Cycle News Staff | December 21, 2020
If we had a dollar for every time we’ve heard the keyboard warriors say “the new GasGas is just a red KTM” before ever riding them, we’d likely have more than enough to buy our own fleet of GasGas machines. After throwing a leg over them for the first time, we can say from experience, that, yes, they may indeed be similar but, no, they are not the same.
GasGas MC 250F And MC 450F First Review
Our first outing on the GasGas MC 250F and 450F (pictured) was somewhat surprising. For a first-time effort (the first GasGas models to roll out of Austria), the new GGs were quite impressive. Photos: Kit Palmer
The breakdown
GasGas offers two full-size four-stroke motocross options—the MC 450F and the MC 250F. These beautiful red machines share many familiar part numbers with their orange and white relatives such as the frame, engine, and ECU. So, what sets it apart? Instead of thinking of it as being just a red KTM, think of it as a striking blend between the KTM and the Husqvarna. The GasGas models come with a red chromium molybdenum steel frame, red plastics, one-piece cast triple clamps (as opposed to a two-piece billet design), aluminum Neken handlebars with ODI lock-on grips, silver wheels, and Maxxis Maxxcross Tires. These red rides also come standard with an aluminum subframe (same as the KTM) and the same swingarm as the Husqvarna. Both bikes feature the newly updated and fully adjustable WP Xact suspension components, just with different settings than the KTM and Husqvarna (more on that later).
Even though the WP Xact forks are excellent performers, we question whether or not spring forks might’ve been a better fit for the GasGas models. Coil spring forks would’ve separated the GG models a bit more from KTM and Husqvarna while appealing to those who will just never, ever warm up to pneumatic forks.
What it does not come with is the convenient handlebar-mounted map/traction control switch. However, we’ll let you in on a pro tip. Since the GasGas models have the same ECU as the KTM and Husqvarna, you can purchase this switch for about $180 from your local GasGas dealer and have it installed before it leaves the showroom. The onboard ECU comes pre-programmed with two different maps and the option for traction control, just no switch. For our test day, the bikes were equipped with this add-on and while it may not be a necessity, it is a nice option to have.
The MC 450F’s suspension is pleasantly plush and should appeal to a broad range of riders.
Those who have recently purchased a new car can relate to the GasGas, KTM, Husqvarna situation. Say a vehicle on the dealer floor comes with the standard base package. This car would show a sticker price of “x” amount of dollars. It may not be the flashiest, but it will get the job done for the right customer. You can also take that same car and add on the sport package for an extra bump in price. Maybe the sport package is just what you’re looking for, more features than the base model and likely more overall bang for your buck. Then above that is the deluxe package. The deluxe model is the cream of the crop and comes with all the bells and whistles, presumably more than you could want or need. Get the picture?
The GasGas MC 450F feels KTM-ish while still having its own distinct personality on the track.
This is the same for the KTM group. The Husqvarna models are the “deluxe package” with the carbon fiber subframe, lowered center of gravity, and subsequently the highest price tag. The KTM’s are the “sport package,” equipped with a Ready To Race attitude and a slightly above average sticker price. The new GasGas models would be considered the “standard package” and have the lowest price tag of the three. It’s still a well-equipped machine, made from the same manufacturer, just without some of those extra fancy accessories. And the sticker price? The MC 450F comes in at an MSRP of $9399, which is the same as the ’21 Yamaha YZ450F and $200 less than the Honda CRF450R and Kawasaki KX450. The Suzuki RMZ-450 is the only Japanese 450 priced under the GasGas at $8999. The MC 250F sells for $8499, which is significantly less than the $9299 KTM 250 SX-F and $9399 Husqvarna FC 250.
The four-stroke GasGas motocrossers do not come with a convenient handlebar-mounted map/traction control switch, but you can purchase one.
Out on track
The weather gods blessed with immaculate conditions at a private Glen Helen Raceway to test both of the new GasGas motocross machines. The track was ripped deep and after the first few laps, we noticed a softer-than-expected suspension setting in the WP Xact components. To be honest it reminded us of the plush and “vet-friendly” setup that came on the Husqvarnas just a few years ago. Before the GasGas test, our team recently completed the Cycle News 450 Shootout and had become acquainted with the stiffer settings found on the new KTM and Husqvarna. While we expected the same from the GasGas bikes, it was easy to fine-tune the fork on both machines to our liking with the tool-less adjustable clickers.
The GasGas MC 250F rips and comes with a significantly smaller price tag than either of its Austrian cousins.
The MC 450F’s power delivery is very smooth and power is strong from bottom to top. Similar to the KTM and Husqvarna, the GasGas comes alive down low and seems to pack the most punch when ridden higher in the RPM range. The GasGas’ power curve, however, did not seem as racey as its two cousins. It boasts a friendly and easy to ride personality that was actually a welcomed change after riding a fleet of power-hungry 450s that were eager to pull your arms off. After familiarizing themselves with this fun-loving 450, our team switched over to the more aggressive map two, looking for some extra juice to carry them up and over the steep hills at Glen Helen. This did offer some extra rev in the meat of the power band and gave the bike more life than the standard map one. Back in the pits, we learned that the airbox cover on the GasGas 450 is almost completely sealed off. We mention this because the KTM and Husqvarna airbox covers have openings on the side and a vented front face for increased airflow. This reduction in airflow adds to the friendly and linear power characteristics of the GasGas bikes.
One of the most noticeable differences between the GasGas models at the KTMs is their exhaust systems. You don’t see a canister on the GasGas’ headerpipe, and the GasGas’s are noticeably quieter.
The MC 250F features similar attributes in the horsepower department. It has a snappy response but never feels like it’s going to get away from you. This gave our riders confidence to push the limits of the 250 and carry speed in the faster sections of the track. Like the 450, we clicked over to the more aggressive map two and enjoyed riding the livelier curve. As we mentioned before, the map switch is a nice add-on to the red bikes and gives the 250 some extra pep in its step, especially at a strenuous track like the Glen. While the motor nears the red line, it tends to sign off a bit early before actually hitting the rev limiter. This is slightly different from the KTM and Husky as both of their 250s have tremendous over-rev capabilities all the way through the power curve. The MC 250F also features the same “closed off” airbox as its bigger brother, likely contributing to the smooth horsepower delivery.
Compared to its KTM and Husqvarna cousins, the GasGas motocrossers can be looked at as more friendly offerings for their owners and their budgets.
Our first rides on the GasGas motocrosser revealed they are not just KTMs with new plastics—yes, they are similar but not the same bikes. We believe a handful of changes are enough to differentiate them from the competition. While it shares many of the “Ready To Race” qualities of the KTM and Husqvarna, the GasGas can be seen as a friendlier offering for riders and their wallets. The 250 offers a well-engineered platform that would be great for a rider transitioning to a big bike, while the 450 is a slightly less aggressive version than its relatives. We also see the GasGas as a great option for racers who can save money on the sticker price and use those funds for add-ons like an exhaust, suspension, etc. It may not come with every bell and whistle, but it does have all of KTM’s engineering resources in a more budget-friendly package. And one last reminder, as the industry sees teams folding and manufacturers pulling out of the racing scene, we should be grateful to find another competitive option on the dealership floor.
Ryan Nitzen
SPECIFICATIONS
2021 GasGas MC 250F ($8499) MC 450F ($9399)
| Engine Type |
4-stroke, water-cooled, single |
4-stroke, water-cooled, single |
| Displacement |
250cc |
450cc |
| Bore x Stroke |
78mm x 52.3mm |
95mm x 63.4mm |
| Compression Ratio |
14.4:1 |
12.75:1 |
| Valvetrain |
DOHC, 4 valves |
SOHC, 4 valves |
| Starting System |
Electric w/lithium-ion 12.8-volt 2 Ah battery |
Electric w/lithium-ion 12.8-volt 2 Ah battery |
| Lubrication |
Pressure lubrication w/2 pumps |
Pressure lubrication w/2 pumps |
| Fueling |
Keihin EFI w/44mm throttle body |
Keihin EFI w/44mm throttle body |
| Transmission |
5-speed, w/Brembo hydraulic clutch |
5-speed, w/Brembo hydraulic clutch |
| Frame |
Central double-cradle Chromoly steel |
Central double-cradle Chromoly steel |
| Subframe |
Aluminum |
Aluminum |
| Handlebar |
Neken aluminum |
Neken aluminum |
| Front Suspension |
WP Xact inverted 48mm fork, fully adjustable |
WP Xact inverted 48mm fork, fully adjustable |
| Rear Suspension |
WP Xact shock, single shock, linkage, fully adjustable |
WP Xact shock, single shock, linkage, fully adjustable |
| Front-Wheel Travel |
12.2 in. |
12.2 in. |
| Rear-Wheel Travel |
11.8 in. |
11.8 in. |
| Front Wheel |
21 in. |
21 in. |
| Rear Wheel |
19 in. |
19 in. |
| Front Tire |
Maxxis Maxxcross MX-ST, 80/100 x 21 in. |
Maxxis Maxxcross MX-ST, 80/100 x 21 in. |
| Rear Tire |
Maxxis Maxxcross MX-ST, 120/90 x 19 in. |
Maxxis Maxxcross MX-ST, 120/90 x 19 in. |
| Front Brake |
Single 260mm disc w/Brembo caliper |
Single 260mm disc w/Brembo caliper |
| Rear Brake |
Single 220mm disc w/Brembo caliper |
Single 220mm disc w/Brembo caliper |
| Wheelbase |
58.5 in. |
58.5 in. |
| Rake |
26.1 degrees |
26.1 degrees |
| Triple Clamp Offset |
22mm |
22mm |
| Seat Height |
37.4 in. |
37.4 in. |
| Ground Clearance |
14.6 in. |
14.6 in. |
| Fuel Capacity |
1.85 gal. |
1.85 gal. |
| Weight (curb, claimed) |
229 lbs. |
231 lbs. |
