Gas Gas, one of Europe’s oldest manufacturers of off-road motorcycles, has survived another round of financial woes.
Last May, word broke that Gas Gas was bankrupt, and when employees made it very clear they didn’t want to work for KTM, it appeared the brand might die off, just like so many of Europe’s offroad manufacturers before (remember, Gas Gas itself was founded in 1985 from the ashes of Bultaco).
Since then, there hasn’t been much talk about Gas Gas’s survival, which was worrying. In a world where KTM/Husqvarna is almost the only game in town if you want a true street-legal dirt bike (although Beta puts up a good fight), it was discouraging to see the competition dying off instead of getting stronger.
But now, several online news sources (we saw it on Asphalt & Rubber) are reporting Gas Gas has gotten a bailout from another Spanish vehicle manufacturer, Torrot. The deal was worth . Interestingly, Torrot is best-known for building electric bicycles and other similar commuter machinery, and word is that Gas Gas will now turn their sights on the electric motorcycle market while still producing and developing gas-powered motorcycles. Given their name, they don’t really have much of a choice.
What this means for the Canadian market is unknown, atlhough Moto Trials West still lists Gas Gas on their website.
Is HD in trouble or is that a rumour??
Good to see. KTM swallowing them up (after both Husqvarna and Husaberg too) would not make for great competition.
Good for them and diversity is allways welcome!
Yeah! Great bikes, just under-promoted