Sean Finley | February 26, 2022
We ride the 2022 GasGas EC 300 off-roader.
By Sean Finley | Photography by Caleb Coggins and Jesse Ziegler
The GasGas marque joined the KTM Group during the 2021 model year and like the Husqvarna line, the bikes share the motor, frame and many other components with similar KTM models. While the Husqvarna line tends to be spec’d with more premium components than its sister KTM models, the GasGas bikes shave some features and costs of the KTM. We spent several weeks riding the 2022 GasGas EC 300 to see if we even really missed any of those left-off features and learn how the third option from the Austrian manufacturer fairs in the real world.
You could call the GasGas EC 300 the base model of 300cc two-stroke off-road machines from Austria, which can be the ideal blank canvas if you like personalizing your bikes.
2022 GasGas EC 300 Review | Same But Different
The EC 300 is a trail-friendly six-speed 292cc two-stroke that is fitted with a headlight and taillight. The KTM 300 XC-W TPI and Husqvarna TE 300i are its comparable sibling models. They all feature electronic fuel injecting via two injectors that feed the fuel directly into the Transfer Ports (Transfer Port Injection aka TPI). You don’t need to pre-mix the fuel because an oil injection system does that for you.
The electric start is another nice feature now common on all the Euro-based two-stroke off-road models, and the counter-balanced motors reduce vibration significantly.
The TPI models first hit the market in 2018 and have been evolving with each year model. As noted with our previous TPI bike reviews, they are typically a little mellower than similar carbureted predecessors and current models from other manufacturers. TPI bikes tend to feel a little lean, likely due to reduced emissions required in many markets, and they must be warmed up sufficiently to run properly. They still make plenty of power and many riders like the mellow delivery, but some will search for slightly more aggressive settings. You can liven TPI bikes up or make them even more mellow by fine tuning the power-valve tension, which is simple to do.
Suspension is handled by WP Xplor 48mm spring forks and a WP Xact shock using linkage just like the Husqvarna sibling but different than the non-linkage PDS technology found on the KTM XC-W line.
The EC 300 comes sans handguards. We fixed that minor issue right away. Our next purchase? A skid plate.
2022 GasGas EC 300 Review | What’s Missing, Different?
Compared to the KTM and Husqvarna models, the GasGas does not include a two-position ignition map switch, or handguards. And while the KTM and Husqvarna come with Brembo and Magura brakes and hydraulic clutch actuation, respectively, the GasGas relies on a Braketec braking system.
The GasGas also comes with silver, rather than black anodized, rims. Some may argue that the silver rims will look better in the long term because they will reveal less wear (scratches), but most agree that they are not as pretty right out of the crate.
Braketec handles braking duties for the GasGas. Comparable models from KTM and Husqvarna come fitted with premium braking components, but the Braketecs perform well for casual to moderately hard riding.
The Husqvarna TE models also come standard with plastic skid plates, while the GasGas and KTM models do not include what we feel are must-have frame and engine protection. You may also notice that the Husqvarna models utilize machined aluminum triple clamps, while the GasGas and KTM use forged aluminum clamps.
In addition to a headlight and taillight, the EC models include an Enduro computer that displays your speed and tracks the mileage, hours, time of day and contains two trip mileage trackers. These are all great items to have for trail riding or enduro racing.
The GasGas line comes with different plastic to provide its own style. And like the KTM, it uses an aluminum subframe rather than composite on the Husqvarnas.
At $10,199, the GasGas is priced about $700 less than the KTM 300 XC-W TPI and $800 less than the Husqvarna TE 300i.
It’s hard to beat any 300cc two-stroke off-road in the technical stuff, including the fuel-injected GasGas EC 300.
2022 GasGas EC 300 Review | Trail Time
Despite some cost-cutting on the spec sheets, you will find that the GasGas EC 300 is still a premium motorcycle on the trail. The modern-day 300cc counter-balanced two-stroke is the ideal powerplant for trail riding, and the more extreme the conditions, the truer this is. There is a reason that this platform is the choice for extreme off-road racing.
While some people, including some of our staff, are critical of the fine-tuning of the TPI models compared to carbureted bikes, that is getting pretty picky. Fuel injection better compensates for climate and elevation changes making for less wrenching for different riding locations. And if you like a motor that will tractor through rugged terrain just as easily as it gets you up to speed in open terrain, the EC 300 will certainly do that well. After riding the bike in several locations, it seems to run better at high elevations.
The suspension is designed for trail riding. Most riders up to about 170 pounds will find it works well if you plan to race the EC at a high level. If you are looking for suspension tuned for more aggressive riding or racing, you can choose the EX model, which utilizes the WP Xact air forks and more aggressively tuned WP Xact shock. We got to spend time with both bikes, and unless you are racing, you will probably prefer the softer EC suspension. It has a great balance between performance and comfort.
The stock 2.3-gallon translucent fuel tank will get you a decent off-road riding range. We were able to stretch it out to nearly 100 miles of mellow trail riding, but you will get significantly less range if you are riding technical trails or twisting the throttle to the stops in open terrain.
If you’re cool with silver rims, mid-grade brakes, no map switch, and purchasing your own must-haves, like handguards and a skid plate, the GasGas EC 300 could very well be the right bike for you.
We did not miss the two-position map switch that comes on the KTM/Husqvarna’s. TPI motors are very manageable as is; switching to a “softer” map hardly seems necessary.
The front brake is the only component that you might miss most (we did) when it comes to performance on the GasGas EC line compared to the sibling models, and that includes the GasGas EX (Cross Country) and MC (Motocross) models, which come with Brembo master cylinders and calipers rather than Braketec units. The brake lever feels firm, but it doesn’t haul the bike up as well as the Brembo or Magura (Husqvarna) systems.
We did not have any problem with the Braketec hydraulic clutch or rear brake units. In fact, they both worked flawlessly in all conditions. Some riders said that they prefer the modulation of the Braketec clutch and rear brake master cylinders.
Since many riders prefer to choose their own handguards, skid plates and other protective equipment, the GasGas is likely a great choice as your base model bike among the Austrian-built options. The $700-$800 you save buying the GasGas over the KTM or Husqvarna can be used to perhaps better personalize your EC; in other words, purchase the exact parts you want that were left off the red bike from the factory. And, you might even have some cash leftover. As is, however, the GasGas EC 300 is still an incredibly versatile bike that can be enjoyed everywhere from casual trail riding to racing. Plus, as we have said about the EC’s sibling models, the gnarlier the terrain gets, the more you will love the EC 300. CN
2022 GasGas EC 300 Specifications
| MSRP |
$10,199 |
| Engine Type |
2-stroke, single, adjustable power-valve |
| Cooling system |
Liquid |
| Displacement |
293.2cc |
| Bore x Stroke |
72 x 72mm |
| Starting System |
Electric |
| Lubrication |
Oil injection |
| Fueling |
TPI, Dellorto 39mm throttle body |
| Transmission |
6-speed, hydraulic clutch |
| Frame |
Central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4 steel |
| Front Suspension |
WP Xplor 48, fully adjustable |
| Rear Suspension |
WP Xplor, single shock, linkage, fully adjustable |
| Front-Wheel Travel |
11.8 in |
| Rear-Wheel Travel |
11.8 in |
| Front Wheel |
21 in. |
| Rear Wheel |
18 in. |
| Front Brake |
260mm, Braktec master cylinder and caliper |
| Rear Brake |
220mm, Braktec master cylinder and caliper |
| Seat Height |
37.7 in. |
| Ground Clearance |
14.2 in. |
| Fuel Capacity |
2.3 gal. |
| Weight (dry, claimed) |
233 lbs. |
Click here to read the 2022 GasGas EC 300 Review in the Cycle News Digital Edition Magazine.
