Gas Gas TXT Pro 125/ 250/ 280/ 300 2007 range
By TMX Archives on 2nd Aug 06
Bike Reviews Gas Gas TXT Pro 125
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.
Specification:
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
