Trails of the unexpected
By John Dickinson on 11th Nov 11
THE Gas Gas Randonne could very easily be described as one of those bikes that lots of people claim they wish was available but when a factory comes up with one, no-one buys it.
Firstly, despite its engine capacity of 125cc it is definitely not a serious Youth trials bike.
Maybe it could be, but as it stands it isn't.
But that isn't to say that can't be a useful Beginners/ Wobblers tool though – with minimal effort.
What it definitely is, as it stands, is a very good trail bike – and in the truest sense.
Most people these days do their green laning on pukka enduro bikes. This is exactly the reason that trail riding has such a bad name amongst the powers that be.
Flying along trails on a big, noisy bike fitted with wicked knobblies does nothing to enamour us to the public or the authorities.
However, if everyone did their trail riding on a GG Randonne – a virtually silent, totally inoffensive two-wheeler fitted with environmentally friendly trials tyres – then there's a good chance that many Rights of Way that are now closed would still be open to us.
The Randonne is perhaps the perfect trail bike. It is very light, has just the right amount of suspension rather than six inches too much, is quiet and should go for miles on a litre of fuel.
It also enjoys trials wheelbase and geometry so it will go absolutely anywhere with ease. What it won't do is dig a trench up a hillside with sheer horsepower, or frighten horses.
The Randonne is a very close relative to the ‘real' GG trials models. Its perimeter frame is similar in design but not the same.
It actually has a welded-on rear-section to support its proper seat – which simply sits on top of the trials plastic ‘perch'. Nestling in the frame is a lovely little 125cc Yamaha four-stroke motor (similar to that fitted in the old Scorpa SY125) complete with five-speed box.
It also sports that ultimate luxury – an electric starter.
What more do you want?
FOR FULL REPORT AND PICTURES SEE T+MX NEWS NOVEMBER 11
TX125 Gas Gas Randonne
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: four-stroke single cylinder
Cubic capacity: 123.3cc
Bore x stroke: 54 x 54Gearbox: 5-speed
lClutch: Multi-disc in oilbath
Carburettor: PTKChassis: Chrom-Moly Steel
Front suspension: MRP 40mm hydraulic
Rear Suspension: Sachs monoshock
Front tyre: Michelin Trial 2.75 x 21”
Rear tyre: Michelin trial 4.00 x 18
Front brake: 185mm disc. Four piston caliper
Rear brake: 150mm disc. Twin-piston caliper
Weight: 86kg
Ground clearance: 800mm (685mm)
Wheelbase: 1.330mm
