Admin Posted March 1, 2021 Share Posted March 1, 2021 2021 GasGas EX 250F (GasGas/) Ups Suspension and chassis performs well on the motocross track<br/> Chassis is also very stable<br/> Relatively low price tag compared to its Austrian counterpart<br/> Nice gearbox that can be taken advantage of for a variety of terrain/riding Downs Reasonable suspension, but difficult to find a good balance<br/> Smooth, usable power, but odd hesitation in lower rpm<br/> Long wheelbase feeling limits tight, single-track maneuverability Verdict As a competitor in the four-stroke cross-country class, the 2021 GasGas EX 250F proves that it can do even more with its motocross track performance. Its low price tag relative to its Austrian siblings is also a nice perk. 2021 GasGas EX 250F (GasGas/) Overview Seeing as it is the motorcycle that Coastal GasGas Factory Racing’s Johnny Girroir contests in the Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) series, the 2021 GasGas EX 250F is a 250cc four-stroke cross-country model that is just about ready to hit the woods races right out of the box. Since KTM purchased GasGas back in 2019, it is important to note that its EX 250F has many similarities with KTM’s 250 XC-F. Updates for 2021 This is a new model from GasGas. Before KTM’s acquisition, GasGas did not have a 250 four-stroke cross-country motorcycle in its lineup. Pricing and Variants Tags at the dealer will indicate an MSRP of $9,099. This price is $600 cheaper than KTM’s 250 XC-F and $600 more than the Yamaha YZ250FX, for example. 2021 GasGas EX 250F (GasGas/) Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance Our in-house Dynojet 250i rear-wheel dynamometer pulled the peak figures of GasGas’ 250cc four-stroke off-road racer, resulting in 39.3 hp at 13,300 rpm and 18.8 pound-feet of torque at 9,200 rpm at the rear wheel. After multiple runs on the dyno, a little stumble in the low-rpm range is noticed. In Dirt Rider’s testing, rider Allan Brown noticed the same: “There is a slight dip in the power, mostly in third or higher gears and in the lower rpm (from 5,000 to 7,500 rpm). It feels somewhat rich, which might also be corrected with KTM’s vented airbox cover. First and second gears run as expected and the dip is less noticeable as you typically ride a little higher in the rpm range in those gears.” The combination of these factors contributed to the bike occasionally stalling rather easily at low rpm. 2021 GasGas EX 250F (GasGas/) Handling The WP Xact suspension components have GasGas-specific internal settings with valving geared specifically for cross-country races. The fork offers nearly unlimited adjustability thanks to the WP AER (air-spring) system. Our test rider did say that it was difficult to improve the initial hits in rocky sections, but that the suspension and chassis performed best at the motocross track. The GasGas’ chassis is a combination of the KTM frame/subframe and Husqvarna’s swingarm, which provides a very good amount of stability. It’s long wheelbase sensation also contributes to this but does introduce some minor problems in tight single-track trails, but is overall stable and maneuverable when the trail widens. Brakes Brembo brakes are another component that is carried over from the KTM model lineup, which provide a plentitude of stopping power for the cross-country model with 260mm front and 220mm rear discs. Fuel Economy and Real-world MPG Current mpg numbers have not been recorded. The fuel tank size is 2.3 gallons. 2021 GasGas EX 250F (GasGas/) Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility The Neken handlebar is pulled from the KTM and only differs in color. The lack of rubber mounting can limit overall comfort. The footpegs are also pulled from KTM. The EX 250F’s seat is also the same as the orange bike’s but with a red cover. The combination of these three KTM components contribute to the EX 250F’s agreeable rider triangle. Electronics An electric starter, electronic fuel injection, and Keihin EMS are the main electrical components in the system, supported by a lithium-ion battery. This motorcycle does not have an engine map switch, ABS, or traction control. Warranty and Maintenance Coverage The GasGas EX 250F includes a 30-day warranty. Quality Since KTM’s acquisition of GasGas, the four-stroke models acquire many of the same qualities and parts, just with red instead of orange. Some differences mainly include its lack of a resonance chamber on the header pipe as well as a map/TC switch on the handlebar. Another difference is its forged triple clamps. 2021 GasGas EX 250F (GasGas/) 2021 GasGas EX 250F Claimed Specifications MSRP: $9,099 Engine: 250cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke Bore x Stroke: 78.0 x 52.3mm Transmission/Final Drive: 6-speed/chain Fuel Delivery: Electronic fuel injection w/ 44mm throttle bodies Clutch: Wet, multiplate, hydraulically actuated Engine Management/Ignition: Keihin EMS Frame: Steel central double cradle Front Suspension: 48mm WP Xact fork, air pressure, compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 12.2 in. travel Rear Suspension: WP Xact shock, fully adjustable; 11.8 in. travel Front Brake: Brembo 2-piston caliper, 260mm disc Rear Brake: Brembo 1-piston caliper, 220mm disc Wheels, Front/Rear: Spoked wheels Tires, Front/Rear: Dunlop GeoMax AT81; 80/100-21 / 110/100-18 Rake/Trail: 26.1°/N/A Wheelbase: 58.5 in. Ground Clearance: 14.8 in. Seat Height: 37.4 in. Fuel Capacity: 2.3 gal. Wet Weight: 221 lb. (w/o fuel) Contact: gasgas.com Cycle World Tested Specifications MSRP: $9,099 Engine: 250cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke Bore x Stroke: 78.0 x 52.3mm Transmission/Final Drive: 6-speed/chain View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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