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 The
2011 GAS GAS Pro model Trials models have arrived!
This 2011 model has undergone some obvious changes from the 2010 model and now has the updated frame / airbox / exhaust as used on the Top ‘Raga replica’ model. The actual ‘geometry’ of the frame remains the same as the 2009 / 2010 model. When Gas Gas introduced the ‘tubular’ frame for 2009 they got the geometry spot on. The GG Pro has always been extremely light and agile since it arrived in 2002 but has been a little ‘twitchy’ on the front end with the old frame. To get the geometry right and the weight distribution correct is not an easy task on a Trials bike and when they went to the tubular frame in 2009 they got it perfect. I say perfect because it suits both the best riders in the world and more importantly the buying public. The bike just feels right and just ask anyone with a 2009 or 2010 model and they’ll tell you that the best thing about the bike is how easy they are to ride. They ran the exact same frame in 2010 and it has now been updated for 2011 but importantly the actual geometry remains the same. The updated 2011 frame is slightly wider (6mm either side) to help with balance. The frame is a lot better quality with many ‘micro-fused’ (cast) parts. For example, the footrest brackets are now cast together with the bottom part of the frame to add strength in this high stress area of a Trials bike. The tube where the shock mounts is a lot stronger also. This frame tube is now visible with the new shaped airbox and looks very ‘open’ and modern. The front part of the frame remains the same. With the new frame, comes a complete new exhaust system and airbox. Because the frame is different and slightly wider there is now room for a bigger volume airbox which has helped with power delivery especially on the 280/300 models. The new airbox is still in two halves which are screwed and bonded together. Air Filter access is a lot better with a wider cover, so changing the filter is now even easier.. The new box ‘air-intake’ now breathes from underneath which will help with keeping mud and water out of the airbox. The whole airbox is a lot better made and better quality. To go with the new airbox is a new rear mudguard which is now virtually unbreakable! It’s made from a special thinner material than normal which makes it very flexible. Its also slightly wider which helps in protecting the rider from mud and water. The new exhaust system is a most welcome change. The S3 Titanium front pipe remains the same but the middle-box and silencer are completely new. The new system is a massive improvement quality wise to the older style exhaust with bigger brackets holding the exhaust to the frame. The exhaust system is a very important component on a modern day trials bike where all the manufactures try to get a lightweight aluminium system that both works and is reliable. This is difficult to achieve because everything is so tight and compact on a Trials bike. The added problem is the heat and expansion of the exhaust system together with the vibration. The factory has developed the new system and it really is the best yet.. The middle box remains un-packable but the silencer has a plastic/nylon end cap that can be repacked separate to the silencer. This end part is also cheaply replaced if damaged in a crash. Other changes to the 2011 model include the neat new rear brake master cylinder which is specially made for the 2011 Pro by AJP. The reservoir tank is now part of the master cylinder which makes for a lot neater unit. The rear wheel is now the ‘Central rib’ type which requires no sealing band for the spokes. These new ‘leak free’ rims are made by ‘Morad’ and are copy of the popular D.I.D. rims. The 2011 model also runs Michelin X-Light tyres as standard. The stronger Red frame is now Gas Gas’ strong identity and they’ve mated this with stunning new white and black plastics with a new cool sticker ‘makeover’. They have also changed the colour of the crankcases and clutch case.
2011 Pro Model Specification changes’ There are no big changes in the engine department for 2011. The now tried and tested Pro engine is now reliable and produces good strong torquey power. The factory is constantly refining the parts in the gearbox, clutch and kickstart areas. The Pro engine has now been in production since 2002 and has been constantly undated. The 125cc is the Youth Class market leader providing a sensational top end power that revs cleanly and also good strong bottom to midrange power. ‘Pol Tarres’ has just won the 2010 World Youth Trials Championship on a PRO125 and he is a big guy. The 125 is a very important model for GG where all Youth Riders must use a 125 until they are 17 years old. The 250cc is the obvious choice for most clubmen and clubwomen! The smooth power is plenty for most riders and this remains the most popluar bike in the model range. The 280cc and 300cc do not necessarily suit just the Experts either. No 2011 model is ‘snappy’ or too much, just very different. For example the 300 has a massive amount of torque and will pull big gears very well. If you are a big guy or a northern rider who ride events with a lot of moor work you will love the 300. On all Pros there is a big jump in gear ratios between 4th and 5th gear….with the 280 and 300 they have the power to pull 5th gear across the moors easily. The 300 is also surprisingly docile on the bottom end. If you like riding using ‘bottom end’ power then try the 300. You must respect this power and learn to be confident with this awesome engine. The 300 is also ‘the choice’ for Southern events where 4th gear can be used on the many steep slippery climbs etc. The 280 doesn’t quite have the out and out brute ‘power’ as the 300 but it does feel just that little bit more lively and I suppose is better suited for the Expert rider. The only problem you will have is choosing the right capacity model for your needs. You should ask around and try and test the bikes before you buy. Please contact your Official GG Dealer for advice and hopeful test ride. Here is out respected Official Dealer list. http://www.gasgasuk.com/gas-gas-dealers.php There is also a lot you can do to personally set up you Gas Gas with the many different accessories available. One fantastic feature which is standard on the 2010 and 2011 models is the S3 ‘stars’ cylinder head which are in two parts. You can actually change the head ‘insert’ for different compression ratios to personally set up your bike. A lot of enjoyment can be had with experimenting with your Pro setup but please get expert advice before you start changing the bike form the standard setup. That just leaves the prices. In today’s economic climate to have the right bike for the right price with the best spares and support behind the brand is important. We at GGUK have 22 years experience with Gas Gas and are proud of our Team JST GAS GAS UK to promote the bikes in the best possible way. Our No.1 Team rider James Dabill is the current British Trials Champion and world #7. This is Dibs’ second year on Gas Gas and is very happy and confident he has the best bike for his job. We also have the best spare parts stock and after sales service together with a very well respected Official GG Dealer Network where they can help with all you needs. Here is our current recommended retail pricelist for the 2011 models. All prices include VAT at the current rate of 17.5%. Just a reminder that our friendly government will increase the VAT to 20% on January 4th 2011. It’s also difficult calculating the prices with the ever changing exchange rate which heavily affects the prices. These prices below are current from August 1st 2010. 2011 PRO125 = £4349.99 2011 PRO250 = £4679.99 2011 PRO280 = £4749.99 2011 PRO300 = £4799.99 Always when new models are announced the previous models are still available with some level of discount. We have good stock of the existing 2010 Pro model so if you really want a fantastic bargain NOW is good time to snap one up at your local official GG Dealer (http://www.gasgasuk.com/gas-gas-dealers.php) . Expect to pay approx £4000 for a 2010 PRO250/280/300 which is a big saving on RRP and quite a saving on the latest 2011 model if you compare prices. |
Here
is the specification list for 2011 models..