RACE TEST: THE REAL TEST OF THE 2021 GASGAS MC 250F

IS THE 2021 GASGAS MC 250F MORE EFFICIENT THAN THE 2020 GASGAS MC 250F?

In 2019 Stefan Pierer bought the Spanish brand (which the Torrot group owned) and scrapped everything except the name and the trials bikes. Did Pierer really spend a fortune just on a name? Absolutely. The only GasGas motocross bike that MXA has tested in the past 48 years was Damon Bradshaw’s 2019 GasGas XC300. There's no better way to say it, but we didn't make a big deal out of this bike, even with all the work Damon has put into turning the dirt bike into a motocrosser. In the end, other than the GasGas name, the only thing Stefan Pierer took out of the deal was the GasGas line of trials bikes. As with all previous GasGas motorcycles, the technology was purchased by Rieju, who rebranded the existing 2020 GasGas motorcycles as Riejus.

Pierer has added the GasGas brand to its platform sharing lineup. Yes, he could have developed an all-new bike very different from his KTM and Husky brands, but that would have been a bad business decision. Its costs would have skyrocketed due to new molds, time spent on research and development, and building an all-new motorcycle from scratch. By borrowing frames, motors, suspensions, hubs, swingarm, throttle bodies, electronics and subframes from KTM and Husky, Pierer was able to benefit from economies of scale. In other words, he buys in bulk.

It's understood that the 2021 GasGas MC 250F isn't quite KTM or quite Husky, as there are a few differences that alter the powerband and lower the retail price; however, there are plenty of similarities beneath its red plastic.

The 2021 GasGas MC 250F is not a red KTM. She may be from the same family, but she has a different personality.

WHAT MAKES THE GASGAS MC 250F DIFFERENT FROM ITS ORANGE AND WHITE FRAME MATE?

GasGas engineers had to dance on the head of a pin to build a GasGas motocross bike that would stand out enough from KTMs or Huskys to give the illusion of being an all-new machine, but not so scary as to scare. potential buyers. Here are the elements that make these differences an asset.

PLASTIC : This is the most obvious difference, and also the most controversial. It's red, and the Hondas are also red; however, the GasGas is a darker red than the Honda's Tahitian red. All the plastic on the GasGas is different than the Husky and KTM, except for the fork guards, mud flap and gas cap, which are identical.

TRIPLE TRIPS: Most riders think GasGas' forged triple trees are a first for the Austrian giant. If we talk about the motocross side, it is true; however, the same forged forks that are on the GasGas MC 250F are on the KTM XC-W and EXC off-road models. At Husqvarna, bill forks are used on all models. The reason why GasGas opted for forged over billet is no doubt to reduce costs - forged triple trees are cheaper to manufacture, especially if the molds already exist, than billet triple trees machined by CNC on Husky and KTM dirt bikes. It's also possible that GasGas engineers wanted forged triple trees because they would flex more than billet ones. Of course, all top professionals, whether it's off-road or Supercross, use stiffer triple clamps, but let's be honest, most of us aren't pros. For most riders, controlled flex provides more feel and comfort than billet triple clamps. Too much flex or too much stiffness hurts the handling of a motorcycle. Everything should be done in moderation.

HANDLEBAR MOUNT : For years many riders complained about the warping of KTM's rubber bar mounts. Rubber mounts were appreciated as they reduced both engine vibration and field shock. However, GasGas bar mounts are bolted directly to the forged clamps without any rubber pads in between. What does that mean? (1) When we said forged triple trees gave the GasGas more flex, the billet bar mounts reduced that flex. (2) Without the rubber buffer between the bar mounts, there is more vibration at the handlebars.

SEAT : The seat base is the same as the KTM. It even has the same reference. Ours even had a KTM logo molded into the bottom of the saddle. What is different is the foam and the coating of the saddle. The saddle foam is noticeably softer than that of the KTM saddle, and the saddle shape is a little more rounded; however, this could be because the saddle pad is pushing the softer foam down. The grip of the saddle pad material is somewhere between the very grippy saddle pad of the KTM and the smooth saddle of the Husky; however, the GasGas’ softer foam made our riders feel like they had more grip the deeper they sank into the saddle.

BAR STOPS : See those steel stays welded to the front of your KTM or Husky frame that keep your handlebars from turning too hard? On the GasGas, instead of a welded steel bar, adjustable screws are used on both sides to reduce the turning radius (if desired). You can't widen the turning radius all the way, because the GasGas' radius is the same as the KTM's—and if the bars turned a quarter-inch more, they would hit the radiator. But you can decrease the turning radius by adjusting the bolts outward, which can be used to minimize tank slam. We love having this option.

TIRES : GasGas is the only major motocross brand that does not have Dunlop or Bridgestone as stock tires. We prefer the Dunlop MX33s that come on most 2021 bikes, but we're not too fond of the Bridgestone X30 in the rear that comes stock on the 2021 RM-Z450. GasGas chose the Maxxis MaxxCross MX-ST tires. Previous Maxxis motocross tires had a reputation for being more durable than performing. The Maxxis MaxxCross MX-ST is a performance tire. The rear tire offers great grip and traction when used in intermediate terrain, while the front offers good but not great grip when pushed hard. However, these tires are worth trying out at your local track before riding.

MAP SWITCH : The GasGas Engine Control Unit comes with all the electronics of the KTM and Husqvarna except it lacks the multi-switch push button to let you access Traction Control, Launch Control or Map 2. The GasGas stock map is the same as the one that comes default as Map 1 on the FC250 and 250SXF. If you want access to all maps, you will need to purchase the plug-and-play map switch from your local GasGas, KTM or Husky distributor. It plugs behind your front license plate. Child's play.

EXHAUST : Unlike the MC 450F, which has an ice cream cone insert in the exhaust, the MC 250F has the same open exhaust as the FC250 and 250SXF. What is different is the manifold. The MC 250F lacks the bulging resonance chamber that many people say makes the four-stroke pipe look like a two-stroke pipe. This is a cost-cutting measure on the part of GasGas that cost the engine just one decibel in sound testing.

HOUR METER : The 2021 GasGas MC 250F does not have a triple tree mounted hour meter on the 250SXF and FC250, but that's largely because there's no room to mount it on the forged GasGas triple clamp, which is thinner and narrower. You can purchase a replacement hour meter from Works Connection.

SUSPENSION: The three Austrian brands (KTM, Husky and GasGas) share the same WP XACT fork and shock. While the Husky and KTM have the same internal valves, the Husky's fork is 10mm shorter. Additionally, the Husqvarna's rear suspension benefits from a longer link arm, an all-new bell crank and reduced stroke on the shock absorber shaft, resulting in a 25mm reduction in ride height. of the saddle. As for the MC 250F, it is the only one of the three models to be equipped with a different valve. The valving is much like the one on last year’s 2020 Husky FC250, but improved. The setting is halfway between an off-road suspension and a motocross suspension.

WHY BUY THE GASGAS M MC 250F?

Simple. Affordable. You can get all the best parts the KTM 250SXF offers for $900 less. The riders this bike is for are Sunday warriors. The target market is guys who ride a few times a month and want a bike that has all the potential to perform better, but without the complexity. It benefits from KTM's racing heritage, while being reasonably priced and equipped with a comfortable suspension. It doesn't have all the options and gadgets of its Austrian siblings, but it's very fun to drive. Most riders don't bother turning traction control on or using launch control anyway.

The engine is identical to that of the powerful KTM 250SXF, but with a closed airbox and no resonance chamber, which makes the power flow smoother.

HOW DOES THE MC 250F PERFORM ON THE TRACK?

Not as good as the KTM 250SXF. The MXA wrecking crew wasn’t surprised by this, because it’s nothing new for KTM. They have a habit of changing the power characteristics of other brands to keep the KTM at the top of the company pecking order. KTM has restricted airflow in Husqvarna engines since 2014. Since the GasGas MC 250F is the least expensive model of the Austrian trio, there was no way front offices could allow it to outperform the FC250s and 250SXF more expensive, right? The good thing is that it's easy to get more air into the GasGas airbox. First, ride without the GasGas airbox cover to see how much extra power is available, if you like that feeling of course. Second, remove the inner lip of the airbox cover. Third, if you still want more power, drill holes in the airbox cover (behind and above the air cleaner). Fourth, we tested with a vented KTM airbox cover on our GasGas airbox. It fits quite well, as the GasGas and KTM airboxes are identical.

The vented airbox cover from a KTM will fit the GasGas. It won't fit perfectly because the radiator guards are further apart, but it will fit enough to use.

It is a powerful motorcycle as soon as it sucks air into the engine. It puts all the motorcycles in its class next to it. If we leave the airbox lid restricted, power is smoother and acceleration is slower. That's not necessarily a bad thing, as it makes the MC 250F very easy to ride and control. For most Sunday warriors or beginners, the power characteristics of the original MC 250F are perfectly adequate. It's when you can't handle the big double bumps of your local track that you may need to break out the Makita drill.

HOW DOES THE MC 250F PERFORM?

The combination of the softer suspension settings of the WP components, forged triple clamps and Maxxis front tire make the MC 250F handle differently from the KTM 250SXF. It's not a big difference, but it is noticeable. The MC 250F offers the same great straight-line stability and aggressive feel as its Austrian brethren. It does, however, find itself located farther back in the stroke with the softer suspension settings, which led test riders to complain of oversteer early in MXA's test program. At first we blamed the Maxxis tire, but after trying a Dunlop MX33 we blamed the flexing forged aluminum triple trees. Ultimately, we changed the torque specs on the triple clamps to 20Nm on the upper fork and 15Nm on the lower fork (which is tighter than the 17Nm/12Nm on the KTM and Husky forks). After that, we tested lowering and lowering the forks to adjust the response in the terrain.

Of course, our Pro test riders wanted the precision of the billet forks. The front Maxxis tire provided good traction, but like the forks, when the weight was heavy up front, riders found the tire reaction unpalatable. He wanted to push when the front part was overloaded (heavy). In the end, we bought a better front tire, but left the rear Maxxis intact.

The GasGas MC 250F is the lightest motorcycle in its class.

WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES?

The list of things we hated:

AIR BOX : GasGas must offer an optional air box cover like KTM and Husky so the engine can breathe. The original one is very restrictive.

SPOKE/SPOKE : The spoke near the wheel lock comes off quickly. Check it closely on the first day and every other day thereafter.

BLEED SCREWS : Please replace the fork bleed screws with the Phillips screws that were already available a few years ago.

PRELOAD RING : The plastic preload ring needs to be reinforced - it breaks easily.

FORK ADJUSTER : The thin and short fork adjuster hurts your fingers after a few clicks.

HANDLEBAR PAD : The GasGas handlebar pad appears to have been designed for the GasGas MC 50cc mini. He is small and stylish, but very unprotective.

FRONT TIRE : We think the rear Maxxis tire is a great tire, while the front tire has yet to be tested.

The WP forks are very plush and offer good bottoming resistance.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?

The list of things we liked:

WEIGHT : The Husky and KTM were the lightest bikes in the class, but the GasGas is almost a kilo lighter because of the things it doesn't have: billet triple clamps, resonance chamber, switch card stock and oversized plastic parts.

BRAKES : The GasGas shares the KTM's excellent Brembo brakes.

NO TOOLS REQUIRED : If you love KTM's tool-less (can be installed without tools) airbox, the GasGas airbox is the same. It is easy to reach and easy to put back once you understand the principle.

HYDRAULIC CLUTCH : The Brembo hydraulic clutch does all the work and takes a beating.

POWER : The 250SXF, FC250 and MC 250F all share the best engine in the category. Why? Because the engine is identical on all three bikes, leaving the difference to the airbox design.

ERGONOMICS : The GasGas MC 250F offers more flexibility and comfort than the other two Austrian motorcycles, which makes it easier to adapt to it. Minimal changes are needed to feel comfortable.

SUSPENSION : The only riders who won't be happy with the suspension setup are fast riders, but even they were impressed with the bottoming capabilities. They couldn't put the XACT fork flat. We actually stripped a lot of oil from the forks to get more travel.

LOCK-ON HANDLES : We loved the standard ODI lock-on handles.

PRICE : Some think that a price drop of $900 is not a big thing.. but for others it is a very important advantage.

GasGas did not choke the exhaust like they did on their 450. Instead, they used the same muffler as the 250SXF (but with the GasGas logos).

WHAT DO WE REALLY THINK OF THE 2021 GASGAS MC 250F?

We think Stefan Pierer's business plan will bring in a lot of money. Its three brands offer the same basic platforms but meet the needs of three different types of riders. The GasGas MC 250F has already been through the start-up phases - after all, the chassis and engine have already been the subject of years of research and development. If you want a red motorcycle that offers the same powerful brakes, efficient electric starter, tool-free airbox, lock-on grips, field-tested engine, hydraulic clutch, steel-braided brake hoses, stand clutch steel and light weight at a reduced price, the MC 250F is made for you.

2021 MXA GASGAS MC 250F SETUP SPECS

Here's a perfect 2021 GasGas MC 250F tuning guide for racing to help you find your own ideal tuning .

XACT 48MM FORK SETTINGS

In stock configuration, the WP XACT fork offered plush adjustability while providing excellent bottoming resistance. Most riders didn't get out of the stock ratchet settings. When we noticed that even our fastest Pro test riders weren't using the full travel of the WP fork, we lowered the oil level to allow them to use the full range. Test riders noticed that the front end would sometimes oversteer, but sliding the fork crowns down between the first and second row fixes the problem. For extreme racing, we recommend this fork setting for an average rider on the 2021 GasGas MC 250F (stock specs are in parentheses):

Air Pressure : 151psi

Compression : 12 clicks

Rebound : 12 clicks

Fork leg height : One and a half line (second line)

Notes : Remember to check the pressure daily and bleed the air screws to release accidental accumulated air pressure. Don’t be afraid to lower the air pressure or push the compression clicker further: MXA test riders use air pressure as low as 135 psi and clickers as far apart as 20.

WP SHOCK PARAMETERS

It's a good all-round shock absorber. Although we make clicker adjustments, we rarely stray from the standard 15 clicks on compression. This can be fixed with just a few ratchet changes. As a general rule, most MXA test riders keep the low-speed compression on the stock setting and focus on the high-speed adjustment mechanism to make the changes. For extreme racing, we recommend this shock setup for the 2021 GasGas MC 250F (base specs are in parentheses):

Compression rate : 42 N/mm

Race sag: 105mm

High Compression : 1.5 turns

Low compression : 15 clicks out

Rebound : 15 clicks

Notes : The standard shock spring is 42 N/mm rate, which is also the same spring rate as the GasGas MC 450F; however, on the 450, the shock spring is not firm enough to allow a rider weighing over 185 lbs to achieve between 30mm and 40mm of free sag. Fortunately, riders of 250 four-strokes weighing 185 lbs are rare.