The Gas Gas Halley is the starting point of a brand that was born as a result of the passion and experience of its founders. A bike with great technical virtues and arguments to burst onto the scene in a hotly contested market.
He was named Halley for a curious reason. In the year of its manufacture, 1986, it coincided with the appearance of the comet that bears the same name. The acronym PXC honoured its designer, the great master Josep Rovira Paxau. Therefore, in this year the first Gas Gas in history
was officially presented under the name: Gas Gas Halley 325 PXC 1986.
A STORY OF PASSION
To understand the existence of the Girona brand, we have to go back to December 1974, when Josep María Pibernat and Narcís Casas decided to open a motorcycle shop in Girona to sell brands such as Bultaco and SWM. The name of this store would be Gas Gas. Both Bultaco and SWM closed their doors, so the opportunity arose to manufacture their own motorcycle, something that would finally become a reality at the 1985 Barcelona Motor Show, where they presented Gas Gas as a brand.
This first Gas
Gas
included in its equipment the best of the moment: a single-cradle frame unfolded at the height of the exhaust, Telesco fork, a suspension system inspired by the Yamaha and signed by Corte Cosso, completed by a Grimeca front brake disc. Behind, a Nagesti drum.
Initially, Gas Gas was fitted with a 325cc, six-speed Villa engine, with a cylinder worked by Paxau and cast in Italy.
The Gas Gas Halley 325 PXC had a short life of two years and a single modification the year after it was released, incorporating a rear disc brake and a shorter chassis with tighter steering.
In 1988 the Halley gave way to a new model with more profound modifications both in terms of the chassis and its mechanics.
HALLEY IN THE ZONES
In the midst of the boom of classic motorcycles with deep preparations, models with monoshock and disc brakes seemed banished from the market. The fact that it was the first Gas Gas and was very well preserved ended up cheering me up. Already live, it’s an even more interesting bike. Personally, I think it’s one of the most beautiful Gas Gas of the early years.
The Italian influence on the concept of the bike is undeniable , but with very interesting technical solutions in all areas. The riding position is comfortable and well-resolved, although high of footpegs. The good feel of its controls and the great performance of such a critical component in this specialty as the clutch stand out; progressive and smooth.
Start-up is simple and effective. On the move, it is particularly noble and intuitive, easy to use and effective in the areas. The rear end suffers from little rigidity and you can’t demand too much from the shock absorber, but it passes in performance. From the front it’s more fun. The good balance between agility and poise in all terrains certifies its dynamic nobility, something especially remarkable as it is a first edition.
The 325 engine brings in big bass and mids. It is a bike that responds quickly to the throttle, inviting you to ride intuitively by taking advantage of its good torque. At high revs it doesn’t work with such excellence, but it represents a good technical base to polish these aspects and achieve a very complete mechanics.
All in all, the Halley 325 PXC is a very interesting bike to complete a collection or enjoy classic races in post-classic categories. Its price depends mainly on its condition, although since there is no large market, the trend is upwards. Units can be found from €800 to €1600 depending on conservation.
Gas Gas would be World Champion with Jordi Tarrés in 1993, 1994 and 1995. He would also be in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 with Adam Raga.
TRIAL GAS GAS SPARE PARTS & ACCESSORIES
