GAS GAS 450 WILD HP (2004–2013): A Wild Heart in Supermoto Clothing

Introduction

The GAS GAS 450 WILD HP, produced from 2004 to 2013, is a motorcycle that defies easy categorization. While its roots lie in enduro and motocross DNA, this Spanish machine carved its niche as a street-legal supermoto with a wild, untamed personality. Designed for riders who crave agility and raw power in urban environments or twisty backroads, the 450 WILD HP feels like a rally car on two wheels—lightweight, responsive, and perpetually eager to play. Let’s dissect what makes this bike a cult favorite among riders who value character over convention.

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Design & Styling: Function Over Flair, But It Works

The GAS GAS 450 WILD HP’s design screams purpose. With its angular bodywork, minimalist tail section, and aggressive stance, this bike isn’t here to win beauty contests—it’s here to dominate parking lot wheelie competitions. The red/black/grey color scheme (later simplified to red/black) is bold but not flashy, emphasizing its no-nonsense attitude.

The chassis is a standout feature. The Cr-Mo rectangular profile "Deltabox" frame feels robust yet surprisingly light, contributing to the bike’s 105 kg (231.5 lbs) dry weight. At a seat height of 900 mm (35.4 inches), taller riders will appreciate the commanding view, though shorter riders might find it intimidating. Ground clearance of 340 mm (13.4 inches) hints at its off-road capabilities, though the 17-inch supermoto wheels wrapped in 120/60 (front) and 150/60 (rear) tires keep it firmly planted on asphalt.

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Engine & Performance: Single-Cylinder Fury

At the heart of the 450 WILD HP lies a liquid-cooled, 443cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine. With 50 PS (37 kW) on tap, this isn’t the most powerful thumper in its class, but it delivers power in a way that feels alive. The fuel injection system (a rarity in early 2000s supermotos) provides crisp throttle response, eliminating the carbureted hiccups of its competitors.

Twist the throttle, and the engine barks to life with a metallic snarl. Power builds linearly up to 7,000 RPM, then surges violently toward the 10,500 RPM redline. The 6-speed gearbox is slick, though the ratios feel tightly packed—perfect for urban sprints but requiring frequent shifts on highways. Cruising at 100 km/h (62 mph) is possible, but the engine vibrates like an over-caffeinated jackhammer, reminding you this bike was born for short, adrenaline-fueled bursts.

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Handling & Suspension: Dance Like Nobody’s Watching

If the engine is the Wild HP’s heart, its chassis is the nervous system. The Marzocchi 45mm inverted fork and Ohlins rear shock (with 295mm/11.6in and 320mm/12.6in of travel, respectively) strike a rare balance between supermoto stiffness and enduro plushness. Over potholes, the suspension absorbs impacts with a muted thud, yet it remains taut enough to carve corners like a razor.

Flicking the bike into hairpins feels effortless. The 1,475mm (58.1in) wheelbase and 17-inch wheels create a geometry that’s both stable at lean and nimble at low speeds. Braking is handled by single discs front and rear—adequate for the bike’s weight, though aftermarket upgrades (hint: MOTOPARTS.store carries wave rotors) can sharpen stopping power.

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Competition: How It Stacks Up

The 450 WILD HP’s closest rivals were the KTM 450 SMR and Husqvarna SM 450. Here’s how they compare:

• KTM 450 SMR: More refined, with a broader powerband and superior aftermarket support. However, the KTM felt heavier (112 kg/247 lbs) and less "flickable" in tight corners.
• Husqvarna SM 450: Similar weight and power, but carbureted. The Husky’s midrange punch was stronger, but the GAS GAS’s fuel injection gave it an edge in throttle precision.
• Aprilia SXV 5.5: A V-twin beast with double the cylinders and horsepower. Faster? Yes. But also heavier, hotter, and far less reliable.

The GAS GAS carved its niche with a blend of lightweight agility and modern fuel injection—a rare combo in the mid-2000s.

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Maintenance: Keeping the Wild Spirit Alive

Owning a 450 WILD HP is a love affair, but like all passions, it demands attention. Here’s what to watch:

1. Oil Changes: Use SAE 10W-50 API SF oil (1.1L without filter). These engines rev high and run hot—change oil every 15–20 hours.
2. Cooling System: The liquid cooling relies on "Wasser+" (likely a glycol mix). Flush every 2 years and check for leaks around the radiator hoses.
3. Valve Adjustments: With a DOHC setup and 4 valves, clearances need checking every 30–40 hours. Keep electrodes at 0.7–0.8mm.
4. Chain & Sprockets: The chain final drive wears quickly if neglected. Clean and lubricate every 500 km (310 miles).
5. Brake Fluid: DOT 4 absorbs moisture fast. Bleed annually or before sticky lever syndrome strikes.

At MOTOPARTS.store, we stock everything from NGK CR8EIX iridium plugs (quieter interference than stock CR8E) to high-performance brake pads tailored for supermoto abuse.

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Final Verdict: A Wolf in Street Clothing

The GAS GAS 450 WILD HP isn’t for everyone. It’s loud, vibey, and demands mechanical sympathy. But for riders who value raw connection over refinement, it’s a masterpiece. This bike thrives in chaotic environments—darting through traffic, attacking canyon roads, or simply drawing crowds at bike nights. If you can handle its quirks, the 450 WILD HP will reward you with grins no spreadsheet-spec superbike can match.

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Specifications sheet

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