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/1465013
RIDE REVIEW I 2022 GASGAS EX 300 P74 scramble race saying I didn't do well because I didn't have enough top-end power—I might have plenty of other excuses, for sure, but a lack of juice from a 300cc two-stroke? Never. A lack of controllability, perhaps, but never outright power. Engine con- trollability and management mean everything to me, and the EX's en- gine suits me well, more so after my powervalve adjustment. Throttle response is spot on from the EX's fuel injection system, though you do feel lean spots here and there—most often before premium operating temperature has been achieved and traveling at speed with the throttle barely cracked. Otherwise, the EX fuels exceptionally well. Some complain of a "boring" feel from these new fuel-injected two-strokes, but I am not in agreement. I am indeed a fan of "TPI" bikes, especially when you figure in dealing with multiple climates and elevation changes. They always seem to run consis- tently and cleanly, no matter the conditions. So long carburetors, your job is finished here. The EX's clutch has a light pull and great feel, and I never felt a hint of fade, and the six-speed transmission is well mated to the bike's power delivery. There seemed to be the right gear for every occasion. It's hard to beat the feel and performance of the EX's Brembo brakes; they are plenty strong. No complaints from me. The translucent tank holds a generous 2.3 gallons, and since it is not what I would call a thirsty motorcycle, you'll get good range out of the EX 300. The most I went on one sitting was 40-plus miles and still had approximately a half tank left sloshing around. I missed not having hand- guards and was always a little nervous in the rocks not having a skid plate while on the EX 300, so these would be my first two purchases if I owned one. As much as I enjoyed riding the EX 300, I found myself trying to change it into the EC 300 by softening the suspension and smoothing out the engine's bot- tom-end. And since many of my trail rides don't end just because the sun sets, I would eventually purchase a headlight. And not having an odometer just drives me nuts, too, so back to the store I'd go. I'm not sure I'd miss the Xact forks too much because I like the feel of the WP Xplor coil spring fork that comes with the EC anyway and you pretty much just set it and forget. Air forks, as good as this one performs, need constant attention. But it would be tough sacrificing the EX's Brembo brakes! Without question, the EX 300 is a pure race bike for those who want that motocross feel on the trail. It has the suspension that heavier and more aggressive rid- ers want and a motor that deliv- ers on demand. So, when it's GNCC, WORCS, or NGPC, don't forget the EX. It's worth a look. CN 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 REAR BRAKE 220mm, Brembo master cylinder and caliper SEAT HEIGHT 37.7 in. GROUND CLEARANCE 14.8 in. WHEELBASE 58.5 in. FUEL CAPACITY 2.25 gal. WEIGHT (DRY, CLAIMED) 236 lbs. TRANSMISSION 6-speed, hydraulic clutch CLUTCH Wet multi-disc DDS clutch w/Brembo hydraulics FRAME Central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4 steel FRONT SUSPENSION WP Xact AER, fully adjustable REAR SUSPENSION WP Xact, 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 TIRE 80/100 x 21 Dunlop Geomax AT81 REAR TIRE 110/100 x 18 in. Dunlop Geomax AT81 FRONT BRAKE 260mm, Brembo master cylinder and caliper SPECIFICATIONS 2022 GASGAS EX 300 ($9599)