Gas Gas EC 300 Racing (2015-2017): A Timeless Enduro Weapon Revisited

Introduction

The Gas Gas EC 300 Racing (2015-2017) remains a cult favorite among hardcore enduro riders, and for good reason. This Spanish-built two-stroke machine blends raw power with precision engineering, offering a ride that feels as alive today as it did when it first hit the trails. Designed for riders who demand agility, durability, and that unmistakable two-stroke punch, the EC 300 Racing carved its niche in an era when carburetors still ruled the dirt. Let’s dive into what makes this bike a standout, even when viewed through the lens of modern off-road expectations.

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Engine Performance: Carbureted Fury Meets Tunable Power

At the heart of the EC 300 Racing lies a 299.3cc liquid-cooled two-stroke engine, fed by a Keihin PWK 38mm carburetor. Unlike modern fuel-injected rivals, this setup rewards riders who appreciate the tactile art of jetting and tuning. The engine’s bore and stroke are squared at 72mm x 72mm, creating a broad powerband that pulls aggressively from basement-low RPMs to a satisfying top-end scream.

The VForce 4 reed valve ensures crisp throttle response, while the FMF silencer keeps the exhaust note throaty without crossing into obnoxious territory. Riders will notice the engine’s versatility: it chugs lazily through technical sections like a trials bike but transforms into a snarling beast when the throttle is cracked open. The 6-speed gearbox is impeccably spaced, with a tall sixth gear that makes connecting trail sections less frantic.

What’s remarkable is the dual starter system—electric start for convenience and a kickstarter for redundancy. For a two-stroke, this is a luxury that even some modern bikes lack. Mixing fuel at a 1:50 ratio might deter beginners, but veterans will appreciate the simplicity of premix over oil-injection systems that can fail mid-ride.

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Chassis and Suspension: Precision Meets Brutish Strength

The EC 300 Racing’s chrome-molybdenum perimeter frame is a masterpiece of balance. It’s stiff enough to handle big hits but flexes subtly to maintain traction on off-camber roots and rocks. At 107 kg (235.9 lbs) dry, the bike feels shockingly light when maneuvering through tight singletrack, yet stable at speed in open terrain.

Front Suspension: Marzocchi Shiver 48mm inverted forks dominate the front end. With 305 mm (12 inches) of travel, they swallow everything from sharp-edged rocks to high-speed whoops. The closed-cartridge design minimizes fade during long rides, and adjustments for compression and rebound are intuitive—even for riders unfamiliar with Italian suspension nuances.

Rear Suspension: The Reiger Mono shock delivers 298 mm (11.7 inches) of wheel travel, paired with an aluminum swingarm. The high/low-speed compression damping adjustments allow fine-tuning for everything from motocross-track jumps to slow, rocky crawls. Spring preload is easily accessible, making sag setup a 10-minute task.

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Handling and Ride Experience: Where the EC 300 Racing Truly Shines

Throw a leg over the bike, and the 950 mm (37.4-inch) seat height feels manageable despite the numbers—the narrow chassis lets shorter riders dab a boot confidently. On tight trails, the EC 300 flicks between trees with the urgency of a 125cc bike, yet remains unfazed by high-speed fire roads. The 21-inch front wheel (90/90-21 tire) and 18-inch rear (140/80-18) strike a perfect balance between stability and agility.

The hydraulic clutch offers buttery modulation, critical for technical climbs, while the Nissin brakes—a 260mm wave disc up front and 220mm rear—provide strong, predictable stopping power. The Excel rims are practically bulletproof, surviving rock strikes that would dent lesser wheels.

Fuel range is a minor trade-off: the 9.5L (2.51-gallon) tank lasts roughly 80-100 km (50-62 miles) depending on riding style. For enduro purists, this is manageable, but serious adventurers might want to explore aftermarket tank options.

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Competition: How the EC 300 Racing Stacks Up

The EC 300 Racing faced stiff competition during its production years, primarily from:

1. KTM 300 EXC: The Austrian rival offers a slightly sharper powerband and more aggressive ergonomics. However, the Gas Gas counters with plusher suspension and a lower seat height, favoring technical terrain riders.
2. Husqvarna TE 300: Similar to the KTM but with a reputation for finicky maintenance. The EC 300’s carburetor, while old-school, is simpler to troubleshoot than Husky’s early fuel-injection systems.
3. Beta 300 RR: Beta’s smoother power delivery appeals to less aggressive riders, but the Gas Gas feels rawer and more connected to the trail.

Where the EC 300 Racing truly shines is in its suspension setup. The Marzocchi/Reiger combo outperforms the WP units on KTMs of the same era, especially in rocky, unforgiving terrain.

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Maintenance: Keeping the Beast Alive

The EC 300 Racing is refreshingly low-maintenance if you respect its two-stroke roots:

• Engine Care:
• Stick to a 1:50 premix ratio with high-quality synthetic oil.
• Clean the air filter after every ride—MOTOPARTS.store offers reusable twin-air filters for extended durability.

• Inspect the spark plug regularly; NGK BR8ES plugs are a reliable choice.

• Suspension:

• Rebuild forks and shock every 100 hours. Consider upgrading to MOTOPARTS.store’s SKF seal kits for reduced friction.

• Brakes and Drivetrain:

• Replace brake pads with MOTOPARTS.store’s sintered metal variants for improved heat resistance.

• The chain and sprockets wear quickly in muddy conditions—swap to a DID ERT2 chain and steel rear sprocket for longevity.

• Carburetor Tuning:

• Jet kits from MOTOPARTS.store let you adapt to altitude/temperature changes. A JD Jetting kit transforms throttle response.

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Conclusion: A Legacy That Demands Respect

The Gas Gas EC 300 Racing (2015-2017) isn’t just a relic—it’s a testament to the golden era of carbureted two-strokes. Its combination of brutal power, agile handling, and bombproof construction makes it a viable choice for riders who value mechanical simplicity and raw performance. While modern bikes offer flashier tech, the EC 300 Racing rewards skill and demands respect.

Whether you’re reviving a used model or upgrading a well-loved machine, MOTOPARTS.store has the parts and expertise to keep this Spanish legend tearing up trails for years to come.

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Specifications sheet

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