Gas Gas 2008 models

Published: 18th October 2007

THE annual Gas Gas trials test is always one to look forward to. The sheer range of models from the Gerona-based factory, FIVE in total comprising 125-200-250-280-300, is almost bewildering and gives tester WOODY HOLE a real dilemma, as each and every model has its own virtues...

THE 2008 Gas Gas range naturally follows the well-known PRO formula that has been fine-tuned and honed over the last five years. Basis of all five models is the Gas Gas-pioneered twin-spar chrom-moly steel frame which offers strength, lightness and excellent access to the engine unit.

And the crank-reed PRO engine unit itself is the ultimate in down-scaling being the smallest and lightest on the market with its unique diaphragm clutch and compact, patented, six-speed gearbox allowing an ultra-slim profile.

The shapely aluminium swinging arm carries on the lightness-with-strength mantra while on the suspension front, Gas Gas pioneered aluminium stantions, offering a considerable weight reduction over steel, which of course the latest fully adjustable Marzocchis feature.

Wheels and running gear are the familiar tried and tested mix with a four-pot brake caliper up front and twin-pot at the back. Wheels are of the 32-spoke variety.

So, while the ’08 range looks outwardly similar to the 2007 model - it continues with the black-coated chassis which was first introduced last year, replacing the previous Gas Gas ‘trademark’ shiny chrome finish - there are actually several notable changes.

The first is that there has been a subtle change in the chassis geometry. The two main frame rails are now welded slightly lower on the headstock with the result that the engine now sits slightly lower down and further forward which alters the weight bias. to compensate for this in the riding position the footrests are mounted several millimetres rearwards and lower.

There are also new shiny red plastics with more shapely mudguards, a fully-enclosed front disc cover as insisted on by the FIM and new graphics.

A new radiator, by Behr, is claimed to hold slightly more coolant and thus aid cooling while there are also claimed changes to the gearbox and kickstart mechanism.

Now that we can all recognise an ’08 Gasser it’s safe to hand over to Woody to explain how they go...!

TEST

FIRST-off, the question Gas Gas riders will want answering is, “Can you tell the difference in the handling from the ‘claimed’ geometry change?

Well, the simple answer is ‘Yes!’ even though the change is only minor. The change has probably come about following comments made by supported riders who have found the front-end going over-light on very steep climbs and steps, very likely following the introduction of the lightweight front forks.

Whatever, there is definitely a more front-heavy feel as the weight bias has been shuffled forwards. I must admit though that I couldn’t actually tell the difference in the footpeg position. The bottom line is that the overall weight distribution, front to back, felt absolutely fine and the balance remains spot-on. Steering feels very ‘neutral’ on all models with no falling into corners when on full lock nor any tendency to wash-out. If anything, and this is exactly how it should feel given the changes, the front end does feel more planted on uphill, front-light, turns.

So that’s that dealt with.

On the riding front I did the obvious thing and started with the 125 and worked up through the 200, 250, 280 and finally 300. To tell the truth I think the performance from the engines is now so good that you just don’t need all these options. It is very, very difficult to choose between them, especially the 250/280/300 versions and Gas Gas could actually do us all a favour and chop at least one out – probably the 280!

125

Anyway, back to the 125. The bike is available in two versions, the PRO125 and the 125R. The latter is like a baby Raga Replica and comes with the magnesium engine cases, clutch case and swinging-arm plus several other Bling touches. It also comes with the frame finished in red – and the jury is still out on this radical change. You either like it or you don’t!

Performance is very similar to the standard black-framed model, which is what we tested, and I have to say that straight out of the box I reckon that this is the best performer in class. Competition in the 125 class is totally fierce these days and they are all very close. The Gasser has a reputation of just being a revver and a couple of years ago this was true. But each year they have managed to add bottom-end without losing those awesome revs and the motor is now quite torquey. Bear in mind my 14 stone (including riding gear!) and you can imagine how this transfers down when compared to a nine-stone youth on board.

Selecting the gears in the six-speed box - common to all models - takes a little getting used to as the throw on the gearlever is shorter than most bikes but you soon get used to it

Handling is fantastic as the bike feels just so light and coupled with lively suspension, a light clutch and sharp brakes this is everything you could ask for.

The 125 class has drastically increased in importance since the under 17s have been restricted to them and the Youths have been rewarded by a massive increase in useable performance from the eighth-litre babies.

200

This one was the surprise on the day. I have always liked the 200 Gas Gas even though | admit in its early years performance was a bit weedy. The idea of a pumped-up 125 is a good one and for 2008 Gas Gas has got this model spot-on. The performance from the bottom is amazing, of all the bikes, this one is almost too sharp in its initial pick-up. It has a lot of torque and the motor is just so willing.

Handling is exactly as for the 125, the bike feels so light - it just has a lot more go! One big point worth making is that this is a very untiring bike to ride. I did notice that once I got onto the 250 and bigger bikes I was getting fatigued if I rode a long section several times straight-off. But nip back on the 200 and I felt like I could just carry on all day.

It would make a really good bike for an event like the Scottish.

We have actually made a strong case for 200 models in the past but have had to accept that there is a noticeable public resistance to the model. Riders will try the 200, say what a great bike it is, then buy a bigger model. Whether this is because it is not seen as a ‘proper’ trials bike I don’t know. But it is a real waste of a genuinely excellent model.    >>>

250

This is the base model for the range of ‘adult’ Gas Gas bikes. It is the top-selling model in the range and it’s not hard to see why as it is just so easy to ride. The motor is tuned to provide a lovely soft bottom-end which is just what you need to aid grip and provide traction. Total beginners can learn to ride just using the low-end soft power alone.

There is another side though and Experts can ride on the revs that apply at the other end of the scale. It really does sing when wound-up.

Handling does appear to feel ‘heavier’ on the 250/280/300 than on the two smaller models, despite the fact that the overall weights are virtually identical, but this is simply physics to do with the reciprocating weight of piston, crank, etc.

The 250 is simply a superb all-round bike. Personally, I rode it mostly in bottom gear, using the seamless flow of power that provides a really ‘long’ gear. I know that the top riders all use second and third gear, using the clutch, and for massive steps you do need this technique. But at club and centre level the fact is it is simply not necessary.

280/300

Time was when these two Gas Gas models had quite different engine characteristics. The 280 used to be a revver and the 300 more of a traditional slogger of a motor. But regarding the 2008 range I must admit that I found it very difficult to split the two models. They both do a very similar job and both bikes are, as you would expect, very torquey.

The 280 was nice and smooth while the 300 did feel a bit more ‘lumpy’ right at the bottom. The 300 has a distinct, deeper exhaust note and when you let it loose it really does pull at your arms.

John Shirt confirmed that if you regularly ride sections with big hills or ride in lots of mud where you want all-out power and revs to burn through for grip, then the 300 is the model for you - end-of.

The only advice here is that you really do need to test ride both models as it is absolutely impossible to say which is the ‘best’. Try them and you will be drawn to the subtle difference of one or the other.

OVERALL:

First impressions count and the 2008 Gas Gas range does look really smart in the black/ red livery.

All the models ran flawlessly with first kick-starting and perfect, clean carburetion right through the range. There was never any need to rev any engine in order to clear it out before attempting a section.

All models share the same basics such as the unique clutch which is excellent in operation, offering smooth release and instant bite combined with a really light feel. Because of its design, the clutch does rattle with the engine in neutral, on some individual models more than others, but this is absolutely nothing to worry about and the noise disappears when under load.

All models are fitted with a dual-map ignition, which you can select with a simple handlebar-mounted switch. To be honest, this is not a big deal as it only seems to be effective when the engine is really singing and it offers a bit more top-end go.

2008 Gas Gas - and the choice is all yours!