In that way, it's very much like a KTM/Husaberg, to my feeling riding it. The '09 WR125 is much like a GG or 4T bike in how you can sit in the middle of the seat, get front end traction and turn.
I want to add to the all the have you ridden issues, let's not compare apples and oranges, Beta250/300RR 2T compares against only linkage chassis bikes, I dont think the control is correct to compare them with PDS bikes, so compare them against WR250/300 (old school) Huskys, KTM 250/300XC, Sherco 250/300 2T, etc etc. those are proper comparos (not any comp to Xlite chassis, Husky never built 250/300 into the new design chassis....shamefully) And Yes of course Beta has benchmarked their machines to the KTMs jeez KTM has been winning world enduro championships and extreme enduros for years now, why wouldnt they use Kato as their target matching/bettering machine.
I want to try the Sherco. They look awesome and reports are all excellent. Had the 2stroke Sherco been out there for months like the Beta with no issues it would have been an option. I just wanted out of GG, had buyers for my bikes, and the Beta Race was available to me so I could salvage my season. Not interested in a 4stroke. Timing is everything. No regrets though. Norman, Should have clarified more but I agree with you on that detail. More like the KTM than the Husky but still a Beta.
First off I was not bashing the Beta or KTM or Berg in any way just making comparisons based on bikes i have ridden. As anyone that has ridden with me knows I am a bike whore and beg rides on everyones bikes because I need data points. Norm, did you not say the Beta you rode was completely redone, had a damper and was setup much stiffer than you would set up a bike for yourself? This to me would not make a very accurate point of reference. I ride with a 290 pound dude who has a KTM 350 all setup for him and dont judge how bad that bike is for me as it is sprung for 90 more pounds. As for riding KTM 250/300's I have ridden GOB of those as well at 125/150/200 KTMS as everyone I ride with has them. The KTM 200 itself depending on model can be very different from other 200's. I have only ridden a 250 berg for a very short stint and liked it OK. That one felt a lot like the KTMs I have ridden and was 100% stock. I;m not wild over how the WR250/300 handles but do think they got a lot better in 09 when they did the different fork and triple clamp offset. On those bike for some reason I like the older ones like the 02 WR250 better than the 05-08 ones and then like the 09 and up ones again. Frame geometries feel different to me. Steves Beta 300RR felt very natural to me. Turned nice and did what you would expect. KTMs always feels like a moving target to some extent to me especially the PDS bikes which i have never loved. I rode one that was redone and it was very good but most feel somewhat odd to me and somewhat inconsistent how it reacts to varying situations. I realize 125 to 300 or 2 to 4 stroke comparisons are a bit apples and oranges but as husky never put the 250/300 2t in a x-light style frame (shame as that would be a hell of a bike) I have to make conclusions. My favorite chassis is the 08 and up huskys with the x-light type frames so thats my reference point. i remember fondly the first time i got tot try a early release 08 TXC510 and was shocked how good that huge beast turned. I bought the TXC450 because of this and loved it. Then in 09 they did that style frame in a 125 and I bought the 09 125. Then in 2010 I bought a TXC250 efi x-light inspired bike. Also had a 2010 TC250. For me personally nothing touches the stability, accuracy and solid planted feeling of any of those bikes. Thats my reference point for handling for any bike I toss a leg over now. For me. Would love to try the Sherco as everyone i have talked to says it feels a lot like a X-light platform in both the 300i version and 250 2t. blah blah blah blah blah.
Is there a reason you would share on why you wanted out of Gas Gas? Since the big purchase i'm looking elsewhere for my ride, maybe your input would help.
yea i seen to hear that a lot on here but i have some buddies that we are going to pry there cold stiff dead bodies off there TXT 300 Pros and two more guys that are stuck to there Scorpa's [yz250 2t] trials guys there nuts! guess i just jacked the thread & opened a cana worns lol
The beef I hear about GG is hard to work on (to many odd fasteners of different kinds), heavy bikes and small ergonomicly. Also the redesign a few years ago as kind of messy and they had to go back to the old airbox style as people were having issues with sealing and servicing.
It's too cold to ride here, so we're allowed to talk shop ad nauseam.... Join in or catch the bus to the next thread!
Kelly, No one here is bashing any bike. I'll ride anything with 2 wheels myself.... I'll reserve my final Beta judgment, until I get to ride a 250RR is little closer to set up for me. Hard to beat the Husky semi-perimeter frame... WR125, X-Lite or old twin cam 4T bikes. It just works! I remember the first time riding that '08 TXC250. It was at the '07 NE Husky Gathering and boy did it turn on the proverbial dime and give you 9 cents change! Still love my '09 WR/WB165. I look forward to a ride on a '14 Husky TE250 2T though.
hemmm i thought Scorpa or the T word would get this really fired up but i agree ride what you like[ think ill take ol boobs for a slow lap around the living room right now b back n a bit
Trials guys are just like everyone else..... I've got friends who would only ride Beta's or GG 's, still ride their Yami/Scorpas, won't sell their 20 year old Aprilla's and other guys who ride anything at the right price. They're all right!
No one said anything about bashing, its just a discussion. The Sherco seems small, smaller than the Beta, kind of like the pre '12 GG which was a favorite of mine for years. They say it has that excellent blend of steering and stability as well, without the weight. This is the 4stroke so hopefully the 2stroke carries the good traits too. As far as GG thats been beaten to death. Too many silly QC issues and new superior alternatives.
Throwing my 2 cents in. I rode the Sherco 300 4t several times. The first time it felt very short/compact to me but I am 6' 2 and the handlebars were in the closest position. Honestly, I did not want to like the bike but it is really, really good. The fuel injection to me was the best I have ever ridden. You learn quickly that you can steer with the rear wheel or control a slide, very predictable. It turns well also but I also judge every bike to the '08 and up Husky 4t frames. Sherco turns as well as a Husky but I think the Husky may be a little more neutral. Sherco motor is in the ballpark with the 310 but feels a little more refined. Probably due to the FI. Back to the White Husky, will tell you soon..
Tim, You've ridden the various versions of the KTM 350... SX-F, XC-F and XCF-W. how do they compare to the Husky 310 and Sherco 300i? I'm guessing Husky FE350 will be a cross of XC-F chassis and XCF-W engine.