The Torture Test - GoFasters.com GasGas EC300R

Berkner said, "Once again RB Designs has made a name for themselves doing these kind of modifications and that upgrade finishes out the motor upgrades save the pipe which is actually a newly designed FMF Fatty pipe." Here thefactory modification has already been done as the current US version actually comes stock with a GasGas factory replica race pipe.

Berkner explains, "In 2007 GasGas changed their bikes design with a new subframe that required a new US aftermarket pipe design so we approached FMF to build a factory bike replica pipe which allows for more overrev than stock so we had them copy one of the WEC bikes' pipes and they obliged. To round out the exhaust system FMF also provides a US Forestry approved spark arrestor for allUS EC models.

"As far as suspension work goes," said Berkner. "We feel it's pretty close for most trail riding conditions where proper sag (110mm to 115mm) and a few clicker adjustments are more than adequate to dial in the suspension. Butfor the aggressive rider we go with Powerband Racing suspension mods ($175 front and $175 rear plus parts) where they concentrate mostly on modifying the forks mid-valve to better handle big hits when the stock valving would just blow by."

GoFasters.com also tosses both stock rim locks as they have always been the Achilles heal for GasGas bikes and replaces them with Motion Pro ones ($18) to finish the package.

GoFasters.com also upgrades the stock brake pad / rotor combination of the motorcycle with Galfer brake pads ($70) and wave rotors ($260) and changes the final gearing to 13/49 (from 13/48) via Renthal chain wheels ($89 a set.)

Berkner said, "We feel the Galfer braking products give the brakes a little better feel over stock and the slightly taller rear gearing gives the bike a little better throttle control in the tight stuff where the overrev capabilitiesof the modified motor and carb mods

Berkner concluded, "The rest of the bike is pretty much stock other than we bolt on a few aftermarket products that are similar to what the factory team uses. Presently we market a rear brake master cylinder cooling reservoir extender ($51), higher volume power valve cover ($90), in-line radiator hose inter-coolers ($51), high efficient water pump impeller ($90), a front fender brace ($30) and a lower radiator hose protector shield ($20) that each adds additional performance and / or protection to the EC300R for not a lot of money.

The GoFasters.com GasGas EC300R s is a factory replica racer which can be built for under $1400 in mods, just under $1900 with a GPR under bar mounted steering damper.

Parts and modifications:

GoFasters.com: www.GoFasters.com; 320-839-7143
Nissan Rear Brake Reservoir cooler/ extender: $51
Power Valve Cover: $90
Water pump impeller: $90
Front Fender Brace: $30
In-line radiator coolers: $50
Lower radiator hose shield: $20
Powerband Racing: www.powerbandracing.com; 763 263 8829
Suspension work: $350 + parts
FMF: www.FMFracing.com; 310-631-4363
Stealth Spark Arrestor: stock
Fatty Pipe: Stock
Galfer Braking Products: www.galferusa.com; 805-988-2900
Front rotor: $130
Rear rotor: $130
Front brake pads: $35
Rear brake pads: $35
RB Designs: www.rb-designs.com; 503-645-2607
Carb Modification: $165
Head Modification: $75
Renthal: www.renthal.com
13 tooth countershaft sprocket: $26
49 tooth rear sprocket: $65
Motion Pro: www.motionpro.com; 650-594-9600
1.85 front rim locks: $8
2.15 rear rim lock: $9
GPR Stabilizers: www.gprstabilizer.com; 619-661-0101
Version4 Under Bar Stabilizer w/Fat Bar Kit: $495.00

Dirt Rider Post Torture Evaluation:

The best all-around bike because:
You want to stand out from the crowd in the kind of bike you ride and the kind of riding you do. You are a Hard Extreme Enduro Rider

Not the best all-around bike because:
This GasGas is not the most versatile machine and there isn't a GasGas dealer on every corner. Aftermarket support is limited and finding solutions to your GasGas problems might not be as easy if were another more mainstream brand.