GasGas EC 300 vs KTM 300 EXC: Platform Twins Compared

On paper, the GasGas EC 300 and KTM 300 EXC are nearly identical motorcycles—and they should be, sharing the same engine, frame, suspension, and most components from the KTM Group parts bin. The GasGas costs approximately €800 less than its orange sibling while carrying red plastics and different graphics. So why does anyone buy the KTM? Having spent extended time on both machines, I've identified the subtle differences that matter and the marketing fluff that doesn't.

The engines are mechanically identical: 293cc two-strokes with transfer port injection, producing approximately 42 horsepower with remarkably broad, usable power delivery. Any difference in claimed character is placebo effect or mapping variation that can be replicated on either bike. The gearboxes feel identical, the clutch action is identical, and the starting procedure is identical. If someone told you they could feel power differences between these engines blindfolded, they'd be lying or extraordinarily sensitive to variations within normal manufacturing tolerance.

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Suspension tells a slightly different story. Both use WP XPLOR forks and WP XACT shocks, but the KTM receives marginally different valving that produces subtly firmer damping. Whether this matters depends on rider preference and weight—lighter riders might prefer the GasGas's softer baseline, while heavier or more aggressive riders might appreciate the KTM's slightly increased resistance to bottoming. The difference is genuinely difficult to perceive without back-to-back comparison, and either bike benefits from professional setup tailored to individual rider requirements regardless of starting point.

Parts availability and dealer support represent the KTM's most meaningful advantage in many markets. KTM's dealer network is larger, parts inventory more comprehensive, and technical knowledge deeper simply because the brand has been dominant longer. A KTM owner in a regional town likely has local access to parts and service that a GasGas owner would need to source from further afield. In major metropolitan areas with dedicated GasGas dealers, this advantage disappears. The €800 price difference buys a lot of shipping charges for those occasional parts orders.

Resale value historically favours KTM, though the gap is narrowing as GasGas builds brand recognition. A two-year-old KTM typically commands 5-10% more than an equivalent GasGas, partially offsetting the initial price difference. Buyers planning to keep a bike long-term might reasonably choose the cheaper option; those who upgrade frequently might prefer the KTM's stronger residual value. Neither approach is wrong—it's simple mathematics applied to personal circumstances.

My recommendation? Buy whichever colour you prefer or whichever dealer offers better service in your area. These are the same motorcycle with different stickers, and any claim to significant performance differences is marketing fiction. If KTM's orange livery and heritage appeal to you, pay the premium happily. If you'd rather save €800 for suspension tuning and a fresh set of tyres, the GasGas delivers identical capability for less money. The only wrong choice is overthinking what amounts to badge preference.