop with the intention of getting a TE450 or a Berg that he had and the Gasser just seemed so right I bought it. I don't think you can go wrong with the Husky, but if you need help deciding you can ride my bike sometime.
Great replies. Thanks for the link Eric. I talked with Armin about the TE510. He's never been to the East forest, so we'll get together soon. All I need now is for an EC300 owner to join us.
That TE510 of Armin's is a tractor on 2 wheels, especially with the Teraflex on the back. It will wheelie on command even in sand. I think it has about 200 hp on tap from idle to wide open. :lol: :wink: BJ
I'd say go with the EC300 but I'm a bit biased. I haven't ridden any other bikes to compare it to other than my KLX 300 and there is just no comparison there. I weigh less than 160lbs and it's a whole lot of bike for my weight yet I find it very easy to dart through the woods. I've had a few get offs in the bush and never had any problems getting the thing back up and running. It has twice the power of my KLX and feels like half the weight. Even with the ignition set to the sunny (or MX) setting, the bike will still lug around the trails without stalling. I also find mixing gas while out riding to be easier than I thought it would be. It was one point I was worried about when choosing the bike but I don't give it a second thought now. I might make it to the Nov. 5th St. Willies ride, if I do, you're more than welcome to take mine for a spin. Dave
Neil...if you can afford the Aprilia your worries are over...you can buy both the Gas Gas and the Husky....and probably save some money doing it!!!!
Gybeman, DaveJ and I all bought our EC300's at approximately the same time last March/April, and have all had great experiences with them. It is a truly wonderful bike - light and versatile, lots of "electric" power, great suspension, and unlike it's closest comparison the KTM 300EXC, the Gasser is a six speed! FYI - I've come off a 2004 KTM 250EXC 2t, and prior to an '01 WR426F, and '00 XR400. I can't imagine ever replacing it with anything but another EC 300 when the time comes (and I expect that to be many years away!) If you are planning to spend most of your time off-road, the EC300 will treat you very very well. If true dual sporting is your intention, perhaps the big Husky would be the best choice. PS I'm riding the Ganny tomorrow. 10AM start @ the Boundary rd parking lot. You're welcome to join us and take it for a spin if you'd like. Barry
Hi Barry, Thanks for the offer. I didn't check the ODSC site Thursday night, so I missed your post. Let me know the next time you go out. I rode the TE510 and will put up some notes this weekend. Neil
Hey Barry, what where your impressions comparing your 250exc to your 300? I rode an 06 250exc and I found it to have too soft of a bottom end, almost boggy, with a wicked uppermid hit all the way to a crazy topend. Maybe jetting or a pipe could fix it, but it felt more for race, than trail, I found.
Barry's 04 250 EXC was my bike and had some substantial motor mods done to it to increase bottom end power. I put a 250SX top end on it, modded the head for more compression and added an E3 exhaust system. Stock, an 04-05 250 is a dog on the bottom end (IMO).
