Gas Gas EC 125 [2012-2016]: A Fiery Spanish Steed for Hardcore Enduro Riders

Overview

The Gas Gas EC 125 2T Six-Days isn’t just a dirt bike – it’s a statement. Born in Spain’s rugged terrain and refined through years of International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) competition, this two-stroke enduro machine from 2012-2016 represents a golden era of lightweight, high-revving aggression. Designed for riders who laugh at mud, scoff at rock gardens, and treat hill climbs like morning coffee rituals, the EC 125 combines race-bred components with a visceral riding experience that modern fuel-injected bikes can’t replicate. Let’s dissect why this orange-and-black warrior still makes adrenaline junkies weak at the knees.

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Engine Performance: Two-Stroke Theatre at Its Finest

At the heart of the EC 125 lies a 124.8cc liquid-cooled two-stroke single that’s equal parts symphony and sledgehammer. The 54.5mm bore and 54mm stroke create an oversquare design optimized for explosive top-end power, delivering 36.8 hp @ 10,000 rpm – enough to humble many 250cc four-strokes in power-to-weight ratio.

The Keihin PWK 38mm carburetor (a cult favorite among tuners) provides crisp throttle response. Unlike modern fuel-injected rivals, this carburated setup rewards skilled riders who understand jetting nuances. Cold starts require patience (thank the kickstarter gods), but once warm, the engine barks to life with a metallic snarl that’s pure moto-porn.

Power delivery is classic two-stroke:
- 0-6,000 rpm: Gentle enough for technical crawling
- 6,000-9,000 rpm: The "oh shit" zone where the power valve opens
- 10,000+ rpm: A screaming rush that’ll have you shifting up just to stop your arms from stretching

The 6-speed gearbox features ratios so perfectly spaced you’ll wonder why anyone needs a Rekluse clutch. First gear crawls up vertical ledges, while sixth will hit ~110 km/h (68 mph) – terrifying given the 95 kg (209 lbs) dry weight.

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Chassis & Handling: Ballet Dancer in a Brawler’s Body

Gas Gas’s chrome-moly frame and aluminum swingarm form a chassis that’s stiffer than a Catalan matador’s posture. At 1,480 mm (58.3") wheelbase, it splits the difference between flickable trials bikes and stable desert sleds. Combine this with 340 mm (13.4") ground clearance and you’ve got a bike that devours ruts and square-edged rocks.

Suspension highlights:
- 45mm Marzocchi Shiver forks: 298 mm (11.7") travel, adjustable compression/rebound
- Öhlins/Reiger rear shock: 298 mm (11.7") travel, high/low-speed compression tuning

The setup leans toward racing – initial fork stroke is firm to resist bottoming during MX-style jumps, while the shock’s progressive linkage soaks up enduro whoops. At 950 mm (37.4") seat height, shorter riders might need a stepping stool, but the narrow chassis helps when dab-footing through switchbacks.

Braking? The 260mm Galfer front wave rotor with Nissin 2-piston caliper offers more bite than a hungry bulldog. Rear brake modulation is sublime for controlling slides – crucial when the 140/80-18 Michelin Enduro Competition tire breaks traction.

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Design & Ergonomics: Function Over Flair (But Plenty of Attitude)

The Six-Days edition isn’t winning beauty contests, but its black/white/red livery screams “race ready.” Components like Excel rims, Renthal bars, and gripper seat cover hint at its premium intent.

Standout features:
- 9.5L (2.5 gal) fuel tank: Lasts 3-4 hours of hard riding – pack extra fuel for marathon stages
- Narrow bodywork: Lets you grip the bike with knees like a jockey on a Derby winner
- Tool-free airbox access: Clean the twin-filter setup in 2 minutes – genius for dusty races

The cockpit is minimalist – no fancy dash, just an hourmeter and kill switch. You’re here to ride, not watch YouTube.

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Competition: How It Stacks Up Against Rivals

KTM 125 EXC (2012-2016)

• Pros: Electric start, wider dealer network
• Cons: Softer suspension, 5hp less peak power
• Gas Gas Edge: Superior Öhlins suspension, more aggressive power curve

Husqvarna TE 125

• Pros: Linked rear brake, smoother power delivery
• Cons: Heavier chassis, less adjustable forks
• Gas Gas Edge: Lighter feel, better low-rpm tractability

Yamaha YZ125X

• Pros: Legendary reliability, $1,000 cheaper
• Cons: No lighting kit, 5-speed gearbox
• Gas Gas Edge: True enduro-ready specs out of the crate

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Maintenance: Keeping the Beast Alive

Two-strokes live hard, but the EC 125 is surprisingly low-maintenance if you follow these tips:

1. Premix Religiously
2. 1:50 oil ratio (2% – use MOTOPARTS.store’s synthetic 2T oil)

3. Shake the tank like a cocktail mixer before riding

4. Air Filter Care

5. Clean every 10 hours with biodegradable cleaner

6. Our TwinAir Dual-Stage filters improve airflow by 12%

7. Suspension Service

8. Replace fork oil every 80 hours

9. Öhlins shock rebuild kits available at MOTOPARTS.store

10. Top-End Rebuilds

11. Piston/ring every 60-80 hours (Wiseco kits recommended)

12. Check powervalve operation during rebuilds

13. Brake Upgrades

14. Swap to Galfer braided lines for improved feel
15. Our EBC sintered pads reduce fade during long descents

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The Verdict: Who Should Buy This Bike?

The 2012-2016 Gas Gas EC 125 2T Six-Days isn’t for everyone. It demands skill, thrives on abuse, and laughs at riders who can’t jet a carb. But for those fluent in the language of two-stroke mayhem, it’s a passport to riding nirvana.

Perfect for:
- B/C-class enduro racers needing a competitive edge
- Vintage two-stroke lovers wanting modern suspension
- Hard enduro specialists tackling extreme terrain

Avoid if:
- You prefer electric starts and fuel injection
- Maintenance intervals longer than your attention span
- Smooth fire roads are your idea of “off-road”

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MOTOPARTS.store Recommended Upgrades

1. FMF Fatty Pipe + Shorty Silencer: +4hp midrange, glorious acoustics
2. TM Designworks Chain Guide: Eliminates derailments in rock gardens
3. Acerbis Handguards: Save levers (and fingers) during crashes
4. Moose Racing Shift Lever: Forged steel beats OEM cast
5. MOTOPARTS.store Rebuild Kits: Complete gasket/seal sets for quick refreshes

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Final Thoughts

Riding the Gas Gas EC 125 is like taming a chainsaw – terrifying, exhilarating, and addictively raw. In an era of sanitized four-strokes, this Spanish slinger reminds us why two-strokes ruled off-road for decades. Sure, you’ll smell like premix and need to rebuild it more often than your relationships, but the sheer thrill factor? Priceless. Now grab your boots, mix some gas, and go scare yourself senseless.

MOTOPARTS.store has all OEM and performance parts to keep your EC 125 shredding. Use code “GASGAS15” for 15% off your first order!

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Specifications sheet

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