Why Upgrade from a 2005 to a 2011?

[celler]

I have a 2005 DE 300. What makes the new bikes better? My 2005 is in very good condition so it isn't an end of life decision.

[dank]

umm to give clay some extra paperwork to do....... lol the usual. newer bike, newer stuff. personally i have an 03 250 and i like it, but if i had the means i would upgrade.

[bergerhag]

Life is short, guys.

[dank]

exactly! spend your money before you reach decrepitude and cant ride!

[HydroDog]

Why are the new bikes better?
If you rotate your bikes every couple of years your wife just assumes that the bike is worn out again and you need a new. This in turn helps out your buddy's with their mates on needing a new bike. It's a win win for you and your friends.

[einsteingarage]

I have been wrestling with the same question... What's in a new bike?

I think the biggest thing is tightness of the bike and looks.


It's like a new car, 80,000 miles and the car is still great but the new ones ride and drive a lot better and the newer ones look a bit cooler.

If they come out with FI then that would be a reason to upgrade. The electric start is ok but really how hard is it to kick a 2 stroke. Although, I wouldn't buy a 4 stroke without electric start.

I think I am just going to try a cosmetic upgrade this winter. Powder coat some stuff and new plastic and see if that cures my wanting of a newer bike.

[hudson_hollow]

I upgraded from a 04 to a 08 300EC last year. I expected the same bike, just newer, better looking and tighter. Gas Gas had made many small but significant changes in those years. Longer kick start makes starting a lot easier. The little magic switch that changes the ignition curve and works really well. Easier "on the fly" clutch adjustment. Lighter subframe. Standard bar to a "fatty". Nothing Earth shaking, just little improvements that added up to a better all around motorcycle.

[hudson_hollow]

"Uma's looking pretty good at 40....."
That's right!!
When my wife turned forty, I told her I would trade her for two twenties. She was ready for me on that one and replied; "Twenty goes into forty more than forty goes into twenty."

[blitz11]

That is possibly the best comeback I have ever heard. She's a keeper!

[Rick]

I just upgraded......a few years back....put USD forks on my 99 which in my mind gave me at least and 03. I would love to upgrade to an 11 200...

My 99 EC has been such a dream to own, I've never really wanted a new bike.... Ya Right!!! The body work on the newer bikes looks so good!!!