RonH

Just wanted to follow up and let you know I’ve got my bike sorted out from suggestions posted here by all of you. 1st: I installed a slow throttle with very little success. 2nd: I installed a head spacer to lower the compression to make starting easier and mellow out the throttle response to a more smooth and predictable way. It worked like a charm and cost hardly anything; about $25. 3rd: I added a flywheel weight to keep the RPMs from getting away from me and racing off without me. Again, worked like a charm. Lastly, I will keep a finger on the throttle. Also, I want to thank everyone who was so helpful and pitched in to help me solve this without breaking the bank.

I hated the elastic thing and made my own using the magnet, little black connector, some paracord and a bead. Works great! Nearly cost free. Give it a shot!

Hey jbrandt, I realize this is an old thread but I was just wondering how it went for you? I have a new Gasgas and it kicks me back like a mule. Did the head spacer work! I just ordered one myself and am hoping for the best. Thanks!

Flywheel weight - https://trialssuperstore.com/products/gasgas-pro-s3-flywheel-weight-idria1

I realize this post is getting old but there’s some information sharing that’s not quite correct regarding gasoline octane ratings. I have a 2023 Gasgas 250 TXT and had the same starting problem but I fixed it with some help on this forum from another owner. The solution had nothing to do with octane but a technique I learned. Yes, the manual states to use 98 octane but that’s in the European RON standard. Their 98 octane is our 93 in the States. Don’t take my word for it though. Look it up for yourself. There’s no need to run race gas or buy octane boosters. Just buy premium or supreme gas and you’ll be fine. AMERICAN VS EUROPEAN FUELS – OCTANE RATING https://www.etuners.gr/fuel/

Thanks, I’m planning on several changes including a 9t front sprocket (maybe rear too), slower throttle, low compression insert and my finger on the clutch. If all else fails I’ll add a flywheel weight. I’m doing one thing at a time to save money and to see what each mod does to my bike. I got a lot of great advice here. Thanks to all! I’ll return with how things work out. It might not be until spring tho because the weather’s very cold and rainy now. Everything is just mud.

Thanks Scottro! Reading your experience was just like reliving mine. I’ve installed a slow throttle with minimal change if any but my next step is a low compression insert. If that doesn’t work I’m going for a flywheel weight. If I’m still unconvinced after all that I’m hanging sprockets and buying a longer chain like you. Thanks for your well wishes and stay safe yourself. Best of luck!

Zippy, you’re awesome. It’s just what I need. Thanks!

Thank you!

Thanks Sherpa325! That’s exactly what I need. I’m actually having a very hard time ordering the parts though. I can get a new front cog but not the spacers or gaskets. I’m in the U.S. and can’t find suppliers. Some British shops advertise they have them but so far all are out of stock. I’ll keep trying. At least I have a plan to move forward with that shouldn’t break the bank. Thanks again!

Thanks for the great advise and well wishes. I know the breathing and rib pain well along with the collar bone grinding. I’m actually all healed up now except for my knee. It’s taking a while to knit.

Thanks. I’ve gotten so many good ideas that won’t cost a fortune to try and they all seem like they’ll work. I think I’ll start with a thicker base gasket and go for a smaller front sprocket.

Wow! So many great ideas I never would have known about. Thanks to all of you for your help. So glad I joined this forum! As far as when I crashed, I was only going about 5mph on a narrow rocky trail. I hit a rock and it bounced me backwards just a bit pulling on the throttle. The bike shot out from under me and I fell to the right on to hard pack and that was it. Broke 3 ribs (very painful), a clavicle, punctured and collapsed a lung and split my knee open a full 6” wide full depth. I was alone and about 2 hours from home but managed to get the bike back to my car and loaded. I then drove home. The doctor couldn’t believe how I did it. I’m pretty damned lucky to still be around. That’s why I’m squeamish on my bike now. Thanks again so much!

Thanks for that input. It’d cost me about $250 to make the change and I don’t want to wast money on something that won’t work. Thanks again!

Thanks Konrad! That’s what I was hoping to learn. I have been riding in a higher gear which helps but it’s not enough. I’ll give some of your suggestions a try. Thank you very much!

Has anyone installed an S3 Low Compression Head Replacement? My 2023 Gasgas 250 TXT Racing is too lively for me and it feels like the throttle is either at idle or full on with very difficult low rpm control. The thing just jumps out from under me with the slightest twist of the throttle. It’s also hard to start and almost impossible without leaning it against a tree or a rock to stand up and kick the crap out of it. My old Yamaha TY250 was much easier to control and start. I’ve installed a slow throttle that proved somewhat helpful but now I’m considering an S3 low compression head. Does anyone have experience with them and what can I expect? Thank you so much for your help in advance. This issue sent me to the hospital with a punctured lung and 4 broken bones. I need to fix it.