FIFTH PLACE
MC 250F MC 250F
GASGAS
SHOOTOUT I 2022 250cc FOUR-STROKE MOTOCROSS SHOOTOUT
P80
The GasGas is a
fine motorcycle;
it just lacks some
of the premium
hardware that some
of the other bikes
offer, most notably
onboard mapping
adjustability.
>
The GasGas MC 250F
finds itself shuffled
around in the running order for
2022. It finishes fifth in this
year's shootout despite being
unchanged. The last of the
Austrian machines is also the
one with the lowest MSRP and
subsequently offers the least
amount of choice parts of the
three.
Now how can three nearly
identical bikes receive such
mixed reviews? Our GMC
analogy from earlier shows
that the GasGas is essentially
a base model KTM—same
engine, frame, swingarm
and suspension (but the
GasGas does have different
suspension settings, and
we'll get to that). But the
significant differences lie
up front with the cast triple
clamps, aluminum handlebars,
and lack of mapping options.
The Honda, Yamaha and
Kawasaki all have cast triple
clamps as well, but when
comparing apples to apples
to apples (KTM to Husqvarna
to GasGas), one of these bikes
ultimately gets moved to the
lowest spot on the totem pole.
Eyes closed, the MC 250F
feels darn similar to its
Austrian relatives. The GasGas
possess that smooth, revvy
power that slices through long
sections of the track. Its shift
points are spread out, and the
engine has plenty of over-rev
up top. The lightweight feel of
the Brembo clutch is another
plus for the red rider. The only
real difference in the engine
department is the closed-
off side panel that covers
the airbox. The KTM and the
Husqvarna offer a vented side
panel that allows more airflow
to the engine and, in turn, a
more aggressive character.
This is not an option (yet) on
the GasGas, and therefore it
maintains a smoother, more
mellow power curve. Another
main differentiator is the lack
