It's time for a new bike. What I want in order of priority: Wide ratio gearbox (6 speed) Smooth (no engine vibration) Maximum torque at low RPM Maximum fork lock (tight turning radius) Compact size Low maintenance Low weight Lighting coil Estart and kickstart (or kickstart only) Extra info: Old guy who does only trail riding with a little bit of pavement to connect trails. I normally gear a bike down as far as possible, typically 13:52 on the sprockets. I like to do trail "exploring", searching out old overgrown trails. Low gearing makes this much easier and a wide ratio box still leaves something for the pavement. I often ride with guys who are 20 years younger, so a lighter European bike allows me a better chance at keeping up. Recent bikes KTM450, Husaberg 550. Single track riding is what I like. I think the best machine for me would be a GasGas EC300, but it would need to be the early motor with a balancer. These were made from 97-99, so finding a decent one would be tough. The short list: TE310 (does it have a balance shaft?) WR300 (would need 6th gear added, does it vibrate as bad as other 2 strokes?) I'm not considering the TE250 because of the close ratio gearbox and the fact that I don't really want to be revving it constantly. I have tried a TE450 and a TE510, but was put off by the excessive vibration and poor turning radius.
How about a GasGas 450? Wait for a KTM 350? I think you won't find any current Husqvarna products that meet your criteria. A counterbalancer can be added to a GG300 up to some year ('07 I believe).
I'm sure the TE510 steers just as good, if not better than your Berg. I had a 2000 501 Berg, and you talk about poor turning radius and about the worst suspension. Anyway, your short list look great. The TE310 and WR300 would make great bikes. Although they have very little in common with eachother (heavy 4 stroke with electric start and a light screamer 300).
+1 on all above.. I can't think of ANY bike that has a tighter turning radius than a TE AND a wider gearbox.. The criteria just sounds too wide to me. Only Husky with a truely wide ratio 6 is the 610, and that def ain't light weight or tight turning The same Yamaha 250 that Ramz went to maybe??
I had a look at Rick Ramsey's site (nicely done). The WR250R is probably as close to a "dual sport" trailbike as it gets. It's on the porky side, enough to wear me out when riding with buddies. Probably the best choice if I was just riding by myself. It's a lot of work to slim down one of these and it will never work as well as a european machine on the trails. The GasGas balancer was also used the quad motors for a few years after they were dropped from the bikes. Current bikes don't have the cases machined to accept the parts. I think 2001 might be the last year that the cases were machined (in the bikes).
Neil. I just got a couple of 2010 WR300s in and was shocked to see that they were EU spec bikes with full lighting, turn signals, horn etc... Pop a 6th gear in it and away you go.
Looks to me like you just described a Gas Gas 250 or 300. No electric start, but they start easy, and they don't vibrate. Super smooth. Lot's smoother than the WR's. 6 Speed, compact, tight turning. It's all there. A two stroke Gas Gas feels like a 7/8ths scale bike. That's the way Dick Burleson described it anyway, and I tend to agree. The seat is made from granite, or perhaps some form of hardwood, but they do offer a soft seat option.
I like the GasGas best of all, but want to have a hard look at the WR300. I read somewhere that the WR300 will have a 6 speed for next year. I'm out on a job site all this week, but will call ScottyR as soon as I get finished. Several of the local guys have purchased the Husky WR250. I wonder how the WR300 does in really tight trails. The more compact size of the EC300 really appeals to me.
Neil you didn't say anything about "rider size.." but if you look at the bikes you mentioned you must be at the corresponding measurments. Nevertheless, your short list is right on spot. Together with the WR125, I think that the 3 bikes are the last 3 real huskies. Everybody waits to see when the WR250/300 would get a new frame, which is exactly why I hurried up to get a new current WR300. I had a 2002 WR250 and loved it. Since then I had most all huskies' plus many others. The 310, at its current stand (before they turn it to the new 250 frame for 2011/12) is my favourite husky, but for racing it doesn't fit well in its category (against 450s). The new TE250 (which I still own) is too revvy and nerveous for tight stuff for me. I did own a 08 TE250, which is a great enduro bike that could use some more low end (did we say 310 already). The 300/310 got just the right geometry (even though the 300 is a little tall) and balance of weight/power. Both amazing at finding tracktion where others would fail. Between the two, it depends, and you should ask yourself the following: 1. Racing? category selection. 2. 2T vs 4T - to each its own advantages and rider's taste. 3. E-start. ITs nice and it works great on all huskies. 4. Weight? - I wouldn't let let the 310 carry a rider over 90-95 kilos. Good luck.
If you can live without a kick starter, the Berg 390 is probably the best bike for you. The GasGas is a great bike, but they are next to impossible to street plate in Ontario.
They have NA spec VINs so someone should be able to slip one past the Ministry and get a street plate. I got some 125s that are equipped the same way.
I'm an old guy too....56. I've got a TXC 510 and a GAS GAS EC 300 with an auto clutch. Love them both.
