Let's talk MotoGP: KTM has (perhaps) stifled this historic brand

A few years ago, we were all surprised by the famous GasGas rebranding by the KTM group, which was trying to impose this license in numerous motorsports, including MotoGP and its lower categories. Then came the infamous financial crisis, the consequences of which are still felt today… and since then, nothing. Tech3 acquired KTMs, and Aspar now races CFMoto bikes in both Moto2 and Moto3. Yet, the story of GasGas deserves to be told. Here it is.

In 1973, two men, Josep Pibernat and Narcís Casas, were working at Bultaco in Catalonia, more precisely in Salt. As a reminder, Bultaco is a popular brand in Spain, which triumphed in off-road (especially in trials) but also in Grand Prizes : Ángel Nieto and Ricardo Tormo each won two 50cc world championships in the late 1970s riding Catalan motorcycles.

 

 

A few years later, the picture darkened for Bultaco. The 'thumbs up' firm is experiencing major financial problems and bankruptcy is not far away. Never mind: the two employees left the parent company and decided to import Italian off-roaders. The brand in question, SV.VM (generally simplified SWM), is quite obscure and the adventure only lasts a short time.

Their passion for off-road riding is genuine, and their years of experience at Bultaco give the two men the credibility to launch their own business. The first GasGas motorcycle, a trials prototype, left the workshops in 1985But where does this unusual name come from? The founders wanted a name that "sounded good"., which you could recognize immediately. On a motorcycle, you have to accelerate to perform well. "Gap it" in biker lingo. As simple as that. 'GasGas' sounds good, Spanish, and immediately gives an idea of ​​the product. As an aside, the name had to be translated by the American importer so that English speakers would understand: 'FAST FAST', or 'Rapid Rapide' in French.

Four years later, in 1989, GasGas began producing enduro machines, a discipline combining motocross and trials. Immediately, the performance is there. Jordi Tarrés puts his faith in the new firm and wins his fourth, fifth, and sixth titles. outdoor from 1993 to 1995 on the Catalan models.

The firm's figurehead remains Adam Raga, one of the greatest in the history of trials. The historic rival of Toni Bou won two world trial championships outdoor (2005-2006) and four indoor races on GasGas. In 1997, then 2000, Steve Colley was the first to triumph for the brand at the Scottish Six Days Trial, a major event in the world of trials. Dougie Lampkin repeated the feat three times from 2012 to 2014, making the firm legendary.

In enduro, Paul Edmondson, Petri Pohjamo, and Wayne Braybrook all won titles on GasGas bikes, demonstrating the brand's diversity and expertise. It also enjoys very strong popularity in the USA and This may have been one of the reasons for the dual commitment to Moto3/MotoGP.

 

 

In 2014, GasGas merged with another legendary brand specializing in trials, OssaBusiness continued until the takeover by KTM In 2019, thanks to this commitment (similar to Husqvarna), the Austrian empire pulled off a major PR coup while reviving a legendary name. This materialized with Tech3 in MotoGP starting in 2023, and with Aspar in Moto3 and Moto2. In 2024, Tech3 also revived the name in Moto3, while Jorge Martinez's team focused on building on the success of CFMoto (also KTM) in the smallest category. In Motocross, they also achieved triumph. Jorge Prado was crowned MXGP world champion 2023 riding one of the creations of the Mattighofen firm.

Since then, everything has changed. GasGas has disappeared from the MXGP, MotoGP, Moto2, and Moto3 grids.…and even trial championships for 2026, even though it was mainly known for that! Indeed, at the end of 2025, an announcement was made by the board Regarding the factory team: « This is not an easy decision to make.We have invested considerable resources and a great deal of human effort to build a competitive team composed of exceptional individuals. However, given the current evolution of the World Championship and the Spanish Championship in their premier categories, as well as the slowdown in global sales of trials motorcycles, Maintaining a factory team is no longer financially viable » declared Fabian Simmer, managing director of GasGas.

Furthermore, the company has relocated, and GasGas motorcycles are now produced in Mattighofen, like KTMs, and not in Spain. According to some sources, around twenty employees are at risk because of this. "temporary stoppage"In my opinion, things don't look too good for GasGas.

What did you think of these rebadged and red-painted KTMs? Tell us in the comments!

 

 

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport