Life's a Gas with a Raga Replica!
By TMX Archives on 25th Jun 08
MORE than ever, the 2009 Gas Gas Raga Replica is exactly that - a genuine Raga Replica!It may seem an obvious thing to say but this genuinely exciting brand-new model, which is the forerunner of the entire 2009 Gas Gas TXT range, which will share the new tubular steel frame, has been tested and campaigned at International level first and foremost by the former World Champion, Adam Raga.
The '09 Raga Rep really does take Gas Gas to a new level in its quest for the leanest and lightest trials bikes with the all-new minimalist chassis, constructed of round-section but high tensile strength steel tubing, at the centre of attention - especially finished in powder-coated bright red. We do understand though that while the chassis is indeed all-new, the overall dimensions and geometry remains as before so loyal GG riders will feel instantly at home and those new to the brand will be straight on the case. This was a totally logical thing to do. Why mess with what works!
As ever with a Raga Rep, the bike is just packed with trick goodies. And it doesn't get tricker than gold magnesium crankcases and clutch cover for the ultimate in weight-saving Bling! Then there's the superb-looking S3 titanium front pipe and the JT7 carbon-fibre rear silencer both of which aid the lightening exercise. A Keihin carb makes for perfect fine-tuning of the engine while the Sachs rear shock can be dialled to your preference. Check-out the panel for the full line-up of goodies and see if you don't drool!
The Raga is available as a 300/280/250 (complimented by a similar-spec 125, dubbed Racing) the only problem as far as we know is that you will be very lucky indeed to get your hands on one as importer John Shirt informed us that supplies have been very limited and unfortunately demand was set to way exceed supply. We can't help you on that score I'm afraid - but we can tell you what you will be missing..!
SAYS Woody: Demand for the 2009 Raga Replica has been so strong that John Shirt hasn't even got a demo model and that we would be riding his supported rider Shaun Morris's bike. Shaun had just finished second to Graham Jarvis when I first clapped-eyes on the Rep with all its Bling I thought "Wow” all this kit must be special for Shaun. Then I saw the brand-new box-stock bike that had been used for the static photo session and it was absolutely identical - I was even more impressed.
The Raga Rep looks fantastic, that skinny red frame, the contrasting white plastics and silver wheel rims is a real antidote to all the trendy black that has been with us for a couple of years and it just looks so light. In fact, given its spec, it really is as close to a factory prepped bike - a genuine Raga Replica - as you are going to get!
Given that the new model is really all about the chassis it might seem strange that it wasn't actually the chassis that impressed me most. To be honest, to ride, it just felt like any other Gas Gas. I know that it is very light but I can't honestly say that it felt noticeably lighter than the previous model but Gassers always feel light anyway.
No, what impressed me most was the engine. If you've read any of my previous Gas Gas tests you will know I've never really been a fan of the 300 model. But this engine was fantastic. It is certainly powerful and strong but the way it delivers its power is amazing, so smooth. As soon as I jumped on I knew this bike was something a bit special. Carburetion was perfect in all conditions. You know that some engines load-up or lose carburetion when they are either nose-down or nose-up for any length of time but this was bang-on at all times and I didn't once feel the need to clear the engine out of unburnt fuel.
Because the motor is so powerful and torquey I half expected the clutch to be a bit in or out but it too worked without complaint. Even the gearbox, with its very short-throw lever which can cause a notchy change, seemed much better than on previous PRO models I've ridden. The six-speed box remains as before with a cog for every situation - although with >>>>
so much power available on the 300, gear choice is pretty much up to you!
Riding position is exactly as before and although the steel-tube chassis is tiny I suspect that it is actually a touch wider down by the footpegs. I say this because there just seemed to be a bit more width between the pegs - which actually makes for a more controlled ride as there is something for your legs to grip against.
I have to be honest but I really couldn't find any fault with this bike. It simply does everything that you ask and then some. I didn't even alter the handlebar or lever positions, just jumped on and rode it.
The best I can say is that over the last couple of years I have become a bit of a four-stroke convert. But this Raga Rep 300 has definitely swayed my swingometer back to the two-stroke. If someone said, Woody, you have to ride this in the Scottish next year, I'd
have no problems with that at all.
SPECIFICATIONS
2009 Gas Gas Raga Replica
ENGINE
Type: Single cylinder, watercooled, two-stroke, with direct crankcase reed-valve
Cylinder: 294.1 cc
Bore x Stroke: 79 x 66 mm
Carburettor: 28 mm
Ignition: CDI digital
Clutch: hydraulic progressive variable 3 discs diaphragm type
Gearbox: 6 speed
Final drive: Chain
CHASSIS
Frame: Cr-Mo tubular profile
SUSPENSION
Front: Adjustable telehydraulic fork, with 40 mm aluminium stanchions
Rear: Variable progressive single shock system
BRAKES
Front: 185 mm disc, 4-piston caliper
Rear: 150 mm disc, 2-piston caliper
WHEELS
Front: 2.75 x 21" tyre, on 32 spoke rim
Rear: 4.00 x 18" tubeless tyre on 32 spoke rim
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 1,330 mm
Seat Height: 665 mm
Fuel tank: 3.1 litres
Mass: 66 kg
2009 Gas Gas PRO Raga Replica 300
New tubular steel frame in red powder coat finish
Gold magnesium crankcases
Gold magnesium clutch cover
Keihin carburettor
S3 titanium front pipe
JT7 carbon fibre silencer
Sachs rear shock
White plastics
Raga decals
S3 aluminium footrests
DID rear wheel rim (no sealing rubber necessary)
New rear brake pedal
New plastic lock-stop protector
New plastic front radiator protector
Gold rear sprocket
New fuel tank
Gold anodised triple clamps
Gold Raga identification numbered plate
Gold exclusive numbered key ring
For full report and pictures see T+MX NEWS, Friday, June 27, 2008