2021 GasGas EX 250F

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Current mpg numbers have not been recorded. The fuel tank size is 2.3 gallons.

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.

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.

The GasGas EX 250F includes a 30-day warranty.

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.