A new direction for Husqvarna and GasGas: the KTM Group’s EICMA innovations

EICMA is the leading trade fair for the motorbike industry. Every manufacturer worth its salt sets up shop at the exhibition centre in the Milan suburb of Rho at the start of November. After a one-year absence, the KTM Group is back in Milan with a major presence. What’s more, its sister brands Husqvarna and GasGas will also be present at the Milan exhibition centre.

Following the completion of the restructuring phase last year, KTM made only sparse public statements regarding Husqvarna and GasGas: the direction of the parent brand, KTM, was the clear priority. A separate strategy for GasGas and Husqvarna would require “thorough market research”. Any decision on this should be “fact- and data-driven”, as KTM CEO Gottfried Neumeister told the British motorcycling journalist Adam Child in the summer of 2025.

Announcements from the brands regarding their EICMA presence suggest that a decision on the future direction of the brands has now been made. For GasGas, there is “a clear direction”, as CCO Stephan Reiff was quoted as saying in an official press release. The statement assigns the Spanish brand the “role as an entry point” for the off-road products of the KTM brand group. GasGas road models are therefore unlikely to feature in the portfolio in future; instead, a clear focus is to be expected.

Husqvarna is also using the Milan show to offer a glimpse into the brand’s future, though the Austro-Swedish brand is not yet revealing its hand. A company press release speaks of a “clear commitment to innovation, design and technological progress”. The brand aims to provide an “exclusive preview of new models” and “insights into the brand’s plans and visions for 2027 and beyond”. It is conceivable that this preview will feature production models as well as one or more concept studies.

According to its own press release, the parent brand KTM itself intends to structure its EICMA presentation with a “focus on the off-road sector” and to highlight “new developments” in this segment. The Mattighofen-based company mentions that it intends to have a “surprise from the off-road portfolio” in store. The new EXC family is on the verge of series production at KTM. The brand is the market leader in the off-road sector and generates around half of its turnover in this area. In the road motorbike segment, the recently unveiled 690 Rally is in the spotlight, as is the new generation of the 790 Duke. The 1390 Super Duke GT, in versions with manually adjustable and semi-active suspension, is also set to go on sale: the high-performance sports tourer had been postponed to the 2027 model year as part of last year’s production relaunch.

Topic of the week

Soon-to-be world champion Kimi Antonelli: The inevitable will then follow in Mexico

The 20-year-old Italian Kimi Antonelli had the chance to secure the 2026 World Championship title at the US Grand Prix. He did everything right: victory in Texas. The title celebrations have nevertheless been postponed. Until Mexico.

Mathias Brunner

Read More

In addition, the Inntal-based company announced refinements to the 1390 Super Duke R, alongside new colour schemes. The Inntal-based company’s involvement in motorsport is also set to be a key focus of KTM’s presence in Milan. As part of this, the Austrian manufacturer’s rally team for 2027 will also be presented to the public.