with stamped aluminum handle-
bars (made by Neken), forged
(versus fancier CNC milled)
aluminum triple clamps, silver
(instead of prettier black) wheels
and an aluminum subframe com-
pared to the Husqvarna's com-
posite subframe. The GasGas
has no map switch, and you get
Braktec brakes versus top-of-the-
line Brembo brakes on the KTM.
Less bling might be less fun, but
it saves you $800 on the GasGas'
purchase price compared to the
KTM and $900 to the Husqvarna.
Like last year's KTM 350, the
new GasGas 350 gained weight,
seven pounds, says the com-
pany. In case you're wondering,
the 350 GasGas is approxi-
mately two pounds heavier than
its 250cc brother and about
a pound lighter and about six
horsepower less than its bigger
450 brother.
TRACK TIME
You can call the 350 a racey 250
or a mellow 450, but don't call it
slow. It has a torquey hit off the
bottom and pairs nicely with its
free-revving character, like a typi-
cal 250F motor. The 350's motor
pulls strong from down low, car-
rying the heart of its five gears
for a surprisingly long time, simi-
lar to a 450. But the best part?
You can still be lazy despite its
14,000 rpm redline! No need
to bang its gearbox and fan its
hydraulic clutch like a 250; leave
it in second or third, and you'll
be golden. GasGas has suc-
cessfully taken the feel of a 250
and matched it nicely with the
personality of a 450, perfect for
the vet rider who wants the best
of both worlds and anybody who
simply wants to have fun on the
track.
Even though the GasGas
does not come standard with
a handlebar map switch, one is
available as a GasGas acces-
sory. The bolt-on map switch
also gives you access to Launch
Control, Traction Control and a
Quickshifter function. Luckily,
my ride was fitted with a map
switch. The steady white light
QUICKSPIN I 2024 GasGas MC 350F
P104
The 2024 GasGas MC 350F
got a complete makeover.
