First Look: 2019 Gas Gas ECRanger

6 years ago | Words: Andy Wigan | Photos: Gas Gas

In June last year, just as the all-new 2018-model two-stroke Gas Gas enduro machines were revealed, it was announced that Victorian-based company, Urban Motor Imports, had taken over the distribution for the Gas Gas Enduro range in Australia and New Zealand. And the Spanish brand seems to have been kicking goals ever since, with its 2018 250cc and 300cc EC (Enduro), XC (Cross-Country) and GP (special, up-specced edition) models all making the opposition sit up and pay close attention.
And now, while the market eagerly awaits the arrival of their 2019-models enduro weaponry (expected in Oz by November, 2018), Gas Gas has revealed an all-new model, the ECRanger – a machine that comes in 200 and 300cc capacities and is designed as user-friendly stepping-stone to help less experienced riders get into enduro.

Here is Gas Gas’s insight into what the new ECRanger models are is all about, and what componentry they run…

The off-road motorcycle manufacturer brings back the spirit of adventure of its legendary Pampera, adapting this go-anywhere bike to the demands of today’s riders with the new ECRanger. Light, docile and above all easy to handle, suitable for any type of rider, this is the new bike from Gas Gas. The ideal formula for all those who love ‘light enduro’ and ‘trail excursion’ and want to enjoy off-road riding like never before without sacrificing the comfort of the new-generation of off-road motorcycles.

This new model has its own personality within the Gas Gas Enduro 2019 range, with a character focused on recreational use, unlike its more competition-focused stablemates. With differences in temperament but similarities in terms of the EC model base bike for a new Gas Gas ECRanger that shares the same central spine frame and most of the components, adapting to the needs of the wide range of profiles that make up the world of enduro. A model valid both for hobby riders, as well as for those more daring riders, passionate about extreme enduro, thanks to its versatility and easy handling.

ELASTIC, PROGRESSIVE ENGINE RESPONSE

The new ECRanger has been designed for having fun. And for that reason it has been decided to soften its delivery, adopting a new thermodynamic performance and premiering a new cylinder and cylinder head – changes that have helped to decompress the engine and get a more full and elastic delivery at low speed. While at high revs, its output has been limited, sweetening its power and providing that pleasant feeling of always having everything under control. A modern two-stroke engine that will be manufactured in two sizes, 200 and 300cc and that will be coming off the Salt production line with an exhaust system from the company Tecnigas.
With the frame and suspension, the design of this new Gas Gas shows the deliberate aim for this model to become an enduro that satisfies the whole range of riders, thanks to its lower seat height and its excellent maneuverability. A height 40mm lower than the range of EC models is achieved by redesigning the suspension.

COMFORTABLE & PRACTICAL FOR ANY USE

All these changes add up to a long list of new components in the frame and suspension of the new Gas Gas ECRanger. For example, the new comfortable, padded seat cover or the removal of the traditional kick-start of other models, with starting now being taken care of by a new electric start system with lead-acid battery.

QUALITY & RELIABILITY IN EVERY DETAIL

In the suspensions department, Gas Gas maintains all its confidence in the renowned quality and reliability of the firm Kayaba, incorporating a new front fork from the Japanese firm, this time 46mm in diameter with open cartridge and compression and rebound adjustment at the front; and the same adjustable rear shock absorber as used by the EC models, varying only in length, with preload and rebound adjustment. As for the braking system, the new Gas Gas model uses new NG brand discs – 260mm front and 240mm rear – and also new brake calipers and pistons, a system developed exclusively by Braktec for this version.
For control, absorption and traction, the ECRanger provides great feedback transmitted by its 28.6mm handlebar with central brace, the signature Regina (520/135 non-seal chain) and new tyres: Vee Rubber (90/ 90-21) front and (120/90-18) rear. The tyres are mounted on Excel rims, providing extraordinary grip that will surprise even the most experienced enduro riders.

EXCLUSIVE GRAPHIC DESIGN & AESTHETICS

With the aesthetics, the new ECRanger premieres a very different graphic design from the rest of the Gas Gas enduro range. A new and attractive image giving greater prominence to the white colour, present both in the frame and in the panels of this new Gas Gas, a go-anywhere bike that takes up where the historic Pampera left off to adapt to the demands of today’s rider.

2019 GAS GAS ECRANGER – SPECS….

ENGINE

  • EC model thermodynamic cycle with a new cylinder and cylinder head to give a mild, elastic character to the engine, with increased torque at low revs and limited maximum power to make the bike easier and less demanding in riding style than its stablemates in the EC competition range.
  • Incorporation of a new 36mm carburettor in the 300cc version.
  • Tecnigas exhaust system.

FRAME & SUSPENSION

  • Special ECRanger 2019 graphic design, with white frame and panels
  • Weight 108kg.
  • Tyres: Vee Rubber (90/90-21 front and 120/90-18 rear).
  • Brake discs: NG (Ø260 front and Ø220 rear).
  • Chain: Regina 520/135 RH2 no-seal.
  • Brake system, caliper and pistons, developed exclusively for the ECRanger model by Braktec.
  • White frame and panels.
  • Redesigned suspension triple clamps to give greater rigidity to the fork system.
  • Incorporation of 28.6mm diameter handlebar with central brace.
  • Seat height 40mm lower than in EC range models (930mm from the ground).
  • New seat cover.
  • Ø46 Kayaba open cartridge forks with compression and rebound adjustment system, and Kayaba rear monoshock with preload, compression and rebound adjustment.
  • Excel rims.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  • Electric start system, kick-start is removed.
  • Lead-acid battery.

According to distributors for Gas Gas in Australia and New Zealand, Urban Moto Imports, price and availability will be announced soon. For more information, check out the Gas Gas Australia website.


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