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/1454376
RIDE REVIEW I 2022 GASGAS EC 300 P94 suspension tuned for more aggressive rid- ing or racing, you can choose the EX model, which utilizes the WP Xact air forks and more aggressively tuned WP Xact shock. We got to spend time with both bikes, and unless you are racing, you will probably prefer the softer EC suspension. It has a great balance be- tween performance and comfort. The stock 2.3-gallon translucent fuel tank will get you a decent off-road riding range. We were able to stretch it out to nearly 100 miles of mellow trail riding, but you will get signifi- cantly less range if you are riding technical trails or twisting the throttle to the stops in open terrain. We did not miss the two-position map switch that comes on the KTM/Husqvarna's. TPI motors are very manageable as is; switch- ing to a "softer" map hardly seems necessary. The front brake is the only component that you might miss most (we did) when it comes to performance on the GasGas EC line compared to the sibling models, and that includes the GasGas EX (Cross Country) and MC (Motocross) models, which come with Brembo master cylinders and calipers rather than Braketec units. The brake lever feels firm, but it doesn't haul the bike up as well as the Brembo or Magura (Husqvarna) systems. We did not have any problem with the Bra- ketec hydraulic clutch or rear brake units. In fact, they both worked flawlessly in all condi- tions. Some riders said that they prefer the modulation of the Braketec clutch and rear brake master cylinders. Since many riders prefer to choose their own handguards, skid plates and other protective equipment, the GasGas is likely a great choice as your base model bike among the Austrian-built options. The $700-$800 you save buying the GasGas over the KTM or Husqvarna can be used to perhaps better per- sonalize your EC; in other words, purchase the exact parts you want that were left off the red bike from the factory. And, you might even have some cash leftover. As is, however, the Gas- Gas EC 300 is still an incredibly versatile bike that can be enjoyed everywhere from casual trail riding to racing. Plus, as we have said about the EC's sib- ling models, the gnarlier the terrain gets, the more you will love the EC 300. CN SPECIFICATIONS 2022 GASGAS EC 300 ($10,199) ENGINE TYPE 2-stroke, single, adjustable power-valve COOLING SYSTEM Liquid DISPLACEMENT 293.2cc BORE X STROKE 72 x 72mm STARTING SYSTEM Electric LUBRICATION Oil injection FUELING TPI, Dellorto 39mm throttle body TRANSMISSION 6-speed, hydraulic clutch FRAME Central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4 steel FRONT SUSPENSION WP Xplor 48, fully adjustable REAR SUSPENSION WP Xplor, single shock, linkage, fully adjustable FRONT-WHEEL TRAVEL 11.8 in REAR-WHEEL TRAVEL 11.8 in FRONT WHEEL 21 in. REAR WHEEL 18 in. FRONT BRAKE 260mm, Braktec master cylinder and caliper REAR BRAKE 220mm, Braktec master cylinder and caliper SEAT HEIGHT 37.7 in. GROUND CLEARANCE 14.2 in. FUEL CAPACITY 2.3 gal. WEIGHT (DRY, CLAIMED) 233 lbs.