MXA RACE TEST: THE REAL TEST OF THE 2025 GASGAS MC250F

THE GEAR: Jersey: Fly Racing Evolution, Pants: Fly Racing Evolution, Helmet: Fly Formula, Goggles: EKS Brand Lucid, Boots: Alpinestars Tech 7.

Q: FIRST AND FOREMOST, IS THE 2025 GASGAS MC250F BETTER THAN THE 2024 MODEL?

A: Like its orange and white siblings, the GasGas MC250F gained a new frame, new head stays, new linkage and new suspension settings for 2025 to improve chassis comfort. Is it better? Yes! Does it make the 2024 model obsolete? No. These updates were first seen on the 2024-1/2 KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas Factory Editions—and they make a bigger improvement to the handling of the 450s than to the 250s. The 450s are faster and heavier, and they have more engine inertia, which makes them feel stiffer, thus they benefit greatly from the new frame. Our test riders still appreciated the new frame on the 250 models, but the difference was just not as drastic.

Q: WHAT SEPARATES THE GASGAS MC250F FROM THE KTM AND HUSQVARNA?

A: Although we sympathize with consumers who think the GasGas is just a red KTM (because it is a very close relative), you should know that there is a healthy list of differences. Of course, visually, you can see the GasGas bodywork is different. The GasGas plastics won’t fit on a KTM and vice versa, unless you switch out the fuel tank and subframe. The GasGas tank has a different shape to it, and the subframe has different mounting points for the unique GasGas side number panels and rear fender. The GasGas seat pushes underneath the plastic fuel tank cover and uses an 8mm bolt behind the left side panel to secure it to the bike. The KTM and Husky seats attach via an 8mm bolt at the front of the seat. 

The GasGas has softer suspension valving, tailoring it to riders who are lighter and/or slower. The 42 N/mm shock spring rate is the same, but the valving doesn’t have the same hold-up as that of the KTM or Husky. Of course, it is an air fork, and the air pressure can be raised or lowered in a matter of minutes with the WP hand pump that comes with every new bike. The triple clamps are also different. The GasGas clamps are forged aluminum, which offers more flex and a different front-end feel from the CNC-machined KTM and Husqvarna clamps.

The engine and ECU are identical to those of the KTM and Husky units, but the MC250F doesn’t come with a map switch. GasGas owners are stuck in map one without access to the more aggressive map 2, Quick Shift or Traction Control until they buy a map switch from their dealer for a little under $200. The GasGas also comes with a 14/52 final drive gear ratio compared to the 14/51 that comes on the KTM and Husky 250s.

The GasGas MC250F comes with BrakTec brakes (instead of Brembo). Thankfully, the BrakTec components were updated last year to improve pucker power. More on that below. GasGas also specs BrakTec for the hydraulic clutch actuation. Maxxis MX-ST tires come stock on the GasGas, while Dunlop MX34 tires come on the KTMs and Huskys. The GasGas comes with non-branded silver Neken bars that are 12mm taller than KTM’s handlebars. The bend is similar to that of a Renthal 928 handlebar.

Q: HOW DO THE BRAKTEC COMPONENTS WORK ON THE TRACK?

The recently recalled BrakTec front brake.

A: The 2024–2025 model GasGas bikes have much better brakes than what we struggled with back in 2023. Last year, the BrakTec brakes came with new pads, new discs, new pistons and new lever ratios, making them much stronger than before; however, they’re still not Brembo quality. Comparatively, our BrakTec brakes feel like they have slightly glazed pads. You can slow down quickly, but it’s harder to come to a stop. They also don’t modulate as precisely as the Brembo brakes. 

As for the clutch, our pickiest testers felt the initial pull was similar to that of the Brembo clutch, but it’s not the same when you fan the BrakTec clutch or hold the clutch to get the rpm up. You can feel the engine surge like it’s not sure whether the clutch wants to go in or out. Of course, the clutch internals are the same on all three brands. All three have the awesome one-piece steel clutch basket with the primary gear machined into it; however, the BrakTec lever, master cylinder, slave cylinder and plunger are different. 

For most riders, it will be hard to tell the difference between BrakTec and Brembo. And when compared to the Nissin brakes on the Japanese brands, the new BrakTec components aren’t bad. If you already own a Brembo-equipped machine, you’ll notice the difference.

After almost a full three years in production, GasGas has issued a recall on their BrakTec front brakes. Check your email or contact your dealer if you own a GasGas.

Q: HOW DOES THE 2025 GASGAS MC250F ENGINE RUN?

A: The GasGas MC250F is a KTM clone that has been sabotaged by the muted airbox, restrictor in the muffler and absent map switch; however, it’s still a runner. This year, our 2025 GasGas MC250F edged out the KTM, Husqvarna, and the rest of the 250 class as the most powerful 250 on the dyno. Did this surprise us? Not at all. The cylinder, piston, ECU, gearbox, clutch, cases, intake, and electronics are all the same as on the KTM, which has had the strongest engine for years now, but it has a few small differences that affect throttle response and excitement, such as the extra baffle in the muffler.

The GasGas airbox is closed off, which rarely hinders dyno numbers but always affects throttle response on the track. If we have to be limited to one map, why isn’t it the “aggressive” map instead of the “mellow” map? And, And the extra baffle in the muffler is nonsensical,

The MC250F engine is a screamer.

In reality, it’s not groundbreaking news that the GasGas hit the highest peak horsepower and torque numbers for 2025—edging out the KTM by 0.23 horsepower and 0.21 pound-feet of torque. This discrepancy in power is so small that it’s nothing to write home about. In reality, the KTM (45.24 horsepower), Husky (45.13 hp) and GasGas (45.47 horsepower) engines are all so close that you could say they run the same. However, it is funny that the front office in Mattighofen allowed the GasGas to beat the KTM. The engineers normally do whatever it takes to keep the KTM at the top of the charts. What’s strange is that the closed-off airbox, muffler baffle, and lack of a map switch were all supposed to detune the GasGas, and they did make a difference on the track, but they didn’t fool the dyno.

Q: HOW DOES THE 2024 GASGAS MC250F HANDLE ON THE TRACK?

A: Every year our test riders are impressed with how the GasGas MC250F handles. Among the three Austrian bikes, the Husqvarna stands out the most with its lowered suspension travel and seat height, while the KTM and GasGas share the same suspension, just with slightly different valving. The GasGas offers a softer setup. Most of our testers prefer the KTM spec when riding jumpier tracks like Perris and Pala, but the softer setting is nice for the Arroyo track at Glen Helen, where softer suspension helps you find traction more easily.  

The new cutout shock tower.

We’ve noted in every test of the 2023+ KTM frames and 2024+ Husqvarna frames had an updated chassis that was designed to minimize squat during acceleration and reduce pitching during braking. The chromoly steel frame was made stiffer originally, giving the rear end a taller stance both in the pits and on the track. But, now it has gone slightly softer for 2025, with the new cutouts in the shock tower mounts offering more flex and working with the updated head stays and linkage. We noted that the 2024 GasGas MC250F felt more balanced than the previous-generation chassis, and with the updates for 2025, it’s more comfortable in harsh chop, especially in acceleration bumps. All around, the 2025 bike is easier to find comfort with.

Q: HOW DOES THE KTM GROUP’S FINANCIAL SITUATION AFFECT GASGAS?

A: Currently, there are a lot of changes going on at the Pierer Mobility Group, and GasGas seems to be in the hot seat. The first sign was when Troy Lee and GasGas parted ways after the 2024 season. Pierce Brown went to Star Racing Yamaha, while Justin Barcia and Ryder DiFrancesco, who still had contracts with GasGas, moved to the newly formed Rockstar GasGas team for 2025. 

Troy Lee Designs became the factory KTM 250 team in 2015, and they were on KTM until 2021, when KTM bought the GasGas brand and switched Troy’s team to red bikes. Troy ran the GasGas factory program for four years before GasGas and TLD parted ways. Now, Troy has switched his focus to running Ducati’s factory program in 2026, while the Pierer Mobility Group is looking for ways to save money moving forward. 

The Pierer Mobility Group is currently going through a restructuring phase, which has seen Stefan Pierer hand over control to new CEO Gottfried Neumeister. To help turn the ship around, KTM had to sell its majority share of MV Agusta. We’re sure that more changes are coming for the KTM Group, and it will be an interesting story to follow. 

However, this test is focused on the 2025 GasGas MC250F, and the real question is, should you consider the 2025 MC250F to be a good investment? It has a slightly lower price than the KTM or Husky, but a $9599 MSRP is still hard on the wallet. From MXA’s standpoint, we don’t know what the future holds for GasGas, but we do know that the R&D crew is still working on the development of the 2026 GasGas bikes, and we also know that this bike has the strongest engine, a class-leading clutch, a better frame than before, and suspension components that cannot be denied.

The 51-tooth rear sprocket comes stock, but lots of GasGas riders switch to a 52.

Q: WHAT DID WE HATE?

A: The hate list:

(1) Weight. The new GasGas MC250F got heavier when it jumped to the new frame. We preferred to see 217 pounds on the scale, not 225 pounds.

(2) Chain slack. We still don’t like to see the chain so loose. The new KTM/Husqvarna/GasGas chassis likes the chain slack to be around 65 to 70mm at the rear of the swingarm buffer pad.

(3) Right radiator wing. We don’t like the they right radiator wing is so long that it obstructs easy access to the high-speed and low-speed compression dials.

(4) Brakes. BrakTec’s GasGas front brakes are being recalled for all 2022 through 2025 models.

(5) Push buttons. It’s a weird complaint, but the start and stop buttons are hard to press, and we wish the kill switch was still on the left.

(6) Plastics. The ultra-long GasGas airbox cover/side number panel looks exotic, but it’s a little annoying to put on. The fit is a little loose.

(7) Radiator cap. The new plastic cap is hard to get on and off, and it’s not as strong as the trusty old 1.8 radiator cap. Nihilo Concepts makes a tool that helps you take the cap on and off more easily.

WP XACT air forks.

Q: WHAT DID WE LIKE?

A: The like list:

(1) Frame. The 2025 GasGas MC250F is more comfortable now.

(2) Chain torque. GasGas moved the countershaft sprocket down 3mm to reduce rear-end squat under full power last year. This is most noticeable in whoops, consecutive bumps and under hard acceleration in a rut.

(3) Airbox. It’s true! The Twin Air filter comes stock. We love this airbox.

(4) Crossbar pad. Thankfully, GasGas replaced its miniature bar pad with a full-size pad for 2024 and 2025.

(5) Aesthetics. The cherry red chromoly steel frame is beautiful.

(6) Platform sharing. It’s nice that so many components cross over from KTM and Husky to GasGas. If you switch between brands, most parts are interchangeable.

The MC250F is agile in the corners and in the air.

Q: WHAT DO WE REALLY THINK?

A: The Pierer Mobility Group is in a weird financial situation, but their bikes are still top-notch. In its stock form, the softer suspension of the GasGas MC250F suits vet riders and Novices better than pros. If you ride on jumpy tracks or you’re a faster rider, you’ll prefer the extra hold-up of the KTM 250SXF, and you’ll appreciate the increased throttle response of the KTM 250SXF also. However, if you’re already planning to send the suspension to your favorite tuner and you aren’t worried about map two, Quick Shift or Launch Control, the GasGas MC250F is a great option. Many of our vet testers prefer the softer GasGas suspension valving, and they all love the beautiful red aesthetics.