2021 GasGas EC Range Launch Review

Just a few years ago, famed Spanish manufacturer GasGas looked like it had been swallowed up by a fickle motorcycle industry. Financial hurdles and changing ownership left the popular brand on the brink, before a knight in orange armour arrived to save it.

A little over a year since KTM purchased a majority stake in the brand, GasGas is back and ready to unleash its all-new 2021 enduro and motocross range. Motocross is new territory for the brand, which was founded in 1985, but enduro and trials are well and truly in its domain.

We were lucky enough to head to Oberon in NSW recently for the launch of the 2021 GasGas EC range. The condensed enduro range includes a pair of four-strokes (EC 250F and EC 350F) and a pair of two-strokes (EC 250 and EC 300).

For 2021, the all-new GasGas EC enduro range completely discards previous technology and adopts the proven KTM platform. There is virtually no connection to older GasGas models, as KTM only purchased the GasGas branding, and not the old company’s IP. The old GasGas platform now belongs to another Spanish brand called Rieju.

The term ‘all-new’ is a touch misleading, because the new GasGas models are nearly identical to their KTM and Husqvarna counterparts. With all the bikes in the KTM Group coming from Mattighofen, it makes sense to use the same successful blueprint for each brand. But it does beg the question – are the new GasGas models simply red KTMs? Well, yes and no.

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It was a similar story when KTM purchased Husqvarna in 2013 to replace its other Swedish brand Husaberg (which was founded in 1988 by disgruntled Husky engineers). The Husky models were initially dismissed as ‘white KTMs’ but the brand slowly developed its own following and identity.

The KTM brand offers race-bred performance, while Husqvarna offers premium Swedish style at slightly higher price point. So while the brands share a near-identical platform, they each serve a unique purpose for the Austrian manufacturer.

But where does GasGas fit in? The Mattighofen crew has proved that there is room for two brands, but is there room for three? Only time will tell, but the early signs are positive.

For the KTM group, the GasGas brand fills two gaps in its arsenal – beginner friendliness, and trials.

The Austrian giant has decided to position GasGas below the Husqvarna and KTM brands, with a lower price point and a focus on the entry-level arena. It adds another layer to KTM’s strong presence in the off-road market. And the trials factor was the cherry on top.

The GasGas brand is all about community, fun, and accessibility, with strong Spanish character and flair. The hope is that the brand will attract new riders to the KTM Group, with its lower pricing, and easy-to-ride machines (thanks to specific engine mapping). The KTM Group wants 50 per cent of all its new riders to start with GasGas.

But GasGas isn’t just for beginners – the brand will also appeal to those looking for something a little different and less serious than KTM and Husqvarna. If the Crusty Demons-like promo video is anything to go by, then GasGas will offer a more free-spirited, energetic and fun approach to enduro riding.

The new GasGas EC machines feel like old friends. KTM and Husqvarna riders will be instantly familiar with the range, with each bike offering a near-identical layout to its KTM and Husky siblings.

GasGas has borrowed Husqvarna’s suspension set-up, with a WP Xplor front fork and WP XACT shock with rear linkage. But, like KTM, it uses a lightweight chromoly steel frame and aluminium subframe (Husqvarna has a carbon composite subframe).

All three brands use a 42mm Kehin EFI system for the four-strokes, while the two-strokes feature a 39mm Dell’Orto throttle body complete with KTM’s revolutionary electronic fuel and oil injection system.

Of course, with a lower price point, there must be some differences between GasGas and its stablemates. Firstly, the Gassers use more-affordable Braktec braking components and a Braktec hydraulic clutch. Braktec is a Spanish brand that is part of the J.Juan group.

Secondly, the GasGas machines are missing handguards, a bash plate, and a radiator fan – all which come standard on the KTM and Husky models. These will all presumably be available in the inevitable GasGas parts and accessories catalogue.

There is also slight differences in the bodywork and, in keeping with the beginner-friendly focus, there are also specific suspension and engine settings for the GasGas machines, resulting in a smooth and forgiving ride.

All four EC models feature very similar dimensions. They share a ground clearance of 360mm, a seat height of 950mm, and they all have an 8.5L fuel tank. The two-stroke models weigh in at just 106.2kg, while the 250F and 350F are a touch heavier at 106.6kg and 106.8kg respectively. The GasGas bikes (like the Huskies) are roughly 3kg heavier than the KTM (likely due to the linkage setup).

Before we take a closer look at each specific model, we need to address the elephant in the room – why no 450F and 500F? These two capacities are very popular in Australia, but not so much in Europe, where 250s, 300s and 350s rule the roost.

With no apparent need for bigger capacities, GasGas kept the cost down by sticking to a condensed range. But the feeling in the GasGas Australia camp is that a 450 and a 500 are inevitable, thanks to Australia’s fascination with fast and open riding.

In the meantime, we have the EC 250F, EC 350F, EC 250, and EC 300 to keep us occupied. To find out how they go, we were taken on a half-day enduro loop near Oberon by off-road legend Ben Grabham. Each machine offered a unique (albeit familiar) riding experience.

I’ve long been a fan of 350F machines. My daily driver is a 2012 KTM 350 EXC-F, while I also once had a Husqvarna FE 350 as a long-term test bike. When I first jumped on the 2021 GasGas EC 350F, I was blown away by how far the 350F platform has come in the past 10 years.

The original goal of the 350 was to combine 450 power with 250 handling, but I always found the old 350Fs to be a little too mellow and lacking at the top-end. I didn’t find those issues with the EC 350F – it is an absolute jet.

But this is a bike that is most at home in single track, where top-end speed is largely irrelevant. There's power aplenty, but it’s still super smooth and useable, making it perfect for tight and technical riding in the trees.

I always preferred the Husky rear shock and linkage setup to the KTM PDS shock. The theory is that PDS is better for slow-speed work, while linkage handles high-speed hits better. For me, the linkage feels like it tracks better through corners and rough stuff, and I found this to be exactly the case with the EC 350F. The bike felt balanced, super light, and super agile.

Bringing all the benefits of the EC 350F, but with toned-down power delivery, the EC 250F is the perfect bike for new riders wanting to get into trail riding and enduro.

The light and agile bike is easy to ride and super forgiving, allowing you to focus on improving your skills in the bush, instead of wrestling the machine through tricky terrain.

Out on the fast, open fire trails, it will struggle a touch with top-end speed (especially if you're a heavier rider like me). But, once again, that's not where the bike is designed to be ridden. It is most at home in tight and technical terrain.

When KTM introduced TPI (transfer port injection) to its two-stroke models in 2018, it raised a few eyebrows. Some feared the snappy power and mechanical simplicity of the two-stroke engine would be lost, and many riders opted for the original carby models instead.

KTM has since improved the TPI system, and it works extremely well on the EC 300. Everything there is to like about two-strokes is still there, but the TPI system adds a degree of smoothness and ride-ability that is usually reserved for four-strokes. As one fellow journo put it, if you covered your ears, you might almost believe it was a four-stroke.

You'll still find the aggressive two-stroke power and sound and the power comes on very quickly. if you're not ready for it, it will feel like a swift slap to the face. Things smooth out as you climb through the rev range, but there is still power in spades. Put simply, this isn't a bike that likes to be ridden slowly – you need to push hard to get the most out of it.

Naturally, there is a notable lack of engine braking too (another 2T-ism), which will take some getting used to if you're not familiar with two-strokes, and another small gripe is that the bike won't idle. If you want the engine to keep ticking, you need to keep the revs up, but this is likely fixable with a bit of tinkering.

Overall though, the EC 300 is an excellent machine. The chassis and suspension are first-rate and the brakes and tyres perform their job without fuss. The ride position and geometry are spot-on too. If you like fast and agile bikes, then this one is for you.

Following the same themes as its 300cc brother, the GasGas EC 250 is equally as impressive from head to toe. One key difference, however, is that the EC 250 is a much more forgiving bike, with less aggression. It still maintains the classic two-stroke feel, but it takes away the edginess of the 300.

To be honest, I actually found myself gravitating towards the EC 250, simply because it allowed you to ride at your own pace. Where the EC 300 is like that older kid egging you on to do something stupid, the 250 feels more like a friend who is happy to let you be yourself. It is by no means a slow bike, and if you want power, there is plenty of it, but it won't catch you sleeping like the 300 will.

The GasGas EC range checks in at a lower price point than KTM and Husqvarna. Leading the GasGas range is the EC 300, which carries a price tag of $14,155 (plus ORC). In comparison, the KTM EXC 300 is $15,270 (plus ORC), while the Husqvarna TE300 is $15,875 (plus ORC).

The remaining GasGas models show similar price differences to their KTM and Husky counterparts. The EC 350F checks in at $13,750 (plus ORC), while both the EC 250 and EC 250F are priced at $12,940 (plus ORC). These prices are very competitive when compared to the rest of the enduro market, leaving GasGas as a very attractive option for beginners or those with limited budgets.

Overall, the new GasGas EC bikes offer a solid, but familiar package. Both the two-stroke and four-stroke motors offer great performance, while the WP suspension setup is arguably the best in the business.

The GasGas machines do fall a touch behind the KTMs and the Huskys in some areas. Firstly, they do give up a little power in the name of rideability and beginner friendliness, but those seeking more poke can probably find it with a few engine and mapping tweaks. And secondly, the lack of handguards, a bash plate and a radiator fan is a little frustrating, though it is a small compromise for the affordable price tag (plus you can purchase these as optional extras).

My pick of the bunch would be the GasGas EC 350F, which offers the perfect balance between rider-friendliness and blistering performance. It is an incredibly versatile machine that is equally at home in tight single track, technical hill climbs, and fast flowing fire trail. But, honestly, all four machines are very appealing. There is no two-ways about it – GasGas is back!

ENGINE
Type: Four-stroke, single-cylinder
Capacity: 249.9cc (250), 349.7cc (350)
Bore x stroke: 78/52.3mm (250), 88/57.5mm (350)
Fuel supply: Keihin EFI, 42mm throttle body

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six speed
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet, multiplate, Braktec hydraulics

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Central double-cradle chromoly
Front suspension: 48mm WP Xplor fork, 300mm travel
Rear suspension: WP Xact shock, 300mm travel
Front brake: 260mm disc with Braktec twin-piston caliper
Rear brake: 220mm disc with Braktec single-piston caliper
Tyres: Maxxis Maxx Enduro tyres, Front 21-inch, rear 18-inch

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed dry weight: 106.6kg (250), 106.8 (350)
Seat height: 950mm
Ground clearance: 360mm
Fuel capacity: 8.5 litres

OTHER STUFF
Price: EC 350F – $13,750 (plus ORC), EC 250F – $12,940 (plus ORC)
Colour: Red/white
Test bike supplied by: GasGas Australia
Warranty: Six months parts

ENGINE
Type: Two-stroke, single-cylinder
Capacity: 249cc (250), 293.2cc (300)
Bore x stroke: 66.4/72mm (250), 72/72mm (350)
Fuel supply: TPI, Dellorto throttle body 39mm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six speed
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet, multiplate with Braktec hydraulics

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Central double-cradle chromoly
Front suspension: 48mm WP Xplor fork, 300mm travel
Rear suspension: WP Xact shock, 300mm travel
Front brake: 260mm disc with Braktec twin-piston caliper
Rear brake: 220mm disc with Braktec single-piston caliper
Tyres: Maxxis Maxx Enduro tyres, Front 21-inch, rear 18-inch

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed dry weight: 106.2kg
Seat height: 950mm
Ground clearance: 360mm
Fuel capacity: 8.5 litres

OTHER STUFF
Price: EC 300 – $14,155 (plus ORC), EC 250 – $12,940 (plus ORC)
Colour: Red/White
Test bike supplied by: GasGas Australia