We went - Gas enduro for a test 2021 - Let's gas!

Despite their undeniable passion for motorsport, the Catalans somehow failed to bring their production in Girona and the supply of spare parts to the dealer network to the level dictated by modern standards. In cyclical periods, they struggled with insolvency. So the turning point was somehow inevitable. So, exactly one year ago, they became the third brand under the auspices of the largest European motorcycle manufacturer in Europe, and this is the first result of painstaking work of the past 12 months. The Pierer Mobility Group now brings together KTM, Husqvarna, Gas Gas and R Raymon electric bikes.

Over the past year, they have laid the foundations and established the name Gas Gas as the ticket to the off-road motorcycle world that they want to appeal to outdoor enthusiasts, beginners and those looking to get their boots dirty. do not need the kind of high performance they offer KTM at Husqvarna. In addition to the range of motocross motorcycles for adults and children (which are new from this manufacturer), old technology and tools for the 250 and 300 cc two-stroke enduro model were sold to the Spanish manufacturer Jie and promised a new platform. Since they are part of a group, it is natural that they have common technologies (engines, suspension and, to some extent, frame design), as well as a sales and parts service network. Anyone who has owned a KTM or Husqvarna motorcycle in recent years knows that parts and service are no problem. This is exactly what Gas Gas needed most and what he got too. They decided to end the development and production of test bikes in Girona, and enduro, cross-country and motocross models were created in Mattighof.

My biggest question before I rode the first lap of enduro on the new Gas Gas EC 350 F was if it would just be another KTM painted red with a rear shock absorbed by “scales” instead of PDS – shock absorber mounted directly on the swingarm? Let me tell you right now that this is not true! I immediately felt at home on the enduro bike and upon closer inspection it was a quality product with no lines and cheap components, protruding electrical wires and the like, which don't fit the modern hard enduro bike we still find. today on cheaper motorcycles. The plastic is different from KTM or Husqvarna, but first of all I find it a big plus that it is narrow between the legs and I was able to squeeze it well with my boots and knees. What's more, when I shifted my weight as far back as possible when going up a steep hill or over a log, the plastics didn't expand as much as the KTMs or Husqvarnas. So the tight lines with no protrusions are really better than what I felt during the first run. They also achieved this with a new aluminum subframe that supports the seat and rear fender. I don't really have any comments.

The powerful engine has enough torque to get me through most of the technical and rather tight track in third gear, driving quickly and smoothly, and I barely used the clutch. Whatever they do with the frame, geometry and suspension works. The bike is a real “bomb” for enduro riding the worst terrain and most of all was the smile on my face when I opened the throttle on a long downhill and it just didn’t run out of power. But there is something better. The Gas EC 250 F was an enduro machine that I absolutely loved. Even lighter, more agile and more precise in corners, it gave me confidence on the technical track. I entered deep channels uncompromisingly, and in the corners I again got confirmation that the rotating masses in an engine that is 100 cubic inches less than the mentioned three hundred and fifty make a big difference. Here I was able to squeeze the throttle all the way and just "fly" over all the sliding roots. The engine still had ample power and, above all, good traction, which was transmitted to the rear wheel and to wet, muddy soil through a good rear shock absorber and "scales". All of the rear suspension and suspension is borrowed from sister brand Husqvarna's enduro bikes. For more confidence when driving off-road, I would just add hand guards as the Gas Gas doesn't come with that pair of plastic guards like Husqvarna and KTM as standard. Maybe they saved about 50 euros on this, and let's just say I understand them, since Gas Gas is the cheapest in this group under one roof. Also noticeable savings on the brakes and the hydraulic part of the clutch. They explained to us that they just wanted to try the Spanish equipment supplier Braketec. I did not notice any problems with the feeling of grip in any of the models, the traction is light and quite accurate. I wanted the braking effect to be a bit more drastic given the compression of the front brake lever and the more precise feel of the rear brake pedal. Gas Gas explained to me that they chose this choice because they built motorcycles primarily for recreational and beginner riders. To sum it up, I would describe the brakes as reliable, powerful enough that you can be sure of their performance while driving, and the difference between home competitions is that you just need to push the lever harder to get the same braking effect. I also found a lower price difference with rims. The hubs are CNC machined and the rings are not of any prestigious origin.

Push-pull mainly for fun and learning

I confess I had high hopes for both EC 250 and EC 300 two-stroke models. Maybe even too big. My memories of testing the Husqvarn TE 250i and TE 300i are very fresh and I can tell you that the Gas Gas are by no means the same bike, although they basically use the same technique in the engine and rear suspension. . Two-stroke engines with direct injection of red fuel are undeniably powerful. But something had to be done with the settings, maybe even with the electronics, because the power supply is different. Power and torque are lacking in the lower rev range, and both engines really come alive only in the mid-to-high rev range. Long slopes where you can open the throttle were no problem for them, and to get over the roots and slippery rocks, I had to help myself with the clutch or drive in a lower gear. The Tristotak is a very fast bike that also requires some knowledge, while the 250 would be a smart choice for those who are just starting to get used to enduro. It is less demanding, very light, manageable and allows the rider to control it easily with less effort even in difficult terrain. However, I missed the slightly stiffer front suspension. I am a fan of softer enduro bikes, but I found this to be too soft. The homemade WP Xplor branded 48mm front forks are open type and basically the same as the KTM two-stroke enduro, only the preload is set differently, more for touring riding. Unfortunately time didn't allow us to play around with the fork settings, but given the quality of the manufacturer, I believe a lot can be done just by setting the clicks. Of course, this did not spoil my driving pleasure when I rewound the tape, but the ease and unpretentious handling remained in my very memory. Both two-strokes are like enduro toys.

Trial is where it all began

A few more impressions of the new Gas Gas for the Trial models, which have remained minimally modified since 2021. The assortment includes the basic TXT Racing range of 125, 250, 280 and 300 cc and the prestigious TXT GP line, which, along with the same two-stroke engines, offers many additional equipment for the most demanding judges.

The design is minimalistic and completely designed to overcome the toughest obstacles. The motorcycles are beautifully finished with quality components. Plastic parts are processed with polypropylene, which means that when dropped, the plastic does not break and does not leave white marks in places where it is folded. Every trialist knows that falling, with the rear wing flexing in every possible way, is an integral part of the sport. Gas Gas also takes pride in the patented shape of the air filter cage, which, in addition to design advantages, is compact and therefore very narrow between the legs of the motorcycle. This means fewer obstacles to performing trial feats. The small tank, only 2,3 liters, is well hidden in the frame of the cage, made of robotic welded chrome-molybdenum steel pipes, and is almost invisible. On the impressions of driving, this time briefly, I will dwell on a more detailed presentation in one of the following issues of the magazine. The challenge is that the rider moves and the bike responds, so this is the best option for learning to ride with regular motorcyclists. Given my fairly basic trial knowledge, I can only say that everything works without comment. The suspension is soft enough to give the wheels good traction, and when riding on the rear wheel, the rear shock provides good control. Although the brakes are small, with a front disc of 185 mm and a rear disc of 150 mm, the brakes engage effectively. The feel of the clutch lever, which is so soft that I can operate it with one finger, is very good, providing real control over engine power and torque. I tried different volumes and found that for my level of knowledge I am better at overcoming all obstacles on the 125cc model. What the TXT 300 can do, how steep slopes and how much torque it can handle, is overwhelming, yet still agile. Without fuel, it weighs only 69,4 kg, while the 125 cm66,7 version weighs only 7.730 kg. Prices start at € 125 for TXT 8.150 and end at € 300 for TXT XNUMX. A

Text: Peter Kavčič · Photo: A. Mitterbauer, Sebas Romero, Marco Kampelli, Kiska

Infobox

Base model price: EC 250: 9.600 € 300: EC 9.919: 250 € 10.280: EC 350 F: € 10.470; EC XNUMX F: XNUMX XNUMX Euro

First impression

Appearance

Pleases a modern and fresh look, high quality workmanship.

Engines

A good choice between two-stroke and four-stroke engines ranging from 250 to 350 cc.

Comfort

Excellent ergonomics allow a lot of movement on the motorcycle, they impress with their compactness and good seat. They do not harden when moving.

Price

Gas Gas prices refer to Husqvarna and KTM, but they are not exactly cheap.

First grade

Lightweight and manageable for fun and learning without the competition! Plus, the price isn't as salty as we're used to in the KTM group. Our first choice is the EC 250 F, then the EC 350 F, then the two-stroke EC 300 and EC 250.

taxes

Model: EC 350 F, EC 250 F, EC 300, EC 250 2021

Engine (design): EC 350 and 250: 1-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, fuel injection, motor start. EC 300 and 250: 1-cylinder, 2-stroke, liquid-cooled, fuel injection, oil in a separate tank, electric start

Movement volume (cm³): EC 350/250 F: 349,7 / 249,9

EC 300/250: 293,2 / 249

Frame: tubular, chrome molybdenum 25CrMo4, double cage, aluminum auxiliary frame

Brakes: Front disc 260 mm, rear disc 220 mm, Braketec hydraulic system

Suspension: WP Xplor 48mm front adjustable inverted telescopic fork, 300mm travel, WP single adjustable rear damper w / handle clip, 300mm travel

Gume: 90/90-21, 140/80-18

Seat height from ground (mm): 950

Fuel tank capacity (L): 8,5

Weight: EC 350F: 106,8 kg; EC 250 F: 106,6 kg

EC 300: 106,2 kg; EC250: 106,2 kg

Sales:

Seles Moto, doo, Grosuplje