Almost three decades ago, Gas Gas began its industrial activity with the mass production of Trial motorcycles. It was 1986 when the Gas Gas Halley 325 PXC, built under the baton of the famous J.R. Paxau, was presented as a new and interesting national alternative on the market. Today, Gas Gas has gone from being an alternative to a benchmark. The best example to illustrate the excellent trajectory of the Girona brand is to take the controls of what is probably the best edition that has ever come off the assembly lines of Gas Gas: the TXT PRO Replica Factory 2013.
To better contextualize this limited version, we anticipate that replaces the traditional “Raga Replica” that uninterruptedly since 2003 Gas Gas has been launching in the middle of the year to Complete your standard range with a more exquisite and sophisticated product, based primarily on the work of its competition team.
It is curious, at least until you get behind the wheel, that the launch of the Replica Factory is almost parallel to the presentation of the 2014 Trial range, with the added particularity that this time the TXT Series and TXT Racing models will coexist from the first moment. In total three different models, among which our protagonist represents the maximum exponent.
LARGE FAMILY. WHERE ARE THE DIFFERENCES?
All of them start from the same frame, mechanics and displacements. To really understand what a Racing or Factory version brings you, you must either have a medium-high level of riding, or simply be seduced by the finishes of these special versions.
A basic comparison can be made between the components that are “seen” and those that are “felt”. Gas Gas has known how to make the ” Racing ” and “Factory” models fall in love at first sight; So much so that, in a way, the production model seems excessively decaffeinated next to its sisters.
Among the components that “can be seen” of our protagonist, the new Tech fork with gold bars stands out, followed by a new chromatic one – white frame and graphite grey swingarm -, components with different anodizing and the model’s stickers.
Probably, at first glance none of these arguments would justify the overpricing of this limited edition, but they would when you discover all that “That you feel.” Starting with the aforementioned Fork with aluminum barsWhat is it 700 grams lighter than its predecessor, accompanied by the new Reiger shock absorberthe Keihin carburetor, the larger air filter box, the optimised Behr radiator or the ignition mapping settings.
AT THE CONTROLS
As feelings and sensations are the keys to this dynamic event, we equipped ourselves to take the “ Factory” to its habitat: the zones.
The new Gas Gas doesn’t just enter through the eyes, especially its front, where the new Tech fork invites you to discover what’s beyond its impeccable finish. It is important to note that Gas Gas has already successfully equipped its “Raga Replica” 2012 with Tech, so we had fresh references for an objective comparison.
Although our test unit is a 280cc, we should point out that it is also available in the 250 and 300 displacements. The most notable difference compared to previous limited editions is that the 250, until now excluded from the power, receives a Keihin carburetor like that of its sisters. It’s up to you whether you’re looking for an engine with plenty of torque and punch, like the 300, or you prefer the fusion of sweetness and linearity of the 250. The 280 version has traditionally been the most demanded by the Gas Gas user, probably because it is a middle ground or simply because of the explosiveness and lively reactions that it offers to the pilot in any rev.
Throughout our test, the 280 has behaved like clockwork. The engine is always full, offering a power delivery that is not difficult to dose and physically not exhausting. Its character maintains the essence of previous editions, so you quickly come to understand its reactions and constantly invites you to squeeze an intrinsic potential much higher than what any medium-high level rider can normally demand.
In these circumstances, what he appreciates from the controls is that it is noble and intuitive for effective piloting. The improvements made in cooling and respiration are therefore very positive. We also liked the feel and performance of the new BK clutch pump (signed by J. Juan), making us forget the nightmare of the Formula teams that we have suffered in 2012 and stop missing the classic AJP.
CINDERELLA’S SHOE
If, on a mechanical level, the “Factory” seems to us to follow a conservative line that is at the same time effective, without great bets or risks, in the case of the “Factory”. the cycle part is where Gas Gas has really put all the meat on the grill and where he is truly capable of justify why you end up deciding to pay the surcharge of this limited edition.
The work carried out in the The suspension system is to blame for a reduction of more than half a kilogram of weight in the set. This figure would be almost ridiculous if we didn’t indicate that it is concentrated in the front end and dynamically translates into a Superb agility. Nor would it be of any use if this lightness were achieved at the cost of losing poise or causing an imbalance of masses, which fortunately does not happen.
Compared to the not inconsiderable Marzocchi as standard, we find a faster and more capable fork in moments of maximum effort. Progressiveness, stability and a permanent feeling that the bike technically helps the rider in every obstacle.
Despite these notes, it is selfish to think that these good feelings of the whole do not also have their cause in the rear end. The Gas Gas – Reiger pairing is a constant bet in all special editions from the TXT Raga Replica 2011 as a “pro” alternative to the Sach that equips the standard range. As we indicated earlier, the new shock absorber fitted to the “Factory” receives both successful structural improvements – now the gas tank is at the bottom and does not receive as much heat from the exhaust – and in its settings.
The The result is a highly responsive shock absorber in its first third of travel that gently absorbs small obstacles and cIn the highest level areas. Perhaps the differences with its predecessor are not as evident as in the front end, but its outstanding performance is beyond all harshness.
Another important area where work has been done on the right line is the braking equipment. We mentioned earlier the good sensations of the clutch pump signed by BK, also supplier of the brake pumps and calipers. The effectiveness of this set is unprecedented: forceful and progressive to easily modulate the power. To this we must add an optimal touch, relatively soft and direct. The improvement is more evident if we compare the BK team with the previous Formula cars, especially when we refer to a component as critical in Trial as the controls, where the precision and confidence of the rider in the reactions he provokes must be maximum.
In short, probably This is the best version of Trial ever manufactured by Gas Gas for the demanding rider and with a medium-high level. For any of these users already Only the improvement in the suspension equipment more than justifies the overcharge compared to the rest of the TXT versions. The rest are improvements that suit it and contribute to improving the dynamic sensations of the whole, but we could live without them.
For novice riders or riders with a basic level who want to get behind the controls of a “Factory”, we recommend its 250 version which, we remember, is already vitaminized compared to its standard namesake with a Keihin carburetor. Probably, more engine can become counterproductive in terms of effectiveness and fatigue due to its rapid reactions. Of course, all the improvements mentioned in the article are appreciable by any rider at least in “feeling”, but they will not be decisive to progress in the initiation levels.
Text and action: David Quer
Photos: Javier García – EnduroPro
