“Many years back, GASGAS only offered a few entry-level supermotos and trail bikes. Now, thanks to the well-established and well-proven technical platforms at our disposal, we’re introducing an all-new GASGAS street model range.” Enter the top-of-the-line cubic capacity ADV offering from the Spanish marque GASGAS, the newly launched ES 700, and its Supermotard sibling the SM 700. Featuring a tempting off-road approach focusing on go-anywhere design and technology, the brand’s foray into a more adventure-focused machine is raising eyebrows. Well known for their Trial and Enduro motorcycles and the relatively recent competitive Motorcross editions, a more cross-country line-up might be no surprise with the current shift in consumer spending.
A relatively young company, GASGAS, started in 1985 when partners Narcìs Casas and Josep Pibernat began manufacturing trial motorcycles in their shop in Salt, Spain. The duo had initially owned a Bultaco dealership, which they had run since 1973. However, with the brand’s demise, they turned to the import of SWM motorcycles from Italy until they too ceased production in 1984. Out of this frustration was born GASGAS, a name which at times has caused confusion outside of Spain where it means “to gas it.” However, judging by the spec sheet of the new ES 700 single-cylinder machine, founders Narcìs and Josep might just have been on to something all that time ago.
“With powerful single-cylinder motors, razor-sharp handling, and the latest rider aids, enjoying city streets and off-road adventures has never been so much fun!” The new big-bore, single-cylinder platform pumps out 55 kW (74hp) at 8,000 rpm and 73.5 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. The compact four-valve cylinder head design with a double spark plug configuration help to increase motor smoothness, lower emissions, and provide service intervals of 6500 mi / 10 000 km. “The engine’s single overhead camshaft acts directly on the 42mm intake valves via finger followers with 34mm exhaust valves actuated by a rocker arm, which delivers more precise valve timing at higher engine speeds.” A stock EURO 5 compliant stainless-steel exhaust system comes standard. However, a REMUS or Akrapovic slip-on is available from dealers on purchase.
All this power runs through an APTC clutch by Adler mated with a lightweight 6-speed gearbox and Quickshift+ tech. Along with this is an integrated quick shifter with two sensors, one to detect movement of the shift lever rod and a second that catches gear engagement across both models. “This leaves you free to shift whenever needed, meaning no matter how hard you’re accelerating, you can always hook the next gear. When it comes to downshifting, the system matches the engine speed to the speed of the lower gear for seamless downshifting.” This means power delivery is smooth and reliable through the gearbox. Add a top-of-the-line electronic throttle by wire system, and one has an incredible smile-inducing machine on one’s hands.
“Constructed at the lowest possible weight, the robot-welded 18.5 lb / 8.4 kg chromium-molybdenum steel trellis frame ensures razor-sharp cornering and straight-line stability. Further enhancing the riding experience of this super single is a 8.6 lb / 3.9 kg die-cast aluminum swingarm. This allows for just the right amount of flex to transfer power to the ground, while a 3.5 gal / 13.5 liter fuel tank integrated into the polyamide subframe keeps the center of gravity as low as possible.” This configuration wizardry gives a 327 lb / 148.5 kg dry weight. A definite plus when it comes to technical riding.
“The hidden magic that helps make the ES 700 so fun to ride is that state-of-the-art electronics ensure all riders can adjust the power delivery to perfectly suit their riding style, allowing everyone to set up the motorcycle’s performance just the way they like it.” This is achieved with switchable ride modes, each with unique power characteristics with traction control settings that can be changed to suit riding style. Ensuring rear-wheel grip in all riding conditions is handled by the lean-angle sensitive traction control unit that can also be completely switched off. At the rider’s discretion off course.
“Even when on the move, you can switch from one ride mode to the other, adjusting the power delivery whenever you need to. Mode 1, Street Mode, delivers a crisp throttle response and cornering sensitive ABS and traction control. Mode 2, Offroad Mode, offers a more direct throttle response for better off-road traction. One that can spin the rear wheel as and when needed or even lift the front wheel without sacrificing overall performance. Mode 2 also disengages the rear-wheel ABS for improved feedback in off-road conditions.”
The ES 700 comes standard with WP XPLOR forks that can easily be fine-tuned by hand, using small dials on the top of each fork leg with compression on the left fork and rebound adjustment on the right. Set in the rear, we also have a WP XPLOR shock featuring separate high and low-speed compression adjustment along with rebound damping. Lightweight hubs laced to a set of D.I.D rims come in an expected 21″ front matched with an 18″ rear. The ES 700 rolls out from the dealer floor with Continental TKC 80’s with 90/90-21 and 140/80-18 for rubber, a nice compromise for street or some rugged singletrack.
GASGAS is still to announce availability for North American markets with a definite no distribution planned for 2022. We hope 2023 will see them available across all dealers. However, till then, you can head over to the dedicated ride configurator and build your dream ES 700 here.
Like previous 600cc plus single track offerings from KTM and other brands, the ES 700 is a perfect platform for a rally-fied approach. The coveted go-anywhere bike for overland travel that looks like it’s just arrived from the Dakar is a mythical beast for most riders. Till the ES 700 arrives on North American shores, potential owners will have to contend with watching the customization of European builders. Quick on the throttle with a first build of the ES 700 is the Polish-based shop Motocykle Lublin.
This conversion features a Dakar standard Rally tower with an LED headlight and GPS mount. Pivot Pegz footpegs for a more balanced approach. A model-specific complete Remus system lowers weight and adds the credible off-road grunt. A more robust aluminum skid plate protects from dings on the trail with a set of upper crash bars covering the radiator and header pipe, while Outback Motortek tail and pannier racks are ready to carry the weight for all those blasts to the backcountry.
All images copyright 2022. GASGAS & Motocykle Lublin.
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