5 Exclusive Interview with GasGas Founder Josep Pibernat

5 -Exclusive Interview with GasGas co Founder
Josep Pibernat

Tavi was working on the new prototype JGas enduro 300 2 stroke. He was specifically tailoring the exhaust shape and size to the bike and the requests of Piber. This exhaust wasn't bought off the shelf it was created by Tavi who is one of the best in the business at making exhaust pipes. He had made prototype exhaust pipes for many many race teams taking over the reins from his father who started this workshop 60 years ago. When Bultaco's Paco Bulto wanted the best prototype exhausts making, he came to Tavi's father , right here in this workshop.

Exclusive Interview with GasGas motorcycles co Founder Josep Pibernat www.retrotrials.com

Piber explains to Tavi exactly what he wants. I learn on this trip that Piber does not accept anything he's not happy with returning immediately about 30% of what was given to him for improvement. Here you can see Piber explaining to Tavi that some more changes would be needed.

Exclusive Interview with GasGas motorcycles co Founder Josep Pibernat www.retrotrials.com

A wonderful old lathe. Suspended from the ceiling the original Tavi workshop sign advertising Rabasa Derbi :). One of the hubs of the Retro Catalan moto World.

Exclusive Interview with GasGas motorcycles co Founder Josep Pibernat www.retrotrials.com

Piber really admires the work that goes on here. Tavi can make anything but specializes in exhausts and thermodynamics. He stands in his office in front of some photographs of race teams and projects he has been involved with over the years.

Jaume Puig Cotet, otherwise known as Juame Tavi.

Exclusive Interview with GasGas motorcycles co Founder Josep Pibernat www.retrotrials.com

I could tell Piber loved being here.

Exclusive Interview with GasGas motorcycles co Founder Josep Pibernat www.retrotrials.com

This is Tavi's logo. Do you notice the play on the logo "HRC" with Tavi's TRC :). This photo below shows Tavi's workshop before he moved back to his fathers old place. As well as bespoke work, the company used to manufacture specialised aftermarket racing exhausts for small and medium bore 2 strokes that were very expensive.

Exclusive Interview with GasGas motorcycles co Founder Josep Pibernat www.retrotrials.com

Tavi's small Catalonian workshop has formed part of the very backbone of the local motorcycle industry for 60 years. Don't think the factories were doing all of the work. Much of the work then, as it is now, is farmed out to small thriving workshops like this. Tavi and his father both did a lot of work with the JJ Cobas racing teams and would build chassis here. So you see , his little place has real pedigree.

Exclusive Interview with GasGas motorcycles co Founder Josep Pibernat www.retrotrials.com

Tavi's place is just dripping with character. From the race photos to the propellers and harpoon gun, to the trophies and model car and bike collection. There is even a display of decommissioned weapons.

Exclusive Interview with GasGas motorcycles co Founder Josep Pibernat www.retrotrials.com

As I walked back out of this office I saw a blanket over a bike with a little bit of fluorescent orange showing. Desperate to find the last missing mythical Mecatecno Dragonfly's I lifted up the sheet....... It wasn't a Dragon fly but it was the late 1980's GP rider Xavier Cardelus' JJ Cobas 250cc GP Yamaha.

Exclusive Interview with GasGas motorcycles co Founder Josep Pibernat www.retrotrials.com

A young Tavi standing in a fetching Garibaldi jacket by an even more gorgeous Derbi.

Photo Tavi Exclusive Interview with GasGas motorcycles co Founder Josep Pibernat www.retrotrials.com

Tavi left with GP rider Josep Sarda

Photo Josep Sarda Exclusive Interview with GasGas motorcycles co Founder Josep Pibernat www.retrotrials.com

Tavi would help with all of the fabrication required for the team and for race day. Although he didn't feature in this photo, the rider Xavier and the bike did. From left to right - Jose Criville, Jordi Coma Cros, Alex Criville, Luis Albero Navarro, Jordi Prades, Eduardo Giro, Antonio Cobas, Jacinto Moriana, Arallo, Miguel Pericas, Xavier Cardelus Maestre and Matius. The JJ Cobas team also has their own range of paddock clothing and bags for sale

Exclusive Interview with GasGas motorcycles co Founder Josep Pibernat www.retrotrials.com

5 -Exclusive Interview with GasGas co Founder Josep Pibernat

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5 -Exclusive Interview with GasGas co Founder
Josep Pibernat