John Shirt
The press and social media have been speculating about the future of GasGas UK after it was announced that KTM had taken control of the Spanish manufacturer. We thought it was about time we caught up with the main man, John Shirt, as you will have noticed it’s been business as usual at their Buxton headquarters: race on Sunday, sell on Monday! So, is it business as usual?
Yes, for John Shirt and our company, there are significant changes ahead. Of course, I am very proud of what we have achieved as the Gas Gas UK importer over the past 31 years. It’s been a roller-coaster ride, and I will write a book one day! For me, a 31-year chapter is now over, and a new one is starting, as John Shirt Motorcycles Limited. I am very positive about this change.
So what’s changing?
With the KTM’ Group’, now owners of Gas Gas, we are no longer the official Gas Gas UK importer. KTM distributes their motorcycles direct to their dealer networks, and so an importer isn’t required. I say ‘Group’ because people need to understand that the KTM ‘Group’ now have KTM, Husqvarna, WP and now Gas Gas. The best way to explain to people is the comparison to the VAG car group that owns Volkswagen, Seat and Audi etc. Their system clearly works, and I am confident they will succeed with Gas Gas in the same way. Of course, they have done great things with KTM, but I am more impressed with what they have done with Husqvarna because only five years ago ‘Husky’ was dead and now it’s a huge brand!
Gas Gas will stay Gas Gas and remain red. We
“Gas Gas will stay Gas Gas and remain red…we will continue 100% with Gas Gas, but as a dealer”
are now John Shirt Motorcycles Ltd, and we will continue 100% with Gas Gas, but as a dealer. Okay, we have vast experience with the brand and as an importer, but working as a dealer will still be new to us. Some things will be better and some worse. At least now we can supply all Gas Gas trials, enduro and motocross models at retail to the final customer. I am both very excited and fearful of the big changes ahead.
You are known worldwide as a Gas Gas specialist in both trials and enduro
In general, yes, we know both sports – trials and enduro – in the UK very well. We have a lot of knowledge on the Gas Gas because the 2020 model available now is 100% Gas Gas, made in Girona. We have the best technical knowledge, and all our customers will get the best-prepared machines. With enduro, we will have no Gas Gas models until the end of the summer, the 2021 models. Of course, they will be red, but I expect them to be similar to KTM and Husqvarna. These will be all new for us, and once again, I am very excited. Gas Gas will now have a big range of enduro and motocross models.
Will you still run sponsored teams?
Yes, I will manage both the JSM Trials and Enduro Teams. The old saying ‘Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday’ is still a good motto, one which I thoroughly believe in. I am a racing man, so I will still spend most Sundays at Trials and Enduro events. We will have fewer riders because we are now a dealer. I have spent a lot of time and money helping many riders, but now it’s not my job to market Gas Gas nationwide, and I will concentrate on what’s best for John Shirt Motorcycle Limited. My riders will get the best of everything; that goes for Gas Gas machinery, MOTS and S3 parts and clothing, Michelin tyres, Putoline Oils and Renthal bars, grips, chains and sprockets. I am very grateful for all the sponsors we have, and I like to think they have a good return of exposure from what we achieve.
Is the Gas Gas trial model the best?
In my eyes; yes. Gas Gas made quite a lot of subtle changes in 2019, and the machine is perfect. The 2020 bike is exactly the same as 2019. It’s a proven, reliable winner. I must say that nowadays there is not a bad trials machine on the market, it all depends on what brand suits you, and what brand you are proud to be part of and buy into. After-sales service is as important as buying the motorcycle, and we intend to service our Gas Gas customers in the best possible way.
Do you still import clothing and hard parts?
Yes, of course, we are the UK importers for Mots, S3, Stylmartin – trials – and also TECH forks. This side of our business is very important to us, and we sell these products through our shopping website www. trialendurodirect.com and through the best trials dealers.
Do you still compete?
Yes, I am really enjoying my riding at the moment. I’m not fussed if it’s trials or enduro, or even enjoying my ebike in Macclesfield forest. For me ‘the ride’ is what I have always been in love with, and this will not change. It’s been quite difficult going from being quite successful in my riding to being very average nowadays. I am still very competitive and want a good result, but it really doesn’t matter anymore.
Sunday is also a very important day regarding the business because I get to see customers. It’s not a day off for me people as people might think. Yes, I ride for fun, but I am always there with business in mind.
I love the old-school Trials and the traditional Timecard Enduro events. For me, the Scottish Six Days Trial is the main one, and this will be year number 32. I just can’t wait to get in those Scottish mountains with my Gas Gas and friends!t