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/830616
IN THE WIND P56 ALL- NEW GASGAS OFF-ROAD MODELS ARE HERE (ALMOST) ! G asGas Motos North Ameri- ca held it's first press event in California, May 30, and Cycle News was on hand to go for a rip on the all-new 2018 EC and XC Racing 300 off-road models. The U.S. will be getting four new GasGas off-road models to choose from soon. Right out of the gate the XC and EC 300s will be here in time for summer. The 250cc and 200cc versions of the XC line are coming right behind them. That's right, there is going to be another 200cc two-stroke option in the mix. All-new models will share up- grades over the previous, aging GasGas enduro range. These new bikes are claimed to be nine percent lighter than the pre- vious models—a welcome com- petitive bump. Other updates to the engine and chassis/suspen- sion aim to continue that trend with big changes all around. Both new 300cc models get all-new central-backbone steel frames mated to an all-new aluminum subframe with side air- filter access. A new, lighter and modern swingarm hangs out back with a fresh Excel rim spin- ning in the dirt. Likewise, both bikes get new footpegs, chain- slider bits and more. The most exciting update to the bikes might just be in the suspen- sion department as all models come equipped with KYB fork and shock setups replacing the mix-and-match Marzocchi and Reiger combos of the past. Lighter weight lithium batteries power the electric-starts (the only option available). The XC and EC models differ only slightly and mostly in favor of getting the XC version in the hands of racers more efficiently. EC models come with a head- light and taillight, full enduro wiring harness, simple enduro computer and a stock pipe but with an FMF silencer. Also, EC models have a steel handlebar. Our EC test bikes had spark arrestors but GasGas officials say neither model will have them for the production run. The XC models are race-worthy out of the crate with a simpler wiring harness, no lights or computer and a full FMF pipe and silencer exhaust system. XC models will come with Renthal Twinwall handlebars. Engine, transmis- sion, ignition and suspension settings are identical. The new models will be in the U.S. starting in June (EC) and July (XC). MSRP is yet to be an- nounced. CN GasGas introduced its all-new and lighter 2018 EC (pictured) and XC Racing 300 models.