Gas Gas 2007 range
By TMX Archives on 2nd Aug 06
THE big change for Gas Gas and its 2007 trials range is the switch from the trademark chrome-plated chassis to a trendy new black finish. Couple this to the striking new black and red plastics and the '07 PRO almost looks like a different bike to its predecessors.
Black certainly proved popular for Sherco last year and the dedicated-followers-of-fashion I have consulted certainly rate the '07 Gasser a big hit. Personally, I remain a diehard fan of the chrome chassis BUT when we came to s
Being honest, we only managed a quick flick on a couple of bikes that had been run-off in a production dummy run but initial findings are still interesting. We learned that red is now seen by the management as the corporate Gas Gas colour and that the vast majority of machines will indeed be red. There will be a variation for a small percentage of bikes but this had not been decided on. If you want a favourite it could be yellow, there again it could be blue or silver...
The PRO range, colour-change aside, mechanically remains pretty much as previous. The radical, ultra compact engine/gearbox unit is at its heart and the factory has introduced several quality improvements to the gearbox and clutch. Capacity classes will be 125, 250, 280 and 300 with the possibility of a 200 model, depending on demand.
The 125 class is one of the most important these days with the Youth rules dictating their necessity and all factories have made huge strides in 125cc performance. Gas Gas are no exception and the 125PRO is the choice of many an aspiring young champ thanks to its ultra-light weight, all-round flickability and a sporty motor that revs to the skies. For '07 the factory has opted to tune-in a bit more bottom-end power, with a shorter front exhaust pipe assisting this. Unfortunately the model we had to try at the factory was fitted with a strange sprocket combination and it wasn't possible to fully exploit the motor as the bike was somewhat high-geared! It was possible though to suss out that the handling remained at its expected high standard with plush forks and rear shock. Also that the clutch was definitely functioning well. This is one area where attention to quality has demonstrably paid dividends regarding the PRO performance.
Moving on, if you are looking for the ideal Clubman bike then five minutes on the 250PRO will have you convinced that this is indeed the answer. We know that the mantra each year from the factories is lighter, smoother, etc, etc but the 250PRO really is a smoothie! The motor has been dialled in perfectly and yet it wouldn't scare even an absolute raw beginner you could, if you had the skill, win a National trial on this. The combination of light weight, neutral steering, plush suspension and soft motor is irrisistible. Editor JD had lots of fun on the 250. Choice of gear is almost irrelevant, if you get it wrong the motor will pretty much pull you through whatever the situation. Gas Gas has always produced bikes that feel pretty much right as soon as you set off and the latest PROs remain just like that. The aluminium front suspension stanchions, introduced last year, remain unique on trials bikes and Gas Gas claim they have had no problems - and they save a stack of weight over steel items!
The remaining model available to us, the one that British importer John Shirt commandeered, was the 300PRO. Once upon a time this model was a fire-breathing monster. Then it became a bit of a wolf dressed in sheep's clothing (it was fine most of the time but could sneak up on you and bite!) until finally it has mellowed into a bike that is difficult to fault. Just like a meaty 250 in fact. Shirty, who loves even his trials bikes to have fire in their belly, was wowed by the super-smooth 300. As one who was always very wary of the 300, which as I say could bite if given too much throttle, I came away very impressed by the 300. It managed to feel powerful, yet crucially controllable right through the rev range and for that reason alone I would say that it makes it a much more viable proposition for many more riders than previously.
We expect the 280 model to be a bit more lively on the throttle for Gas Gas adrenalin junkies but that's just an educated guess - you will just have to wait until we get all the production bikes together when they arrive in Britain en-masse in September...
SPECIFICATIONS
2007 model Gas Gas TXT Pro 125/ 250/ 280/ 300
ENGINE
Type: Single cylinder liquid-cooled two-stroke with crankcase reed induction
Capacity: 124.8cc/ 247.7cc/ 272.2cc/ 294.1cc
Bore x Stroke: 54 x 54.5 mm/ 72.5 x 60 mm/ 76 x 60 mm/ 79 x 60 mm
Carburettor: Dell'Orto PHBL26BS
Clutch: 1/3 disc, adjustable progressivity hydraulic command with Gas Gas diaphragm (patented)
Selector:,Gas Gas coaxial selector (patented)
Gearbox: 6-speed Four/Six system by Gas Gas* (patented)
Ignition: CDI digital magnetic flywheel (125) with double Ducati programme (others)
Transmission: Primary gearing, secondary by chain
Engine Lubrication: 2.5% petrol/ oil mixture
CHASSIS
Frame: Cr-Mo elliptic profile
SUSPENSION
Front: 40mm adjustable telehydraulic Marzocchi fork
Rear: Variable progressivity system with single Sachs (125)/ Ohlins (others) shock absorber
BRAKES
Front: 185-mm disc. 4-piston AJP caliper
Rear: 150-mm disc. 2-piston AJP caliper
Rims: 32 spokes with Duraluminium rims
TYRES
Front: 2.75 x 21" Michelin Trial
Rear: 4.00 x 18" Michelin Trial tubeless
OTHERS
Throttle Grip: Domino
Engine Shield: Manufactured in Ergal
Kick Starter: Forged aluminium
Brake & Gear Levers: Forged aluminium with retractable tip
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 1.330 mm
Seat Height: 665 mm
Fuel Capacity: 3.1 litres
Dry Weight: 68 kg
ENDURO
Gas Gas has decided it's time to colour its five-bike EC line-up red to coincide with the re-styling of its enduro machines. At the same time, the Spanish manufacturer has further developed its two-stroke models while making numerous changes to its 450cc four-stroke.
While the colour of the 2007 model Gas Gas enduro machines is all new, the bikes themselves aren't. Opting to develop its existing product line, rather then unveiling any new 'from the ground up' machines, of the four two-stroke and one four-stroke models produced by the Gerona factory, it is once again the mid-sized two-stroke models that will likely remain the most popular in the UK and Europe.
With the 250cc and 300cc two-stroke EC models already the company's best selling enduro machines, the fresh, contemporary new look that all of the bikes receive is both visually striking and long overdue. Giving all of the enduro models a much cleaner, sporty look, in implementing the changes, Gas Gas' majority share holders, Coller Capital, are clearly keen to show that they intend to address areas, such as styling, that had been neglected during the past few seasons.
With each of the five machines keeping their existing, yet modified, power plants, all bikes receive five chassis changes - a larger airbox, which is now accessed from under the seat and not from the side as it is at present, a new angular sub frame, a quick release seat and modified suspension settings to the 45mm Marzocchi forks and Ohlins shock.
Each of the two-stroke engines receive three modifications apiece, with the 125 getting a new power valve, a new cylinder head bracket and a lighter ignition. The 200 remains unchanged, while the 250 and 300 models get a new crankshaft counter balancer, a re-designed exhaust valve and a new Vertex piston. The changes made to the 125 are designed to simply improve performance, while the modifications to the 250 and 300 are to further smoothen the power, so Gas Gas claims.
Although the outside of the engine in the FSR450 looks all but identical to the 2006 model, numerous internal changes have been made. The crank cases are 800 grams lighter with much work having been carried out on the cylinder head, including new intake and exhaust ports. The bike is also 20mm narrower than the existing model and has the same new rear end as the two-stroke models.
With the majority of the bike's changes focused on the look of the new gassers, each bike still features numerous Japanese products such as Keihin carburettors, Kukosan ignitions, Nissin brakes and DID rims as well as continuing to feature hydraulically operated clutches and machined triple clamps and brace-less oversized bars.
The 2007 Gas Gas enduro models look much more competitive and contemporary that they do currently, due to the new styling at the rear of the bikes. By changing the back of all the enduro models they now look both much more striking and much better finished compared to the 2006 models.
Of the five models - the 125 EC, 200EC, 250EC, 300EC and 450FSR - the 250cc and 300cc two strokes are still the best of the bunch. Despite changes made to the 125cc two-stroke, the motor doesn't have the ease of use of its competitors and requires an experienced 125cc rider to get the best from it. Producing strong but short power the 125EC requires a lot of input from the rider in order to keep the machine in the power. While the machine's handling and turning characteristics are hard to fault, the complete package just isn't as easy to use.
With much effort having been made to improve the 450FSR, the '07 model Spanish thumper is a bike that riders will love or hate. Anything but an out and out race machine, the 450 is enjoyable to ride but lacks the competitiveness of its class-mates in the motor department. Like the 125, the 450's handling is difficult to fault over dry terrain and although the suspension is a little soft when the bike is ridden hard, for the average rider the bike is well suspended.
Despite there being little wrong with the delivery of the 450FSR's power it is the amount of power that will likely divide opinion among those who ride the bike. With its power feeling very much like KTM's 400EXC, or a sporty DRZ400, the bike never feels like it is 'too much of a handful' and can be ridden hard at all times.
With the 200 unchanged, the second biggest two-stroke in the Gas Gas enduro line-up will again appeal to those riders looking for a bike easier to ride than a 125 while not wanting the extra power offered by a 250.
But it is the 250cc and 300cc two-stroke machines that are again the best of the Gas Gas EC bunch, with both bikes now much smarter looking than the machines they will replace as well as having slightly smoother power deliveries. With Gas Gas having consciously decided to set the performance of the bike's motors, and the suspension settings, to favour the majority rather than the minority, the result is two easy to ride bikes with able power and well handling trail manners.
Producing strong, smooth power that in the case of the 250 doesn't hit as hard as the existing quarter litre two-stroke, both bikes pull from nothing before producing solid, tractable power. In the case of the 300, the motor produces usable power from virtually no rpms before developing into long, smooth power that riders of all abilities will find easy to use.
SPECIFICATIONS
2007 Model Gas Gas EC125/ EC250/ EC300/ FSR450
ENGINE
Type: Single-cylinder, liquid-cooled two-stroke with crankcase reed-valve induction plus exhaust valve (EC models)/ Single cylinder, liquid cooled 4-stroke with 4-valve head & wet sump (FSR450 model)
Capacity: 124cc/ 249.3cc/ 297cc/ 449.3cc
Bore x Stroke: 54 x 54.5mm/ 66.4 x 72mm/ 72 x 72mm/ 97 x 60.8mm
Carburettor: Keihin PWK (EC only)
Injection System: Magneti Marelli (FSR450 only)
Clutch: Hydraulically operated multidisc (EC)/ in oil bath (FSR450)
Gearbox: 6 speeds
Ignition: Digital magnetic flywheel CDI (EC)/ Integrated within Magneti Marelli injection system (FSR450)
Transmission: Primary gearing, secondary by chain
Lubrication: 2% fuel/ oil pre-mix (EC)/ wet sump (FSR450)
Starting: Kick-starter (EC)/ Electric starter & auxiliary kick start (FSR450)
CHASSIS
Type: Deltabox made with rectangular-profile Cr-Mo tubing
SUSPENSION
Front: 45-mm upside-down Marzocchi fork
Travel: 295mm (EC)/ 290mm (FSR450)
Rear: Aluminium swing arm. Progressive system with Sachs shock absorber (Ohlins shock as optional extra)
Travel: 310mm (EC)/ 320mm (FSR450)
BRAKE
Front: 260mm disc. Nissin pump, double-piston Nissin caliper (EC)/ 300mm disc, Brembo pump and 4-piston Brembo caliper (FSR450)
Rear: 220mm disc. Nissin pump, single-piston Nissin caliper
Wheels: DID rims with spokes
TYRES
Front: 90 x 90 - 21"
Rear: 140 x 80 - 18"
Throttle grip: Domino
Kick-starter: Forged aluminium
Brake & Gear Pedals: Forged aluminium with retractable tip
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 1,476mm (EC)/ 1,466mm (FSR450)
Seat Height: 940 mm (EC)/ 938mm (FSR450)
Fuel Capacity: 9.5 litres (EC)/ 7.2 litres (FSR450)
Dry Weight: 96 kg (EC125)/ 102 kg (EC 250)/ 103 kg (EC 300)/ 116 kg (FSR450)
DEALERS:
Biketech Trwbridge, Wiltshire 01225 765765
S&R Bodmin, Cornwall 01208 831774
RPM Sheffield 01909 567125
RCM Redruth, Cornwall 01209 820896
AB Motorcycles merthyr Tydfil 01685 382100
Birketts Broughton in Furness 01229 716806
BVM Stroud, Glos 01453 762743
Kelcoat Leek Staffs 01538 383547
Steve Plain Powys 01597 825817
KB Racing Leyland Lancashire 01772 901320
Nick Robinson Motorcycles Basingstoke 01256 880003
Norman Watt Co Down Ireland 02892 638766
Inta Motorcycles Maidstone Kent 01622 758499
Haven Trialsport Barrow Haven N.Lincs 01469 532600
RAS Sport Brighouse 01484 711720
White Bros Corporation Road, Darlington 01325 483121
Bike Depot Worksop, Notts 01909 482614
John Lee Rushden, Northants 01933 312827
Specification:
