The Husqvarna TE 300 and GasGas EC 300.
The KTM Group got in touch to ask if we’d like a spin on the GasGas EC300 and the Husqvarna TE300. Would we? Oh all right then. We gave the bikes to our resident dirt nuts and pointed them in the direction of the enduro trails.
They say:
Each bike has its own merits and preferences are important when determining which bike is ‘better’. Both of these bikes are seriously cool. Both of these bikes are lots of fun and they are both so enormously capable. They are, however, very different. We pointed the bikes at the rocks, the fast-flowing sections in between the rocks – and we took them to our old, abandoned MX track to give them a whirl. Man, we had a good time! There really is a reason why the 300 two-strokes are the general bike of choice for enduro riding.
From a purely riding perspective the GasGas’s power delivery feels noticeably more aggressive than the Husqvarna, which is interesting considering that the Husqvarna comes with two riding modes, and somehow the Gasser’s single mode feels more aggressive than both of them.
It’s exciting to ride, wheelies for nothing and will definitely put a smile on any hooligan’s face. This quick, aggressive power was most fun on the tight and twisty bits between different enduro sections.
The GasGas feels faster than the Husqvarna but it’s also a louder, firmer ride. On the enduro sections it could still do everything the Husqvarna does, but with more aggression – something some people will enjoy.
The more techy terrain is where we felt the Husqvarna shine. It’s less aggressive and the bike feels more plush and planted. It makes predictable, smooth power, distinctly different to what we felt with the Gasser. Almost like a more mature motorcycle.
On the rocks the Husqvarna handles everything so gracefully thanks to the bike’s linear power, and the suspension really felt so well dialled for rock hopping. But don’t think that the Husqvarna’s not exciting; it’s just less aggressive but still ready to throw at any obstacle or terrain you may come across.
But the bikes are from the same stable?
A lot of these differences in rider feel are due to the various technical differences between the two bikes. Both have six-speed, liquid-cooled, two-stroke, single-cylinder engines.
The GasGas comes stock with a 14:42 secondary gear ratio; the Husqvarna features a 14:48, which gives the bike a more torquey set-up.
The GasGas uses a Braktec clutch and the Husky uses a Brembo clutch, both hydraulic systems. They both work well, but the Husky has a better feel to it.
The GasGas is five kilograms heavier than the Husqvarna, but it does feature a slightly bigger fuel tank than the Husqvarna, which is, in our opinion, not the worst trade-off.
One of the most noticeable differences between the bikes is the suspension. The Husqvarna is fitted with the group’s top-drawer WP XACT closed-cartridge 48 mm suspension, whereas the GasGas has the more cost-effective WP XPLOR-USD 48 mm open-cartridge suspension. That explains the slightly firmer ride on the Gasser and the Husky’s somewhat plusher experience.
This difference only applies to the front suspension as both bikes feature the same WP XACT monoshock rear suspension with linkage.
There are more differences in the handlebars, with the Husqvarna coming with Pro Taper and the GasGas’s from Neken.
Plus the tyres, with GasGas fitting Maxxis MaxxEnduro and the Husky with Dunlop AT82.
In a similar fashion to the clutches, the GasGas’s brakes are made by Braktec and the Husqvarna’s are by Brembo, both hydraulic, naturally.
Both bikes feature mapping switches with two modes; however, on the GasGas this switch is not standard and is available in the aftermarket catalogue. Both are fed by KTM’s TBI system with no premix and no carbs.
All of this explains the price difference. Husqvarna has always been positioned as the more premium brand within the KTM Group with more premium parts, and has a price that suitably reflects this at R185,699, while the GasGas is a more wallet-friendly R171,999.
Despite this, the GasGas certainly holds its own and two equal riders would definitely have a good dice on each bike if it came down to it. In fact, our lads preferred the aggressive nature of the GasGas.
So which should people buy? If you are willing to spend a bit extra, and you value a race-focused machine with good, clean, easy power delivery and a really smooth ride, get the Husqvarna.
However, if you are looking for something more aggressive, and dare we say, exciting, then the GasGas is the bike for you.
Chat to your Dealer.
