Why didnt gasgas keep the old frame?

Pop Shmoke
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Boston, MA US

I remember back when ktm bought husky they said that the bikes were going to be the same for a few years and then over time they would start to diverge into different bikes. The plan was that husky would be the ultra premium bike, ktm would be the go-to best of both worlds bike, and when they bought gasgas that would be the lower end bike. 
 

Gasgas was the last bike to switch over to the new frame, which had been causing riders problems over the last year. Everybody was saying they liked the old frame and gasgas had kept the old frame. Why didnt gasgas stay with that old frame in order to differentiate the bikes from eachother? Was it because they didnt want the cheaper bike to be on a better frame than the premium bikes? It seemed like the perfect chance to start to create some separation between the brands but then this year they moved to the new frame. Bad move?

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Freakazoid
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4/9/2023 7:34pm

Is that how you perceived it, or actually what “they” said? Im seriously wondering, I’ve been trying to pinpoint what GasGas goal is. 

I need to try this new 2023+ frame to see what ya’ll are talking about. I find my 2022 KTM frame a little soft sometimes, but I’m a bigger dude. 

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Dirt.Squirt
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4/9/2023 8:27pm

Old frame wasn’t as fun. New frame is more fun. GasGas is fun 

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urbanlift707
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Humboldt, CA US
4/9/2023 9:39pm

Count me as one who likes the new frame over the old frame.

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The Shop

wrc777
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Greenwood, IN US
Fantasy
4/10/2023 5:17am

New frame feels better than the old after 7-10 hours. The first 3-5 hours feels like riding a block of concrete. Yeah the comfort isn't as good but the bike just feels dead/non reactive. It is really strange how much it changes.

I doubt KTM wants to have two different frames in production at the same time. Engines wouldn't fit without new mounts or more changes, development on parts would not be the same. Accessories don't cross over, rear wheels are different, etc. I am a little surprised they gave the Gasgas a different subframe. I expected it to get the non-vented Husky subframe.

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4/10/2023 5:25am

Coop and Barcia are making the new frame look pretty good. 

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dl117
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Cambridge, MN US
4/10/2023 5:30am

on the gas gas its only the factory editions that have the new frame this year, we have 23 mc250f and it is old frame. that is the reason i bought the boy the gas gas as we have a older husky and ktm already and alot of the parts fit.

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4/10/2023 5:52am

Ive asked before, but no response- can someone actually provide a link to where the Pierer group claimed that they intended the Husqvarna was going to be their premium brand, GG was their lesser brand and KTM was somewhere in between?? 

Did Pierer ever actually say this or something similar, or is it all hearsay??

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Bearuno
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AU
4/10/2023 7:56am
Ive asked before, but no response- can someone actually provide a link to where the Pierer group claimed that they intended the Husqvarna was going to...

Ive asked before, but no response- can someone actually provide a link to where the Pierer group claimed that they intended the Husqvarna was going to be their premium brand, GG was their lesser brand and KTM was somewhere in between?? 

Did Pierer ever actually say this or something similar, or is it all hearsay??

Go search Cycle News for Alan Cathcarts interviews with him.

 

It's quoted in those.

 

 There's a 2 parter from a few years ago, and a more recent one.

Pop Shmoke
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4/10/2023 9:38am Edited Date/Time 4/10/2023 9:47am
Ive asked before, but no response- can someone actually provide a link to where the Pierer group claimed that they intended the Husqvarna was going to...

Ive asked before, but no response- can someone actually provide a link to where the Pierer group claimed that they intended the Husqvarna was going to be their premium brand, GG was their lesser brand and KTM was somewhere in between?? 

Did Pierer ever actually say this or something similar, or is it all hearsay??

I remember specifically reading this from a press release on one of the big dirtbike websites not from a forum or hearsay. It was about husky being the premier bike and ktm being the regular bike. Then a few years later gasgas slotted in to the lower end which is obvious by the less options and lower price but michael lindsay also mentioned this in a video. Ill try to see if I can find the old article but that was like what 7 years ago now? Ill try tho.

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4/10/2023 9:46am Edited Date/Time 4/10/2023 9:54am

Let's be clear on the point of using older platforms here: it is not to pick and choose a 'best of' on old KTM parts. It is to provide a new model on which to maximize profits on those components.

Gas Gas, as the budget platform, doesn't get to choose the frame based on preference for this or that older part. It will get equipped with whatever is best for the KTM supply chain.That's the point. And the Gas Gas customer will benefit by getting a competitive model with a lower MSRP.

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Pop Shmoke
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4/10/2023 10:11am
Ive asked before, but no response- can someone actually provide a link to where the Pierer group claimed that they intended the Husqvarna was going to...

Ive asked before, but no response- can someone actually provide a link to where the Pierer group claimed that they intended the Husqvarna was going to be their premium brand, GG was their lesser brand and KTM was somewhere in between?? 

Did Pierer ever actually say this or something similar, or is it all hearsay??

Found it.

 

”KTM remains the company’s main brand, and it’s where we usually see the results of the company’s R&D first. Historically the oldest of the three brands, Husqvarna is its premium marque, but not at the expense of accessibility.”

”GasGas is a relatively lesser-known brand, previously known most for its trial and enduro bikes. GasGas is positioned as the entry-level (Pierer Mobilty’s word choice is “enabler”) brand, with an emphasis on fun and accessibility.”

https://www.motorcycle.com/features/ktm-husqvarna-and-gasgas-pierer-mobilitys-three-pronged-attack.html?amp

mxtech1
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Galesburg, IL US
4/11/2023 6:08am

Because they don't want to manufacture 2 different frame versions for the 3 different brands. Its cheaper, less complex, and streamlines operations when they're only producing a single model for the 450 platforms. 

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