After a successful launch in 2023 of Grabbo’s VIP Race Experience and desert races done and dusted for another year, Grabbo and the VIP crew are super excited to announce the 2024 VIP Experience with GASGAS.
The VIP Ride Experience has been running with GASGAS motorcycles in 2023 with great success. Grabbo’s experience with GASGAS dates back early in his career with multiple wins. Since then, the range has been enhanced and expanded to include an all-new EC 500F and
EC 450F. It made sense to make the switch for VIP experiences in 2024.
Grabbo tested the range at the global launch in Italy in July but Italy and Finke really are two completely different places. So, the VIP crew took the bikes to the Finke track. Let’s face it – this really is the ultimate test!
‘The Finke track is the perfect place to put a new motorcycle under stress. If a motorcycle can handle the high speed torture of the desert terrain between Alice Springs and Finke, then it can comfortably finish any other desert race. The New EC 500F has performed faultlessly during all of our testing. I logged over 50 desert hours without it missing a beat,’ Grabbo says.
‘As the EC 500F is an all-new motorcycle we needed to learn what works best for desert racing, how it responds to adjustments and preparation for individual riders. We tested suspension, gearing, exhausts, ECUs and chassis settings.’ The ultimate desert test wasn’t without challenges to overcome. The new anti-squat technology gives the rear end a very different feel
in desert conditions. JVR Suspension have developed a shock setting that works well with this technology which is a big step forward.
So, did the GASGAS bike pass Grabbo’s ultimate desert test? Yes! ‘Overall, I couldn’t be happier with the overall package we will be offering VIP customers in 2024. It is a very safe and calm motorcycle to ride and for a rider who likes to go fast, this engine package has more than enough speed to run at the front of any desert race.’
There’s a lot more in store for 2024 with Grabbo’s now online. Always know where Grabbo is in the world and don’t miss an opportunity to book a 1 on 1 coaching session. Jamalka Off-Road race has been added to the calendar after Grabbo coached for the first time in October 2023. This track is the perfect desert race to kick off the 2024 race season. ‘The track has a nice mix
of hard pack clay and bottomless sand, also more forgiving on the body at 360 kilometres in total. I personally like it as there are sections where you race past the beach at 180kph then weave in and out of the salt flats in second gear.’
There will be more rides to be announced for your chance to get a VIP taste of the desert. For those commitment-phobic racers, the VIP crew are sticking around after Finke to hit the track (at a slow-pace!) and see some of the sights of our great land. This is your chance to get a taste of desert racing guided by Grabbo. Who knows, you might even sign up to race next year.