2021 GASAGAS OFF-ROADERS
R I D E R E V I E W
P78
The easiest way to distinguish the
EC 300 enduro from its EX cross-
country brothers is by the EC's head
and taillights—the EXs don't have
them. Look a little closer and you'll
notice that the EC 300 is fitted with a
48mm Xplor coil-spring fork, whereas
the EXs come equipped with WP's
pricier Xact pneumatic AER forks.
Both the EC and EXs use the same
Xplor shock that rides on linkages.
None of the GasGas off-roaders em-
ploy KTM's PDS (non-linkage) rear
suspension system.
Further inspection reveals an oil
tank for the EC's oil injection system,
which means not having to manually
mix gas with oil, as you have to with
the EXs. It also means a little more
weight, however.
Look even closer, and you'll also
see that the EC 300 uses Braktec
braking components versus the EX's
higher-grade Brembos. Braketec
also handles the EC's hydraulic
clutch system, versus the EX's
Brembo system.
Rubber is different, too. The EC
300 comes fitted with Maxxis Maxx-
Enduro tires, while all of the EXs
come with Dunlop Geomax AT81 tires.
At a claimed 248 pounds, the EC
300 weighs approximately 12 pounds
more than the EX 300.
For comparison within the Pierer
family of motorcycles, model-wise,
the GasGas EC 300 ($9599)
matches up closest to KTM's 300
XC-W ($10,199) and Husqvarna's TE
300i ($10,299), but, as you can see,
sells for significantly less.
During our short riding session on
the EC 300, we can confirm that it
is indeed another fantastic option for
those looking for a true off-road-ca-
pable bike with a headlight. The EC
300's power delivery is very smooth,
but, as we noted in our previous tests
with the 300cc KTM and Husqvarna
fuel-injected models, the GasGas,
like the KTM and Husky, is not as
exciting or as spirited as some of
the comparable carbureted bikes in
the market. That's not necessarily a
bad thing but something worth not-
ing. Other important items, such as
clutch and brakes, provide excellent
feel and performance.
The enduro GasGas
EC 300 two-stroke
features EFI, electric
starting, oil injection
and lighting.
E
c
300
