Adam Booth | July 6, 2016
GasGas returns with some of its most popular models, like the EC 300 R two-stroke off-roader. We recently took a spin on it and learned more about the company’s comeback
Geoff Aaron shows you what the 2017 GasGas EC 300 R is capable of doing.
GasGas is back in North America and the new owners are making a legitimate push, establishing a home base of operations with a solid plan for dealers. They are also well aware of the need for the customer to get parts when needed in a timely manner. The U.S. infrastructure is taking shape and as proof by our day aboard the 2017 GasGas EC 300 R (Racing model), bikes are coming out of the factory and making it to American soil.
You can read the original magazine story by clicking HERE.
Text and Photography by Adam Booth
A New Beginning
The Spanish company Torrot, which is known for its electric scooters and mini bikes, acquired GasGas, which was in dire finical distress. Torrot’s plan for recovery of GasGas is now in motion and we meet with Geoff Aaron, the new promotions manager for GasGas here in the States, to ride the 2017 EC 300 off-road two-stroke for a day. It was a great chance to get reacquainted with the bike and to get caught up with all of the latest happenings with the company, which also just acquired off-road legend Scot Harden as chief marketing director. Plus, GasGas recently hired former factory motocrosser Broc Hepler as one of its new off-road factory racers. As you can see, GasGas is serious about its comeback.
In between our rides on the EC 300, Aaron filled us in on GasGas’ major push to make the company with the funny name successful again.
The new EC 300 R two-stroke isn’t dramatically changed over the previous model. Luckily, it was already a very good off-road bike.
“GasGas now has subsidiary team, an arm of the factory here in the U.S.,” Aaron said. “They gave a group for the dealerships and a team for promotions. My new role with GasGas is to work with the media and provide new models and showcase the new bikes. I will also continue to race EnduroCross, which is something I’ve been passionate about for 10 years. The other cool thing I get to do is I’ll be attending all the national trials events. I did 20 years on the circuit and won 10 National championships and while I’m not competing, I’m there representing the GasGas brand and being the eyes and ears for GasGas.
Geoff Aaron is liking the EC 300. GasGas is also offering the EC 250.
“For now GasGas will release their flagship models like the EC 300 and EC 250 here in the US. On the trials side they will have a 300 and 250 two-stroke available. They are bringing in what they are good at, their trials and enduro two-stroke models. GasGas is excited about their future in North America and they have a lot of cool things in the works.”
Like most 300cc two-strokes, the GasGas is quite agile.
Refinements
The 2017 GasGas EC 300 is much like the previous EC 300 with some very minor revisions to the subframe at the front mount and the overall color is now red. Key features, such as the adjustable power-valve and an FMF muffler, remain. Nissin brakes squeeze Galfer Wave rotors to help stop the Excel rims that are wrapped in Metzeler Six Days Extreme tires. The Marzocchi closed-cartridge fork has updated internal valving and is combined with the German made Reiger shock.
Other notable featured carried over from the previous model includes E-start (with manual kick for backup), a digital meter, headlight, sidestand, skid plate and handguards.
Electric starting is a huge asset. In case anything goes wrong with the button, manual kick is still there for back up.
Out On The Trail
We spent just a few hours with Geoff Aaron, riding around on the 2017 GasGas EC 300 R, roosting single track and crawling around on big rocks. Little changes or not, the EC 300 R is still an fantastic off-roader and is without question worth looking into if you’re in the market for a middleweight two-stroke off-road bike. It’s a worthy rival to the KTM, Husqvarna and Beta 300cc two bangers out there.
The engine is unchanged from the previous model, so the familiar lugablilty of the 300 two-stroke is still present. The GasGas engine shines down near idle, providing incredible traction when navigating technical terrain. It pulls well through the mid and will rev out when needed.
GasGas is working hard to build a name for itself in the U.S. again. Hiring people like Geoff Aaron, Scot Harden and Broc Tickle should help do that.
The Marzocchi fork moves through its travel smoothly, doing a great job of soaking up trail hack and holds up well to big drops. The Reiger shock works nicely and with only a day of single track and rock hoping we feel with some fine tuning (through sag and clicker adjustments) the potential is there to make it work even better.
It is great to see the new owners of GasGas committing to the brand and working toward success. Two-stroke off-road riders can rejoice that there is another choice in the enduro world and we are looking forward to riding and testing further with GasGas as more bikes and models make it to the U.S. CN
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SPECIFICATIONS:2017 Gas Gas EC 300 R
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MSRP:
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N/A
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ENGINE:
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Single-cylinder, 2-stroke
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DISPLACEMENT:
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299.3cc
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BORE X STROKE:
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72.5 x 72mm
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FUEL SYSTEM:
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Keihin PKWS 38mm
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INTAKE SYSTEM:
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Direct reed-valve, V-Force
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MUFFLER:
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FMF Powercore 2
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CLUTCH:
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Wet Multi-disc, hydraulic
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TRANSMISSION:
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6-speed
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FINAL DRIVE:
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Regina chain
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IGNITION:
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Hidria DC ignition
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STARTING SYSTEM:
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Electric
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FRAME:
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Chromoly-steel, perimeter
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FRONT SUSPENSION:
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Marzocchi Shiver 48mm, closed cartridge, fully adjustable
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REAR SUSPENSION:
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Reiger single shock, fully adjustable
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FRONT WHEEL TRAVEL:
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12 in.
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REAR WHEEL TRAVEL:
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11.7 in.
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FRONT BRAKE:
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260mm Galfer Wave rotor,2-piston Nissin caliper
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REAR BRAKE:
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220mm Galfer Wave rotor, 1-piston Nissin caliper
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FRONT TIRE:
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90/90-21 in. Metzeler Six Days
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REAR TIRE:
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140/80-18 in. Metzeler Six Days
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HANDLEBAR:
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Double Force
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SEAT HEIGHT:
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37.4 in
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WHEELBASE:
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58.2 ± 0.4 in
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WEIGHT (without fuel):
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236 lbs.
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FUEL CAPACITY:
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2.5 gal.
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