GasGas turned up the warmth with the first-ever Spice It Up Pageant to disclose an all-new era of motocross, enduro, and cross-country bikes. Over 60 bike journalists and influencers from across the globe arrived in Città di Castello, Italy, for the official launch of the 2024 GasGas off-road bike product line, and it was an occasion.
Just some hours after touchdown in Italy, I used to be shuttled to an imposing, castle-like venue for the welcome dinner and official reveal of the 2024 GasGas off-road bikes. Because the anticipation grew and the group counted right down to zero, America’s Troy Lee Designs/Pink Bull/GasGas Manufacturing facility Racing Group 450-class rider Justin Barcia and six-time FIM EnduroGP World Champion Andrea Verona, driving for GasGas Manufacturing facility Racing, revealed the brand new era of GasGas off-road bikes.
Mannequin yr 2024 marks the primary all-new era for GasGas. Every class within the 2024 lineup is completely redesigned from entrance to again— new metal frames, new aluminum subframes, and new swingarms. GasGas engineers aimed to enhance efficiency and maximize the enjoyable issue (a GasGas catchphrase), telling me these updates improve the proper mixture of sharp cornering and straight-line stability. Moreover, the brand new era throughout all classes has new motor packages, bodywork, and suspension. So, yeah, these bikes are formally new and improved from the earlier era.
The GasGas Spice It Up Pageant is a two-day journey occasion for the media and Città di Castello locals. I rode on Friday, whereas Saturday was extra about technical displays from the engineers and a bit of bit extra seat time.
Saturday was open to most of the people to journey the brand new bikes for the primary time. This occasion was on the famend Crossodromo la Trogna, tucked away within the stunning Italian countryside, about 60 miles southeast of Florence. The European motocross observe is enjoyable and flowy, constructed on pure hillside terrain that provides many uphill and downhill sections, in addition to off-camber turns. The jumps are a blast, as they’re forgiving somewhat than intimidating. Crossodromo la Trogna is great for all ranges of riders.
The Italians didn’t use water vehicles; as a substitute, they constructed a sprinkler system alongside the observe’s boundaries. With a flip of a swap, the circuit is watered—in concept, not less than.
Nevertheless, the sprinkler system is sort of spotty, leaving components of the observe untouched and others over-soaked with huge puddles. The pure situation is a hard-packed dust base with unfastened, sandy topsoil.
After watering, the observe was very slick, virtually like driving on ice. I used to be experiencing a two-wheel drift into corners, and the uphills have been a wrestle for the smaller displacement bikes. It was sketchy, to say the least. When the observe dried up and contours started to kind, the situations have been epic.
Though I journey extra motocross than some other self-discipline, GasGas inspired me to journey all 16 off-road fashions. Nevertheless, as time was restricted and a few enduro fashions aren’t provided in North America, I centered totally on the motocross class. Nevertheless, I did need to make it some extent to check all of the lessons, together with motocross, enduro, and cross-country.
On the primary day of the occasion, I rode on the Enduro course—a brand new driving expertise for me. The cross-country class bikes boast slight variations in elements from the motocross class, although they share the identical motor, gearing, chassis, and WP suspension elements.
The North American-only Cross Nation fashions—the EX 250 and 300 two-strokes, and 250F, 350F, and 450F four-strokes—are designed for desert or long-distance path driving, a method of driving not widespread in Europe. Most European nations don’t permit free driving, so off-road driving is restricted to personal property. North America is extra lenient about off-road restrictions, so there are vastly extra areas obtainable to journey.
Every Cross Nation GasGas has a 2.4-gallon gasoline tank, a kickstand, an 18-inch rear wheel, and 11.8 inches of wheel journey, entrance and rear. Aside from that, there are not any variations within the chassis, motor, or gearing in comparison with the motocross fashions.
I hopped aboard my first bike of the day, the 2024 GasGas EX 250F. The EX 250F is a good all-around off-road bike for nearly any terrain. The EX 250F felt acquainted, as I’m primarily a 250 four-stroke rider. It dealt with the tight, single-track trails and technical rocky sections on the Enduro course properly.
With the added weight from the Cross Nation tools, the bike has a well-balanced stability. The EX 250F’s DOHC motor is snappy on the underside finish. I used to be anticipating a smoother throttle response, however then I remembered that The EX 250F and the complete Cross Nation line share the identical gearing because the motocross line.
At gradual speeds, the 2024 GasGas EX 250F had loads of torque wanted to nook by tight and quite a few blind sandy corners with uphill exits. Even when conserving my tempo up by the nook, I wanted the punch of the throttle to tug me out. If I wasn’t in a rush, the EX 250F had no downside lugging by the deep sand.
After a number of laps on the Enduro course, I headed over to the motocross observe to check the EX 250F at greater speeds, and it acquired round simply nice. On the greater cornering speeds, I discovered myself wanting a bit of extra energy on the underside finish—the motor appeared softer on the MX course than on the Enduro circuit. The ability feels punchier on the tight single-track than on an open motocross course. General, the EX 250F felt quicker on the enduro course than on the motocross course, which is sensible, as that’s its pure habitat.
Shifting on to the headlight-equipped Enduro lineup, there are two fashions obtainable in the US—the EC 250 and EC 300 two-strokes. North America doesn’t get the EC 450F.
After I hung out on the Cross Nation EX 250F, I used to be keen to leap on a two-stroke Enduro mannequin to check out the brand new throttle-body EFI and enduro-specific gearing. I grabbed the EC 250 and pushed that magic electric-start button to go again onto the enduro course.
Impressively, the 2024 GasGas EC 250 may be very clean throughout acceleration. Whereas I used to be anticipating an explosive powerband, the EC 250 may be very a lot a technical-terrain bike. The EFI and enduro gearing makes the EC 250 straightforward to journey by technical terrain and on tight trails. But, the 2-stroke engine has loads of energy and undoubtedly will get up and goes after I get on the fuel. Nonetheless, I by no means felt as if the bike wished to get away from me.
With the added weight of the bigger gasoline tank and electrical elements, plus softer suspension settings, the bike stayed planted to the bottom, dealing with fairly easily across the total enduro course. I didn’t really feel the burden when driving; it was nimble sufficient to get across the technical sections.
Nevertheless, I did have a tip-over or two on the EC 250. Once I was choosing up the EC 250, it felt heavier than your common 250 2-stroke motocrosser. Luckily, the burden isn’t noticeable whereas driving, so simply maintain it on two wheels (wink, wink).
An added bonus for the 2024 Enduro line is an up to date LED headlight with commonplace and excessive beam settings. Completely different for this yr is that while you activate the excessive beam gentle, the usual gentle stays on; beforehand, the usual gentle would shut off while you flip on the excessive beam. That provides gentle, so that you see higher when the solar goes down.
For many years the 250cc 2-stroke has been the #1 selection for enduro racers across the globe. The 250cc 2-stroke bundle provides an amazing mixture of sturdy energy and light-weight weight. The 2024 GasGas EC 250 is not any exception. Boasting loads of energy, predictable throttle response, and enduro gearing, the brand new EC 250 is an excellent selection for riders who demand efficiency and agility in technical terrain.
The total motocross lineup contains the MC 125 and MC 250 two-stroke and a trio of four-strokes—MC 250F, MC 350F, and MC 450F. Sure, in fact, I threw a leg over the complete motocross lineup. It had been fairly a while since I rode a two-stroke MXer, so I used to be desirous to hop on the up to date MC 125 and MC 250.
The primary motocross bike I rode was the 2024 GasGas MC 125. Man, that factor is a screamer! It’s gentle and nimble and likes to be revved to the moon. Like all 125cc 2-stroke motocross bikes, the meat of the facility is within the mid to high finish of the rev vary. The MC 125 shouldn’t be a motorcycle to lug round at low rpm.
It solely took me about half a lap to understand I wasn’t on a four-stroke anymore—ha-ha. I chortle as a result of it was like I virtually forgot easy methods to journey a two-stroke. The MC 125 should be ridden aggressively.
Returning to what I stated earlier concerning the over-watering situations at this observe, the MC 125 struggled on the uphills. The unfastened topsoil soaked up the water and never solely grew to become very slick, nevertheless it was heavy. Nonetheless, the tiny MC 125 was just like the little engine that might. It by no means gave up however finally acquired to the highest with the assistance of his little good friend, the clutch. The mud situations have been a problem for the MC 125, so I needed to shortly modify my driving fashion to be extra aggressive—laborious on the throttle and clutch the complete time.
As soon as I dialed in my strains and discovered the observe, the MC 125 was presumably some of the enjoyable bikes I’ve been on in a very long time. I cherished how gentle and nimble the MC 125 is. It’s plenty of enjoyable when you may throw a motorcycle round and nonetheless really feel assured it’ll preserve traction.
The MC 125, like all 125 2-strokes, wants some help with the clutch. As soon as I acquired within the candy spot of the powerband and connected on some drier dust, the MC 125 carried me by the uphill step-up jumps and not using a downside.
What makes the 2024 GasGas MC 125 even higher now for this new era is that it’s fueled utilizing Throttle Physique Injection — a 39mm Keihin throttle physique, to be exact — which works along with the ECU to ship the proper mixture of gasoline and air. It’s really dual-injected now. Which means no extra premixing fuel! There’s a separate reservoir for the two-stroke oil mounted beneath the middle backbone of the chassis. All it’s a must to do is fill the oil reservoir; the EFI does all of the air, gasoline, and oil mixing for you.
There are numerous upsides to dual-injected 2-strokes. Not solely do you get clean, crispy throttle response and constant air/gasoline combination by way of the EFI. However the very best a part of all is now you may steal a few of your 4-stroke buddy’s fuel with out the necessity to premix!
One dealing with attribute widespread in all of the GasGas fashions is that they provide nice front-end traction—an amazing confidence booster. Rear-end traction felt fairly planted as properly.
Whereas the chassis and suspension design contributes considerably to the high-traction attribute, the tires are what hit the bottom. All GasGas motocross fashions come outfitted with Maxxcross MX-ST rubber, which was developed with the assistance of seven-time Supercross champion Jeremy McGrath. The MC 125 is the one bike within the motocross lineup with a 100/90-19 rear tire—the remaining have a 110.
The Maxxis Maxxcross MX-ST tires have an intermediate/delicate rubber compound score with a light-weight, pliable carcass design. The softer nature of the Maxxcross MX-ST flexes and absorbs uneven bumps and sq. edge impacts higher than a tougher carcass tire. I’ve no complaints concerning the MX-ST tires—they hook up properly on quick acceleration and supply extra consolation. They match up completely with the aim of the GasGas machines.
There have been a number of sections with heavy acceleration bumps out of corners touring uphill, and the MC 125 stayed straight even when operating excessive within the rev vary. General, the MC 125’s dealing with is well-balanced, profiting from the motor.
Shifting as much as the larger brother two-stroke, the 2024 GasGas MC 250. It’s a beast, however a tame beast. The EFI delivers extra predictable and manageable energy than that extracted from a carbureted two-stroke. I can really feel the powerband kick in after I attain the mid-range, although it wasn’t a harsh transition from low to mid.
Opposite to the MC 125, the MC 250 is way more able to driving in a taller gear and lugging round corners with out clutching. Positive, it’s twice the motor, although a mid-size two-stroke historically doesn’t prefer to be lugged. The fuel-injected MC 250 was beneficiant to me in a few of the observe’s slower or muddy sections.
Even with its beastly energy, the MC 250 wished to remain planted and hook as much as the bottom throughout high-speed acceleration. Later within the day, because the observe grew to become a bit extra beat up with harsh acceleration bumps, the rear finish of the MC 250 was secure and wasn’t swapping round on me. It additionally feels very gentle, similar to the MC 125—very nimble but maintains traction.
The suspension setup on each the MC 125 and MC 250 really feel nice. The WP Xact fork and rear shock provide a really plush journey. For my pace, which is common, the softer suspension system works nice, particularly when driving aggressively on the two-stroke machines.
The 2024 GasGas chassis is designed to be a bit stiffer than the earlier era, permitting the suspension to work as designed. With much less flex within the chassis, the general dealing with of the MC 125 and MC 250 is extra predictable and dealt with by tough stuff with clean suggestions.
I respect that GasGas bikes usually are not overly delicate to the small uneven bumps or small rocks. I favor a extra forgiving chassis, somewhat than one which will get thrown off target after I roll over a tiny rock or bump in a rut. Delicate chassis are tough to journey and require much-needed like to correctly go well with the rider’s choice. The GasGas metal chassis and WP Xact suspension are designed for consolation and rideability. I give the GasGas chassis two thumbs up for a secure design that doesn’t get disrupted by each little bump or rock.
To judge the four-stroke, I moved up the ranks from the MC 250F to the MC 350F and the MC 450F for an incremental comparability.
I spent plenty of time testing the 2023 MC 250F, so I used to be very to see how the all-new 2024 would examine. Proper off the bat, the ergonomics really feel very comfy, as they did on the 2023 mannequin. Nevertheless, the ergonomics did obtain an replace for 2024, together with the body and subframe.
On my first few laps, I acquired a really feel for the dealing with. Historically, the GasGas lineup has a really plush, or delicate, really feel to the dealing with because of the nature of a compliant metal body. Even with the added stiffness to the 2024 body, the chassis stays forgiving.
The ability supply of the MC 250F is linear from backside to high, although the very backside finish is perhaps a bit of too delicate. Nevertheless, from a purely “enjoyable issue‚” perspective, the facility supply is rider-friendly and predictable, sustaining traction throughout acceleration and may be very predictable even by tough sections. For a more-aggressive backside finish, get the map choice swap accent, which unlocks a second engine map.
Subsequent on the listing is the 2023 GasGas MC 350F. I had heard many nice issues about 350cc four-strokes however had not but ridden one.
Actually, as I used to be driving the MC 350F, Goldilocks and the Three Bears got here to thoughts. The motor shouldn’t be too highly effective (the MC 450F) and never too delicate (the MC 250F). The MC 350F is excellent. The MC 350F has the bottom-end torque I used to be searching for within the MC 250F, and it isn’t as explosive because the MC 450F. The MC 350F is the very best of each worlds. It could possibly nonetheless be ridden aggressively like a 250F by revving it out, nevertheless it received’t rip your arms off when unleashed just like the MC 450F.
The MC 350F has a a lot completely different energy supply really feel than the linear MC 250F. The MC 350F has an amazing throttle response on the underside finish and accelerates shortly after I get into the mid-range. From the midrange to the highest finish, the MC 350F will get one other energy enhance. Luckily, the acceleration is controllable, and the dealing with stays predictable.
Main as much as jumps on the uphill sections, it’s a must to be on the fuel to maintain your momentum. The MC 350F plows by the acceleration bumps fairly properly with out shedding rear-end traction, and the entrance finish stays the place I would like it to. I don’t need to work as laborious to rise up to hurry. With a clean throttle roll-on, the MC 350F winds up shortly.
There have been a number of occasions, nonetheless, by the longer straights of the Crossodromo la Trogna MX observe, I felt as if the MC 350F wished to get out from beneath me. Going from the MC 250F to the MC 350F, my throttle management needed to modify—I couldn’t simply maintain the MC 350F broad open out of corners like on the MC 250F. As an alternative, I rolled the throttle on a bit slower to speed up out of corners. The punchy low-end torque permits me to journey a bit smoother. As soon as I acquired a superb really feel for it, the MC 350F shortly grew to become my favourite GasGas motocross bike.
The ultimate bike of the day, the 2024 GasGas MC 450F, is an absolute beast. Earlier than hopping on the MC 450F, I anticipated it to be tame however highly effective; I used to be method off in my presumption. The MC 450F packs an enormous punch. I imply, it’s quick.
The MC 450F is a unique animal than the smaller displacement four-strokes; it needs to be ridden in a different way. Except you’re Justin Barcia, you’ll by no means use the facility to its most potential. Even Barcia made a remark about how briskly the 450 is. He stated if he have been retired and simply wished to journey for enjoyable, he would select the MC 350F over the MC 450F.
After all, the MC 450F is a enjoyable bike to journey and is sort of exhilarating with the quantity of torque it places out to the bottom. I’m fairly certain I didn’t even get out of 2nd gear across the total motocross observe. Second gear looks like it pulls endlessly and has loads of top-end energy.
For a mean rider, the MC 450F requires little to no shifting on most motocross tracks. A rider can maintain the MC 450F in 2nd or third gear all day lengthy with out bogging across the corners, and 2nd gear retains pulling far into the excessive finish of the rev vary with out shedding energy.
General, the dealing with of every of the four-stroke GasGas motocrossers feels fairly comparable—keep in mind, they share the identical chassis and suspension. Even the MC 450F felt nimble sufficient to maneuver as wanted. It felt gentle within the air and round corners. Because it chug-a-lugged across the motocross observe, the MC 450F maintained entrance and rear traction.
The GasGas line of off-road bikes lives as much as the model’s mantra because the enjoyable model of bikes. The general engineering design work of the GasGas lineup—from the motor to the chassis, suspension, and ergonomics—is purpose-built with the enjoyable consider thoughts. The GasGas motocross lineup is definitely race-capable, although not fairly as “Prepared To Race” as its KTM counterpart claims.
Race capabilities have rather a lot to do with suspension setup and engine mapping. For the informal rider who races sometimes, the GasGas is a superb selection out of the field. GasGas provides confidence-building dealing with traits and predictable throttle response. For the high-level aggressive racer touring to Loretta’s or the privateer touring to the AMA Nationals, GasGas shouldn’t be a nasty selection, however it’ll want some further like to get it in control with the remainder of the fleet.
Nevertheless, if you happen to take racing out of the image and need to exit and journey to your coronary heart’s content material, the comfy and rideable GasGas four-stroke trio is a improbable MX track-day platform.
Folks will typically ask why GasGas even exists. They assume it’s only a pink KTM, however that’s not in any respect the case. Regardless of many similarities within the design, the outcomes are fairly completely different. I used to be speaking with the GasGas engineers throughout the technical displays on the second day of the Spice It Up Pageant. I requested one of many motor engineers if the GasGas powerplant is any completely different from Husqvarna or KTM. He plainly informed me, “No. They’re the identical.” So, whereas we all know the Austrian manufacturers share the identical mechanical motor, that doesn’t imply all of them journey the identical.
The principle variations you’ll discover among the many Austrian trio, apart from the colour and bodywork, are the elements. The brakes, electronics, suspension setup, engine mapping, wheels, and hubs usually are not the identical, and that’s not an entire listing. There are variations within the chassis design as properly. All this stuff make an amazing distinction in general efficiency and really feel.
GasGas works laborious to distinguish itself from KTM and Husqvarna by creating bikes with the enjoyable issue high of thoughts. Using the bike is enjoyable and comfy, and the value tag can be enjoyable. The GasGas fashions retail significantly lower than the Husqvarna or KTM fashions—generally almost $1000 much less.
Along with creating enjoyable bikes, the GasGas household is a enjoyable bunch of individuals. They placed on an incredible two-day occasion that introduced collectively media from all over the world and native riders to mingle and discuss dust bikes. GasGas appears centered on riders and the dust bike neighborhood. The Spice It Up Pageant is not any exception as they seemingly spared no expense at making it enjoyable with good meals, stay music, neighborhood, and Italian wine that flowed like water—the proper night after a tough couple of days take a look at driving enjoyable bikes.
Images by Will Embree, Angel Altes Media, et al
GasGas Spice It Up Pageant Picture Gallery
