Rieju MR250 (old Gas Gas EC250) review︱Cross Training Enduro
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- Опубліковано 8 січ 2025
- www.crosstraini... tractionerag.com The 2019 Gas Gas EC250 review! The Rieju MR250 is largely unchanged so hopefully this review will assist potential Rieju owners. We looked at its big brother the EC300 last year. It was no slouch but damn this 250 rips, and the Rieju MR250 will too. A strong mid range that builds to a big hit at high revs. The mapping switch was handy for reducing wheelspin in these wet conditions. It doesn't make the huge difference Sherco's mapping switch does, but it is noticeable. It's not bad, but its competitors have lightened their clutch pulls substantially in recent years. With all our slow technical riding we would be looking at an aftermarket lever to address this. Probably the same for the Rieju MR250. For the typical dirt rider it should be fine though. And if you usually take your new bike to get the suspension tuner then chances are you'll save money there too with the superb KYB setup. In my experience these tyres are okay, but they are terrible in certain sorts of mud and clay. If you ride a lot of mud you'll probably hit this issue with any European two stroke, so it's not a Rieju MR250 specific problem, but if you like mud you'll probably want different tyres straight away. So there you have it guys, the Gas Gas EC250 is a fine addition to the Euro smokers market. Irrelevant for most riders, but if you are into snotty rocky terrain then these frame rails are just like the Beta Xtrainer ones and can get bashed by rocks, unless protected by a suitable bashplate. The Europeans generally run with the FIM approved tyres which have lower knobs to reduce ripping up the tracks. Similar to the other European two strokes, the 250 engine has less grunt than the 300, but it spins up faster, revs higher, it's $500 cheaper and a bit easier to throw around due to less rotational mass. It was a wet slippery weekend so we didn't really get to hit the throttle that often. The Rieju MR250 doesn't quite have the same bottom end power as other 250s but we don't see this is as a bad thing. If you are into slow snotty terrain, you'll be going for a 300 anyway. In our experience 250 riders are guys who love the more traditional power of two strokes, and I think they would love this Gas Gas EC250 2019. The stock gearing wasn't suitable for our tight trails but the spread of ratios is good and gear changes were very slick. There's nothing wrong with the Betas we all ride but the Gas Gas gear changes are very smooth indeed. I think the price is what might see a lot of riders looking at the 2019 Gas Gas EC250. A quick scan of international prices show it's consistently among the cheapest of the European two strokes. If you wanted a kick start you've saved up to another $500. Perfect if you like good old style two stroke action. Changes for 2019? At least it's very accessible if you need to maintain it, plus you have the kickstart too. After the magically light clutch on the Gas Gas Ranger, the pull on the EC250 was a small disappointment. Gas Gas EC250 Gearbox? Beautiful. If you like the play racer aspect of the revvy two stroke and want bang for your buck, the EC250 is a very strong contender. The power delivery?Improved electrical system, revised starter with a greater capacity battery, an engine map switch plus some engine and suspension tweaks. We had five riders riding the Gas Gas EC250 2019 over the weekend to look at the pros and cons of the Spanish beast. Here is what we liked. Gas Gas EC250 Ergonomics? We taller riders found the 250 nice and rooomy. Our shorter riders did find the bike a bit too high. However there's plenty of room to cut down the seat if needed. And there's always the Gas Gas Ranger which sits a full 4cm lower according to the factory. When most manufacturers are making their bikes so slim they are anorexic, I liked the flared rear panels on the Gas Gas which make it easier to grip the bike with your legs, and acted like a set of my much loved Steg Pegz. Nice componentry. An FMF pipe comes standard and it's placed relatively high out of harms way. A decent sized 10 litre tank which is clear so you can see how much fuel you have. The Kayaba suspension is top notch stuff and widely regarded as the best stock suspension you can get on a dirt bike. Fast or slow, it rides like a dream and there's way less chance you will need suspension tuning which can save you plenty of money. The Gas Gas EC250 and its big brother still have a kick start. For some riders, this is a huge plus as with most brands you now have to fork out $500 or more to have a kick start installed. Takasago rims from Japan are a very good solid rim, although apparently you do need to keep an eye on spoke tension more than normal just for the first few rides until they bed in. What's not so hot with the Gas Gas EC250? They are still persisting with the old KTM-style design.
#crosstrainingenduro #gasgas #gasgasec250 #riejumr250
THE NEW RIEJU MODELS! The old Gas Gas models have continued under a new name - Rieju. For 2021, the models have only minor changes so this review will still applicable. As of 2021, Rieju still has only made minor changes. Unfortunately the heavy weight persists. They haven't changed the unreliable e-start, although we hear it's bathed in oil now which should help a bit. The engines are still soft at the lower revs. But if the price is cheap, we think it's still a good option in the two stroke market! Unfortunately they are priced not much less than the competition in Australia... so why pay so much for a six year old design? If you don't know about Rieju, read below...
Unfortunately KTM is becoming a huge multinational trying to buy up the competition, such as Gas Gas. The good news? Rieju in Spain has bought the intellectual and industrial property used to build GasGas enduro models which will continue under the RIEJU brand. And the Ranger will continue as the Rieju MR300 Ranger!
adbmag.com.au/editorial/rieju-to-manufacture-enduro-models-on-gasgas-platform/
The investment made by RIEJU will see the GasGas 300 two-stroke as we know it today manufactured under the RIEJU brand at its plant in Figueres, Spain. Distribution of new bikes will start in June. Rumours are circulating that suggest RIEJU is currently updating the platform to modernise a few key aspects including relocating the starter motor.
Jordi Riera, CEO of RIEJU, S.A. said “This agreement allows RIEJU an immediate presence in the off-road competition segment with larger capacity machines than usual for Rieju, as well as a significant expansion of our client portfolio, and important openings to new markets.
We are very excited for this new adventure and the enormous challenge that this entails. We have enormous experience in our design, manufacture and distribution structure, so we are convinced that this project will be a success for our company."
RIEJU was founded in 1934 and currently manufactures more than 12,000 motorcycles annually in its facilities in Figueres near Barcelona and exports 85% of its production to more than 40 countries. It’s known for producing small-to-mid capacity scooters, trailbikes and roadbikes.
Definitely the best bang for your buck, it was a no brainer for me. They literally pieced together a bike with all of the best parts. We consider this bike to be the European relative to the YZ250X, with extra goodies. Thanks for the review!
GOOD NEWS: 2017-2019 GAS GAS MODELS TO CONTINUE UNDER ANOTHER NAME!
Rieju in Spain has bought the intellectual and industrial property used to build GasGas enduro models which will continue under the RIEJU brand: adbmag.com.au/editorial/rieju-to-manufacture-enduro-models-on-gasgas-platform/
The investment made by RIEJU will see the GasGas 300 two-stroke as we know it today manufactured under the RIEJU brand at its plant in Figueres, Spain. Distribution of new bikes will start in June. Rumours are circulating that suggest RIEJU is currently updating the platform to modernise a few key aspects including relocating the starter motor.
Jordi Riera, CEO of RIEJU, S.A. said “This agreement allows RIEJU an immediate presence in the off-road competition segment with larger capacity machines than usual for Rieju, as well as a significant expansion of our client portfolio, and important openings to new markets.
We are very excited for this new adventure and the enormous challenge that this entails. We have enormous experience in our design, manufacture and distribution structure, so we are convinced that this project will be a success for our company."
RIEJU was founded in 1934 and currently manufactures more than 12,000 motorcycles annually in its facilities in Figueres near Barcelona and exports 85% of its production to more than 40 countries. It’s known for producing small-to-mid capacity scooters, trailbikes and roadbikes.
Dude... Thank you. I have been watching your videos for a few weeks now. For the last 5 years i suffered quietly from lower back pain, shooting old man dibilitating pain. Cut to a few months ago, i build bikes and ride a crotch rocket mostly. But i fixed two little dirt bikes for a guy and his kid wrecked one and they came into my possesion cheap when the mom found out. I fixed one and naturally test rode it with my brother. Being siblings we rode pretty hard and when i got home my back locked up bad. But im hard headed and i limped thru work and jumped on again.... It cured me, no pills, no chiroquacter, just core excercise in a way thats a blast. Then i got hooked on your videos. We have 50 acres and a decent little tight track we made over a few weeks, after training on a little klx140 i am faster and more confident without trying than he is on a ktm 250 2 stroke. Awesome videos! Please keep it up. Just riding isnt so much fun, but trying and learning new techniques is.
great to hear the dirt riding helped sort out the back pains!
34,659,037th
I have the xc250 and it's been great.
My friends have the 300s with bad clutch pull but I get so many compliments on my clutch. It's the lightest in my whole state
Absolutely love these kinds of videos from you guys and can't wait for the ones to come. I've been looking at buying a new 250 or 300 enduro 2 banger for a while now but there seems to be a lack of review videos on ones such as sherco, gasgas and beta so it's fantastic to me that you guys are picking up the slack. Keep up the awesome work guys. I'm keen on seeing a review of the sherco 250 and 300 two strokes from you guys too if you had that in mind 😉
unfortunately almost no one is rushing to offer us bikes to review, we were just lucky we know this gas gas dealer. i did review the whole sherco range a few years back. i don't know how much they've changed since then though. glad you enjoyed the review!
Hey bro!
Great presentation, thank you, it was like riding it!
Two mere comments :
2:40
a)sure, it is not 300 bottom low but you can tune that
b) don't you notice faster riding due to controllable top end too? imagine when you improve the bottom low with some torque wings, filter, spacer, and sky being your limit!
6:00 the magic of the FIM tire shines exactly where you think it doesn't but under one condition.
Lower air pressure than 1Bar !
Attainable with a Tubliss or Mousse, this tire "hugs" everything it meets and climbs it like a goat (respecting nature too) !
It's the high speeds that will kill it but ... oh well ;-)
try it at 04 to 0.7 bar at muddy uphills and see the tears dropping from your eyes!
love your riding as always!
Man i love 250s!
and thanks for your help back then ! 👍👍
very interested in tips for the bottom end... some guys claim jetting will fix it, but the correctly jetted 2018 models we rode were the same. others said the 38mm carbs are too big and reduce power at low revs, but the ranger has a 36mm and felt the same. i've heard others are going to experiment with base gaskets to alter compression and porting to see if it can be improved.
@@crosstrainingenduro I believe you are the brightest example of an enduro channel dedicated to loving the sport so yeah,
i'll be happy to share the transforming tips for your subs (but i won't do it for mine :p)
a) DNA and K&N Filters (DNAs are easier to find for GG). read their manual online for how long they can go dirty and change your minds about using them off road!
5 days of Romaniacs one filter? well... that's why you buy one spare if you race and you forget about cleaning it during race days too as you have a swap
b) spacer between the Vforce and the engine, increasing the velocity of air. (Moose Racing)
c) more air means nothing if turbulent so :
c1) after the slide add the "Thunder Products" "TorqueWing" but the air going TO the slide is more important and that is hard to find but .. you have me who's gone through that pain :-)
c2) the perfect match for the Gasser (not sure about later models though, it changed much) is the Boyesen YZ250X Xwing.
I had to risk it as i saw the same weird carb (Thin TMX) and same air boot and it is a perfect match.
Here is the trick.... all of these will need tuning in the carb and the solution is SIMPLE if done right, otherwise it's real messy!
d) you go to JDJetting.com and get the kit and follow the instructions
Might sound complicated or too much but when you race, you do take traction and throttle response seriously! More than torque!
(Of course these work on and improve all 2strokes)
of course there are more i haven't tried (and i won't) like the gasket you mentioned, a heavier flywheel (not applicable on estarter models of this type) and maybe porting.
My bike works like a 300 with the above retaining the rotational mass of the 250. Saw no need to tune further as it feels just right!
Whatever you do, don't skip d) (Unless you're a a Lectron already!)
JDJetting is very happy to answer to your questions with very analytical emails too but his instructions are spot on!
Nice knowing you CTES (b1)
hope we get to ride one day!
Find my other Canadian friend in Romaniacs 2014 part2
❤
Sounds like a very Good value for money Bike, looks great Too.
I think the 300 rieju will be my next bike!
Had my 2005 gasgas ec300 for 8 years now and haven't had a single mechanical problem that wasn't caused by me crashing it... Bullet proof engines!
No issues with the old KTM-style starter motor, Trevor? Rieju have made some tweaks to it apparently but will upgrade to a more modern design in the next model apparently. How is the pricing? Unfortunately Rieju Australia are pricing their models the same as Beta and Sherco, whereas they are cheaper in other countries. 🤔
Most 05’s didn’t come with a starter.
Can't wait to get another one , the only decision is 250 or 300 , the strongest and most tractable engines going .
I'd love to try one of these out. I rode my co-worker's 2003 EC250 and it rips! I'd love to see how the new one compares.
Owned a EC300 2003. Only had issues with the shock protector, cheap plastic, especially in mud condition. Loved the marzocchi-Öhlins combo those days! It harder it comes on Enduro more I loved the EC! Looks like it is still a real Enduro!?
The Gas Gas models do certainly ride well. We have a 2018 in our group. It is a bit cranky on the low end power delivery, something the owner has spent quite some time trying to smooth out.
He also has had the starter fail recently and while it does have a kick starter, do we really need to go back to the 20th century? 😊
Also an article saying 'production has been put on temporary hold' again recently rings alarm bells.
Such a shame, as the bikes seem great to ride.
some say they can hesitate at low rev throttle but we didn't notice this at all. all the models have a bit less grunt at very low revs but i doubt most riders would even notice this... we only do because of all the slow snotty terrain we do. mixed stories about the production run. the production halt was essentially to encourage a pile of highly paid unionised workers to move on, latest i heard it they probably won't need to do it? not sure what the real story is but on face value it's not about the company about to go broke...
Who cares about the starter motor? Estart is for ladyboys. This bike rides bettdr than yours. Stop hating.
@@sciencemilitia1853 Wow, calm down big fella.
No point fitting a starter if it doesn't work.
I see all the extreme Lady boys have e-start.... Like Jarvis, Manny, Wade and Mario etc..... But they can't REALLY ride I guess 😂
yep, wouldn't want to call wade a lady boy to his face lol. for everyday riding i can see how e-start might be seen as a luxury but if you are riding gnarly terrain i can't count the number of times that button is a godsend... gnarly hill sides, narrow gullies, all those spots you can't access the kickstart.
@@crosstrainingenduro
Correct on both counts Barry.
😊👍
I’m taking the plunge from a 2018 KTM 250xcf to a 2022 GasGas EC250!! Orders in. Hopefully I receive it before season end!! 🤞
See if you can get the dealer to fix the ECU mapping before you ride it, they run way way too lean and there have been cases of bikes seizing at low hours. ua-cam.com/video/sExzuIUgFb0/v-deo.html
@@crosstrainingenduro thanks, I will do that
I am very surprised to hear you found the clutch to be quite stiff. I compared the 300s from KTM Gasgas and Beta side by side and while GG and KTM felt the same Beta was a LOT harder. I have no trouble using only one finger on my GG or my friends KTM but on the Beta I had to use two fingers. I compared GG 2018 and KTM/Beta 2019 Models. This was actually one of the reasons why I didn't buy Beta. Thanks for the review! I have to agree on everything else. I would like to add that the Nissin breaks are brilliant as well! Maybe even a tad too sensitive on the front wheel.
The clutch on the EC250 wasn't exactly stiff. The comparison here is with the GG EC Ranger which is considerably lighter.
@@morrjeff Oh I got that wrong then. Thanks for clearing this up!
I recently had the opportunity to ride the 2021 Rieju MR300 and I was very impressed with the bike. All of the components, engine, suspension, brakes, work in perfect unison and it is an absolute joy to ride, in flowing trails as well as in tight technical terrain. I would love to gain your view if you have a chance to ride a 2021 Rieju.
This review will some it up then, Ariel. There are almost no changes at all for the 2021 model, but apparently they'll be reworking it quite a bit the following year.
@@crosstrainingenduro thank you for your reply. Do you have any view on the expected release date of their 2022 models?
No idea, Ariel. Unfortunately i don't really keep up with the latest news...
Nice one !! In mud/sand, wet shitty terrain I loooooooove my GT 232N....traction to spare
Very cool. If only I had Barry bucks , i would have a ranger and the rever/racer 250 in the shop for when my beta fleet is out for service.
i would do the same thing if i had barry bucks too, mark. 😂 sadly the gas gas dealer took both the EC250 and the ranger back home.
@@crosstrainingenduro I am sure they will find a happy home....keep up the good work .
What's your thoughts on the YZ250X?
i did a non-review as yamaha hasn't offered one for testing... 😊
ua-cam.com/video/h4Gtt4FZtqQ/v-deo.html
too much fuzz for no real changes!
Yamaha wants you getting a 4T so forget about an estarter on the X too!
but i guess one gear pulls longer or something !
for real tough stuff n' stuff....
I've heard they dont touch the gas gas & ktm. They said the gear ratio didnt change much, too high. & suspension isn't great
Nice review Barry. Any word on the EC200? It was supposed to have been released but no one is saying peep about it now.
As a spaniard I can say that Gasgas has a massive problem, they are underselling, the bike has performance comparable at least with Sherco but sell by a lot less, thus explaining the financial problems they have.
i pauze at 0:07 I allready want it, just for the sound of that engine!!!
I really hope you are able to review the 2020 Beta 390 (as well as the others soon, can imagine one in my stable if they are given a CTES seal of approval! :-)
GasGas is alpha. Beta isnt bringing anything as good
@@sciencemilitia1853 I'm no racer, just a recreational rider and the GasGas bikes are way too tall for me. Have you seen the new 2020 Beta range? They are sounding pretty tasty, and that little bit lower than the other bikes! :-)
beta isn't as good in which way? gas gas has the kicker and better suspension but beta has that superb power delivery and lower seat height which i think would even things out for many... horses for courses as they say.
Nice bike!
I fully support multiculturalism when it comes to dirtbike components. I wish my Beta had more Japanese living in its electrical and attention to detail precincts..
I have a 19 EC300 Six days and my only bike issues other than the almost 20K USD cost in Thailand Is bike seat height and slightly heavy clutch pull.
KTM at least uses a lot of Japanese stuff in fuel and ignition. Keihin/Mikuni carbs, NGK plug and lead, Kokusan ignition timing. I’d guess Beta uses similar parts.
Are we going to see a tm on the channel in the future ?
i doubt we'll see anything more really, no one is keen to offer bikes for review lol.
CROSS TRAINING ENDURO SKILLS Very few TMs are around. They’re made to order and here in Canada there’s a two month turnaround time from order to delivery.
Though this narrator would probably be the best person to review their enduro models.
Yeah there far and few between in a lot of places but there a dime a dozen in Ireland but I've a never really beta
How much difference is there in a 2005?
No idea Joe, I've only ridden this model
Was wondering how it compared to that beta 250rr you reviewed last year? Thanks
What do they weigh?
~105 kg
It really bugs me that you can't chose tyres, brake pads, etc. on a new bike, it takes minutes to swap and there is no reason why manufacturer should be forcing me to buy something I don't want. My Kawasaki had such terrible tyres, that even though they were still above 80% life, I refused to wait for them to wear down and rather flipped them for few pennies and bought something better.
beta usa have started something sort of along those lines with the BYOB build your own bike scheme. it's not a factory thing though, just something they've come up with.
@@crosstrainingenduro That is really good idea, good on them, hope others will catch up on it :) .
10
Any 150?.....bOoOpP
First
second
4th
I prefere ranger
Whats the difference besides the lower seat?
there was a link to the ranger review at the end, ben
So Japanese carburetor, brakes, wheels, suspension, and probably electronics.....hmmmm I will keep my YZ250
how does the yz250 do cruising around 80kmh? thinking of getting one for open traild
3rd..lol