The investment that Torrot Group in late 2015 is beginning to show as Gas Gas announced today its line of 2018 Gas Gas EC Enduro and XC Cross Country motorcycles. According to company info, everything is new or significantly updgraded, including the engine, chassis and chassis geometry, suspension and a host of other parts.
The EX/XC models are available in 250cc and 300cc displacements, and all models come with electric starting as a standard feature. Gas Gas engineers worked to improve the engine performance of the two-stroke engines by incorporating a new crankshaft, a new cylinder and cylinder head while also adding a redesigned cylinder head stay that is claimed to reduce the engine vibration felt at the handlebars. Carburetion is via a Keihin PWK 38mm carburetor, and all EX/XC models feature an exhaust system with an FMF Powercore 2.1 muffler designed exclusively for Gas Gas. The XC and “Factory” models are also fitted with a new FMF exhaust pipe. Even with their increased power, both the 250s and 300s are compliant with Euro 4 emissions regulations.
In addition to increased performance, the new EC/XC models boast increased reliability via a redesigned cooling system that features more efficient radiators and a new filling cap location and left side air bleed. The radiator grilles are also new, boasting better airflow into the radiators for more effective cooling. Gas Gas also improved the clutch lubrication system for the EC/XC’s Magura hydraulically activated clutch, which feeds power to a six-speed transmission on all models.
The 2018 Gas Gas EC/XC models feature an all-new backbone-style Chrome-Moly steel chassis that has been re-tuned to reduce torsional stiffness for better handling and more steering lock for sharper turning than the previous chassis. It’s also 20 percent lighter than the previous chassis, according to Gas Gas. The 2018 EC/XC aluminum subframe has also been redesigned to reduce its component weight by 15 percent while also allowing easy access to the air filter housed inside a larger volume airbox than what was found on 2017 Gas Gas models.
The 2018 Gas Gas EC/XC suspension is via KYB, with a 48mm closed-cartridge, spring fork that features the compression damping adjusters at the top of the fork legs and the rebound damping adjusters at the bottom of the fork legs. Out back, a KYB piggyback shock with high- and low-speed compression and rebound controls is connected to an all-new seven-percent lighter swingarm via a new rotary axis, tie-rod and rocker with anti-swivel linkage. The swingarm also features a new chain tensioner system that allows for easier chain adjustments.
Other quality components include Excel wheels, Metzeler Six Days tires, Nissin brake calipers and cylinders and clamping NG 260mm front and 220mm rear discs.
Here’s a list of all the changes made to the 2018 Gas Gas EX/XC models:
- Kinematics
- Central backbone frame, completely redesigned, less torsional stiffness and low weight
- Aluminium sub-frame with new profiles, lighter and more resistant
Kayaba (KYB) Ø 48 front fork, AOS (Air/Oil Separation) system, sealed cartridge, adjustable spring rate, compression and rebound- Kayaba (KYB) monoshock with adjustable rebound and adjustable high and low speed compression.
- Greater turn angle.
- Black suspension and handlebar clamps.
- Fully redesigned aluminium alloy swingarm, optimized and lightened.
- Optimised link with wishbone and rocker system, new progressive rear suspension.
- Completely redesigned chain guide system and rollers .
- Easier chain tensioner adjustment.
- Rear axle designed for faster removal.
- EXCEL rims with silver galvanized spokes.
- NG brake discs.
- Narrower petrol tank with a large fuel capacity
- Larger air filter housing volume.
- Rapid filter removal system through the side cover number panel.
- Inlet system (filter, spider assembly, canister and nozzle).
- Narrower seat with lateral mounting covered with a larger foam base to improve comfort.
- Lighter footpegs with more grip and greater surface area.
- Nissin rear brake and slave cylinder system.
- MAGURA clutch cylinder.
- Redesign of the whole body of the motorcycle, narrower, more aggressive and more comfortable.
- Radiator grilles
Fork protectors- Frame protectors
- Electrical installation and distribution of its components (battery, CDI, starter relay, regulator and coil)
- New multifunction
- LED rear light and headlight
- New crankshaft
- Cylinder with new distribution
- Cylinder head with new strut
- FMF Powercore 2.1 exhaust silencer designed exclusively for Gas Gas
- Redesigned coolant system
- Improved clutch lubrication system
For more information on the 2018 Gas Gas EC/XC line of motorcycles, visit www.gasgas.com.
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