Seeing Red
By TMX Archives on 27th Aug 10
This week's T+MX bike test is the Gas Gas EC250/300 two-stroke enduro models. Yes, the latest 250Fs (four-strokes) may well be the models that other manufacturers are pushing but the hugely enthusiastic Catalan company Gas Gas is enjoying a resurgence of interest in its strokers, as indeed are other manufacturers who have stuck with the ring-dingers.
The bikes are lighter than their four-stroke counterparts, are less costly to produce (and purchase) and engine servicing and repair also tends to be cheaper. In these cost-concious times these are all very much things to consider when thinking of a new bike.
The Catalan factory has always remained faithful to its two-strokes and the EC models have been refined down the years to stand as a pretty bullet-proof choice for enduro style events. The power-valve motor was specifically designed for enduro, it is not a detuned MX unit, and the whole machine has been tailored for enduro, hare and hounds type of events.
There are no massive changes for 2011 (save for the suspension for British spec maces). The twin-spar, with unique double-tube, perimeter type frame remains and is as strong as the Forth rail bridge and Gas Gas's own well-proven motor nestles neatly inside. The big change is actually to the looks as GG has gone back to its roots with an all red colour scheme. As importer John Shirt says, in his usual no-nonsense style, "Gas Gas should be red. End of!"
T+MX enlisted Fat Cat Moto Parc operator and enduro ace MARTIN CRAVEN to once again give us the benefit of his considerable experience in evaluating the 2011 Gassers at his superb facility, including a blitz on the Sprint Enduro course used recently for Dirt 3-2-1 - plus of course his awesome Extreme Enduro course which was toughened-up (not that it needed it) especially for Dirt 3-2-1...
Read the full test in T+MX News (Aug 27, 2010)
Specification:
