2018 Gas Gas Contact 250 ES Review: Trails + Trials
Observed Trials motorcycles, with their ability to go virtually anywhere—albeit slowly—have always had the attention of trail bike riders.
Over the years, manufacturers have built trail versions of trials bikes, most notably the Bultaco Alpinas of the 1970s and the Beta Alp line of the 1990s.
Leading the way in the modern era is the 2018 Gas Gas Contact 250 ES, an electric start trail bike with its roots in the competitive Gas Gas TXT 250 Racing trials bike.
2. In addition to light weight, the Contact 250 ES is also very compact. In addition to the low seat height, the Contact 250 ES is short and narrow. The distances between the seat, grips, and pegs are scant. Compared to last year, the 2018 Gas Gas Contact 250 ES footpegs have been moved forward a bit, giving the rider a bit more legroom. Regardless, the ergonomics are extremely condensed by enduro standards, so they take some time to acclimate to.
3. The Contact is for shorter technical rides, not long distance off-road touring. The fuel tank holds less than a gallon of premix, though the 26mm Dell’Orto carburetor is fairly frugal. While there is a seat, you probably won’t be sitting on it much. Standing is the natural stance on the Contact 250 ES, directly due to its trials pedigree. It is comfortable while standing, and the light weight of the bike means it is not fatiguing to ride—even on the worst trails you can imagine. When you need a break, unlike a trials bike, you do have a nice seat to sit down on.
5. Mitas Trial tires are a specialty item. Trials riders who are comfortable with the traditional block pattern knobbies will find much to like about the Mitas rubber. While the Mitas tires are not up to the sticky suppleness of the competitive trials tires from Dunlop and Michelin, they are fully adequate on most trails. Sand and loose rocks are not friends of the Mitas Trial tires, but they love giant rock slabs and quality loam. It won’t take long to discover where you like these tires and where you are wishing for traditional knobbies.
6. You won’t be going fast on the 2018 Gas Gas Contact 250 ES. The short 52-inch wheelbase, steep rake for the Ollé forks, short suspension travel, and narrow 2.75-inch front tire all conspire to keep speeds down. The Ollé suspension is incredibly compliant, but if you ride the Contact like an enduro bike, you will blow through the sub-seven-inches of travel very quickly. The tiny disc brakes are also best-suited to slower riding. Be wary of obstacles such as whoops, and keep air minimal on jumps. The Contact wants you to stay light on the bike and glide your way through inhospitable terrain.
8. In addition to extreme trail riders, the 2018 Gas Gas Contact 250 ES will appeal to small adults and older riders. As riders get into their 70s, a tall seat height and kickstarting become insurmountable obstacles. The Contact 250 ES can greatly extend the riding career of those whose physical limitations will keep them off an enduro bike. Likewise, smaller and less experienced riders will love the low seat height, light weight and ease of starting.
9. If you want to ride a competitive observed trials event, or just freeride with friends on trials bike, the Contact 250 ES is more than capable. If you ride Intermediate class or lower, the Contact can get the job done. Yes, you will be giving up a little in ergonomics and tire quality, so be prepared for a few dabs you didn’t think you would get. At the local trials practice area, you might be a bit compromised, but you’ll still have plenty of fun matching skills with your trials buddies. In both cases, the seat means you will be enjoying the Contact on the loop—trailspeak for course—and the e-start button is always welcome.
11. The 2018 Gas Gas Contact 250 ES is a one-of-a-kind trail bike that has something to offer for riders in a number of niches. It certainly isn’t for everyone, but if you are rider with some very specific needs, the 2018 Gas Gas Contact 250 ES will speak to you like no other off-road motorcycle.
Photograph by Kelly Callan
RIDING STYLE
- Helmet: Airoh TRR S
- Jersey + pants: Fly Racing 2017.5 Kinetic Mesh
- Gloves: Fly Racing Pro Lite
- Knee braces: Alpinestars Fluid Tech Carbon
- Boots: Alpinestars Tech T
2018 Gas Gas Contact 250 ES Specs
ENGINE
- Type: Single-cylinder two-stroke
- Displacement: 248cc
- Bore x stroke: 72.5 x 60mm
- Fueling: 26mm Dell’Orto carburetor
- Lubrication: Premix
- Starting: Electric and kick
- Transmission: 6-speed
- Clutch: Diaphragm system
CHASSIS
- Frame: Tubular chromoly
- Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable Ollé 40mm fork; 6.7 inches
- Rear suspension; travel: Linkage-assisted, spring-preload adjustable Ollé shock; 6.5 inches
- Wheels: Aluminum rim w/ wire spokes
- Front wheel: 1.6 x 21
Rear wheel: 2.15 x 18 - Front tire: 2.75 x 21; Mitas Trial
- Rear tire: 4.00 x 21; Mitas Trial X-Pro
- Front brake: 185mm NG wave rotor w/ 4-piston Braktec caliper
- Rear brake: 150mm NG wave rotor / 2-piston Braktec caliper
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 52.0 inches
- Seat height: 26.0 inches
- Fuel capacity: 3.6 quarts
- Dry weight: 153 pounds
2018 Gas Gas Contact 250 ES Price:
- $6399