Ok and other year is gone and my CR150 has netted me 2nd in Vet A (would of been 1st in senior A) I'm 46!!! Darn DNF screwed me (not the bikes fault!) and a top 20 overall finish in MN, 19th overall in MN last year 2nd sen A (lost on tiebreaker!) The question is anyone have much experience with the new Gassers??200, 250 or 300. I'm a bit bummed Husky just painted the frame black and put some leftover silver rims on and called it a 2012 ! I used to only ride mostly 250's and then when they came out with the new frame jumped to a 150, and LOVE it ! I would think a new Gasser is better then dare I say and outdated WR 250. Correct??? Iv'e had several Gassers , with the newest being and 05 so not sure of the current crop, but it sure does look good!!! I don't know asomeone give me some input so I don't drive my old lady (whoops I mean wife!) crazy again this year with this debate
I have a 08 Husky CR144 and love the bike. I also have a 2010 GasGas 300 and well...love it too! The Husky in it's 144 trim does everything I ask of it and then some. The GasGas 300 is way more bike than I need at 52 years old yet it's so easy to ride. The smooth power, quick stable turning, and ergos fit me better than the Husky as I'm on the shorter side at 5' 7'. I think the perfect bike for me would be a GasGas 200 to be honest. I don't think Husky sees a market for a 200 so my next bike will be a 2012 GasGas 200. I have only ridden my 2010 GG 300 (not the older models) but to me it turns like my 144 but feels more planted while doing so. I havent ridden a 250/300 Husky and almost picked up a couple over the past two years but just couldn't pull the trigger on one. The GG purchase was a complete shot in the dark never even seen one until I picked up mine new in a crate last year. Now after owning this one, Husky needs to do more than change frame and wheel colors to get me on another 2-stoke of theirs. Come on Husky wheres the new 2-stroke 200, 250, and 300's ??? So to sum it up I think you are correct; the new GG's bikes are a step or two up on the Husky's (2-strokes).
This weekend i rode a 03 EC250 GG (mine) and a 09 WR144 (mine) back to back. The GG is freshened up and JUST had the suspension done. Obviously it is not a new bike but is in very good running / working order. Both myself and my friend were faster on the Husky and had more fun too. The GG feels 45 pounds heavier. Worked GREAT but there was no denying the husky could be hustled through the tighter single track far faster. Just amazing the speed you can carry on a 125. The GG worked GREAT. Awesome strong motor (LTR mods) and great suspension (ohlins front and back and just revalved / sprung for me) The GG is a very nice trail bike, the husky is an amazing platform, great for training and awesome for racing. These 125 huskys are a unique and interesting bike. Abilities far surpassing what seems possible. Brings the best out of the pilot as well.
I would really like to try a GG 200 since I am getting older. The 250, hate to say it, just wears me out. I wish I could ride a 200 for a day just to make sure. Unfortunately, I don't think the companies are going to stick their necks out with new R&D because of the economies? Just small advances.Most corporations are sitting on their cash to weather the storms. I think this winter, I am going to tone my 250 down so it's more like a 200 and upgrade the brakes. Even thought of doing another big bore 125 + and stick it in the frame since I like it.
I found the GG200 lame. It has bike big feel and the motor was SLOW stock. I hear a few tweaks and they can rip. I'd rather have a KTM200. Light and fast.
I have a Gasser 03 EC200DE with Ohlins front and back that have been re-valved and sprung for me (205lbs. no gear) by LTR. When I compare it to my 09 WR250 re-sprung by me and forks serviced by me. I ride the Husky 90% of the time and let my son ride the GasGas. That being said here are some of the main reasons why; 1. I like the low end power of the Husky and since my son is a beginner rider the power of the Husky actually scares him a little. 2. The Husky is more tall man friendly, I'm 6'6" and although my son is taller than me (@ age 15) he doesn't seem to mind the smaller Gasser. 3. Except for going from sitting to standing on the much smaller GasGas the GasGas 200 is less tiring to ride and if I was shorter (6'3" or less) it would really be hard to choose a favorite. 4. I smoothed out the GasGas by adding a 12oz. flywheel weight which really helped my son's confidence, the WR is stock and has a big flywheel feel to it but you had better have your balance when the Husky comes on the pipe or you may find yourself whiskey throttled up a tree. 5. For me the suspension is a even tie. The Husky is more stable and predictable feeling while the Gasser is quicker steering but a little twitchy. It's a trade off not an advantage for either bike depending on the terrain. I sometimes wish I had bought an 09 CR125 when they were about $3800 and then put a 144 kit on it. I went with the the 09 WR250 for $4800 because I felt at 205lbs at the higher altitude in the CO mountains the extra displacement would help me out. dartyppyt, PM me if your ever in central MO come by and ride my Gasser 200 for an hour or two.
I will! I go pass there every once in a while going to Springfield/Tulsa. I usually stay overnight there then drive the last leg the next day! Heck, the dozer in the background looks like fun! Is that an old Cat D9? That's the first Dozer I learned to operate. Starting it with the pony motor was an arm breaker!
I live in Rolla which is about 1/2 way between St Louis and Springfield on I44. I have 15 acres with a single track playground in my back yard and extra room for guests so don't hesitate to PM me and stop by. I've been trying to get some MO trials riders to come over for a get together/ride in the near future since I have an abundance of creek banks, logs, rocks and trees to ride on and around. If it gets organized I'll post it here.
I know I'm only 5'7" myself and I pay to have my Husky lowered 1 inch and to me it is still kinda tall!! A black frame and silver wheels may not be enough to keep me on a Husky! Thanks
Got ya. I'm a FAST guy on a 144 Husky!! And love it!! The 03 Gasser has different frame geometry then even the 05's, so I'm not really sure it is a fair comparison. Wish I could ride one for awhile to see! Thanks!
What year Gasser???? I had and 05, and thought it was fast?!?! Sorry but if you gave me 10 free KTM's I would atart ALL of them on fire, yep Iv'e rode em, JUNK in my opinion, overrated, and the lists goes on!!! I can never go there because I have been talking shi--- about that brand since the 90's and will continue to do so until I'm in the ground!!! Really what year was it and did it have any mods?? Thanks.
Go to gasgasrider.org. Ive got an 11 gasgas EC 300 but dont have enough time on it it to give a in depth review between my WR 300 and the gasgas.
I will tell you the reason I went with the gasgas is the lack of development in Huskys 2 stroke lineup. Couldnt see replacing my WR with the same bike rebadged as a 2012.
I bet the US GG Dist prays every day for Husky to keep ignoring the WR250/300. More and more guys are coming into my shop looking for a "new" WR250 and leave with a GG in the back of their truck.
I know it is sad! But I'm leaning towards jumping ship! WTF will I do with my Husky progrip gear, socks, camelback and all the other Husky stuff I have ! Thanks for the tip!!! Thanks. Dare I say I got on that site and joined it. I'm liking the looks of them Gassers
I would love a new GasGas 200 or 250 but since I'm not competing for any prizes I felt the extra $1500 would get my Husky tricked out to the trail machine I wanted.. and it has. If all the bikes including KTM or Husaberg were the same price the GasGas would be my #1 choice without a doubt.
fletchman45 you are welcome and I agree with you 100% on your KTM feelings; we've been there and tried that.
