A week into riding the all-new GASGAS EC 350F, we start our Austrian love-affair and spot the differences between this brand, and the two other colour ways that come from the multi-manufacturer.

Chances are that if you’re into dirt bikes, you will have at some point, seriously contemplated joining the orange brigade. And with the addition of Husqvarna into the KTM AG fold, you may have gone that route instead, to you know, separate yourself away from what is fast becoming the dominant off-road brand in NZ. But if you still weren’t convinced, now is your chance for a third option when it comes to the KTM platform…GASGAS.

Much like when KTM bought our Husqvarna, it was evident straight away, both bikes shared the majority of their DNA with each other. Nothing much has changed here with the addition of GASGAS as the re-designed brand runs the same platform motorcycle as both KTM and Husqvarna - with of course minor differences to separate the brands from each other.

But what’s the difference between the three brands that all share the same platform. The answer comes in both ‘not much’, while at the same time, ‘a bit’ too. It is very obvious that all three bikes share the chassis and engine package but there have been minor tweaks to each brand that make them slightly different on the showroom floor and hence, marketed quite differently. So lets have a quick look at that now.

It would appear from the outside that the KTM AG group have tiered theses three brands into top, middle, bottom. Said as ‘entry-level’ on many other sites world-wide, GASGAS sit in that space as the cheapest and less equip option of the three. It is by no means entry level equipment so this can be somewhat deceiving.

The ‘middle’ option is also the original - KTM. Especially in the Enduro range, the KTM has kept with their PDS suspension system and holds back on a few optional extras when it comes to what comes standard. It is also priced in between too.

Husqvarna is said to be the premium brand, and as such comes with all the fruit and extras that you can opt into with your KTM or GASGAS. They are leveraging off the legacy that is Husqvarna, which has been around for over 100 years. And as such, the premium brand comes with the premium price - even if that is only $500 more.

So what makes the GASGAS different and better on the wallet. Well to start off with, the GASGAS doesn’t come with a mapping switch or traction control button - it misses out on hand guards and a sump guard, and also has the forged clamps, not the CNC Machined clamps that the FE 350 has. It runs the same fork as both the Husky and KTM, but sadly the pre-load adjusters have been left off. It also runs the old style switch-block on the left side of the bars, not the updated version found on the KTM and Husky.

KTM AG must have had a large supply of the old-style switch-blocks on the shelves they needed to use up.

What is does share is the swingarm, linkage and rear shock off the Husqvarna, but uses the alloy sub-frame like the KTM. Interestingly the KTM PDS has 10mm more travel than the linkage system. The engine is the same, as is the main frame we believe. The other obvious difference is the plastics and visual design.

I prefer the Husqvarna white scheme and design over the KTM orange. Now with the GASGAS I am a little torn between the white and red. This platform does look really good in red, however the white still has a very premium look about it. But as I currently have the GASGAS, that’s clearly my favourite right now.

My biggest disappointments on the GASGAS is a simple lack of basic components that come standard on the other two brands. Namely the missing hand guards, missing sump guard and pre-load adjusters. To me, those three additions would have been such a minor cost increase that not including them just seems like it was to differentiate the brad for the sake of difference. Enduro bikes really need hand guards and a sump guard. Luckily I had an old red pair of Acerbis hand guards that I put on which instantly made me feel better.

Having said all that though, my first outing on the GASGAS really made me appreciate how lovely the 350cc engine is and the potential this bike has of being a real enduro weapon in the right hands. I am technically overweight for the stock springs, but save for a few bigger hits and drop offs and G-outs, the suspension was surprising and doesn’t beat you up.

A few more rides and I’ll have a first ride impression up on the site - but as the saying goes, so far so good.

120km at a local Charity trail Ride in weekend really gave me an appreciated for not having 450ccs under me, and ending the day still feeling relatively frisky.

DIFFERENCES - QUICK LOOK

2021 GASGAS EC 350F

Price: $15,949
Weight: 106.8kg
Suspension Front: 48mm XPLOR no preload adjuster 300mm of travel
Suspension Rear: XACT linkage 300mm of travel
Brakes: Braktec
Clutch: Braktec
Other: Forged Triple Clamps, Alloy Sub Frame, 8.5L Tank.

2021 KTM 350 EXC-F

Price: $17,199
Weight: 103.8
Suspension Front: 48mm XPLOR with preload adjuster - 300mm travel
Suspension Rear: XPLOR PDS 310mm of travel
Brakes: Brembo
Clutch: Brembo
Other: Forged Triple Clamps, Hand Guards, Alloy subframe, 9L Fuel Tank.

2021 Husqvarna FE 350

Price: $17,699
Weight: 106.8
Suspension Front: 48mm XPLOR with preload adjuster - 300mm travel
Suspension Rear: XACT rear linkage 300mm of travel
Brakes: Magura
Clutch: Braktec
Other: Composite Carbon Fibre Subframe, Hand guards, Bash Plate, Mapping switch, Traction Control, CNC Machined Clamps, 8.5L Fuel Tank.