2021 GasGas MC 250F Review First Ride

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Although the 2021 GasGas MC 250F arrived a few weeks after Dirt Rider’s 2021 250 Four-Stroke Motocross Shootout, we got to swing a leg over the new quarter-liter machine at Glen Helen Raceway, where GasGas hosted the press launch of its entire MY21 dirt bike lineup. There are now three 250 four-stroke motocrossers in the Austrian bike lineup, and while the KTM 250 SX-F and Husqvarna FC 250 have some similarities, they also have significant differences.

Riding the 2021 GasGas MC 250F at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, California. (Mason Owens/)

Once looking past the red color and different front fender of the GasGas MC 250F, finding differences between it and the 250 SX-F is a little more difficult. If you were blindfolded and sat on either the KTM or GasGas, you really would not notice any differences. It is not until you actually ride the bikes that you find out GasGas made notable changes to the MC 250F.

As the third 250 four-stroke motocross bike in the Austrian manufacturer’s lineup, the 2021 GasGas MC 250F retails for $8,499, which puts it at $900 less than the 2021 Husqvarna FC 250 and $800 under the 2021 KTM 250 SX-F. (Mason Owens/)

2021 GasGas MC 250F Engine

My first impression is that the MC 250F engine is closer to the FC 250′s power but is smoother. There is no real spike in the power curve; it just steadily builds power and it does not have quite as much over-rev as the KTM. The engine has a nice light feeling, the throttle response is good, and the mapping seems to run clean.

The MC 250F’s engine is comparable to the FC 250’s power, but is smoother. It could use a little more torque and it is easy to stall the bike when applying the rear brake. (Mason Owens/)

At first, you might feel like the engine is detuned. However, the power is not necessarily reduced; it’s more spread out. I would describe it as a more linear power that flows more like the mighty Mississippi River, while the KTM’s power is more explosive like opening a bottle of champagne. Both can be very satisfying but in different ways. The advantage of the GasGas’ power delivery is it is more user-friendly for the less advanced rider and better suited for low-traction conditions. Additionally, it’s generally easier to ride and may even require a little less energy to ride at 100 percent.

Some of the most discernible technical differences of the MC 250F in comparison to its Austrian siblings are that it comes with forged triple clamps as opposed to CNC units, a header pipe without a resonance chamber, no map/traction control switch, and Maxxis MX-ST tires instead of Dunlop Geomax MX33 rubber. (Mason Owens/)

Don’t be mistaken, this does not mean the explosive power is not available; the engine and ECU on the GasGas are the same as the KTM. The main difference is the header pipe and airbox cover. Feature-wise, the only thing missing in comparison to the KTM is the map/traction control switch, which is available as a Technical Accessory for $169. The switch can be easily installed because the wire harness is ready to accept it and the ECU is preprogrammed to function with it. With that being said, it is worth noting that the MC 250F comes stock with the standard map 1, so purchasing and adding the map/traction control switch would thereby provide access to the more aggressive map 2 and traction control.

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The MC 250F’s low-rpm recovery is OK, but it’s better if you just remember to not be lazy and shift down to second gear for tighter corners. A different muffler and perhaps opening up the airbox by drilling holes in the airbox cover could make for noticeable improvements in this area. Shifting is what you would expect—nothing out of the ordinary and the gear ratios don’t have any noticeable gaps. The Brembo hydraulic clutch is good for shifting, but could offer a little more feel via a firmer lever pull.

GasGas did a good job with trying to pair the MC 250F engine’s smoother and easier-to-ride power with a softer, free-moving suspension setting. (Mason Owens/)

2021 GasGas MC 250F Suspension & Chassis/Handling

The MC 250F’s chrome-moly frame and aluminum subframe were carried over from the 250 SX-F model, while the swingarm is the same as the FC 250′s. Although the MC 250F uses the same WP Xact suspension components that come on the KTM, they have different internal settings that are specific to the GasGas motorcycle.

Although the suspension could be more planted for our liking, it gives the bike a very nimble feeling. (Mason Owens/)

The suspension is noticeably different on the track. GasGas did a good job with trying to pair the engine’s smoother and easier-to-ride power with a softer, free-moving suspension setting. It is a little less planted than the other Austrian bikes, which in turn gives the bike a very light and nimble feeling. This maximizes the GasGas’ already-low claimed weight of 218 pounds without fuel. However, I did feel like the bike could perform a little better by stiffening the fork and shock. Bottoming resistance is very good at both ends; it’s just the initial part of the stroke was a little busy. We went in on the shock’s high-speed compression and slowed the rebound as well. For the fork, I added 0.2 bar of air pressure.

The MC 250F’s light-feeling chassis is one of the characteristics that make it fun to ride. (Mason Owens/)

The Neken handlebar is the same bend as the KTM, but silver in color. The brakes, footpegs, levers, and controls are all the same as the orange bike as well. Maxxis MX-ST tires are mounted front and rear. I felt the tires were OK, but they did have a point where they would lose traction with a very on-off feeling and not much in between.

2021 GasGas MC 250F Overall Impression

Because it has the lowest retail price of the three Austrian-made 250 four-stroke motocrossers, you could purchase an MC 250F and add a few parts to it from the GasGas Technical Accessories catalog and still spend less than if you bought a 250 SX-F or FC 250. It all depends on the features you are looking for, the stock suspension setting that works best for your ability and riding style, and the appearance you prefer. (Mason Owens/)

Overall, the GasGas MC 250F is fun to ride and certainly performs up to expectations. If it had been in Dirt Rider’s 2021 250F Motocross Shootout, I don’t think it would have won, but I don’t think it would have finished last either. It seems to round out the Austrian lineup of 250F motocross models. With three different motorcycles, there is a bike with stock settings that will most likely fit your needs and riding style.

Let’s also not forget that what really needs to be mentioned is that the GasGas is a premium-level motorcycle that is easily comparable to a KTM or Husqvarna, but at a significantly lower retail price. The MC 250F retails for $8,499, which puts it at $900 lower than the FC 250 and $800 less than the 250 SX-F. With that, you could buy the MC 250F, add a few major accessories, and spend the same amount or less than someone who bought a new Husqvarna or KTM without any add-ons.

Gearbox

Helmet: Alpinestars Supertech M8

Goggle: Spy Foundation

Jersey: Alpinestars Supertech

Gloves: Alpinestars Radar

Pants: Alpinestars Supertech

Boots: Alpinestars Tech 10

2021 GasGas MC 250F Tech Spec

PRICE	$8,499
ENGINE	250cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke
TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE	5-speed/chain
FRAME	Steel central double-cradle
FRONT SUSPENSION	WP Xact 48mm fork adjustable for air pressure, compression damping, and rebound damping; 12.2-in. travel
REAR SUSPENSION	WP Xact shock adjustable for spring preload, high-/low-speed compression damping, and rebound damping; 11.8-in. travel
FRONT BRAKE	Brembo 2-piston caliper, 260mm disc
REAR BRAKE	Brembo 1-piston caliper, 220mm disc
WHEELBASE	58.5 in.
SEAT HEIGHT	37.4 in.
FUEL CAPACITY	1.8 gal.
CLAIMED WEIGHT	218 lb. (w/ all fluids except fuel)
AVAILABLE	Now
CONTACT	gasgas.com

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