Ever since the Pierer Mobility AG took over the Spanish GASGAS brand and brought it into the Austrian fold, the biggest GASGAS four-stroke has been the 2023 GASGAS EC 350F. Despite sharing many bits and pieces with KTM and Husqvarna, the GASGAS Enduro line-up was short-changed when it comes to range. The GASGAS four-stroke range stopped at 350 cubic centimetres and since they relaunched the brand in 2019 it hasn’t grown. They’ve always had a 250F and 350F but nothing larger.

But there’s been a chorus of people singing out for more gas. Riders more familiar with big-bore four-strokes have been left wanting and for MY24 our prayers have been answered with a MY24 GASGAS EC 450F and EC 500F

We can see the ears prick up of every rider in Western Australia and Finke and any Hattah Tragics. It’s awesome news. We love the GASGAS brand, mainly because of the price point and the colour. The all-red plastics really set it off in 2023 and the price offers by far the best value for money.

But before the 450F and 500F arrive in Australia we thought we’d take the 2023 GASGAS EC 350F out for one last spin to remind you guys just why this mid-cap will still be able to rumble with his soon-to-arrive bigger brothers.

A LOTTA FIGHT!

Despite being a mid-cap, the EC 350F could almost be mistaken for a 450F. It does not feel like an over powered 250F. In fact, it feels closer to a 450F than a 250F. People often ask me to explain that rationale.

The EC 350F signs off a little earlier than a 450F but you will only notice that on the fire roads. On the single track it feels like it has just as much power through the rev range as a 450F. By power I mean ability to hold taller gears through tight corners without having to ride the clutch to get going, the ability to drag my 100kg frame up hills and the ability to just crack the throttle and jump or wheelie over anything. It does this with the same ease as a 450F.

I feel like the 350Fs from the KTM group have improved in the power stakes in the last few years.

LESSOVVA HANDFUL!

Because the EC 350F doesn’t have the same roll-on inertia that the 450Fs do, it is easier to pull up. It stops quicker than a 450F or 500F and turns easier. You always feel like you’re riding a 350F and not the other way round, like some 450Fs and 500Fs can make you feel.

It’s easy to transition from sitting to standing because you’ve generally conserved more energy. When you get things slightly wrong it’s easier to dab that foot and correct things because there’s just a little less forward momentum. Saving energy when the bike gets out of control or you slip on the clutch is more valuable than any other energy saving while riding.

WILL IT GET FORGOTTEN?

The EC 450F and EC 500F lobbing up later this year but the EC350F will still be a popular trail unit. It does everything easier than a 450F and 500F and unless you’re looking for ponies in the sand, there’s really no need to have them on standby. On all five of our VIP Experience rides last year, most riders were actually taken aback by how powerful the EC 350F felt and some even opted for the EC 250F in the tight singletrail we had to tame. I’m sure if you were to ask the fifty punters we took out on a VIP Experience ride last year if they wanted more power in the trails, I think they would unanimously say no, but the desert punks and open roaders might not agree.

2023 GASGAS EC 350F

Engine Single-cylinder, four-stroke engine

Displacement 349.7 cm³

Stroke x Stroke 57.5 mm x 88 mm

Cooling Liquid

Transmission six-speed

Starter electric

Clutch Braktec DDS multidisc clutch in oil bath, hydraulically activated

Tank capacity 8.5L

Wheelbase 1490mm

Ground clearance 360mm

Seat height 950mm

Weight (dry) 106.4kg

Front suspension 48mm, WP Xplor, 300mm travel

Rear suspension WP Xact monoshock with linkage, 300mm travel

Front brake Braktec, 260mm disc

Rear brake Braktec 220mm disc

Handlebar N/A

Front Tyre Maxxis MaxxEnduro

Rear Tyre Maxxis MaxxEnduro

RRP $16,659 ride away

Warranty Six Months

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Tester | Mitch Lees