Justin Barcia's GasGas MC 450F – Method Race Wheels

Towards the end of 2020 the Troy Lee Designs made the huge announcement that Justin Barcia would join the GASGAS Redbull team. A new team means a new bike and for Barcia it’s the MC 450F. If you’re new to the motocross world, you’re not alone. Before we dissect Barcia’s bike, let’s talk a little bit about GasGas.

Gas Gas is a Spanish motorcycle manufacturer that was founded by Narcis Casass and Joseph Piebernat in 1973. Prior to selling the first GasGas bikes, the two established a chain of stores selling bikes and by 1985 they were manufacturing their own bikes. The name Gas Gas is what you imagine it would be, “to gas it” (accelerate, give it gas, turn the throttle) essentially to go faster. Fast forward to 2019 and Gas Gas is purchased by the Pierer Mobility Group the parent company of KTM and Husqvarna.

Many have asked if GasGas is just a KTM painted red. Here’s what we know: GASGAS bikes will share the same engine, steel frame, WP suspension components, electric starter, hydraulic clutch and Brembo brakes. While they share a few components a few differences including forged aluminum triple clamps, gone is the resonance chamber found in KTM and Husky headers resulting in a different engine characteristic.

“I’m absolutely loving my new GASGAS. The bike is so nimble, light and fast. It suits my riding style so well!” Barcia says. We wanted to ask Barcia how his season with the new team and new bike was going so far. “The racing season so far is going well. I’ve had some highs and lows, but it’s been a lot fun and I believe we are going to have a lot more high coming soon! I’m extremely looking forward to the Atlanta races. I have a lot of friends up there and I love the red clay tracks.”

As you can imagine, Barcia’s bike isn’t just a factory GasGas MC 450F. The frame is a central double-cradle type 25CrMo4 steel and carburation is handled by a Keihin EMS. The front fork is WP XACT-USD 48mm and the rear suspension is a WP XACT – Monoshock with linkage. Lubricant of choice is the Motorex 10x40.

Next up for Barcia and the TLD GasGas team is Atlanta. We can't wait to see them rip.