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So after another weekend of bike troubles, I've decided it might be time to retire my 'vintage' (2001) KTM.
Been snooping around at 'bike porn,' and can't help but notice how cheap GAS GAS EC300s' are, particularly 2007 models.
Anyone know why? Do they spontaneously combust? Fall apart when in contact with mud? Or just nightmares to maintain and source parts for?
Had a great time at the HCR, but unfortunatly can't prepare for everything. Did a damn good job or drowning my sorrows after Saturdays ride!

I think it is more to do with KTM coming out with electric start 300's around 08/09 that dropped prices on non electric start.

I think being a 'boutique' brand here does not help them hold values.

Give Keg at Mainjet/DBW a call, he loves em so you can ask him.

So you've finally bit the bullet and updating chief lol. When i bought the 300EXC last year it was a toss up between that or the EC300. From the little bits of research i did and talking to different people i learnt that they are a decent and reliable bike. There are no special parts required simple engine and they use a lot of honda parts. Only reason i didnt buy one was because of the after market accessories ktm have. Also Gas Gas are where ktm were 15-20 years ago in terms of not being well known.
I tested an EC 300 at K&J Thomas Whittlesea last year and im pretty sure they are still a Gas Gas dealer so give them a crack.
After learning today that water has got into the engine and im up for a full rebuild plus more (im blaming the airbox location) im now considering buying the EC300 later this year.
Al

Hey AL
Did ya seal up the air box like I told ya, I never get water in mine, apart from when I go for a swim with my bike ;D

Thanks for the advice guys!
I've never had a problem with water in my 300, I'm yet to put it down on that side though (touch wood!)
Bike plans are all on hold for now, having a stint off the bike untill work backs off.
Might have a look at K&J though, not too far from home

nah mate i havnt because when i asked a couple of mechanics about it they said as well as it has it advantages it also has its disadvantages mainly due to if water gets in there theres nowhere for it to escape and they believe you can never properly seal the airbox :-\. anyway i have a feeling its made its way in there from washing...

AL, if you recall me saying that water gets in from the spinning back wheel,like going through bog holes river crossings,I also said next time you wash ya bike remove the side cover & point the hose under the back Gard towards the air box, then you will see the water running into the air box, it doesn't just run in there, it pores in there.

I don't know what that mechanic is talking about, the area that has to be sealed off is where the rear Gard meets the air box, if ya have a good look in the air box you'll find it has a drain hole in the bottom, I have spoken with other KTM 300 owners & they haven't had any problems with theirs since they sealed that area I'm talking about.
Hey AL that mechanic you spoke to, I wouldn't let him anywhere near my bike.

Don't forget river crossings there Zeb.

Can anyone who owns a gas gas ec300 post there opinion on the bike pros and cons. I am looking at ktm300 exc and found a nice 2008 gas gas ec300 with all the accessories in my price range. Whats the general opinion on these for trail riding. It has larger tank, pipe guard and more.

Hey Zeb, how can you say that!! have you ridden a Gas Gas?

Oi Zeb, this is in the wrong section.
If ya read Glenboy's post again you will see that he was asking about the pro & cons of a Gas Gas 300, he also made mention that he was looking at a KTM 300, being a owner of a KTM300 I could have told him how good they are, but he was after any feed back on a Gas Gas, he wasn't asking about a KTM or a Husky.

Yeah Zeb, how dare you offer a different opinion, or suggest another idea!!

Go the Gasser, lower seat height, makes for a better rider !!

well I have started something here haven't I? Well whats the pick of the 300cc 2 strokes? (2010 models to current)

I have done a bit of Research on the Gas Gas about 6 Months ago, and IF i was to get a 2 Stroke it would be a Gasser 250 Elec over the KTM.
BUT!!! The gas Gas is Cheaper
BUT!!!  The Re-sale is lower than the KTM as well.
BUT !!! I think the Gas Gas is a Better bike and every Tom Dick N Harry have a KTM.

A mate of mine Races one, and he also Trail Rides a fair bit, and he swears by it !!
 
Wouldn't you rather Cain your Mate's on a Gasser just to show them KTM are just another Main Stream Bike  ;D ;D

A very good mate of mine has a few Gassers and swears by them, i would pick the gasgas over the pumpkin any day!!

I notice there are 2012 300exc and Hussa te 300 on bikepoint for 10,500, Days motorcycles wallan. these are direct us imports is this a concern?

Mate if you are really keen on a Gaser, I reckon you should have a talk with Scott or Don at Scotty's dirt bike spares,sure he would want to sell you a bike, but he's an honest bloke & he will tell you all there is to know about the Gaser.

http://www.scottysdirtbikespares.com/more/index.php

No you haven't, this mine is better then yours has been around for years, you wont fined many blokes that will bag their bikes...Why you ask! well if they did then ppl will ask why did ya buy it for then, makes them look a bit stupid & no one wants to look stupid.

 My opinion is for what's its worth. After riding & racing bikes for 40 odd years.

All the bikes are good nowadays, just get the color you like best & enjoy the ride ;D

Only if you want full reg, no ADR = Rec Reg only. This will impact resale at the other end of the ownership cycle. So expect at least $1000 less than an ADR bike.

I've been asking around quite a bit in the last month or so, and the only bloke who made any sense told me that the gasser is great when your on the pipe, but a bit of a pig if you back off. Great bike for a squirt, not for a long day/weekend.
Thats only one opinion though!

The reason I originally posted was I was looking for a Ktm 300exc and then saw a 2008 gas gas for what I thought was a very reasonable price, especially when you compare the price to a similar Ktm plus I don't like orange much.

this is the flee-bay link to the bike:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/170850379530?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649#ht_500wt_1204

Will I regret not having elec start or the Ktm dealer on every corner for parts and service?

It's up to you mate, I wouldn't pay that much for a 2008 dirt bike of any kind,but then again I wouldn't buy a second hand dirt bike full stop.

Nothing wrong with 2nd hand if you know what to look for, as for no electric start on a 2T never had one and never want one , being an owner of a 2009 Husqvarna wr 300, I would be looking for something like this, would cut through the ebay BS , view bike if OK work out a deal.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Husqvarna-WR250-2009-enduro-bike-/320915624325?pt=AU_Motorcycles&hash=item4ab80fd185#ht_500wt_1202

09 runs 50mm marz forks, prone to leaking, just replace OEM fork seals with SKF , problem solved,

If you like open fire trail riding the KTM 6 speed box is better but the Husky 5 speed is still good for 120 kmh running 13/48 gearing.

There are not as many after market parts available for them compared to the KTM as yet, for OEM  Husqvarna parts there are plenty of dealers in AUST and the USA.

If you come along to John T's Daylesford ride day you are more than welcome to take my bike for a run.
Cheers,
Gary.

I know what to look for Gary, I'm just saying, I wouldn't buy second hand, I agree with ya that there's nothing wrong buying s/hand if the $$$ is right.