First look: new GASGAS ES 700 dual sport off-road model
GASGAS have announced new ES 700 dual sport and SM 700 Supermoto models, an overdue first step in the direction of street bikes and adventure travel for the GG off-road range – just not yet if you’re reading this in North America.
New, big capacity, single cylinder dual sport bikes, trail bikes as you might call them, are too few in this world. Reliable, easy performance on and off road, a good chassis and suspension surprisingly capable on the dirt, a healthy single-cylinder engine which will perform but go fairly easy on fuel, a decent standing riding position, we want more of this.
The new GASGAS ES 700 has plenty going for it by ticking all those boxes. We know it does because the bike is born out of two models which have been around a while: the KTM 690 Enduro and Husqvarna 701.
We tested and loved the 690 enduro, read more here: Tested: KTM 690 Enduro R
Adventure lite Enduro21 labelled this class and though the press material (particularly the video) seems to launch the ES 700 in the direction of enduro and ‘yoof’ market having fake fun in the sun, the reality is it will fit nicely into the more mature-minded dual sport, off-road bike sector. It is cheaper than an EXC too...
Trails, adventure, rally...whichever you chose riding without the service intervals of a pure enduro bike (10,000km), so much noise and a bit more comfort are reason enough for a lot of people many of whom are in the upper age brackets.
One down side at this stage is for potential North American customers, GASGAS say they will not make the bike available for you guys and girls in 2022.
GASGAS ES 700 technical highlights:
Engine: 692.7cc, single cylinder, 4v, SOHC engine
74HP @ 8000rpm (claimed)
73.5Nm @ 6500rpm of torque (claimed)
Six-speed gearbox
EURO 5 compliant exhaust system
10,000km service intervals
Chassis: Chromium-molybdenum steel trellis frame
Die-cast aluminium swingarm
13.5 litre fuel tank integrated into the polyamide subframe reduces the centre of gravity
Adjustable riding modes (Street & off-road which disengages system to allow slides/wheelspin)
Bosch ABS systems (lean angle sensitivity disengages with off-road mode, can also be turned off manually)
Gear-shift assist
PASC slipper clutch
146kg dry weight (claimed)
910mm seat height
Suspension: 48mm, USD WP Xplor forks, WP Xplor linkage shock, 250mm travel
270mm ground clearance
Cost: £9349/€10,749
A first for GASGAS
The ES700 is more than just a bigger bike in the GASGAS off-road line-up. It is their first real step in the direction of street bikes with a new category of travel for the ES model and an SM 700 slotting into their Supermoto range. Both are street legal and represent the red Austrian brand stepping onto the street for the first real time. There could be more to come here.
Technical accessories, a click away
The ‘Technical Accessories and Apparel’ range is already there, making customising the new bikes easy. Parts include alloy skid plate, Remus exhausts, off-road foot controls and seat, a lowering kit if needed and plenty to bling the bike plus riding gear.
There’s also a new configurator on the GASGAS website which lets you add the parts and accessories to build it your way before buying. It looks easy to use, although that in turn makes it super-easy to spend more money.
GASGAS say availability of the ES 700 may differ from country to country, particularly both SM and ES models will not be available in North America in 2022.
More information: www.gasgas.com
Photo Credit: GASGAS | Kiska
