GPX FSE250e Review - The Honda XR Lives on?

[@johnnyrebellion8672]

I just spent $11,000 on a GasGas EC 300. It's just a red KTM. No skid plate. No hand guards. No spark arrestor so new $150.00 silencer needed on day one. No tachometer. 20 hour gear oil changes that are stupidly complex and suggested top end rebuild at 80 hrs. I put 640 miles and 30 hours on it in.... 3 weekends. I'm 59 and it's a bucket list purchase. I just use it as a trail bike. It is WAY more bike than I could ever need at my age/skill/health level. I also own a mint 1996 DR 350SE that I just spent $1000.00 on RaceTech suspension.The suspension is Cadillac plush. I absolutely love it. Best investment ever. The GasGas is a keeper though and I don't regret buying it but if I had to chose just one bike it would be the 96' DR 350. I am not BSing you. The only real advantage of the GasGas FOR ME is that it is 50 lbs lighter and I have a degenerative neurological disease and that 50 lbs is huge to me when DIRT riding. The thing is my son's 2002 KDX220 is 5 lbs lighter than the GasGas and is also a FANTASTIC bike. Long story short. If you never catch air or ride extreme Enduros then a KTM is just an expensive trail bike. If you have a bike that you like I would suggest a suspension upgrade and set the race sag (VERY,VERY IMPORTANT) before big bore kit etc. Long post I know. Enjoy the ride. Life really does go fast.

[@LCARSADV]

All great points! My dream bike is a Beta 250rr and I may just buy it, but then again I'm kind of content with what I have as they can do all the things that the more expensive bikes can do. I would like a featherlight bike though someday, but we'll see. You're right, life goes by way too fast! That's why we need more than one bike in the stable!

[@tieoneon1614]

Johhny u hit every point I think about both kinds of bikes and riding I do. Iv rode and owned race bikes, but at the end of the day I was happier on a less expensive, less aggressive bike. I have a efi 250f version of these bikes, and I love it. Its the perfect blend of my KLX250 and YZ250FX. I just got home from a day riding with new Beta's. Every checkpoint we stopped at, I definitely wasnt as fast as them but was only 10-15 seconds behind riding at a fun-but-not-race pace. Yeah, i was tuckered out from my bike being 30lbs heavier than theirs, but their hands were numb from non counterbalanced engines LOL. I saved $6k buying this bike that makes me happy, vs a new wr250f or TE150i. That $6k is buying a '22 KLR650 next spring for dual sport riding.

[@fst96se]

Great vid! I’d never considered an air cooled four stroke over a two stroke, but the 300 two stroke power on my gasgas is just overwhelming sometimes. Something a bit more mellow and manageable is appealing, and this bike fits that bill.

[@LCARSADV]

Those engines are beasts for sure. The TSE 2 stroke engine is linear as well but powerful enough to get me into trouble. I love that we have options now

[@lena19191]

1980’s bikes XR, TT, DR , KLX were excellent bikes. Sure a bit heavy compared to today and kickstarting on a steep slippery slope needed a bit of a balance act . Today I use a Thumpstar / GPX air cooled bike . Only luxury is the electric start .

[@carlatamanczyk3891]

I ride a 2021 beta 300 and a 2018 Husky TE300 but still have my old 2003 XR250 with a 280 kit. It still runs and looks like new and is still hard to beat for tackling the toughest or steepest mountain trails you can find.

[@LCARSADV]

I would love to have that xr! Beautiful bikes.

[@themidlifemoto2325]

how does this not have way more views?!?!? GREAT video and phenomenal editing

[@LCARSADV]

Thanks man! I appreciate it

[@dustinsegers4534]

Great video man. Hawk 250 owner here and it looks like one of these or the FSE 300 is in my future. I appreciate the quality/price ratio along with Gary's top notch service.

[@LCARSADV]

Hey I had a hawk 250 before! For what it is it’s pretty good! I got mine for $1000 delivered lol

[@dustinsegers4534]

@@LCARSADV Wow, you must have had one of the 2015s or 2016s. Mine was $1200. 8,000 miles and it's still running like a top.

[@curiousgeorgeadv]

I just ordered a FSE250E based mostly on your videos. Thanks and hopefully I will see you at Bald Eagle or Micheaux sometime!

[@LCARSADV]

Oh wow that’s awesome! I’ll be at both events actually. Supposed to be some other GPX guys there too I guess. You’ll love the bike!

[@curiousgeorgeadv]

@@LCARSADV I am super excited. This will be my first real dual sport. All my offroad riding has been on heavier adventure bikes and I have always been jealous watching videos like yours of single track riding. I'm hoping to take it to Utah in January and riding with Tyler on one of his schooling rallies.

[@LCARSADV]

@@curiousgeorgeadv yeah his rally’s are really awesome! You’ll have a blast

[@percussion44]

On the plus side your vids are well made and well voiced. If the bikes were priced at 75% of Honda that would be reasonable.

[@LCARSADV]

Thanks. They would be priced better off shipping wasn’t so ridiculous, but imo they are still worth IT because they’re a superior enduro bike. Honda doesn’t even make an enduro bike. Go ride one and then get back to me.

[@jimstout]

This is why I bought mine. I love this bike. My only request would be a 4 valve head with a dry-sump motor. Then it would be the true XR replacement. Get vid!

[@LCARSADV]

Perhaps they will upgrade it to a DOHC like they did the fse300r? That would be cool! Thanks man!

[@jimstout]

@@LCARSADV I would be happy with a 4 valve head, Single cam would be fine for this bike.

[@Dirt_Bike_Dave]

Great video..and could not agree more on this being an XR 250 replacement...that simple air cooled engine will last and last. The modern design and suspension really fill a void in the market place, people who are new to these should have no reservations on purchasing this model, it's nearly bulletproof.

[@LCARSADV]

Now if I could make the bike look like those sexy XR's then that would be even better! I love honda red lol. Thanks man!

[@Dirt_Bike_Dave]

@@LCARSADV. I am sure someone could make you some red backed graphix kits and then source a blue seat cover...would look sweet !!!

[@LCARSADV]

@@Dirt_Bike_Dave I tried to find some red ktm plastics but I can find any!

[@trevorjameson3213]

Just now finding out about GPX and man they look great. And knowing you can order them in the crate would be perfect for me. I used to have a '99 XR250R that I bought new and just sold three years ago. It was getting a bit worn out after 20 years of riding, but it still ran well. The engine in the GPX may be a copy of an older Honda engine, or maybe even the old Honda CG engine, but it's not the same as the XR, which was the RFVC engine, a radial four-valve engine (hemi head). The old XR250R RFVC engine was quick-revving, had a ton of strong low-end torque, followed by a very strong, snappy mid-range punch, then not much top end (if any). It was perfect for woods riding and racing. And all you had to do was keep the oil and filters changed/clean (paper filter and one brass screen filter), valve adjustments, and clean air filter, and it would literally last over twenty years, like mine did.

[@LCARSADV]

Of course it still ran, it’s a Honda! Yeah the 250e is actually better believe it or not. I don’t believe it’s a copy at all, it’s a zongshen design, but please correct me if I’m wrong. I know their water cooled engines are not copies

[@trevorjameson3213]

@@LCARSADV Ok, yeah that's right, I remember reading that somewhere, zongshen engine. Ok cool! But anyway, yeah I easily believe the GPX is better than the old, now antiquated XR250. I liked my XR a lot, but man I really think I'll like the GPX a lot more, plus it comes with a street legal kit, which is great. I'm planning to order the 250e four stroke this week. They make it easy, order online and have it delivered. I'm really looking forward to it. So you're in western New York? I'm in Texas. I go to Colorado and Utah every summer and fall to ride. Beautiful country up there, and great riding.

[@LCARSADV]

@@trevorjameson3213 awesome man! I love riding in Utah! Still have to get to Colorado sometime. Take your time setting up the bike and she’ll treat you right!

[@Holscher413]

Great Video man. Nice editing also! See ya on the trail.

[@cc3775]

Now we need a XR400 replacement!

[@LCARSADV]

We could only dream!

[@johnnyrebellion8672]

How about an air cooled Kawasaki KDX 300 with fuel injection. Change the cylinder bore/stroke and add FI and it would sell like hotcakes. All the parts have already been designed. Oil injection may be asking for too much.

[@ezwins7971]

My 2022 fse 250 e is shipping soon im so exited!

[@LCARSADV]

You're going to love it man, keep us posted!

[@Joeak74]

These GPX Moto's are AWESOME BIKES! Two of my local dealers are starting to carry the Kayo K series bikes (when they get them in in a few weeks) The Kayo is on par with the GPX Moto bikes, but not set up for dual sport. If you don't need to dual sport, its another option to lay your eyes on. The 250 Kayo K4 is the equivalent to the GPX moto FSE 250 E, minus the turn signals. Its great to see QUALITY bikes that are coming out that are affordable! These new offerings are NOT junk amazon bikes. That's the problem folks have when they hear that they are made in China These same folks are lazy, and won't take 1/2 an hour to research Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki, etc, and see where their small bore bikes are actually made. I NEVER thought I would see the day when you could order a quality bike, and have it delivered to your door (GPX-Moto) That in itself is AMAZING! Another thing that I think is Ironic, is that my local dealers that are starting to carry the Kayo product line, are KTM/Husky/GasGas dealers. Weird.

[@Dirt_Bike_Dave]

I just upgraded to the Kayo K6-R 250 ...it's a pure MX bike..they also make an EFI version similar to the new GPX FSE 300 coming out...really is a good time with lots of quality options.

[@LCARSADV]

Are they Kayo's MX bikes and not enduro like GPX?

[@Dirt_Bike_Dave]

@@LCARSADV ..They make both...and a 250 2 stroke offroad model. The big jump in improvement is the new Dual overhead cam engine .just like the new GPX 300 will get...the offroad model gets the EFI ,while the pure MX model gets a carb. Not to ruffle any feathers but they are actually very similar to GPX only they use Fast Ace suspension instead of SCZ. and more of a KTM style plastic. In General you can't go wrong with either Brand at this point....but the Kayo K6-R carb model is strictly designed as a MX bike even though they offer it with brake and headlight.... the suspension valving,spring rate and other stuff is MX.

[@LCARSADV]

@@Dirt_Bike_Dave I'd be curious to see one actually doing MX and see how they do

[@Dirt_Bike_Dave]

@@LCARSADV , I have a video doing just that on my channel..@ Chad Reeds moto40 mx..the intermediate track, because I am old and slower..but it performed well..no bottoming, nothing falling off, power was really good, just has some pretty good engine breaking...it really is impressive.

[@Retrotrials]

Your videos are superb !!! I love them :)

[@LCARSADV]

Thanks man! I really appreciate it!

[@BUGMAN-22]

The rear turn sig's are spot on Im gonna use them. By the way, Where was the duel sport with the nice single track, looks much like our local one. Oh ya great vid....very well done

[@LCARSADV]

Thanks, I think you're referring to the monkey butt 100 in palmyra NY. It's every september and some of the best single track I get to ride.

[@surfpr727]

How would you compare this bike to the GPX FSE250S? Do they both have the same motor? I'm interested on the S model because of the seat height. I'm 5.7"and think I can handle the S model better? I like hard enduro, rock gardens, and most if they can climb very steep hills. Thank you!

[@LCARSADV]

The S model has a few differences. It has different suspension and different tire sizes. I honestly would just go with the E at 5'7" and just get the lowering link. The fastace suspension the s has is good, but a pain to work on and find parts for hence why GPX dumped it. My friend is way shorter than you and has the lowering link and it suits him fine

[@surfpr727]

@@LCARSADV Thank you so much! This really helps in my decision.

[@jonwoodworker]

I sub'd as soon as I saw "Let's Go Brandon"....lol....FJB

[@LCARSADV]

Lol yep! But those mean tweets!

[@mcragosta]

awe, c'mon man! You mean to tell me things aren't sooo much better now?

[@mikebarnett339]

I hope Smartcarb, XTNG, or similar aftermarket company makes a carb for this bike.

[@LCARSADV]

You can put a smart carb on it, they make a 26-28mm or whatever that will fit. Xting does not make one that small

[@mikebarnett339]

@@LCARSADV carb problems solved and likely 10% or more power.

[@BUGMAN-22]

@@mikebarnett339 WHAT DID YOU DO TO THE CARB? JETTING, oh sorry caps is on. I know mine is running so rich, I did replace the stock filter with a twin air that eliminates the screen in the filter frame. I have not pulled the plug yet but there is soot buildup on the end of the pipe. Next I have to find someone to lower the forks.

[@leeboydell9804]

Class as normall sir

[@iangallos9526]

What oil do you use my friend?

[@LCARSADV]

Typically Rotella t4

[@carlatamanczyk3891]

One more question I have is about the plastics. How flexible are they?

[@LCARSADV]

Not sure, but I dump my bike and bash the crap out of it and they don’t break unless they bash a tree or something

[@450hooligan6]

Nice work. Now do one for the 450.

[@LCARSADV]

lol yeah I got to get Gary from GPX to send me one for free, the wifey gives me the snake eye already for buying a new bike like every year lol

[@450hooligan6]

@@LCARSADV The 450 might make for the perfect dualsport.

[@LCARSADV]

@@450hooligan6 depends on how you look at at. The ergonomics are 100% dirt and the engine is loud and throaty, not really conducive for long stints on the road. But short stints yes

[@dg1019]

Honda can no longer sell air cooled carbed bikes because there are EPA regulations for trail bikes. Not sure how long the Chinese brands can slide under the EPA radar. For sure in CA these are not green sticker bikes and can only operate on private land. I think EFI versions of air cooled 250 cc bikes could meet EPA trial emissions but they will have to get them lab certified and that's not an inexpensive process.

[@LCARSADV]

Yes the current crf250f is air cooled FI. Currently all the European brands two strokes are still under the radar including the carbed beta's but it's only a matter of time until the EPA gets em.

[@dg1019]

@@LCARSADV The Beta RR-S 4 strokes are EPA 50 state street legal bikes. All of the current carbed air cooled trial bikes are under grandfather clauses that will eventually expire. I wonder if Kayo, GPX and SSR are going to get their bikes certified at some point.

[@BUGMAN-22]

Sorry I forgot. Any info on where I can get the front forks lowered? Im short the only thing keeping this from a perfect bike for me is the height, i do not care about clearance, Im not blasting no whoops lol. I keep telling my friends this is the bike Honda is missing out on making, I rode XR's in the midwest woods for years.

[@LCARSADV]

I'm not sure where you're from, but BonJoes on Grand Island NY has done my buddy's bike who has a tse250r and he lowered it for him and such. I rode his bike and his suspension was setup perfectly. If you don't live in NY you can send your suspension to him as others have done

[@bobbyratliff3349]

Sounds like your liking it better than the tse

[@LCARSADV]

In some ways maybe, but the TSE is a better single track and technical enduro bike for sure. They each have their strengths

[@fattie2550]

Why not just get a crf250F and upgrade the suspension?

[@LCARSADV]

Because this is far far superior bike, the crf230f is a fine trail bike, but this is a full on enduro bike more the likes of ktm beta, so to compare the 250e to the 250f isn’t really apples to apples, but as far as everything else, the 250e is a way better bike in every way other than the Honda red.

[@carlatamanczyk3891]

Does the FSE250 have a changeable oil filter?

[@LCARSADV]

No, just a screen

[@1991enduro]

Come have a look at my xr250r it's on my channel and yes I love it more than my beta 300rr lol if that had e start wow why did Honda stop production il never know

[@LCARSADV]

I think your XR is sweet! I wouldn't mind having one! I would like to get some plastics and decals to get an XR look on the 250e

[@1991enduro]

@@LCARSADV I'd like one off these to abuse see how it handles next to the xr I can't brake this thing lol

[@percussion44]

Except here in 2022 The GPX bikes like the FSE250 cost MORE than a genuine 2022 Honda CRF250F. A bike with better engineering, build quality, warrantee, dealer support, resale value, brand cache, fuel injection, power, and reliability. Not sure what GPX is smoking, but it's probably illegal.

[@LCARSADV]

I’d take the GPX bar none over the Honda in every way. First off, they are apples and oranges. The GPX is a full blown enduro bike, the Honda is a smaller trail bike. The GPX would smoke that bike in suspension, handling and ability. It’s engineered better for enduro, it’s street legal, dealer support is excellent and the best I’ve seen. Resale value is surprisingly good. If you wanted fuel injection then go with the 300r. I love Hondas, but the GPX seriously is superior in every way except it’s not red. Go try one and it will blow you away.

[@GratefulOverlander]

Your videos are so good, lose ALL the music though. We'd rather hear the bike

[@LCARSADV]

Thanks man! Lol certain videos get music gotta make it unique lol

[@dualsportrider3221]

Gpx please do a modern xr650r, well just copy the old one w modern front forks don't screw up the rest

[@dualsportrider3221]

Ok I'm old I'll take elec start

[@LCARSADV]

Wouldn’t that be awesome!

[@tcepilot]

They seem pretty awesome. Chinese just makes me feel not so good

[@LCARSADV]

I get it, but you have to not feel good about everything else we use to then. Why just apply that reasoning to dirt bikes, but not Walmart or iPhones etc? Pandora’s box is opened unfortunately

[@tcepilot]

@@LCARSADV I know what you mean. You’re right truthfully. Comes down to brand, and then quality. Should just be quality

[@LCARSADV]

@@tcepilot I talked to Gary the owner of GPX about that, and he said the guys who work in that factory are just like you and me and love dirt bikes. However I pictured it like some slave shop cause I hate communists, but it’s not like that. They are just people who have to tow the line and do the motions .

[@tcepilot]

@@LCARSADV I’m certainly going to look into them more. Thank you

[@dalepellerin]

China might be the most capitalist nation next to the US. Not a fan of communism but their economy is anything but. And every bike is made from parts from China. Plus, if we want to knit pick on politics, there’s more white supremacy groups in Germany and Austria than any other country. Austria was the birthplace of Hitler and it wasn’t that long ago Germany and Austria (remember how Austrians invited Hitler to come in and annex them without conflict) killed over 6 million Jews. My point is, every country has its evil. GPX is American owned. Show me one other dirt bike company that is. I’ll take that!

[@dznnf7]

People bemoan the old XR's while overlooking the CR250F. Makes no sense.

[@LCARSADV]

At first I thought the 250f might be a successor, but only a 5 speed tranny, crappy suspension and FI make it not so, I think they are headed in the right direction at least!

[@stoplogicmotorsports]

The commercial reminds me of The Wraith lol.

[@LCARSADV]

I don't think I've seen that one!

[@stoplogicmotorsports]

@@LCARSADV lol it's got an xr in it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5TbfnqIopqDn68

[@stoplogicmotorsports]

It's a cheese sammich

[@LCARSADV]

@@stoplogicmotorsports Oh my gosh that looks terrible and awesome at the same time!

[@dualsportrider3221]

That looks a lot more like crf230 Than my old xr250r 2002. Frame, single head pipe. Still xr like

[@LCARSADV]

It’s a fantastic bike! The engine is really torquey and just lugs up anything

[@jaymz_mx45]

The crf250f is actually the xr250r and honda still makes the xr650

[@LCARSADV]

I’d have to disagree about the crf. Maybe comparable to the 230f, yep the xr650 is still kicking, but those are for giant people. I bet the crf is a great bike, but the GPX is superior in every way other than it doesn’t say Honda on it.

[@lifeoff-road280]

I'd rather go for an used WRF, CRFX, or EXCF

[@LCARSADV]

Then do that lol Whatever gets you on two wheels

[@K_Nasty]

Same as the xpro templar... same shit. Just built somewhere else..

[@LCARSADV]

You can’t believe how wrong you are lol. Why don’t you at least see one in person 1st and ride it before you comment? I’ve actually done that so I know. The GPX is a bike that competes with ktm, the hawks are good bikes, but only for light duty dual sport