Image: Octopi Media.

Points-leader Justin Barcia said being on the existing GasGas platform based on the 2022 model isn’t a problem for him as he leads Monster Energy Supercross into San Diego this Saturday.

While the factory KTM and Husqvarna teams are using limited edition models, GasGas hasn’t homologated any form of factory model in the US, meaning Barcia is on a similar platform to 2021.

Barcia has been a picture of consistency across Anaheim 1 and Oakland, the only rider to be on the podium in both races with third position in each 450SX main event. By all accounts, he’s comfortable on the current TLD Red Bull GasGas Factory Racing MC 450F.

“I’m happy to be on the same platform – so two years – it’s not a lot of time on a new platform coming from an aluminium frame, so I’m super comfortable with it,” Barcia told MotoOnline.

“I did make my guys work this week, I wanted something is little different and it was actually pretty easy, honestly. It was just like a fork setting, it was just like Michael [Mosiman]’s setting.

“Today we searched a little bit and found it, so super-stoked with the bike, the guys are doing a great job and I’m definitely happy to be on the same chassis.

“Obviously, the new chassis is working, it’s not a bad chassis – AP [Aaron Plessinger] is up here – so it’s not bad at all, but we have two really good bikes right now.”

Barcia currently holds a three-point lead as the series heads into round three, leading Oakland winner Jason Anderson (Monster Energy Kawasaki) and defending champion Cooper Webb (Red Bull KTM), who is equipped with the latest 450 SX-F Factory Edition.