2021 GASGAS MC 450F
R I D E R E V I E W
P76
Suspension is tuned slightly softer and features
the same swingarm as the Husqvarna's.
GasGas chose
to stick with
the same WP
Xact air forks
as the KTM and
Husqvarna.
What it doesn't come with is the
convenient handlebar-mounted
engine-map/traction-control switch.
But since the GasGas models have
the same ECU as the KTM and
Husqvarna, you can purchase a
switch for about $180 from your local
GasGas dealer and have it installed
before it leaves the showroom.
The onboard ECU comes pre-
programmed with two different maps
and the option for traction control,
just no switch. The bike we tested
came equipped with this add-on and
while it may not be a necessity, it is a
nice option to have.
The exhaust system is different,
as well. Compared to the KTM 450
SX-F, the MC 450F's head pipe does
not have a resonance chamber and
the muffler is designed to be quieter.
All Aboard
We could not have asked for a bet-
ter day to experience the GasGas
MC 450F for the first time. Cool
temperatures, overcast skies and a
perfectly groomed Glen Helen track
awaited our first laps on the GasGas
450. The track was ripped deep and
it didn't take long for us to notice a
softer-than-expected suspension
setting in the WP Xact components.
It reminded us of the plush and
"vet-friendly" setup that came on the
Husqvarnas a few years ago. Before
the GasGas test, our team recently
