2024 GasGas Enduro Bikes First Look

GasGas’ enduro motorcycle lineup received lots of attention for 2024. In addition to moving to a new platform, the Austrian brand has added two models to its headlight-equipped off-road range. Joining the two-stroke duo of the EC 250 and EC 300 are a pair of big-bore four-strokes. First up is the EC 450F—a model equivalent to KTM’s 450 XCF-W and Husqvarna’s FE 450. The other new red Austrian ride in this group is the EW 500F, which boasts 50-state off-highway compliance.

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New chassis components are many, starting with a double-cradle chromoly steel frame with reworked wall thickness to help absorb energy. Anti-squat behavior is said to be improved in order to keep the rear of the bike higher for more comfort when exiting corners. Attached to it is a redesigned aluminum subframe.

The swingarm is said to be lighter and slightly stiffer, and uses a larger 22mm rear axle. The chain guide is designed to be stronger and has a rounder profile. Forged aluminum triple clamps are another new item, which offer a calculated amount of flex for precise cornering agility. Attached to the top triple clamp are new handlebar mounts that feature a larger surface area to reduce the chances of them twisting in the event of a crash. Speaking of the handlebar, there’s also a larger pad for it now.

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These Austrian enduros continue to use a WP Xplor 48mm open-cartridge coil-spring fork, but have longer legs to help balance out the bike. Internal settings have been updated to match the new chassis. At the rear is a new WP Xact shock that’s lighter and shorter, but retains 11.8 inches of travel. According to GasGas, differently sized flow holes in the shims allow oil to move more freely for a much more supple action, while a new piston keeps the shock higher in the stroke for improved comfort in the initial part of the stroke. The shock’s damping adjusters can now be moved by hand as well.

Inside the engine of each model is a Pankl Racing Systems six-speed transmission, which features a sensor that engages a specific engine map for each gear. A new gear lever prevents dirt from building up around the tip of the shifter as well. Also, a redesigned clutch lever is said to provide a bit more comfort.

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The EC 250 and EC 300 now feature throttle body injection (TBI) with a Keihin 39mm throttle body. This allowed engineers to develop a new electronic exhaust control that opens the main exhaust port before the lateral exhaust port opens for a much more linear and predictable power delivery. A new cylinder head boasts increased compression and helps create a broad spread of usable power. Cylinder heads on the EC 450F and EW 500F are lighter, more compact, and feature revised intake ports to increase horsepower.

In the electronics department, there’s a new Offroad Control Unit (OCU) under the seat, which replaces nearly all of the relays and fuses on prior models. If an electronic component on the bike registers a problem, a corresponding LED changes from green to red to help diagnose it so the rider or mechanic can fix it.

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Other updates shared among the four models include a new 2.4-gallon polyethylene fuel tank, larger footpegs mounted further inward on the frame, 300 percent brighter headlight, stronger throttle housing, and engine start and stop buttons combined on a single switch on the right side of the handlebar. The 2024 GasGas enduro range will be on dealership floors in October 2023. Full specs list for each model are below.

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