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 Thursday at 04:38 PM 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.

[Triad]

Thanks, I'm italian but I used to exchange mail with peoples from the USA or the UK for my previous job as a guitar builder 🧐

Good point about the torque... I have to admit I'm only considering this particular 125cc because of its conditions. The guy fitted new Michelin tires, new clutch, new piston, new coolant hoses and a few other parts... while the 250s I find are in the usual sorry state of bikes left in a barn and used to fool around, rarely washed and probably never had the joy of a brand new part fitted in the last 10 years 😂

[Tr1AL]

@Triad That 125cc GasGas is a bargain if it is 700.00 Euro with those new parts fitted . The only real difference between a 125 and the 250/280/300 bikes is the cylinder, piston ,con rod length . flywheel and stator plus the CDI unit then some minor differences such as exhaust parts depending on manufacture year 2004 especially had different exhaust parts Everything else is common to the larger cc bikes such as frames, wheels, brakes ,gearbox ,clutch etc , the same on all the versions 125 weighs almost as heavy as the larger bikes but feels lighter when riding it . If you are not serious about being a Trials pilot then the 125 has enough power to play and your best gearing will be 9Z gearbox Sprocket and 44Z Rear Wheel Sprocket for trail rides. You also need to mix your Fuel with more oil for play Trail rides such as 40:1 or 50:1 to help against seizures. Trials ratio is 80:1 or 100:1 , The price and the new parts fitted says to you BUY ME! Good luck whatever you choose to do.   Regards Alan.

[Triad]

Yep, €700 plus the cost of the ownership paperwork (not sure it's the right term)... basically the cost to transfer the owner ship and the plate in my name is €180... for a grandtotal of €880 plus the fuel/highway fees to go get it as it's in a town 4 hours from here

I've also found a couple of Montesa 310 Evasion... gotta say on paper it looks good for what I'd like to do (some exploration, some small obstacles etc.) but it's twice the price. Even found one with less than 1000km on the odometer but it's not road legal, would take €550 to get a plate and paperwork (and 3 months).

[konrad]

1 hour ago, Triad said:

... it's in a town 4 hours from here

As a wise man once said, "The cheapest restoration you can do is with a camera."  You won't know if it's truly a bargain until you ride it.

[Triad]

True, but at least it's got those parts fitted for sure, while the Rev 250s I find really look neglected. We'll see, I'll probably have to drive not too far from there to pick up parts for an Ossa Mick Andrews I'm trying to put back together, so might be worth checking out.

280txt are all too expensive for what they are or too far away. The 310 Evasion might be a good compromise between trial and a real all-around bike... but I'd have to ride it with a dark visor to stand the livery LOL