2026 GASGAS MC450F VS. KTM & HUSKY: THE WRAP

MotoFactory · 22 декабря, 2025

As part of our 2026 450 MX shootout, we got to test a brand-new GasGas MC450F. This bike has a new look, but there are only minor mechanical changes for 2026. All the key components are the same; the steel frame (which got a subtle redesign for the 2024 Factory Edition), the WP Xact air fork and the single overhead cam motor. As most people know, GasGas motorcycles roll off the same assembly line as KTM and Husqvarna in Mattighofen, Austria. Also, as everyone knows, Pierer Mobility, the parent company of all three brands, had a rough patch after the Covid pandemic, incurring a great deal of debt. So, for 2026, with new ownership in the form of Indian conglomerate Bajaj Auto, the racing efforts and products offered from GasGas have been reduced. The MC450F Factory Edition is now on hiatus as is the GasGas Factory Supercross team. Justin Barcia has signed with the new Troy Lee Designs Ducati factory effort for the 2026 season. Casey Cochran and Ryder DiFrancesco, who were the 250 riders for GasGas in 2025, have moved to the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing 250 team for 2026. GasGas will still maintain a presence in racing through support for privateer teams and the sale of its 2026 off-road models, but without a full factory-backed program in SMX.

All of that makes perfect sense and allows a clearer identity for GasGas.The brand fills the role of being a less expensive alternative to KTM and Husqvarna. Accordingly, the 2026 GasGas MC450F sells for $10,849, whereas the 2026 KTM 450SX-F is $11,649. The Husky FC450 is on a hiatus of its own. There is no standard model for 2026, only a Factory Edition for $13,799. There are still standard model Husqvarna leftovers from 2025, but even those are more expensive than the GasGas despite new tariffs.

the 2025 GasGasMC450F has an MSRP of $10,849.

How do the three Austrian bikes differ? The GasGas has a number of different components, including Maxxis tires (rather than Dunlop) forged triple clamps (rather than machined), a different exhaust system, a different handlebar, different rims and different body work. The GasGas also comes without a multifunction switch on the left side of the handlebar. That means you can’t toggle between maps, access traction control, launch assist or Quickshift. All those functions are still buried within the bike’s ECU, but you need to spend about $200 to access them. The suspension components are the same as the KTM’s but have valving specs that are softer.

The forged tripleclamps are a key difference between the GasGas and the other Austrian 450s.

Does the average guy need any of those things? In a word, no. The GasGas starts off with the same motor as the KTM but is detuned slightly because of a new, quieter exhaust system and perhaps the airbox. But, it doesn’t really matter. That motor makes so much power it can afford to lose a little. It might even make it better and easier to ride. Check out the Pro Circuit dyno chart. The map switch certainly has some value, but if you buy it, you’ll find there isn’t that much difference between the aggressive map (green light) and the standard map (gray). Both traction control and Quickshift are an acquired taste that most riders can do without. As for the tires, the Maxxis tires might not be on the same level as the Dunlops that come on the KTM and Husqvarna, but that’s a very short-lived issue.

The one issue that might not be as easily dismissed is overall comfort. The handlebar and the tripleclamp make for a slightly harsher feel on the GasGas, especially when compared to the Husky. The suspension plays into this as well. All three bikes have a common shortcoming in front suspension. The Xact air fork was a miracle when it came out in 2017, but nine years is an eternity in the suspension world. The gains made since then haven’t been as significant as we would like to see. Most riders prefer the KTM and Husky suspension over the GasGas. The Husky, by the way, had slightly reduced suspension travel in order to lower the seat height by roughly a half inch in 2025. This made no difference in suspension quality whatsoever. Some riders absolutely love the reduced seat height. Others might complain about the reduced ground clearance.

The KTM 450SX-F is still the flagship of the Pierer Mobility motocross line.

The standard version of the Husqvarna FC450 is on hiatus for 2026, so we used a 2025 version in our shootout. The FC450 Factory Edition will be in dealers shortly.

In virtually all other ways, the GasGas is the same bike as the KTM and Husqvarna. That means it’s excellent in turns, has world-class stability and proven reliability. Even in weight, the three bikes are the same: 229 pounds on our scale without fuel. We can’t say that the GasGas is actually superior to its siblings in any category, but it has no significant disadvantages. To see how the GasGas, KTM and Husqvarna stack up against the rest of the 450 class, check out our 450 shootout.

Merry Christmas!