A new horizon settles in. Just when the day has run its course and ease flows in. It’s bold and fearless, and did I mention it is coloured an unmistakable red? A colour that denotes passion and energy. All terms are synonymous with the GASGAS brand.
For the upcoming year, GASGAS kicks things up a notch with more. More red, more fun and more bikes on offer. GASGAS finally unveils their new gen models across the Motocross, Enduro, and Cross Country range of bikes for the 2024 year.
The brand, from its inception, has roots embedded within the Spanish offroad culture since the early 1980s. The name originates from a simple saying “Vamos! Gas a fondo… gas gas.” which loosely translates to “Go!, faster faster! Push harder!”.
That’s exactly where the tide has turned up to date. Ever since joining the Pierer Mobility Group in 2019, it has reaped the success of launching its first bike range in South Africa in December of 2021.
On the 22nd of September, we all gathered at the Big Red Barn in Olifantsfontein to attend the first marketing event for GASGAS in South Africa. A launch evening that would have our eyes set on some of the brand-new models. These models, like the brand, are designed and set apart for fun, liveliness, vitality and vigour. They really are all about putting back the fun of getting down and dirty whilst making big leaps and advancements on mechanical designs and components that enhance that entire enjoyment factor by 10 fold.
We had Megan Prinsloo and Grant Frerichs take us through a presentation on the history of the GASGAS brand and bikes. Most importantly, they iterated what new features and updates we can look forward to across the models and across the off-road categories of Enduro, Motocross and Cross Country.
Ultimately, we see an introduction of the following new components: frames, aluminium subframes, redesigned bodywork, fork triple clamps, lighter motors and a few more that we’ll get into and the benefits thereof.
One of the highlight events of the year is the United In Dirt Festival. A festival that’s all about ripping it in the dirt with like-minded individuals whether you’re attending for rips and giggles or in a racing capacity. South Africa is one of four countries that host the festival, the others being Czech Republic, Belgium and Spain. At its core, it is all about going out and having fun with your offroad motorcycle. As Grant says, “In dirt, we are all the same.” These motorbikes fall right in line with the
As an exceptional milestone for GASGAS, Jorge Prado, a 22 years young Spanish rider secured GASGAS’ first-ever MXGP title. The replica of the renowned bike was amongst the line-up for the following day for test riding.
The launch evening drew to a wholesome close, with food and drinks being on offer whilst all those in attendance enjoyed the live music performance.
Day 2 of the GASGAS launch had us arrive at Legends Adventure Park for a Demo Day. This was the main day we awaited in anxious anticipation as we had the opportunity to get up close and personal with the EC, EX and MC bikes. (Enduro, Cross Country and Motocross respectively.) One of the exciting elements on the day’s agenda was not only the media and dealers getting their first runs out with the bikes but the public took part in the experience too.
The new generation of dirtbikes has been developed with the intention of being the best in performance on dirt. There’s a model for everyone. From the novice kicking things off with a 2-stroke MC 125 to the MXGP race machine, the MC 450F 4-stroke. It has been a game of tweaks and fine-tuned improvements throughout the entire bike and not just select minor changes. All the 2024 models are built with new lighter motors, which in turn translates to more torque and more high rev power. As mentioned above, GASGAS is in the business of more, like a gift that keeps on giving.
Motocross
The entire range is new from the MC 125 2-stroke, right up to the MC 450F 4-stroke. Straight away, you take note of the new bodywork but moreover, the addition of a new steel frame, new aluminium subframe and swingarm takes cornering and fast straights to the next level. As a neat update, the MC 125 and MC 250 are fitted with a convenient electric start button. With the new and lighter motors now being fitted in a more central position within the bike’s frame, you can expect much better handling from the bike.
Thanks to this unified motor position, the frames become easily and conveniently interchangeable, which in turn assists dealers with efficient stock control. The 125 comes standard with the map switch feature while the rest of the models have it as an add-on option purchasable as a technical accessory as well as quick-shifter and launch control for the 4 strokes.
GASGAS Motorcross Range
For more information on the bike featured in this article, click on the link below…
Enduro
It’s important to note that the entire 4-stroke range can be registered for road use. Additionally, GASGAS goes on to welcome the EC 450F which is a completely new offering. These bikes are not only fun but are designed with ease of ride. Admittedly, I have never ventured onto the Enduro or off-road scene, for that matter. This GASGAS 2024 range launch and demo day stirred up much personal excitement. A rare opportunity to be immersed in the offroad culture and truly dive into what it is all about.
Naturally, that wouldn’t come full circle without actually swinging a leg over one of these bold red machines. By honest suggestion, I was advised to hop onto the EC 250F and my word, what an experience that was. Everything felt counterintuitive, considering I come from an on-road riding background but soon I adapted and learnt to trust the bike under me. As part of the updates to the bodywork, it is larger with smoother contact areas that assist the rider in gripping the bike much tighter. Across all 3 categories, they feature new footpegs and new Nekken handlebars.
We see TPI being done away with, across the categories and the introduction of TBI, a new Throttle Body Injection system which ensures the motor is clean-run and produces power throughout the entire rev range. In contrast to the Motocross models, the Enduro bikes have a separate tank for the 2-strokes as compared to the premix in the Motocross range.
I made it around the designated route, with a few bails here and there, thanks to the assistance and coaching of professional dirtbike rider Zandre de Klerk who holds over 10 years of experience and has completed the Roof of Africa back in 2016.
GASGAS Enduro Range
For more information on the bike featured in this article, click on the link below…
Cross Country
It contains the smallest range out of the 3 categories. These bikes are capable of comfortably riding on and over rocks, Motocross style or the milder ride out with a few mates. The cross-country bikes are brand new from the front-to-back and top-to-bottom. They are specially adapted for tight spaces whilst also ideal for the wide and open. The cross-country range is the perfect mix of Enduro and Motocross.
On a personal note, having taken a go with the EX 350F, I struggled a lot more around the track. It was a lot more powerful and really demanded a higher than entry-level experience and skill. I had a sit down with Zandre to get some overall feedback and takeaway on the bikes he took out.
“Having ridden the EC 250F-500 and an EX 350F, the real sweet spot for me was the EC 500F. It was the perfect all-rounder. It was ideal and more than capable of flat as well as technical riding. The bike itself doubles up well as both hero and villain. You can ride it like a more tame 250 or when you so desire, kick things up into the beastly 500. The WP XACT rear shock with rear linkage was definitely a well-experienced practical element of the bike. The new suspension felt a lot more forgiving, taking in bumps and dips with ease. The larger footpegs undoubtedly added to the element of control. As a whole, each bike I rode held the GASGAS values firmly which for me dubbed my afternoon into more fun, thanks to more features and functions.
GASGAS Cross Country Range
For more information on the bike featured in this article, click on the link below…
The demo day went on, with plenty of experienced and intermediate riders taking turns on the various models of the bikes. All those present were further captivated by an outstanding trial biking showcase.
All in all, both the GASGAS launch evening and demo day were a big success. Be sure to tap into the full specs of each of the bikes in their respective categories. GASGAS really did not hold back nor leave any stone unturned with their 2024 model range. A brand focused on fun with function and a motto to “Get On The Gas” and go out there to enjoy your motorbike.
For more information on the bikes featured in this article, visit: www.gasgas.com
