Kiwi Rider May 2022 Vol.2 | Page 88

ROAD NEWS

GASGAS GOES FOR THE STREET

The worst kept secret in Matthighofen is out , GasGas is officially heading into street-legal territory with two new KTMbased models . The new LC4 based models have been dubbed ES700 and SM700 and finally give GasGas a place in the road market . Where this could lead is anyone ’ s guess , but with the platform sharing between KTM , Husqvarna and now GasGas , we expect GasGas won ’ t leave their street range at just two models for long . Both the ES700 and SM700 are based on the same LC4 engine and trellis frame we ’ ve come to know and love since the introduction of the KTM 690 Enduro and Husqvarna 701 . Both also feature a die-cast alloy swing arm and polyamide subframe that doubles as the bikes ’ 13.5 litre fuel tank . The LC4 engine on both models pumps out the same 74hp at 8000rpm with 73.5Nm of wheelie inducing torque on tap at 6500rpm , with service intervals set at 10,000km intervals . There ’ s also a slipper clutch for the six-speed gearbox to prevent unintentional rear wheel slides when smashing down gears with the factory equipped quickshifter . There are a few small differences between the two models as well as the obvious wheel size changes . Both bikes have tyres supplied by Continental as factory fitment , with the ES700 shipping out with a set of TKC80 tyres , while the SM scores a

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