GasGas Factory News ?

[scratch250]

IMO, the 2012 is a huge step ahead from the '11 and older bikes. I bought one based on the very first press photos and waited about 7 months for it. It's simply an easy bike to ride quickly and gives incredible confidence in its ability to go where you want and hold that line. It also is very easy to ride in muddy conditions- but just a bit hard to get stopped when you have some momentum...
In 220 hours, it has needed very little in maintenance other than an oil change every 20 hrs & the odd check over & the occasional bad wiring connection that needs cleaning.
That being said, it should have come with a bit more robust valving in the shock as well as a higher spring rate. The starter has some issues, but they can be fixed. Of course the bike is certainly a bit on the porky side- though that sometimes has its benefits.....
I like the evolution that happened from '12-'15 & what was done to the '15 and would be happy to buy one of those in the crate if I had the spare funds and there was one to be had.

AGREED! People sure complain alot about some pretty badass rides. I love the shit out of my '12 250, hoping GG survives as my next purchase would most likely be another GG. If the bike was perfect I would get bored in the garage.

 

[shang]

I agree as well. I can ride my '13 faster than any other bike I've owned. I can't believe the stuff I can climb. Actually, I just can't believe the crap I can get away with!

 

[rsteiger]

I think Rod nailed a couple of pages back.

GasGas really needs to support and expand it's dealer network. Our local shop out here use to sell GasGas years ago and I think even sponsored a race team. But after not receiving bikes, parts, or technical support he decided to not carry the product any more even though he really liked the product.

I remember I went in and talked to the owner some time ago about either carrying GasGas again or picking up Beta but he told me no way. He said first you need to understand this is my business and as much as I like those brands I just can't make a living selling bikes that never arrive or not being able to get parts for a customer.

He pointed out that there is no such drama when dealing with KTM or the Japanese brands. They all have a process to do things. You follow the process and the outcome is assured and you know you can deliver value to your customer.

While it is important for GasGas to have a product to sell they also need a network to sell their product and provide service to the end customers. This is why I think Orange is such a dominant force in the market place.

 

[phoenix]

AGREED! People sure complain alot about some pretty badass rides. I love the shit out of my '12 250, hoping GG survives as my next purchase would most likely be another GG. If the bike was perfect I would get bored in the garage.

I don't really see it as complaining. I see it as people caring enough about the product to want to make it even better. We all live with these bikes, ride them and work on them on a daily basis. I have things I would change, but at the same time I will sit around and talk for hours to somebody about how awesome my bike is and I do so all the time.

 

[Rod Overstreet]

I think Rod nailed a couple of pages back.

GasGas really needs to support and expand it's dealer network. Our local shop out here use to sell GasGas years ago and I think even sponsored a race team. But after not receiving bikes, parts, or technical support he decided to not carry the product any more even though he really liked the product.

I remember I went in and talked to the owner some time ago about either carrying GasGas again or picking up Beta but he told me no way. He said first you need to understand this is my business and as much as I like those brands I just can't make a living selling bikes that never arrive or not being able to get parts for a customer.

He pointed out that there is no such drama when dealing with KTM or the Japanese brands. They all have a process to do things. You follow the process and the outcome is assured and you know you can deliver value to your customer.

While it is important for GasGas to have a product to sell they also need a network to sell their product and provide service to the end customers. This is why I think Orange is such a dominant force in the market place.

Noted and understood, but to clarify the dealer your are referring to, was last active waaaaay back in the glory days of Don Knight. After that era ended, he focused on his orange brand, and he has done well in doing so, but to say he never experienced any drama with those other brands is a slight miscommunication. For the sake of argument, and for respect for this dealer, lets just leave it as such.

Not to be argumentative but it's also not an accurate statement for anyone to say that Beta is not offering their dealers the support needed to compete with other brands. 5 years ago, yes they were jabbing sticks in the dirt like we are now, but since that time have put into place an incredible performing process of the day to day operations. To be totally open and honest...I can only hope that Gas Gas will make the financial commitment to the US that will allow us at least match what Beta has right now in the terms of dealer support and the tools to sell more motorcycles. Let me just say that Tim and Frank Pilg have done a tremendous job in a very short time and should be commended on their professionalism and dedication to their brand and their dealers.

Back on Gas Gas , expanding the dealer network was well under way in 2014. In fact we brought on several quality multi-line dealers across the country and had many more ready to sign on before the current drama started. Unfortunately, many of those business' have either decided on other brands, or just stepped away from the off-road segment all together. The good news is, once the wheels start turning again under what I hope will be a MUCH stronger effort from the factory, I predict several of those guys will come back to the table and add GG to complement their other lines. Surprisingly, I have a few dealers who contacted me just in the last few weeks, who are simply waiting this out and once they can see some stability with the brand, have verbally committed to becoming GG dealers.

Let me get off my soap box and close by saying the 2015 models have been absolutely amazing in terms of reliability and performance, despite still carrying some of the baggage we all fuss about. We have also seen more Gassers on the podiums this past season, than in a very long time. That says allot.

I am so VERY excited about this motorcycle we have today, but more so how it can be made even better with the right effort behind it. Time will tell all...Here is to hoping this will be the last time we see Gas Gas rebuild.

 

[motopsycho87]

So, any official up to date news?

 

[Nhuskys]

I had an early VIN 2010 TXC 250 x-lite and it was, indeed, a disaster. If you searched for "x-lite problem" on Cafe Husky, make a list and check it off because I dealt with it - everything from the exhaust cam recall, to stripped cam bridge bolt holes, to the sprag clutch locking itself to the flywheel and much more. But hey, I know a lot more about working on a motorcycle than I did before I bought it! lol. Even so, though, I would give the engine another chance if I felt pretty confident that the big issues had been addressed. I remember talk of an X-lite 450 too, so that would be interesting. I LOVE my Gas Gas 200 and it will probably never leave the garage, but it isn't the best dual sport bike. To me, 4 strokes are just easier to that end and I hope revived Gas Gas has a 4 stroke model.

Friend has a '10 TXC250 and other than a fuel pump replacement, it has been stone axe reliable. Another friend had a '10 TE310 and the same story. Later "Red Head" X-Lites, were a nightmare for a couple of friends who had them.

 

[95jersey]

Friend has a '10 TXC250 and other than a fuel pump replacement, it has been stone axe reliable. Another friend had a '10 TE310 and the same story. Later "Red Head" X-Lites, were a nightmare for a couple of friends who had them.

My 2013 "Red Head" was a disaster. My Gas 300 was the replacement and what a great replacement is has been.

 

[Rod Overstreet]

My 2013 "Red Head" was a disaster. My Gas 300 was the replacement and what a great replacement is has been.

I best bet is your 2013 Red Head was put together by a bunch of pissed off Italians who knew they were about to get thrown to the wolves, much like the rest of us were here in the US, but hey...that's in the past. Glad to know your happy with the Gas Gas.

 

[rsteiger]

Noted and understood, but to clarify the dealer your are referring to, was last active waaaaay back in the glory days of Don Knight. After that era ended, he focused on his orange brand, and he has done well in doing so, but to say he never experienced any drama with those other brands is a slight miscommunication. For the sake of argument, and for respect for this dealer, lets just leave it as such.

Good enough! I am an old guy too.

Not to be argumentative but it's also not an accurate statement for anyone to say that Beta is not offering their dealers the support needed to compete with other brands. 5 years ago, yes they were jabbing sticks in the dirt like we are now, but since that time have put into place an incredible performing process of the day to day operations. To be totally open and honest...I can only hope that Gas Gas will make the financial commitment to the US that will allow us at least match what Beta has right now in the terms of dealer support and the tools to sell more motorcycles. Let me just say that Tim and Frank Pilg have done a tremendous job in a very short time and should be commended on their professionalism and dedication to their brand and their dealers.

When I was out in Colorado I could see what you are saying. In GA it is a different story. While parts are available it is a pia to get them when I compare it to my WR250R or even my old KTM 450 EXC. I did find an online microfiche ordering page and thought I was good to go but then gto an email from American Beta that some how I had found a back door to their dealer ordering system and they were sorry but could not sell me the parts through that system. OK I understand this and am good with allowing the dealer to make some money on the product since they have invested their time and money into it. In the end he recommended that I order from a shop in TN. This was ok but added like 3 days to delivery since the parts were shipped to the shop first and then repacked and shipped to me. At least if it was a local shop I could have ran into it and picked them up. Pretty nit picky but I do like to go into the shop and chat with the owners and support the dealer and the brand. I guess that is my issue to deal with. lol

Back on Gas Gas , expanding the dealer network was well under way in 2014. In fact we brought on several quality multi-line dealers across the country and had many more ready to sign on before the current drama started. Unfortunately, many of those business' have either decided on other brands, or just stepped away from the off-road segment all together. The good news is, once the wheels start turning again under what I hope will be a MUCH stronger effort from the factory, I predict several of those guys will come back to the table and add GG to complement their other lines. Surprisingly, I have a few dealers who contacted me just in the last few weeks, who are simply waiting this out and once they can see some stability with the brand, have verbally committed to becoming GG dealers.

Let me get off my soap box and close by saying the 2015 models have been absolutely amazing in terms of reliability and performance, despite still carrying some of the baggage we all fuss about. We have also seen more Gassers on the podiums this past season, than in a very long time. That says allot.

I am so VERY excited about this motorcycle we have today, but more so how it can be made even better with the right effort behind it. Time will tell all...Here is to hoping this will be the last time we see Gas Gas rebuild.

Good to know! I am looking to thin the herd a little bit and probably sell my GasGas and Beta in order to pick up a newer GasGas 2T in the future.

 

[bergerhag]

according to the GG workers Facebook page the deal is now closed

Good afternoon, after a year of having stopped production, we are pleased to announce that the brand Torrotes
acquired production unit Gas Gas motorcycles. Returning to air a brand that almost suffocation at the hands of former members.

Many demonstrations, has made claims that the social rights and to defend their jobs.
Back stage is now a walk in the fog. The light from the lighthouse called Torrotes and headed towards it.
From the legal representatives of the workers we thank all the fans who have supported us throughout this journey. You have comforted during our fight and we've given strength when our spirit wavered.

Gas Gas employees are looking forward to make these machines all crave.

Thanks to everyone informed as we have more information.

A google translate of the spanish text looks a bit better

Good afternoon, after a year of having stopped production, we are pleased to announce that the brand Torrot
acquired productive unit Gas Gas motorcycles. Returning to give air to a brand that almost suffocation at the hands of the former shareholders.

Many protests, claims made social side to defend their rights and jobs.
Gone is now a stage to walk in the fog. The lighthouse is called Torrot and headed toward her.
From the legal representatives of the workers we thank all the fans who have supported us throughout this journey. You have comforted us in our struggle and have given us strength when our spirit faltered.

Gas Gas workers are looking forward to those machines we all want.

Thank you all, we will inform you as we have more information.

 

[FDB]

Yes!!!!!!!!!

Sent from my GT-I9500 using Tapatalk

 

[poelinca]

Let's see how it goes from now on.

@Rod, i see on 'GasGas Motos North America' fb page that there will be a meeting of all exporters/distributors. When and if you have the time, could you please keep us posted ?

 

[GLantern]

So pumped!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[twowheels]

Even MXA is getting in on GG news

A short blurb on the sale and some interesting history on Torrot.

From their web page ...

http://motocrossactionmag.com/news/spanish-brand-gas-gas-finds-a-sugar-daddy-to-buy-them

 

[GLantern]

Thanks two wheels, it's cool to get the history behind the buyers.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[CACTUSREID]

so can we now breathe a sigh of relief,that the the brand and the bikes/parts will still be produced, or is it still a bit early for that?

 

[poelinca]

so can we now breathe a sigh of relief,that the the brand and the bikes/parts will still be produced, or is it still a bit early for that?

Factory production starts Jan/Feb 2016. A limited number of bikes will be produced in 2016 tough (forgot the number), but yes parts will be available sooner or later.

 

[twowheels]

Factory production starts Jan/Feb 2016. A limited number of bikes will be produced in 2016 tough (forgot the number), but yes parts will be available sooner or later.

Trials and Enduro News (Shan Moore's e-publication)

http://www.tandenews.com/trials-enduro-news/0630979001448207434

said February/March for 2016 trials bikes, May to market for 'Replica" trials bikes, and enduro models to follow. They also mention four-stroke development to build on the red-head XLite Husky technology.

They show a picture of a kick-ass Torrot e-mini with near-slicks ... fun, fun!

 

[poelinca]

Gas Gas ambitious plans for the coming years, as explained Torrot CEO Ivan Contreras, one an interview with ACN. The most imminent, recover next year the market leadership of trial.
In 2016 2.000 bikes will be made, once tuning Salt plant is made, and the goal is to reach 4,000 units per year in 2018.
In enduro, Torrot work next year on a new more competitive than the current bike to throw the market in 2017. Finally, a long-term project is a leap into the electric bike, taking advantage of technology Torrot. The first offroad Electric Gas Gas, however, does not have time.
Gas Gas not want to waste time in relaunching the brand and already before they can enter the factory has been working in the marketing of dirt bikes that will begin to make in Salt plant starting next year. At the recent trade fair in Milan, including several international importers they have already placed orders.
Similarly, Torrot team has contacted suppliers to as you start the factory is expected that this could be during the first quarter of 2016 to reach the necessary components for the assembly of vehicles.
This set-up of machinery, stop in recent months, it will be done in parallel to move to jump Torrot factory has Mataro and where he develops urban electric motor. For lack of space on the premises of the capital of Maresme, the company will maintain only the department of research and development.
In terms of production figures, in 2016 it is expected to make a total of 6,000 motorcycles, of which 2,000 are from trial setting, a thousand more endurance and 3,000 of MUVI model Torrot, an electric scooter connected at all times in internet and with a battery life of over 100 kilometers.
New models for the coming years
On the horizon of 2018, Torrot arises to achieve the 4000 Gas Gas trial bike, which would become the market leader in this sector; 6,000 motorcycles and 5,000 MUVI enduro. In the case of endurance, but first we will have to do a rethink of the model, does not convince the current owners of the brand
"The dirt bike is ready to industrialize and sell and we have actual orders, but the enduro needs improvement because it did not succeed in the market," said CEO Torrot, Ivan Contreras. In this regard, in 2016 there will be "a whole team to get a motorbike in 2017 competitive enduro".
With regard to future new models, the Enduro will be the first but not the only one. In the long term, the direction of Torrot provides a unique vehicle combining the best of both brands. "Gas Gas has a great international power and we want to take to get a motorcycle offroad power of reference, which will mark Gas Gas, but with technology developed Torrot".
Also in the pipeline are a new electric bicycle Torrot brand as well as a MUVI new developments made "carbon fiber to reduce weight and extend the autonomy".
13 MEUR investment and recovery workers
As for the announced investment and commitment to revive Gas Gas -13,000,000 euros over three years, he explained that Contreras will go to three games. A small party will improve the software, production controls and thus guarantee a "production quality".
A second package will be circulating money Torrot used to deal with the purchase of components needed to manufacture the bikes, while the third part will be devoted to trials competition and the introduction of professional pilots. "Gas Gas is a leader in the competition and maintain the level should reverse in the market," said Contreras.
Moreover, in addition to the 55 former employees of Gas Gas who can keep their jobs, there will be another 30 to move into a job market that "will be the first hire" when the company has the need to expand the workforce. The forecast for 2018 is to reach 80 workers.

Source, worker union fb page https://www.facebook.com/rltgasgas/posts/1068932033139857:0