2023 GasGas MC 250F Evaluate [Red Bull A Day In The Dirt Tested]

To sum up the 2023 GasGas MC 250F in two phrases, I might say “enjoyable bike.” After all, all filth bikes are enjoyable to trip—little doubt. That’s why we do what we do. However what makes me name the MC 250F the “enjoyable bike” is that this 250 machine is so snug and affords such steady dealing with in tough circumstances that it boosts rider confidence.We trip all of the filth bike manufacturers, and every model affords distinctive traits, from energy supply to dealing with to suspension. Every model is completely different, so all filth bikes usually are not created equal. Generally when switching from model to model, I make minor changes to my using fashion relying on the bike’s traits. I say this as a result of once I hopped on the 2023 GasGas MC 250F for the primary time, I used to be instantly snug with the manufacturing unit settings. Finally, I made minor changes to the WP Xact suspension; I’ll get into that later.What’s most fun about testing this bike late within the 2022 season is that it’s throughout the time of the Pink Bull Day In The Filth Motocross Grand Prix at Glen Helen Raceway. Day In The Filth is likely one of the most anticipated race occasions of the yr in Southern California. With over 1000 rider entries, it’s a great alternative to place a mud bike to a aggressive check.The GP racecourse combines motocross and technical off-road obstacles within the hills. This yr with a alternative of a number of check bikes within the storage, I picked to race the GasGas MC 250F. Merely put, I used to be going for the enjoyable issue to benefit from the weekend.

Day In The Filth takes place over the Thanksgiving vacation weekend, so with a bunch of shut associates, I used to be on a mission to have an excellent time. All I wished to do was present up with some top-notch NLAB Studio customized graphics, prime off the gasoline tank, put in a freshly cleaned air filter by DT-1 Filter Service, push that electrical begin button, and go racing.Proper out of the field, the MC 250F doesn’t require a lot break-in time, because the metal body has extra flexibility than an aluminum body. Mixed with the WP air forks, the general feeling of the MC 250F is plush and easy whatever the filth or monitor circumstances.I rode the MC 250F at a number of motocross tracks earlier than deciding to race it at Pink Bull Day In The Filth. I examined the GasGas on many various terrains, together with free sand, damp clay-like filth, deep loamy filth, and rocky hardpack. Most noticeable to me was that the chassis doesn’t get upset within the tough stuff. I by no means really feel the bike desires to swap out or get away from me. Largely it stays steady, and the WP Xact items absorb the uneven breaking bumps and acceleration bumps.The WP suspension delivers a wonderful trip and straightforward adjustability. The suspension is plush, making it just a little comfortable for me at race speeds—I’m 160 kilos and five-foot-nine. I stiffened the fork compression damping and slowed the rebound. I additionally slowed the rebound within the shock to keep away from the rear finish developing on me within the bumpy nook entries. The WP Xact fork has hand-adjustable clickers on the caps of the fork legs, so that you don’t want a instrument to make a change. It’s only one extra function that contributes to the enjoyable issue of the 2023 GasGas MC 250F.Whether or not I’m negotiating tough circumstances or easy, freshly prepped monitor circumstances, the MC 250F tracks effectively via corners and down quick straights.On soar takeoffs and landings, the bike is pleasant to regulate. Nevertheless, on some soar landings, the suspension is just too comfortable—I sometimes like a stiffer entrance finish for extra exact management. Fortuitously, even on some harsh landings, the MC 250F nonetheless maintained balanced management.For those who’re a younger, mild rider new to the 250 class, the plush suspension could also be nice for you. Heavier, quicker riders will discover the suspension to be too comfortable. It’s a very snug trip, and you may also regulate the air strain within the Xact fork, which is like altering the spring charge in a conventional fork.The MC 250F likes to remain planted to the bottom with out swapping out from underneath me. It’s not a motorcycle that likes to bounce round an excessive amount of, and I like that. The mixture of the plush suspension and metal body creates easy dealing with, versus the stiffer feeling that some aluminum body bikes have. The MC 250F chassis is well-balanced, making it pleasant for nearly any using fashion—newbie to professional.Cornering on the 2023 GasGas MC 250F is a dream, boosting my confidence. It’s balanced, and I don’t discover myself preventing to show the bike, though the GasGas comes inventory with a large 110 rear tire. Competing 250 fashions include a 100 rear tire, saving some weight. I’d relatively have the extra traction than save a pair kilos of tire weight. Though Maxxis Maxxcross MX-ST tires aren’t what you anticipate finding on a premium motocross bike, they deal with the calls for of an beginner with out grievance.The ability division on the GasGas MC 250F is in step with its Austrian KTM and Husqvarna siblings—the MC 250F could be significantly revved to the moon. From the low-end to the rev limiter, this motor bundle affords a linear energy supply with extremely usable overrev. The MC 250F additionally has a powerful low-end grunt on the crack of the throttle, which is nice for the corners and uphill sections.The mid-range has a easy gradual acceleration character that enables for extra management of the bike throughout acceleration. The excessive finish of the rev vary simply retains pulling and nonetheless delivers very usable energy with out falling on its face. This sort of energy supply solely provides extra factors to the enjoyable issue, as the sleek linear energy is extraordinarily rider-friendly. To not point out, the quick 250 riders will love the excessive finish of the rev vary.One function the MC 250F is lacking is a map change, although the ECU comes pre-programmed with the opposite maps. To entry all of the map settings, you have to buy a $200 GasGas map change and set up it.As a substitute of mapping adjustments, I experimented with the ability traits by upgrading the muffer. Dubach Racing Improvement, out of close by Riverside, stepped in to offer its NS-4 Slip-On. DRD rotated a freshly hand-welded and assembled unit in at some point to ship it in time for the Pink Bull Day In The Filth Grand Prix.With the Dubach Racing NS-4 Slip-On put in, I instantly observed a beefier grunt on the underside finish, and the motor appeared to rev extra freely. The mid-range remained easy and linear, which is what I like concerning the GasGas MC 250F. Nevertheless, essentially the most noticeable distinction is once I get into the excessive finish of the rev vary. Oh, man, the DRD muffler permits the engine to achieve even increased rpm whereas sustaining very usable over-rev energy.I shared my suggestions with the group at Dubach Racing, and so they stated my analysis matched the outcomes on the dyno. It’s what the NS-4 Slip-On was designed to do, and the GasGas motor welcomes the brand new addition.The 2023 GasGas MC 250F’s MSRP is $9199, in comparison with $9999 for the KTM 250 SX-F and one other $100 for the Husqvarna FC 450. With $800 to work with, you could have room for a couple of upgrades. Even after buying the map change and a DRD NS-4 muffler, the GasGas is available in underneath the value of the KTM or Husky equal. Nevertheless, the GasGas is $1000 greater than the wallet-friendly 2023 Honda CRF250R.The 2023 GasGas MC 250F is an absolute blast to trip. This platform can serve a variety of rider types. If you’re a weekend warrior vet rider on the lookout for a cushty ready-to-go motocross bike with straightforward dealing with, you’ll be proud of the MC 250F. For those who’re new to using filth bikes and are on the proper age and measurement for a 250 machine, the MC 250F is a rider-friendly platform with an opulent trip and linear energy supply. Quick guys who race competitively get the consolation and an extremely succesful energy bundle at a horny worth.Take a look at images by Don WilliamsDay In The Filth images by Trevor Nelson

RIDING STYLE

SPONSORS

• Air filter: DT-1 Filter Service (air filter)
• Muffler: Dubach Racing Improvement
• Graphics: NLAB Studio

2023 GasGas MC 250F Specs

ENGINE

• Kind: Single-cylinder four-stroke
• Displacement: 250cc
• Bore x stroke: 78 x 52.3mm
• Valvetrain: DOHC, 4 valves
• Beginning: Electrical
• Lubrication: Stress lubrication with 2 pumps
• Fueling: Keihin EFI w/ 44mm throttle physique
• Transmission: 5-speed
• Clutch: Moist multi-disc DDS clutch w/ Brembo hydraulics

CHASSIS

• Body: Central double-cradle chromoly metal
• Subframe: Aluminum
• Handlebar: Neken tapered aluminum
• Entrance suspension: Totally adjustable WP Xact inverted 48mm fork; 12.2 inches
• Rear suspension: Linkage-assisted totally adjustable WP Xact shock; 11.8 inches
• Entrance wheel: 21 x 1.60
• Rear wheel: 19 x 2.15
• Tires: Maxxis Maxxcross MX-ST
• Entrance tire: 80/100 x 21
• Rear tire: 110/90 x 19
• Entrance brake: 260mm disc w/ Brembo caliper
• Rear brake: 220mm stable disc w/ Brembo caliper

DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES

• Wheelbase: 58.5 inches
• Rake: 26.1 levels
• Triple clamp offset: 22mm
• Seat top: 37.4 levels
• Floor clearance: 14.6 inches
• Gas capability: 1.85 gallons
• Moist weight: 229 kilos 

2023 GasGas MC 250F Value: $9199 MSRP

2023 GasGas MC 250F Evaluate Photograph Gallery

2023 GasGas MC 250F at A Day In The Filth Photograph Gallery