I hope your company continues to prosper. Renting out dirt bikes is a great service to a lot of people and I can remember back in the early 80's there was a place in Woodland Park that rented dirt bikes (KDX's mostly) and man it was fun to do that! But later on, it seemed like all that disappeared and I couldn't find anyone who rented dirt bikes. So what you're doing is excellent and I hope you continue to do well with it!
I have had 2 drz s a ktm 500 exc 2013 great bike but always working on it the Drz is indisructable never had any issues just had gotten a 2021 gpx 450 r I think the ride and suspension was just as good as the ktm if not better then gone is more torky then the ktm 500 the blue has plenty of power not as fast as the ktm but power wise reminds me of the drz has less tork then the gpx for just trail riding the gpx is a great bike and I feel if maintained properly will last just as long as ant bike out there and is worth the money with lest maintenance in the long run compared to a ktm hope this helps a lot of people anthony russo.
would love to see you go through all your bikes in a comparison shootout, cost , reliabilty, power , performance and give them a total score at the end :-)
Initially I felt the tuning on the 450 was bad. I flashed the ECU with Ethan's tune and it was better but still not great. Ultimately what I've learned is that I had a clogged injector and a bad O2 sensor. Once I got those sorted I've been fine with the stock tune. It's not perfect but it's decent.
At 4,500 feet elevation, my FSE 250 E runs best with the .040 jet. I know it's not supposed to, but it does. When I run a smaller jet, it's harder to start, needs choke on for a while, won't idle below 2,500 rpm when cold, basically just runs like crap for the first 5-10 minutes, no matter how I adjust the mixture. When I put the .040 jet in, all that goes away. My needle is on the 3rd/middle clip. I've thought of upgrading to the Nibbi, but for now am just going to run the larger jet.
Hey there, how hard is it to fit hand guards to these. I see that the original guards go through the levers, did you guys just replace a bolt in these when you fit the wrap around guards? Is it possible for you to put a picture up on how the new guards are fitted. I'm so close to buying the FSE300r to green lane and commute on In the UK. They look great and I'm just trying to get all info on things before I purchase one. Another quick question I'm not sure on what horsepower the 300 has... do you know this? Many thanks Neil
Very easy. I just left the main plastic piece that bolts through the levers on there with out the flag hand guard screwed on. The full wraps clear it just fine. I use Refex Racing hand guards and we also have highway dirtbikes on some too. As for HP I'm not sure I've ever seen any numbers, what I do know is its far more peppy than the KLX300 especially at the low end. The GPX has a very torquey feel. We have two 300Rs, by far our top four stroke rental and my personal favorite of the line up.
Yo pharret. I recently got a new fse250e and have been really dissatisfied with it overall, mosty due to stiction/harshness in the forks, along with about five other issues. Already changed the bushings and adjusted the shim stack twice. Any way iv'e been setting my sights on a beta 390rrs and am wondering how feel you between the beta and the gpx in overall feel of quality? I also have a drz and have been happy with its capabilities once I reshimmed valve stack but would like to have a harder edged bike beside it like a ktm/gpx/beta but without the need to wrench on it more than riding it( like iv'e had to do on my gpx). I'm thinking beta is my best option to try next? For context i'm in southern AZ, suspensions need to do a lot of rapid small movements for the trails out here.
Well first I'd reach out to gpx. Something doesn't seem right there. I have had 5 different sets of these forks and haven't had any issues. Also Joe Henner does specialize in these suspensions for tuning. I love my 390 RRS although I don't think you'll be any happier with the Sachs. They feel pretty similar to the GPX. An RR with the KYB forks may be more what your looking for. It's funny even with gold valving and stiffer springs I'd still blow through the DRZs forks lol. I also think the maintenance needs of the ktms is very blown out of proportion. In any case a Beta would be an awesome bike for you both ours have been solid.
Go through and fully adjust the front end. Loosen the pinch bolts, front axle, and fork clamps, and tighten them in order and according to spec, making sure the forks are at exactly the same level. Should fix your problem.
I am concidering buying a GPX Raptor 180, but I am worried since GPX has mixed reviews, some are very negative, and some are... too postive. I intent to drive the bike for about 80 km daily o get to work, so I really need it to be reliable. Should I save some more and go for a Honda or a Yamaha instead?
I haven't owned the Raptor so I can't really talk to that bike. What I do know is that GPX has stood behind these bikes and has always worked with us on resolving issues. In many ways that is one of the most important things a company can do. All 5 of our GPX rentals have been very good reliable bikes even in very rough conditions.
Some points I’d touch on: If you’re constantly adjusting the mixture screw daily but nothing is physically changing, try a tiny drop of PURPLE loctite (a tiny screwdriver will break the bond, vibrations won’t). Tuning on ALL new bikes in the last few years have been dumb lean, among other “issues” in tuning. Be happy it’s a sub-$7k bike and you want a tune to make it run better. Imagine spending over $20k on a new race bike only to have it run just as lean, limit throttle input (both rpm and gearing based) and literally gaining 50-100hp the last 2000rpm and 5-10hp everywhere else on a STOCK bike. I’m still waiting for my 450r to show up and will be working with Ethan on a tuning network as well as mods.
Update: I’ve had my 2023 FSE450R for a couple months now. I’ve been tuning the bike and it’s 10x more enjoyable now! I run both the enduro setup and the GPX supermoto wheels, 5500 miles later and well over 200+ hours on the engine and she has been less problematic than my ex when getting food. Valve check at 5000, and been running Amsoil dirt bike oil, with the clutch mod (ask me), and the bike just keeps surprising me with how great it really is, especially around $7000 shipped to your door. If anyone wants or needs a reflash for their 450 or 300, or a map switch kit, I know guys in the tuning group, they’ll get you setup!
Has renting these bikes or been worth it for you financially? I’m in a totally different location than you that’s a great riding destination, but there’s not much for rental options.
The short answer is yes. In reality starting a new business is a huge undertaking and rentals are only going to be one part of our model. Rentals are a ton of work but there is money to be had if you play your cards correctly.
After having over 30 KTM’s and with the reliability have had out of the last two, and you put that with the fact KTM would not do anything to help me. I would think these might be better than what’s coming out of Austria here anymore .And thinks to the internet it’s now known that they having Chinese companies make products for the KTM brands. I have a 790 with 3400 miles and it’s a 🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋 . I just wait 6 months on a intake cam ( it’s all over the internet about soft cams in some of the bikes) and paid 1800 dollars to fix it
I do think KTM has really let their customers down in the service and warranty side. People ask us to add them on as rentals but its hard when GPX is a call away and they are always reasonable about replacing parts. Even Rieju has been very good to us. In alot of ways the GPX aren't quite up to snuff of the KTM, Beta, etc. I've yet to have any issues with the 5 GPX bikes we've had.
Yes IMO it totally is. But that opinion is always subjective. I think the GPXs motor is a better motor for trail riding and enduro type stuff along with lower gearing. Also the GPXs suspension is really become a favorite of mine at the price point. The CRF cant touch the adjustability of the GPX.
I went straight to the manufacture and got a gpx450 essentially but carbed. My first 450 but she rips. I’m sure it’s just like gpx but being my first 450 I didn’t realize how much it sucks to peel apart everything just to get to carb
@@pharettface I own a swm rs300r very reliable easy to maintain all I have done in 4000 mile is cleaned air filter and changed the oil and adjusted the chain even the valves checks can be done in 45 minutes
Hey thanks for a good video. I hope your business continues to be a success, you seem like an honest, passionate rider and entrepreneur. One Quibble...there is no universe where the GPX300 is a better value than the KLX300R. In BC the Kawi costs 6499 and the GPX costs 5999. For 500 bucks you get better warranty, build quality, metal, engineering, dealer network and resale value. The GPX has more adjustable shocks? OK. The Kawi shocks are almost certainly better engineered and stronger if softer. There's a vid on the TUBE here were a good rider does a lap on each of a KLX250 and an FSE 250. Kawi lap was several seconds faster. The rider commented on softness of kawi suspension, bottoming it out repeatedly. He also noted the FSE felt like it was going to fall apart as he raced around the course. Final thought, he figured the GPX was worth buying if you were low on funds as any bike is better than no bike. Cheers from BC
I've owned several Kawasaki's from the KLR250 to my KLX250. The GPX is better value. Your warranty will come down to what dealer you buy from. Where I live in Colorado no way are they going to loose money on warranty repairs. GPX has stood by their bikes quite well for us. As for build quality let's not forget that the KLX line is built in Indonesia, the metal quality is very close. In fact in the past my biggest complaint was that KLX had very soft metals but so did my DRZ. When it comes to the GPX it has more power 300 vs 300. lighter and really it's not a minor difference in suspension. From spring to valving the GPX is so much better. Even with our GPX 300s having over a thousand miles on them they have held up very well. I might give you resale value but we honestly have had no trouble selling our GPX bikes after being rentals. The FSE250 vs the KLX250 is not a super fair comparison. depending on if that's the E or S model I assume the E. But that's comparing an air cooled engine with less power than a KLX. As for falling apart that's subjective lol. I've beat my FSE250E on our boulder fields and it's held up just fine. But the price difference between the 250E and 300R is huge not the same bike even the suspension tuning is different. I bought 2 GPX300s over the KLX for a reason. I plan to bring on full time KLXs but I'm over all very disappointed in that bike.
I sure wouldn't those pre TPI KTMs are getting pretty long in tooth these days. KTMs sure do not age like a fine wine. GPX has proved they can hold up to rentals and in rough trail riding. The company has done a great job supporting them.
Public is subjective we do require a moto endorsement for rentals. Its done very well and we really havent had much for damages. Almost three years into rentals I have no regrets our shop would have never gotten off the ground with out our GPX rentals.
I hope your company continues to prosper. Renting out dirt bikes is a great service to a lot of people and I can remember back in the early 80's there was a place in Woodland Park that rented dirt bikes (KDX's mostly) and man it was fun to do that! But later on, it seemed like all that disappeared and I couldn't find anyone who rented dirt bikes. So what you're doing is excellent and I hope you continue to do well with it!
A modern XR400 would be sweet if they came out with one.
I have had 2 drz s a ktm 500 exc 2013 great bike but always working on it the Drz is indisructable never had any issues just had gotten a 2021 gpx 450 r I think the ride and suspension was just as good as the ktm if not better then gone is more torky then the ktm 500 the blue has plenty of power not as fast as the ktm but power wise reminds me of the drz has less tork then the gpx for just trail riding the gpx is a great bike and I feel if maintained properly will last just as long as ant bike out there and is worth the money with lest maintenance in the long run compared to a ktm hope this helps a lot of people anthony russo.
Thanks for the review. Good to hear your perspective. I'll have to get in touch when I visit CO. Do you also offer trail guiding?
Drop us an email when your ready to come out I'm sure we can show you around!
would love to see you go through all your bikes in a comparison shootout, cost , reliabilty, power , performance and give them a total score at the end :-)
Thats a great idea!
Really thinking about buying these bikes mostly for the road and trails looking at the TSE 300
These bikes have started to be sold in the UK, so videos like yours are really useful.
Glad to hear it! We have done some awesome things with GPX. In some ways I think your UK distributors have better support than ours.
@@pharettface keeping an eye on them to maybe buy in a few yrs.
Initially I felt the tuning on the 450 was bad. I flashed the ECU with Ethan's tune and it was better but still not great. Ultimately what I've learned is that I had a clogged injector and a bad O2 sensor. Once I got those sorted I've been fine with the stock tune. It's not perfect but it's decent.
At 4,500 feet elevation, my FSE 250 E runs best with the .040 jet. I know it's not supposed to, but it does. When I run a smaller jet, it's harder to start, needs choke on for a while, won't idle below 2,500 rpm when cold, basically just runs like crap for the first 5-10 minutes, no matter how I adjust the mixture. When I put the .040 jet in, all that goes away. My needle is on the 3rd/middle clip. I've thought of upgrading to the Nibbi, but for now am just going to run the larger jet.
a 40 pilot would just be too much up this high. It was pretty bad above 8k feet
Hey there, how hard is it to fit hand guards to these. I see that the original guards go through the levers, did you guys just replace a bolt in these when you fit the wrap around guards? Is it possible for you to put a picture up on how the new guards are fitted. I'm so close to buying the FSE300r to green lane and commute on In the UK. They look great and I'm just trying to get all info on things before I purchase one. Another quick question I'm not sure on what horsepower the 300 has... do you know this? Many thanks Neil
Very easy. I just left the main plastic piece that bolts through the levers on there with out the flag hand guard screwed on. The full wraps clear it just fine. I use Refex Racing hand guards and we also have highway dirtbikes on some too. As for HP I'm not sure I've ever seen any numbers, what I do know is its far more peppy than the KLX300 especially at the low end. The GPX has a very torquey feel. We have two 300Rs, by far our top four stroke rental and my personal favorite of the line up.
Yo pharret. I recently got a new fse250e and have been really dissatisfied with it overall, mosty due to stiction/harshness in the forks, along with about five other issues. Already changed the bushings and adjusted the shim stack twice. Any way iv'e been setting my sights on a beta 390rrs and am wondering how feel you between the beta and the gpx in overall feel of quality?
I also have a drz and have been happy with its capabilities once I reshimmed valve stack but would like to have a harder edged bike beside it like a ktm/gpx/beta but without the need to wrench on it more than riding it( like iv'e had to do on my gpx). I'm thinking beta is my best option to try next?
For context i'm in southern AZ, suspensions need to do a lot of rapid small movements for the trails out here.
Well first I'd reach out to gpx. Something doesn't seem right there. I have had 5 different sets of these forks and haven't had any issues. Also Joe Henner does specialize in these suspensions for tuning. I love my 390 RRS although I don't think you'll be any happier with the Sachs. They feel pretty similar to the GPX. An RR with the KYB forks may be more what your looking for. It's funny even with gold valving and stiffer springs I'd still blow through the DRZs forks lol. I also think the maintenance needs of the ktms is very blown out of proportion. In any case a Beta would be an awesome bike for you both ours have been solid.
Go through and fully adjust the front end. Loosen the pinch bolts, front axle, and fork clamps, and tighten them in order and according to spec, making sure the forks are at exactly the same level. Should fix your problem.
@@M42650 that was one of the first things I tried
I am concidering buying a GPX Raptor 180, but I am worried since GPX has mixed reviews, some are very negative, and some are... too postive. I intent to drive the bike for about 80 km daily o get to work, so I really need it to be reliable. Should I save some more and go for a Honda or a Yamaha instead?
I haven't owned the Raptor so I can't really talk to that bike. What I do know is that GPX has stood behind these bikes and has always worked with us on resolving issues. In many ways that is one of the most important things a company can do. All 5 of our GPX rentals have been very good reliable bikes even in very rough conditions.
Some points I’d touch on:
If you’re constantly adjusting the mixture screw daily but nothing is physically changing, try a tiny drop of PURPLE loctite (a tiny screwdriver will break the bond, vibrations won’t).
Tuning on ALL new bikes in the last few years have been dumb lean, among other “issues” in tuning. Be happy it’s a sub-$7k bike and you want a tune to make it run better. Imagine spending over $20k on a new race bike only to have it run just as lean, limit throttle input (both rpm and gearing based) and literally gaining 50-100hp the last 2000rpm and 5-10hp everywhere else on a STOCK bike.
I’m still waiting for my 450r to show up and will be working with Ethan on a tuning network as well as mods.
Update:
I’ve had my 2023 FSE450R for a couple months now. I’ve been tuning the bike and it’s 10x more enjoyable now! I run both the enduro setup and the GPX supermoto wheels, 5500 miles later and well over 200+ hours on the engine and she has been less problematic than my ex when getting food. Valve check at 5000, and been running Amsoil dirt bike oil, with the clutch mod (ask me), and the bike just keeps surprising me with how great it really is, especially around $7000 shipped to your door.
If anyone wants or needs a reflash for their 450 or 300, or a map switch kit, I know guys in the tuning group, they’ll get you setup!
Has renting these bikes or been worth it for you financially? I’m in a totally different location than you that’s a great riding destination, but there’s not much for rental options.
The short answer is yes. In reality starting a new business is a huge undertaking and rentals are only going to be one part of our model. Rentals are a ton of work but there is money to be had if you play your cards correctly.
After having over 30 KTM’s and with the reliability have had out of the last two, and you put that with the fact KTM would not do anything to help me. I would think these might be better than what’s coming out of Austria here anymore .And thinks to the internet it’s now known that they having Chinese companies make products for the KTM brands. I have a 790 with 3400 miles and it’s a 🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋 . I just wait 6 months on a intake cam ( it’s all over the internet about soft cams in some of the bikes) and paid 1800 dollars to fix it
I do think KTM has really let their customers down in the service and warranty side. People ask us to add them on as rentals but its hard when GPX is a call away and they are always reasonable about replacing parts. Even Rieju has been very good to us. In alot of ways the GPX aren't quite up to snuff of the KTM, Beta, etc. I've yet to have any issues with the 5 GPX bikes we've had.
is the FSE250e better than a CRF250F (not R, X, or L)? If they were the same price, what would you choose?
Yes IMO it totally is. But that opinion is always subjective. I think the GPXs motor is a better motor for trail riding and enduro type stuff along with lower gearing. Also the GPXs suspension is really become a favorite of mine at the price point. The CRF cant touch the adjustability of the GPX.
Buy smart carb we have two of them they work well
I got the Lextra ( original name ) 300 2T enduro, I will update soon about my humble opinion about it.
I went straight to the manufacture and got a gpx450 essentially but carbed. My first 450 but she rips. I’m sure it’s just like gpx but being my first 450 I didn’t realize how much it sucks to peel apart everything just to get to carb
I wonder if the 250E will get EFI?
It has it now!
You should try out SWM rs300r
It's on our list! Our distributor for Rieju also imports SWM so we hope to have them soon.
@@pharettface I own a swm rs300r very reliable easy to maintain all I have done in 4000 mile is cleaned air filter and changed the oil and adjusted the chain even the valves checks can be done in 45 minutes
@@keithkeeble7483 Well thats great to hear. I can't wait to compare one to our GPX 300s
I had a GPX 250tse . Sold it . Went back to a Japanese bike 😎
You mean Japanese engineered, Tawian made with China parts bike 😆
mostly japanese bike now is made in Thailand now lol, only high end 20,000+ USD bikes are made in Japan
Hey thanks for a good video. I hope your business continues to be a success, you seem like an honest, passionate rider and entrepreneur.
One Quibble...there is no universe where the GPX300 is a better value than the KLX300R. In BC the Kawi costs 6499 and the GPX costs 5999. For 500 bucks you get better warranty, build quality, metal, engineering, dealer network and resale value. The GPX has more adjustable shocks? OK. The Kawi shocks are almost certainly better engineered and stronger if softer. There's a vid on the TUBE here were a good rider does a lap on each of a KLX250 and an FSE 250. Kawi lap was several seconds faster. The rider commented on softness of kawi suspension, bottoming it out repeatedly. He also noted the FSE felt like it was going to fall apart as he raced around the course. Final thought, he figured the GPX was worth buying if you were low on funds as any bike is better than no bike.
Cheers
from BC
I've owned several Kawasaki's from the KLR250 to my KLX250. The GPX is better value. Your warranty will come down to what dealer you buy from. Where I live in Colorado no way are they going to loose money on warranty repairs. GPX has stood by their bikes quite well for us. As for build quality let's not forget that the KLX line is built in Indonesia, the metal quality is very close. In fact in the past my biggest complaint was that KLX had very soft metals but so did my DRZ. When it comes to the GPX it has more power 300 vs 300. lighter and really it's not a minor difference in suspension. From spring to valving the GPX is so much better. Even with our GPX 300s having over a thousand miles on them they have held up very well. I might give you resale value but we honestly have had no trouble selling our GPX bikes after being rentals. The FSE250 vs the KLX250 is not a super fair comparison. depending on if that's the E or S model I assume the E. But that's comparing an air cooled engine with less power than a KLX. As for falling apart that's subjective lol. I've beat my FSE250E on our boulder fields and it's held up just fine. But the price difference between the 250E and 300R is huge not the same bike even the suspension tuning is different. I bought 2 GPX300s over the KLX for a reason. I plan to bring on full time KLXs but I'm over all very disappointed in that bike.
How many KLX300Rs do you have on your showroom?
Where is your rental located in CO?
Colorado Springs!
@@pharettface , I'd like to rent the 300 GPX, to ride Rampart.
@@ryanmorgan4090 you absolutely can! ammototoys.com
KEIHIN Air striker
No 4 stroke bike will run correctly without an accelerator pump carburetor
I would still spend my money on a used pre tpi ktm.
I sure wouldn't those pre TPI KTMs are getting pretty long in tooth these days. KTMs sure do not age like a fine wine. GPX has proved they can hold up to rentals and in rough trail riding. The company has done a great job supporting them.
Anyone who would rent a dirt bike to Joe public……..no hope for you.
Public is subjective we do require a moto endorsement for rentals. Its done very well and we really havent had much for damages. Almost three years into rentals I have no regrets our shop would have never gotten off the ground with out our GPX rentals.