Ten Best Two-Stroke Dirt Bikes for Off-Road Riding

7. GasGas EC 250/XC 250, $8999/$8899

We fell in love with the Spanish-built 2018 GasGas EC 250 when we rode it at GasGas’ Southern California intro, preferring it to its racier XC 300 sister because of its more user-friendly power output. The EC 250 (and XC 250) are light years better than the 2017 models they replaced, sharing a highly revised carbureted two-stroke engine with a new crankshaft, new cylinder, new cylinder head, and a Magura hydraulic-activated clutch and six-speed transmission. A completely different chassis that returns GasGas to a more traditional backbone/cradle design, and excellent-performing, fully adjustable KYB suspension with 11.8 inches of travel front and rear. Quick handling yet stable, the EC 250 is a great choice for tight and technical Eastern terrain while the XC 250 is more of a GNCC/desert racer. Either way, you can’t go wrong with a GasGas, making it worthy member of our Top Ten Two-Stroke Dirt Bikes for Off-Road Riding list.