review of Gas Gas EC300

the Gas Gas EC300, the only 300cc stroker in singapore market back in 2001-02, the KTM didn't bring in their 300EXC. i was lucky to have a chance to ride on this monster as this is the 1 and only 1 in Singapore.

ride report, the bike is very light, and it feels light too when sitting on it, and the tank is also very slim, comparable to any modern MX machine. it doesn't need more than 3 kicks to fire up the bike, throttle response is instant and crisp. suspenson is marzochi 45mm fork and ohlin rear shock.

initial ride impression, the bike feel very torque, you can short shift it everywhere and the torque does not lack very far back, just a twist on the throttle and it goes thumping away, ya, this is a 2smoker i know.

on the straight, with a WOT, the power surge in with aggression and be prepare to brace yourself for the "arm pulling out of ya socket" sensation, image gets blurry from here.

suspension, handling. the bike is light and it is easy to flick around, even in tight trail or track, it is piece of cake for this machine. however, the front does feel abit twichy and have a "floating" feel, it does not feel as planted as other machine. but the rear track damn well, under power sliding under the huge G-loading, the rear does holds up well and build confidence for further rolling on of throttle.

the bike does jumping well, but not to the extend of those big jump, the suspension absorb it without breaking any sweat.

jetting, it is almost spot on, bike is easy to start, and it sensitive to even the slightest throttle position changing. clutch pull is light, even lighter than the KTM, and also, the low end thrust from the GasGas is more linear and manageable.

overall impression, this is a machine, with thumper's torque, which ya could use it in muddy condition to lug ya way up slippery condition, and power of smoker, where ya can blast it wide open on a open trail.