2007 ‘Raga’ Gas Gas
It was a red machine dominating in the FIM World Trials Championship in the mid-noughties but not from Japan’s big red contingent; no, it was the Spanish born-and-bred Gas Gas. Adam Raga had grown up on a red diet of Gas Gas, which was rewarded with his first of four consecutive FIM indoor world titles between 2003 and 2006 and two FIM outdoor titles in 2005 and 2006. The manufacturing capacity of new production models was at its limit at the factory in Girona, but the buying public wanted a replica of the winning machine. Gas Gas was more than happy to present the 2007 Adam Raga Replica Gas Gas 300cc as an addition to its hugely successful ‘Pro’ model range in 2007.
Motorcycle trials was going through a very strong period of machine sales, and the sport was very exciting in all areas, including the European and world championships. In the UK, this publication — Trial Magazine — had just been successfully launched.
Following in the footsteps of Adam Raga, many riders fancied their chances of emulating the Spanish superstar. The option to purchase the Raga replica meant that it sold out almost immediately when it was released for sale to the general public.
WINNING REPLICA
It made commercial sense for the Gerona factory to capitalise on their success with the launch in May 2007 of the Raga replica, presented as an all-singing, all-dancing copy of his winning machine.
Based on the successful Pro model range with its compact water-cooled two-stroke engine, the Raga Replica made good use of the ‘Gasser’s’ super-effective 300cc of
horsepower on tap at the turn of the throttle. It ticked all the boxes that make for a winning replica at the very highest level of the sport with its power delivery, huge amounts of torque and very responsive handling.
In the eyes of its manufacturer Gas Gas, it was a model that represented the peak of twostroke performance from a trials engine and, as proved, in the right hands was a winner. The machine’s super-small feel made it very riderfriendly, and with its light, positive feel, there was a very neutral response from the machine. It sparkled with glitter from the glowing mixture of gold, silver and black; it looked a winner from the word go, and it had the power to perform.
PRODUCTION VERSUS REPLICA: WHAT’S NEW
Gold Magnesium Crankcases
Gold Magnesium Clutch Cover
Gold Magnesium Swinging-Arm
Gold 42T Rear Sprocket
Gold Front Fork Yokes
Raga Replica Marzocchi Front Forks
Floating Front Disc Rotor
Raga Design Handlebars
Raga Throttle ‘Bearing’ Assembly
Aluminium CNC Machined AL7075 Footrests Rear Brake Master Cylinder Protection
Keihin Carburettor
S3 Titanium Front Pipe
Raga’ Reed Block’ and Inlet Manifold
Raga Replica Aesthetics
Gold Identification Numbered Plate
Gold Exclusive Numbered Key Ring
Raga Black Headlamp
HOW GOOD
The only thing missing was the rider – Adam Raga. Yes, everyone wanted to be Adam Raga, including my good self. I had a brief ride on one at the Gas Gas UK importers in
2007, based at Buxton in Derbyshire. I made some notes at the time for the magazine, which is here for you all to read:
“It needed a good hefty prod of the aluminium kick-start lever to fire it into life. Straight away, you could hear that the exhaust differs from the production Pro model with its titanium front exhaust pipe, which produces a crisp exhaust note that differs radically from other models. Breathing through a 28mm Keihin carburettor, it produced absolutely superb, crisp carburetion, and the clutch action was in a different world, the one of Adam Raga; very sharp and precise.
“Its lightweight makes it very nimble, particularly on the front wheel, which could be placed anywhere with the bare minimum of effort. Delicate throttle control is needed, and every slight movement of the body is transmitted instantaneously with a reaction from the machine. It is very easy to hold your line as there is nothing sticking in the way, making it a really well-balanced model.
“Maximum rider input is rewarded when riding on the bigger hazards, but with 300cc of pure power, it can easily overwhelm the less cautious rider. It’s not a violent burst of power, but you need to be in control and understand that you are riding a machine at the very peak of its development”.
2007 300CC GAS GAS RAGA REPLICA £3,800 INC VAT
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE: Two-Stroke, Water Cooled, Single Cylinder, 294.1cc; Bore and Stroke: 79mm x 60mm; Crankcase: Reed-Valve Direct Induction; Clutch: Hydraulic Diaphragm; Carburettor: Keihin 28mm; Gearbox: Six Forward; Ignition: Kokusan CDI. CHASSIS: Lightweight Steel Tubular; Front suspension: 40mm Marzocchi; Rear suspension: Sachs with Linkage; Front brake: 185mm Floating Disc; Rear brake: 150mm Disc; Seat height: 665mm; Ground clearance: 330mm; Wheelbase: 1,325mm; Dry weight: 66.5kg.