The entire 300cc two-stroke enduro world is
hard to hate. And the Austrians make the rela-
tionships with their editions easier than all with
idiot-proof fuel injection, impressive suspension,
smooth engines and great looks. The GasGas
looks the best, in my opinion. As the final edition
of EC with Transfer Port Induction (TPI), the 2023
is clearly the best of that tech. Updates have con
-
tinually improved TPI fueling, and for hard enduro
riding (am I really racing?), it's so good. Simply
smooth and nearly stall-proof. Dump straight gas
into it and check the oil tank every month or so—
that's about all the maintenance I did for a season.
I did break or bend a few things, like radiators
and brake discs (I told you, I rarely factor in ability
and preparation), but they were reasonably priced
to replace, and the aftermarket support of these
models is outstanding. Hundreds of quality parts
built to protect are out there—many of which are
designed and perfected by very enthusiastic rac
-
ers and builders—not just parts factories.
I have a friend who said, "We don't race Hard En-
duro because it makes sense." And boy, is that true.
The GasGas EC 300 is rad enough to take me there
repeatedly. What's not to love about that!?
In a similar way, the new Husqvarna Norden
901 Expedition deserves a tip-of-the-hat here with
world-travel potential and no need to upgrade a
thing. It's fully loaded and can take you anywhere.
And finally, I need to give the Surron Ultra Bee
electric motorcycle some love. It proved itself at
the grueling Tennessee Knock Out Hard Enduro
as not only a decent race machine but a power
-
ful course-marking tool and entry-level bike. How
can it do all of that well? I don't know, but it does.
Can't wait to see what 2024 brings!
CN
FEATURE I 2023 CYCLE NEWS BIKES WE LIKE
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