Gas Gas Raga Replica: Pro125R, Pro250R, Pro280R and Pro300R models
By TMX Archives on 2nd Jul 09
The Gas Gas Raga Replica is the closest thing to a factory bike that you will find in a showroom. That's a fact.
The unique black and gold 2009 Raga has everything as standard that you could hope for on a trick trials bike. When you rock up at your trial and unload the Raga you sure won't confuse it with anything else. What other machine offers features like magnesium crankcases, a titanium and carbon fibre exhaust as standard, trick machined cylinder head, the list goes on and on - just read the accompanying spec on these pages! And it's available in all the Gas Gas engine sizes - 125/ 250/ 280 and 300. T+MX usually tests the mighty 300 Raga but for 2009 we've opted for the sweet 250 because as tester WOODY HOLE says - "It's as much as you'll ever want..."
AS Sod's Law dictated that we landed the worst, wettest day this summer to test the 2009 Gas Gas Raga Rep the first thing I'll say is that it really brightened my day! The black and gold beauty does look better in the flesh than in pictures and I reckon it looks real class, the Raga totally stands out. I personally like the gold frame and the touches like the titanium coloured rims are absolutely right.
The 250 model was chosen for our first impression because it is, rightly, the really popular rider option . Firing it up, the exhaust sounds so crisp and the power is as smooth as you like. The 250 Gasser really is a totally sorted motor. And with the six-speed box you've got four genuine options for the sections, fifth for the moors and top cog for the road. The machined, red cylinder head is a nice factory touch and it is claimed to improve cooling.
There's not much point me trying to tell most of you how a Gas Gas rides! The Raga is like the standard model only more so, which is very light and lively. Lively is the best way to describe the suspension. It is quick in action and encourages you to get flicking and hopping. Both ends feel so light. But if you want to blip up a six foot rock step you'd better be up for it - becase the Raga sure is.
The engine is soft but lively without being aggressive. It is what made riding the bike so effortless. If you ride a powerful bike continually in sections you soon get tired, they start to boss you. I felt like I could just ride all day on the 250 simply because it delivers such smooth power.
It is very, very difficult to criticise the bike because I never found anything I didn't like. Straight from the box it just feels so right and I just jumped on and enjoyed myself. The controls are all silky smooth, feather-light in operation and the bike does exactly what you want. Throttle, clutch, brakes - just caress the throttle or lever and the bike responds, instantly. With such a light bike the brakes are as sharp as you want yet still offer plenty of feel.
The latest Marcocchi forks are very plush and supple yet I never bottomed them when jumping off some of the big rocks in the quarry.
It steers near perfectly with no pushing or tucking and the balance is as good as you'll get, either in a straight line or on full lock - and there's plenty of lock.
I know that the 280/300 Raga will have plenty of fans and buyers simply because they are the ultimate when it comes to packing power in a trials bike. Fill your boots boys and I'm sure you won't regret your choice for a second, but the 250 option really is more than enough for 95% of riders. It is just so effortless to ride. If you don't believe me just try one...
The 2009 Raga is simply a fully-sorted trials bike with absolutely everything that I can think of in the standard spec. Instant Bling!
2009 RAGA REPLICA SPECIFICATION
Pro125R, Pro250R, Pro280R & Pro300R models
Raga sticker design
Gold tubular frame
Gold magnesium crankcases
Gold magnesium clutch cover
Black swinging arm
S3 titanium front pipe
JT7 Carbon fibre silencer
Keihin carburetor on Pro280R/ 300R with Raga reed block
Dell'Orto carburetor on Pro125R/ 250R
New higher water volume red anodised cylinder head with insert to alter compression
Pro250R/ 280R/ 300R
New crankshaft on Pro125R with improved bottom end power
Changes to gear cluster
Vertex piston on Pro300R only
New stronger radiator with better position for thermostat
Titanium colour anodised rims and spokes
DID rear wheel
Raga design black front mudguard
S3 aluminium footrests, titanium colour
New black Marzocchi forks with revised settings
New design 'antislide' sump plate
New chain tensioner
New longer clutch lever, titanium colour
Gold anodised brake calipers
S3 grips
Raga bend Handlebars, titanium colour
Specification:
