Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128156
In its present form, the bike is definitely slanted toward tight, easternstyle enduro work, not unlike the KTM EXC. In other words, power delivery is smooth, for maximum tractability, and suspension springand valving-rates are soft for maximum absorption of gnarly terrain at slow speeds. Fortunately, LaPlante's compound boasts relatively technical terrain for Southern California, so the bike didn't feel especially out of its element. [t hooked up controllably when nailing the throttle out of slippery turns and soaked up small rocks and tree roots. If the speeds were to get much higher, however, [ could tell that the Gas Gas would be somewhat undermatched, and most western riders would definitely prefer a better-breathing exhaust system (hopefully not louder, as the EC's stock note is quite acceptable) and stiffer suspension. As for the weight, it was noticeable but not especially bothersome, although it did seem to be more forward-biased than I prefer. This helped the front wheel to bite in corners, however, and the bike proved quite adept at threading through the twisty, Tecate-style trails of the area (it resists being flicked from side to side excessively, but works well with an upright, brake-sliding, point-andshoot approach so popular with National Enduro aces). Because of the abbreviated nature of our intro, that's about as far as I feel comfortable opining on the new Gas Gas, except to point out that the hydraulic clutch offers amazingly easy pull, and the brakes and transmission also perform admirably. Anything further will require more time on the bike - something I hope to arrange before long. For now, let's just say that my initial impression is good, something that shouldn't surprise me following my whirlwind tour through Spain last December. eN Specifications: Gas Gas EC400FSE ENGINE: .single-cylinder, water-cooled four-stroke DISPLACEMENT: ......•....•399cc BORE X STROKE: .....90 x 62.6mm CARBURETION: ..Magneti Marelli fuel injection IGNmON: ..... Integrated in injection system CLUTCH: Hydraulic multi-disc TRANSMISSION: 6-speed FRAME: .. Deltabox-type, chrome-moly rectangular tubes; aluminum swingarm FRONT SUSPENSION: ..... .Inverted WP/inverted Ohlins wi ) 1.8 in. travel REAR SUSPENSION: ...Ohlins shock absorber wi 12.8 in. travel FRONT BRAKE: .....Nissin hydraulic brake wi 260mm rotor [, single-piston caliper REAR BRAKE: Nissin hydraulic brake wi 220mm rotor [, single-piston caliper WHEELS: D.I.D U-type rims wi Michelin Comp3 tires WHEELBASE: .•............ .59 in. SEAT HEIGHT: 37.6 in. GROQND CLEARANCE: ..•.. 13.6 in. FUEL CAPACITY: 2.34 gal. CLAIMED DRY WEIGHT: 260 Ibs. SOGGESTEDRETAD.PRICE: ..• .$67951 $7295 Motocross Par 448·450 Hwy. 395, Milford, CA 96121 55 Miles North of Rena an Hwy. 395 www.honeylakemx.com - Phone 530-827-2639 - FAX 530-827-2158 50ee, 60ee & BOee Champion 125ee, 250Ce Champion· (Nov. or Int.) $500.00 Savings Bond Full set of riding gear and $500.00 gift certificate from Pro Circuit The Old Guys Overall Champion (Nov. or Int.) ..Trip for two to Las Vegas for the U.S. Open Supercross (Trip includes Airfare from Reno or San Francisco, Hotel for Friday and Saturday Night and Supercross Tickets PRO CIRCUIT Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 Detailed prize winning information available on our website: www.honeylakemx.eom Sun. June 9 Sat. Practice 10-2 - Overnight Parking Available Sun. July 21 Sat. Practice 10-2 - Overnight Parking Available Sun. Aug. 18 Sat. Practice 10-2 - Overnight Parking Available Sat. & Sun. Sept. 1 & 2 Sat. Practice 10-2 - Overnight Parking Available __ LJ ~ 4 Eii - -::i7 !iTROKE I\IATIOI\IAL / Saturday July 6 Classes (Lower Track Only) Saturday Classes Limited to 40 Riders per Class SOcc 4-6, SOcc 7+, 60cc 9 & under, 80cc Novice, 12Scc Novice, 12Scc Intermediate, 2S0cc Novice, 2S0cc Intermediate, VET Novice, VET intermediate, +40 Novice, +40 Intermediate Sunday July 7 classes 12Scc Pro, 4 Stroke Pro, 80cc Intermediate, 60cc 10 & over, VET Pro 217·623·4429 www.countrymotorsinc.com WHY WAIT? CALL! DON PEDEN & DONNIE LITTLE c U c I e n e _ s • MAV29.2002 37