GasGas takes to the road

Spanish bike maker GasGas has been around for almost 40 years and is an off-road specialist. Bought by KTM in 2019, most recently the firm has been in the spotlight with Sam Sunderland winning the 2022 Dakar Rally on a GasGas machine. And they’re also prominent in Moto2 and Moto3 competition, suggesting the firm is lining up for a road-based future as well. Now that’s in train.

The idea was always for model expansion, and the firm has just released a couple of bikes designed for tarmac use. Naturally, they’re based on off-road machinery and Pierer Mobility (KTM) that owns them has done a similar thing before, expanding Husqvarna’s reach into the road sphere.

The two new models, ES 700 and SM 700, are based on the KTM 690 SMC R, just like the Husqvarna 701 Supermoto/Enduro duo. The GasGas models come in the company’s ‘fire engine’ red livery with white highlights.

Powering the pair is KTM’s single-cylinder 692cc engine, delivering 55kW (74bhp) hooked up to a six-speed quickshift gearbox, and there’s a 13.5L fuel holder integrated into the subframe to keep the C of G low.

The SM 700 is a big-bore supermoto machine designed more for exciting daily street use, underpinned by 48mm WP suspension and a fully adjustable rear shock. Other items include Bosch ABS, a slipper clutch, a quickshifter and ride modes. The ES 700 is for a mix of trail and road riding.

Expect more road-going models in future, likely with a version of KTM’s 390 and 890 Adventure models, only with the emphasis on the off-road side of things. These two models should arrive here midyear, with pricing of $20,699 plus ORCs.

And probably, with the way things are going, we can anticipate a company name change at some point in the future, perhaps ZapZap?