Ryan Nitzen | August 23, 2023
GasGas has spiced things up significantly with its 2024 line of off-road models. It’s GasGas’ first big makeover since the company was rebranded under the KTM Group umbrella in 2019. Most of the changes have already been implemented on the KTM side of things, now it’s GasGas’ turn. As a result, they are virtually all-new machines. Yet some key differences still make the GasGas models stand out from all the Austrian offerings. I recently attended GasGas’ Spice It Up Festival in Italy, where I got a chance to quickly sample all the 2024 GasGas off-roaders, but I couldn’t help but focus on one model, the popular GasGas EC 300 enduro.
Photography by Sebas Romero
2024 GasGas EC 300 Review | What’s New? Just About Everything
For 2024, the EC 300 gets a full-on makeover—a new frame, swingarm, bodywork, and, most importantly, a new engine.
The EC 300’s engine incorporates the Austrian OEM’s new electronically controlled Throttle Body Injection (TBI) fueling system, which debuted on the 2023 two-stroke KTMs. The TBI design replaces the previously used Transfer Port Injection (TPI) system. A 39mm Keihin throttle body with two fuel injectors works harmoniously with the engine’s electronic power valve.
GasGas chose the convenience of an oil tank/pump to lubricate the engine. This means you don’t have to mess with premixing the fuel with oil; instead, the bike’s ECU handles that for you. The oil tank is positioned near the front of the frame and, according to GasGas, needs to be refilled after approximately every four tanks of fuel.
The EC’s powerplant delivers a claimed 49 horsepower.
The EC 300 has a new-generation frame and swingarm like the other Austrian machines, Husqvarna and KTM. The frame no longer uses the “backbone” design that runs from the shock tower to the main spar of the frame, which runs up to the handlebars. Eliminating the spine disperses the load down the sides of the frame rather than up into the rider’s hands.
The one-piece aluminum swingarm also provides sharper handling and pairs with a smaller 22-millimeter rear axle. Updated bodywork, with hidden mounting points and fewer bolts than before, completes the GasGas’ striking new look.
The 2024 EC 300, however, has gained a little weight. At a claimed 237.2, it’s four pounds heavier than the previous model.
Fuel/oil premixing is handled by the new Throttle Body Injection system.
2024 GasGas EC 300 Review | Same But Different
The EC’s frame, swingarm, and engine are now virtually identical to the current KTM two-stroke enduro models, the XC-Ws. The big difference is with the suspension. GasGas kept the previous open-cartridge WP Xplor fork, while KTM switched to a new closed-cartridge Xact fork. This decision was cost-driven since GasGas is the “budget” line of the three Austrian marques. At $10,699, the GasGas EC 300 is $750 less than the KTM 300 XC-W and $850 less than the Husqvarna TE 300.
The EC 300 has a linkage rear suspension system versus KTM’s non-linkage PDS system of its XC-W models. The GasGas has 0.8 inches less clearance and a slightly lower seat height than the 300 XC-W.
The GasGas EC 300 engine is nearly identical to the KTM 300 XC-W’s engine but does not have a map switch. Instead, it’s pre-programmed with the mellowest map you’d find on KTM’s two-way adjustable map switch. You can, however, purchase an optional map switch for the GasGas. Its ECU has the capability to run both the standard and more aggressive power mappings as the KTM’s, so it wires right in.
The GasGas is fitted with Braktec brakes and clutch systems. These are the same components found on the 2024 Husqvarna off-road bikes. KTM, on the other hand, uses Brembo components.
Compared to the KTM and Husqvarna, the GasGas has a cheaper-to-produce aluminum subframe, silver Excel wheels, aluminum handlebars, and forged triple clamps.
The engine is nearly identical to the KTM 300 XC-W’s, but it doesn’t come stock with a two-way adjustable map.
2024 GasGas EC 300 Review | Riding Experience
Some of the first few things I noticed about the new GasGas 300 EC were its neutral ergos and wider footpegs, but once I got rolling, it was the engine that caught my attention.
It has boatloads of torque that immediately boosts your confidence; it makes you want to tackle what used to be intimidating obstacles. Its ultra-smooth and easy-to-use power—kind of four-stroke-esque—paired with its versatile six-speed transmission and smooth-working DDS clutch gives you the conviction to attack anything. Slow-speed sections highlight the EC’s stout bottom end, which then transitions into a crispy midrange that rarely requires a lot of clutch massaging.
The 2024 model retained the previous-edition’s open-cartridge WP Xplor front suspension.
The new fuel injection system works well with no hiccups. It might not have that carbureted hit, or snap that some people like, but the GasGas’ fuel injection makes up for that with ultra-controllability, which is ideal for Erzberg-type trails, which this motorcycle is all about.
The GasGas I rode was fitted with the optional two-way map switch, and you can quickly notice the difference between the two settings. The standard (or mellow) white position is ideal for rock crawling, while the more aggressive map (green for “go!”) noticeably unlocks the engine’s full potential and livens things up across the powerband, ideal for when the trails open up, on soft terrain, or when you get bogged down in mud.
Regarding the suspension, I wasn’t thrilled with the EC’s now old-style open-cartridge WP Xplor fork. I was okay with it before, but having recently experienced the new-and-improved closed-cartridge WP Xact fork on the KTM, I’m now spoiled. The Xplor fork doesn’t have the consistency of the Xact fork, nor does it feel as plush over the smaller bumps. Yet, the GasGas’ Xplor fork felt too soft for the bigger hits; it blew right through the stroke without even slowing down, often en route to bottoming out when ridden aggressively. When ridden casually, however, the forks are fine, but overall, I would’ve liked to have spent more time trying to dial out my issues with the air-adjustable Xplor fork that now features easy-to-use finger adjusters.
The EC’s rear suspension works well. It felt planted, stable and inspired confidence when the trail and speeds got faster.
There’s tons of torque on the new EC.
2024 GasGas EC 300 Review | Wrap up
Before I knew it, my time on the EC 300 was up. It literally was a quick spin. I’m looking forward to spending more time on the EC 300 soon, as I barely got to scratch the surface of what this bike can do. And I’m sure it will be just about anything.
Till we meet again. CN
2024 GasGas EC 300 Specifications
| MSRP: |
$10,699 |
| Engine Type |
2-stroke, single |
| Cooling System: |
Liquid |
| Displacement |
293.2cc |
| Bore x Stroke |
72 x 72mm |
| Starting System |
Electric |
| Fueling |
Throttle Body Fuel Injection with Vitesco Technologies EMS |
| Clutch |
DDS wet multi-disc clutch, Braktec hydraulics |
| Transmission |
6-speed |
| Frame |
Steel central-tube |
| Subframe |
aluminum |
| Handlebar |
Neken aluminum |
| Front Suspension |
WP Xplor 48mm |
| Rear Suspension |
WP Xact Monoshock with linkage |
| Front-Wheel Travel |
11.81 in. |
| Rear-Wheel Travel |
11.81 in. |
| Front Wheel |
21 in. |
| Rear Wheel |
18 in. |
| Front Tire |
Dunlop Geomax MX-33F |
| Rear Tire |
Dunlop Geomax AT81 |
| Front Brake |
Braktec 260mm |
| Rear Brake |
Braktec 220mm |
| Steering Head Angle |
63.9 degrees |
| Seat Height |
37.6 in. |
| Ground Clearance |
13.9 in. |
| Fuel Capacity |
2.37 gal. |
| Weight (no fuel, claimed) |
237.2 lbs. |
