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The bikes ares made in China, but Mash was dreamt up in France by Sima, once the French Ducati and Husqvarna importer and now seller of Gas Gas trials bikes and the Hyosung range.

 

“The name is taken from the MASH TV series of the 1970s,” says Richard Johnstone, boss of UK importer TGB Sport and Leisure. “The founders were all fans, and wanted something that suggested that era.”

 

The Mash brand was launched in France three years ago, offering Chinese-made 125s and 250s with a more retro look. And it’s succeeded, topping the French market in geared 125s. It’s a move we’re now seeing in the UK – the NEC show in November saw several stands with sexed up Chinese 125s, all aping that mini-Triumph Bonneville look.

 

UK importer TGB has been in business for 20 years, selling quads, but this is its first venture into two wheels. “We’ve got about 25 dealers so far,” says Richard Johnstone, “and we’re aiming for a network of 40. There is already a complete spares back-up for the Mash and it has a two-year warranty.”

The Roadstar is just the first Mash – a flat-track style Trackstar and street-scrambler Dirtstar are on the way, both based on the same chassis and mechanical bits.