We all heard back in late 2019 that KTM motorcycles would be initiating a ‘joint venture’ with GasGas motorcycles, with very little further information. There have been plenty of questions around KTM buying GasGas, and what two very well established brands could bring to the table that don’t already exist. For the most part, the question was, and is, “Is this just going to be a KTM, but red?”. KTM, after all, have a tried and tested 80+year legacy of quality bikes, why not just pop a new logo on their existing designs? Well, GasGas also has a quality legacy and KTM respects the differences (and the GasGas good name), understanding the need for diverse choices for riders’ needs (both financially and functionally).
Now that Sutto’s are proud suppliers of GasGas under the KTM umbrella, we’re keen to share how GasGas stands on its own two feet (or, wheels) in the market.
What makes the GasGas different to the KTM?
We can officially announce that the GasGas certainly isn’t just a KTM in a red coat. While there are a few similarities, the GasGas holds its own.
Clutch & Brake
The GasGas enduro range has been built with the same brake discs, with the key difference being Braktec master cylinders and calipers, and on the clutch side, a Braktec master & slave cylinder.
Exhaust system
The exhausts are different between the GasGas and the KTM. Unlike the KTM, the GasGas doesn’t have a chamber in the head pipe, and the muffler is a little quieter.
Linkage suspension
Going against the KTM PDS suspension design, the GasGas has linkage suspension. The big difference with this is that a linkage rear-end allows more variation in settings and therefore more tunability to your style of riding.
Lower price point
When the news of the KTM buy of GasGas came out, we weren’t sure where they’d place the GasGas in the market. As it turns out, it’s lower than the KTM and similar Husky bikes, due to the freedom of some of the features that, although have major benefits, are more cost effective to manufacture.
Yep, it’s red!
Ok so while this clearly is not the only difference between the KTM and the GasGas, it’s a fun point of difference! Cherry red and immediately identifiable, the red plastic is the calling card of the bike.
You can upgrade
A clever aspect to the GasGas in its KTM era is that they use the same electrics, so you can upgrade and add a map switch later if you like. Perfect if you’re going in for a lower ride height and price point, but want something closer to the KTM without replacing the whole bike.
Some similarities between the KTM and the GasGas…
It’s not all about the differences here. There are some key features that are the same across both KTM and GasGas motorcycles, as these features are known to be synonymous with quality and a superior riding experience.
These similarities include:
- Retain the same engine
- Have the same steel frame and aluminium sub frame
- Both have WP suspension
- Same hydraulic clutch (on the motocross range).
- All EFI components are the same (computer, fuel pump etc).
Ready to jump on the GasGas? Contact us today to check it out for yourself!
