Ups
- The one and only 350cc cross-country model with Spanish flare and Austrian manufacturing
- Impressive torque makes it easy to ride
- Loads of over-rev
Downs
- Springy suspension takes some getting used to
- Frame has mounting tabs for a skid plate but the bike does not come with one
- No hand guards
Verdict
The GasGas EX 350F shares many components with its Austrian counterparts, but at a cheaper MSRP. This leaves room in the budget for modifying areas that may need improvement.
Overview
The 2021 GasGas EX 350F is currently the only 350cc model in the GasGas lineup. It is categorized as a cross-country dirt bike and is one of three 350cc cross-country models from the Austrian brands. It plucks many items from its KTM and Husqvarna counterparts, but its price tag is significantly lower.
Updates for 2021
This is the first year the GasGas EX 350F is in production.
Pricing and Variants
The EX 350F shares the main frame, subframe, engine, fuel system, electronics, clutch, brakes, and Neken handlebar (though silver instead of black) from KTM and its swingarm from Husqvarna, but is $9,999, $700 less than the KTM 350 XC-F and Husqvarna FX 350. With this more affordable price tag, the EX 350F does not feature a map/traction control switch, hourmeter or hand guards like KTM/Husky, and has silver rims, forged triple clamps, and a header pipe that lacks a resonance chamber.
Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The EX 350F is powered by a 350cc liquid-cooled four-stroke single-cylinder engine that’s shared with its KTM equivalent. When the EX 350F made its dyno debut on our in-house rear-wheel dynamometer it produced 48.9 hp at 11,800 rpm and 25.3 pound-feet of torque at 8,800 rpm.
Dirt Rider test rider Allan Brown commended the impressive torque and over-rev characteristics: “There is plenty of power through the midrange, and just when you think it’s going to sign off, it keeps revving for a few thousand rpm more.”
With its broad powerband, Brown also said that the six-speed gearbox feels more close-ratio than wide-ratio as marketed.
Handling
Although it’s only 2 pounds heavier than the GasGas EX 250F, the 350′s additional power gives it a heavier engine feeling that affects the chassis, Brown covered. The WP Xact air fork and WP Xact shock, which are internally different from those on the KTM/Husqvarna, have a light springy feeling. “The WP Xact suspension components follow the ground very well in low-speed areas but have a bouncy feeling in higher-speed sections and whooped-out trails.”
The chassis has good stability and cornering abilities, but has a longer wheelbase feeling that is noticeable on tighter trails.
Brakes
Braking componentry on the EX 350F includes Brembo calipers (two-piston front and one-piston rear), 260mm front disc, and 220mm rear disc. Oftentimes Brown found himself using the rear brake to help control the chassis’ springy and heavy feeling.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
MPG is unlisted, but the fuel tank is appropriately sized for an off-road competition model at 2.25 gallons.
Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility
Ergonomics seem to be comfortably set up for short or tall riders; however, the Neken handlebar is a bit on the wide side and may benefit from being cut down a few millimeters on each side. The seat and chassis are narrow between the legs and is, overall, very spacious and comfortable when standing, Brown writes.
Electronics
The EX 350F starts up with a push on the electric starter button and the engine management system is by Keihin.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The EX 350F has a nontransferable 30-day warranty from date of purchase.
Quality
By sharing many of the same parts with KTM, these aspects of the EX 350F are equally as good as a KTM. Plus its lower MSRP leaves room to tune up the suspension/handling and add protective items such as a skid plate and hand guards if desired.
2021 GasGas EX 350F Claimed Specifications
| MSRP: | $9,999 |
|---|---|
| Engine: | 350cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder |
| Bore x Stroke: | 88.0 x 57.5mm |
| Transmission/Final Drive: | 6-speed/chain |
| Fuel Delivery: | EFI w/ 44mm throttle body |
| Clutch: | Wet, multiplate, Diaphragm Steel (DS); hydraulic actuation |
| Engine Management/Ignition: | Keihin EMS |
| Frame: | Central double cradle chromoly steel |
| Front Suspension: | WP Xact 48mm fork, air pressure, compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 12.2 in. travel |
| Rear Suspension: | WP Xact shock, spring preload, high-/low-speed compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 11.8 in. travel |
| Front Brake: | Brembo 2-piston caliper, 260mm disc |
| Rear Brake: | Brembo 1-piston caliper, 220mm disc |
| Wheels, Front/Rear: | Spoked wheels; 21 in. / 18 in. |
| Tires, Front/Rear: | Dunlop Geomax AT81; 80/100-21 / 110/100-18 |
| Rake/Trail: | 26.1°/NA |
| Wheelbase: | 58.5 in. |
| Ground Clearance: | 14.6 in. |
| Seat Height: | 37.4 in. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 2.25 gal. |
| Dry Weight: | 221 lb. |
| Contact: | gasgas.com |
Cycle World Tested Specifications
| Seat Height: | 37.7 in. |
|---|---|
| Wet Weight: | 237 lb. |
| Rear-Wheel Horsepower: | 48.9 hp @ 11,800 rpm |
| Rear-Wheel Torque: | 25.3 lb.-ft. @ 8,800 rpm |
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com