GASGAS EC400 FSE

GASGAS EC400 FSE
Manufacturer	GASGAS
Production	2002 - 03
Engine	Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 2 valve
Ignition	Magneti Marelli
Transmission	6 Speed
Frame	Deltabox type built using cromoly, rectangular tubes, aluminum swingarm
Suspension	Front: 45mm Marzocchi fors Rear: Progressive system with Öhlins shock absorber
Brakes	Front: Single 260mm disc 2 piston caliper Rear: Single 220mm disc 1 piston caliper
Front Tire	90/90 -21
Rear Tire	140/80 -18
Wheelbase	1475 mm / 58.1 in
Seat Height	900 mm / 35.4 in
Weight	118 kg / 260 lbs (dry),
Fuel Capacity	7.5 Liters / 2.0 US gal
Manuals	Service Manual

Engine

The engine was a Liquid cooled cooled Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 2 valve.

Chassis

It came with a 90/90 -21 front tire and a 140/80 -18 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via Single 260mm disc 2 piston caliper in the front and a Single 220mm disc 1 piston caliper in the rear. The front suspension was a 45mm Marzocchi fors while the rear was equipped with a Progressive system with Öhlins shock absorber. The EC400 FSE was fitted with a 7.5 Liters / 2.0 US gal fuel tank. The bike weighed just 118 kg / 260 lbs. The wheelbase was 1475 mm / 58.1 in long.

Photos

Overview

Gas Gas EC 400 FSE

Most people who have a fairly serious interest in the motorcycle world have probably heard of Gas Gas. Many people (in the U.S., particularly) might think of Gas Gas as a "trials bike company". The vast majority of riders probably haven't ridden a Gas Gas, and they probably don't know anyone who owns one. They might be surprised to learn that, in addition to its World trials championships, Gas Gas has been quite competitive in the World enduro scene, lately, as well. Until now, Gas Gas has been sharing a minor piece of the American enduro market with other low-volume European manufacturers such as Husaberg and TM.

The release of the EC400F four-stroke in the U.S. is the beginning of a move to change that situation. At the press introduction for this bike several weeks ago, I was offered a detailed explanation of the recent reorganization of the corporate structure in relationship to the North American market. As this would be of little interest to most readers, I will summarize it by saying that the company is fully prepared to make its presence known in the US market in the next few years. Perhaps inspired by the recent success of KTM, which less than a decade ago was nearly as unknown in the US market, Gas Gas will be releasing more enduro bikes, 300cc and 400cc ATVs, and a line of motocross-specific models (as opposed to the stripped-down enduro models the company previously sold for MX use) within the next two years.

If the designers intended for the EC400F to showcase Gas Gas' ability to produce well-thought out and technically advanced motorcycles for a reasonable price, they certainly succeeded. The bike features electric start, a hydraulic clutch, and Öhlins suspension front and rear (the Öhlins forks are a $500 option, the base model receiving 43mm WP units). In a testament to the technical capabilities of this relatively small company, the EC400F also features a fuel-injection system so seamless that one might easily forget it if not for the whir of the fuel pump when the keyed ignition is switched on.

Unfortunately, Gas Gas was only able to supply one pre-production EC400F for the press intro, and so I wasn't able to spend enough time with it to make a thorough evaluation. What time I did spend on the bike, however, left me with a very positive first impression, confirming some expectations and shattering others. Overall, I walked away impressed.

Perhaps this is a stereotype, but many riders used to riding Japanese bikes find that European bikes handle and feel somewhat, uh, "different". The EC400F did have a few unusual characteristics, notably a slightly raked-out feeling front end and an impression of carrying too little rear ride height, but these did little to detract from the bike's performance and I was still able to jump on the bike, hit the magic button, and take off on a fairly aggressive first lap of the test course. The bike was unexpectedly slim and light-feeling, which helped me get comfortable as I mainly ride MX bikes. The electric starter works perfectly, and, as I mentioned above, the fuel injection was spot-on.

Once out on the trails and riding aggressively, the 400 showed it's true weight (claimed at 260 lbs dry), but the Öhlins suspension kept the bike composed and I never found it difficult to manage. The test area consisted of semi-technical trails with few high-speed areas, yet I still found the suspension somewhat soft for my 150 pounds. Eastern riders will probably be able to perfect the ride with a little clicking, but us West Coast boys, as well as faster or heavier riders, may wish for stiffer springs.

The EC400F felt particularly versatile on these tighter trails, content to putt along one moment, but ready to accept a thrashing through the next section without hesitation. The bike favors an aggressive throttle hand, with the extremely tractable motor and excellent fuel injection response combining for effortless rear-wheel steering. Flat corners and ruts are easily handled as the bike holds it's line confidently through these turns. Hitting berms while riding aggressively might be somewhat unsettling, as the soft suspension settings cause the bike to drop down into the stroke noticeably, but this shouldn't actually affect the ride, as the rebound damping is impressively controlled.

The motor is so smooth and tractable that, when combined with the seamless throttle response, you might think you're riding an electric bike. In my short time riding the bike, that was as accurate of an impression as I was able to form. I can say that the power never seemed inadequate on the trail, and it's quick-revving nature made it feel somewhat more eager than some other 400 enduro/trail bikes. The exhaust note is pleasing without being too loud, a compromise many four-stroke builders seem unable to achieve.

Overall, the EC400FSE gave me a very good first impression. The bike is quite attractive as well, with red plastics and gold Öhlins forks being the highlights. I'd like to spend more time riding this bike, and I'm looking forward to seeing what Gas Gas has in store for American motorcyclists as far as other categories go.

Source Motorcycle Daily

Make Model	Gas Gas EC 400 FSE
Year	2002 - 03
Engine Type	Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 2 valve
Displacement	399 cc / 24.3 cu-in
Bore X Stroke	90 x 62.6 mm
Cooling System	Liquid cooled
Induction	Integrated fuel injection
Ignition	Magneti Marelli
Starting	Electric & Kick
Max Power	47 hp / 35 kW @ 9940 rpm
Max Torque	43 Nm / 31.7 lb-ft @ 6570 rpm
Transmission	6 Speed
Final Drive	Chain
Frame	Deltabox type built using cromoly, rectangular tubes, aluminum swingarm
Front Suspension	45mm Marzocchi fors
Front Wheel Travel	295 mm / 11.6 in
Rear Suspension	Progressive system with Öhlins shock absorber
Rear Wheel Travel	320 mm / 12.6 in
Front Brakes	Single 260mm disc 2 piston caliper
Rear Brakes	Single 220mm disc 1 piston caliper
Front Tire	90/90 -21
Rear Tire	140/80 -18
Wheelbase	1475 mm / 58.1 in
Seat Height	900 mm / 35.4 in
Ground Clearance	290 mm / 11.4 in
Dry Weight	118 kg / 260 lbs
Fuel Capacity	7.5 Liters / 2.0 US gal