This week we got to ride the new GasGas Factory Editions. The GasGas MC450F Factory Edition is otherwise known as the Troy Lee Edition, and is basically a tribute to Justin Barcia’s race bike. For 2023, this model is based on a new platform, completely different from the standard model. That lets us know that in 2024, GasGas will be updating to this frame for the entire line. That’s what happened last year for KTM and Husqvarna, but in those cases, the factory models didn’t get any aftermarket upgrades–they were just early 2023 models. This GasGas, on the other hand, does get an upgraded pipe, clutch cover and triple clamp. In specs, it’s essentially the same as the new KTM 450SX-F Factory Edition.
This year, each of the major manufacturers is offering some kind of special model as a tribute to its race team. In some cases, they have high-end aftermarket accessories. In others, it’s more about graphics and colors. Last year, we included the special editions in our 2022 450 Motocross Shootout. The result was a 12-bike comparison that left the entire staff with severe PTSD.
We’ve been struggling for good testing weather. They say that Southern California has had more rain than Seattle so far this year. It’s too much of a good thing. Our usual go-to test venue is Glen Helen Raceway, and the main road in has been flooded and closed for months. You have to go through a housing complex that leads in the back way, and, as I understand it, the local residents are sick and tired of all the race traffic. For the Gas Gas Factory Editions, we went to a secret (meaning of questionable legality) riding area in the hills. It’s been fun, but I don’t know how much legitimate testing we accomplished. Luckily, we already know the bike. Yes, it’s new, but it has the same frame, motor and suspension as the KTM 450SX-F, which we are very familiar with.
Basically, we love the new motor, we like the new suspension and we are still learning to get along with the new frame. At first, we didn’t like it at all, then we learned that the more time you have on the bike, the better it feels. No matter what, it’s still more rigid feeling than the old one. What’s interesting is that now we have so much time on the new bikes, the old ones feel really old. We still have our GasGas standard edition for comparison, and it feels like a trail bike. Standards can change quickly.
We also have the MC250F Factory Edition, which is a very cool looking bike. And it’s fast too–very fast. You can look for both to be featured in the July, 2023 print edition of Dirt Bike.
SPECIAL EDITIONS
We have five special Editions in the shop right now. There are more of them, too. We don’t have the Suzuki RM-Army edition because that was a limited time sales incentive. When you bought a Suzuki RM-Z early in the model year, you got a Yoshimura pipe and graphics in the mail. We expect the deal will come back before long and we wouldn’t be surprised if it looks like Ken Roczen’s bike. We are also missing the Yamaha Monster Energy Edition, although that particular bike has no accessories–just graphics and color. If you want to see how all the special editions compare, click on the table below. It will give you all the details.
KTM’S NEW HQ
KTM just had a house-warming party for it’s new headquarters in Murrieta. It’s so big it has its own airport! Actually, it is adjacent to French Valley airport.
See you next week!
