Gas Gas EC 300 Racing (2008–2014): A Two-Stroke Enduro Legend Revisited

Introduction

The Gas Gas EC 300 Racing stands as a cult favorite among hardcore enduro riders—a Spanish-built two-stroke that carved its niche in the golden era of pre-TPI off-road machines. Produced from 2008 to 2014, this generation blended raw power, agile handling, and race-ready components into a package that still turns heads today. While modern bikes chase electronic sophistication, the EC 300 Racing remains a visceral reminder of why riders fall in love with the scream of a two-stroke engine. Let’s dive into what makes this bike unforgettable.

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Engine Performance: The Heart of a Beast

At its core lies a liquid-cooled 294–299cc single-cylinder two-stroke engine—a design that saw subtle refinements over its production years. The carbureted powerplant (Keihin 38mm in later models) delivers a signature hit of adrenaline, with a broad powerband that’s surprisingly tractable for a 300cc two-stroke.

Key Highlights:
- Controlled Aggression: Unlike peaky motocross engines, the EC 300’s power builds linearly. It chugs through technical climbs without fouling plugs but explodes into a euphoric top-end rush when you crack the throttle.
- FMF Exhaust Synergy: Later models (2011–2014) paired with FMF exhaust systems sharpened the power delivery, offering crisper response and a throatier bark.
- Hydraulic Clutch Evolution: Post-2010 models adopted a hydraulic clutch, reducing lever effort—a godsend during marathon off-road sections.

The 6-speed gearbox is bulletproof, with ratios tailored for enduro versatility. First gear crawls through rock gardens, while sixth lets you stretch legs on fire roads. Just remember to mix fuel at 2% (50:1) or 1:50 ratios depending on the model year—neglect this, and you’ll be nursing a seized engine.

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Chassis & Handling: Dance Partner in the Dirt

Gas Gas nailed the geometry here. The chromoly steel perimeter frame (marketed as “Deltabox” or “Cr-Mo perimetral”) strikes a balance between flex and rigidity, inspiring confidence whether you’re railing berms or picking through roots.

Rider Triangle & Ergonomics:
- Seat Height: Ranges from 940–960 mm (37–37.8 inches), which feels towering for shorter riders but suits its aggressive stance.
- Weight Distribution: At 102–109 kg (224.9–240.3 lbs) dry, the EC 300 feels flickable mid-corner. Later models gained slight heft but retained their nimble character.
- Footpegs & Bars: Narrow bodywork lets you grip the bike with your knees, while the standard Renthal-style bars offer leverage for wrestling through trails.

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Suspension & Brakes: Precision Meets Plushness

Gas Gas didn’t cut corners here. Marzocchi and Öhlins components dominated the spec sheets, giving this generation serious cred against Austrian rivals.

Front Suspension:
- 2008–2010: 45–48mm Marzocchi USD forks with 295–305mm (11.6–12 inches) of travel. Adjustable compression/rebound in later years.
- 2011–2014: Upgraded to closed-cartridge forks (Marzocchi Shiver 45mm on the 2014 model), adding mid-stroke support for bigger hits.

Rear Suspension:
- Öhlins/Reiger Dominance: Earlier models used Öhlins shocks, while 2014 introduced Reiger mono-shocks—both offering rebound/compression/preload adjustments. The 310mm (12.2-inch) rear travel soaks up landings gracefully.

Braking Performance:
- Front: Twin 220mm wave discs (single disc on 2014) with dual-piston calipers. Strong bite without being grabby.
- Rear: Single 220mm disc with a reliable single-piston setup. Modulate carefully—it’s easy to lock up on loose descents.

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Competition: How It Stacks Up

The EC 300 Racing faced fierce rivals in its era. Here’s how it measured up:

1. KTM 300 EXC (2008–2014):
2. Pros: Lighter (98 kg dry), electric start (post-2012), broader dealer network.

3. Cons: Stiffer suspension setup; less forgiving on technical trails.

4. Husqvarna WR300:

5. Pros: Similar power delivery, Italian-made quality.

6. Cons: Heavier chassis; less refined stock suspension.

7. Yamaha WR250F:

8. Pros: Four-stroke reliability, smoother power for beginners.
9. Cons: Down on torque; weight penalty (~113 kg).

Gas Gas’ Edge: The EC 300’s standout feature was its “hybrid” personality—wild enough for experts yet tamable for intermediates. Its steel frame also flexed more forgivingly than KTM’s WP-equipped chassis on rocky terrain.

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Maintenance: Keeping the Beast Alive

Owning a two-stroke demands diligence. Here’s how to keep your EC 300 Racing thriving:

1. Air Filter Care:

2. Clean after every ride. Use biodegradable filter oil (available at MOTOPARTS.store) to trap fine dust.

3. Top-End Rebuilds:

4. Pistons last ~80–100 hours. Opt for forged aftermarket kits for durability.

5. Suspension Service:

6. Replace fork oil every 50 hours. Upgrade to SKF seals for harsh conditions.

7. Brake Upgrades:

8. Swap stock pads for sintered metal variants (Galfer or EBC) if you ride muddy tracks.

9. Chain & Sprockets:

10. The 520 chain wears quickly. Fit a DID ERT2 chain and steel sprockets for longevity.

Pro Tip: Keep a spare clutch slave cylinder (common failure point on hydraulic systems) in your trail toolkit.

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Final Thoughts: Why It Still Matters

The Gas Gas EC 300 Racing isn’t just a relic—it’s a testament to analog off-road mastery. While modern bikes pamper riders with fuel injection and traction control, this Spanish brute rewards skill with raw feedback. Whether you’re hunting for a vintage project or a budget-friendly race bike, the 2008–2014 generation remains a compelling choice. And when it’s time to rebuild, remember: MOTOPARTS.store has the sprockets, pistons, and wave rotors to keep your EC 300 shredding for another decade.

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Specifications sheet

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