Gasgas 125cc for a full-size rider?

[Triad]

Hello guys, for some reason I have an itch to give trial another chance... owned a Beta Rev 270 and a Gasgas TXT280... the GG wasn't street legal so I had to carry it on my SUV, very annoying.

It looks like prices are all over the place at the moment... I wanted to get a cheap but decent bike to see if I can get better, but I want it street legal to not be forced to carry it on my car.

It looks like I'd have to spend at least €2000 for a relatively recent Gasgas (2008 to 2012), while early 2000s models are only slightly cheaper at €1600. Makes no sense.

Anyway I've also found a pretty cheap 2004 TXT 125cc. that's also road legal... but I'm almost 6' (180cm) and 82kg... is it too small for me? It's got a few S2 goodies here and there, €700.

I'm also in love with the look and sound of 70s trials, I'm in the process of putting back together an Ossa Mick Andrews but it will likely stay as is, not road legal as down here in Italy it would cost more than €550 to get new plate and paperwork.

I'd like to be able to follow a friend on his enduro bike... of course on flat surface it would be impossible as most trials only go up to maybe 80km/h? He'll have to be patient. 😄 

[konrad]

You have a lot of conflicting requirements.  A 125 would be fine for trials.  In fact, it would teach you a lot about how to properly use your body to get the most out of the its limited power.

I would not want to try to chase down an enduro bike with a 125.  But if you pick the gnarliest terrain, you would have the advantage.

If your skills as a mechanic are very good, you may be able to find a bargain on an older bike.  Each bike must be judged by a pre-purchase evaluation.  But in general, you get what you pay for.  There will be more wrong with an older bike that will require repair.

 

 

Edited 1 hour ago by konrad

[Triad]

True... I think a 250cc would be "better" but since it would be my second or third bike and I'll never be a real trial rider, I didn't want to spend much. Also, while an enduro bike can also be used for "casual riding" around town, a trial is much more limited (at least the modern ones). The old dual shock ones are as expensive as a 2010 modern trial, unless you find a crusty one in need of several works.

I take care of my bikes personally, but wouldn't want to get something that needs a complete rebuild... too much hassle.

Is the difference between the same model/year of Gasgas, TXT280 and TXT125 huge in terms of low rpm grunt, throttle response and "max speed" (if you can really talk about speed on a trial bike)?

[konrad]

125 will only make half the torque of a 250.  A 125 will be geared shorter than a 250, but maybe only by ~15%.

P.S. My compliments on your English.  Am assuming it's not your first language.