The Old "Bike Question" - again!

[farmerj]

txt 321 or 300 pro?

Well, I'm looking for my first GasGas trials bike - but have never ridden one! Experience says that "seat of the pants" testing is the only way to really know ...but the "cyber world" is the next best thing, I guess!

So here is my processing. Am I thinking right? ;)

(1) Bike size - I realize that for learning correct trials technique, I'd be best off on a small-bore. But my primary application is riding tight single-track hills. The little I've read indicates that the 321 revs slower and has more torque than the 280 - so being a torque lover, I'm leaning that way.

(2) txt 321 or Pro - which would you take?

My impression (from a 2002 280 Pro report) is that the Pro model is more of an "expert" machine, more "high strung" (if
anytrials bike is "high strung"!) - or difficult to ride for a beginner. So I lean toward the txt. But is that really true? In the 2003-04 model years did they mellow the Pro out a bit? I do like the idea of a programmable ignition curve...

Thanks for helping me think this through!

Jeff

 

[Jonala]

farmerj,
Since you are starting out I would go with the TXT. The pro is a little more high strung.


I have a DVD that did has a comparison test of all the 2002 Trials bikes. Mark Manniko tested both the TXT and Pro.
He felt that the Pro would be a good bike for an advanced rider. He said it would take him a little more time to get used to the Pro.

 

[JTT]

The 2003 Pro was mellower than the 2002. The 2004 is mellower again than the 2003. The 300 Pros are actually not nearly as high strung as the first generation 280s. Very smooth and torquey. On the 2004 models the programmable ignition comes in a very mild state of tune. If you want bark, the programming is there to make it more aggressive, but I think you'd find the stock curve to be perfect.

If all things were equal (condition, etc), then the 300 Pro is definitely "the choice". Much ligher weight, suspension and steering on the Pro models. The standard TXT 321 is a very good bike, don't get me wrong, just that the Pros are definitely an improvement in nearly every way.

 

[Pantaz]

Well, I'm looking for my first GasGas trials bike - but have never ridden one!

Look into a Trials school.

The "Training and Fitness" page...
http://dirtrider.net/motolinks/Training_And_Fitness/

... has a listing for "International Trials School" in Perris, CA (Southern California, near Lake Elsinore)
http://www.itstrials.com/pages/schools.html

 

[farmerj]

Thanks for the responses, guys.

The 2003 Pro was mellower than the 2002. The 2004 is mellower again than the 2003.

JTT, are you referring here to the 280 or the 300 - or both? I'm wondering if the 300 engine has been the same "all along"...or has been "mellowed" like the 280.

Thanks,

Jeff

P.S. - I guess I've got to find a way to ride these things! I'm guessing that even the 280 has gobs more torque than my KDX 200, and less "hit" as well (not that a KDX really has any to speak of!) I'm looking for the "no stall factor" - the ability to climb a tight woodsy hill - with ledges - in 1st or 2nd gear, back off on the throttle at points w/o killing the engine, and keep motoring on up.

 

[Jonala]

Jeff,
You need to ride a Trials bike. Your perception of torque will be completely redefined after riding a Trials bike.

 

[JTT]

Jeff, first Jonala is right, you can't compare to a traditional "big bike". All, even the most radical, trials bikes will feel docile and torquey compared to your KDX, or any big bike for that matter.

Actually, I was referring to the 280, as the 300 didn't come out till after the 280s. The 300 has been a torque monster from day 1. In full Raga trim (replica) it can be a beast, but with the ignition back to the 2004 standard settings, it's a nice smooth motor.

The 280 is also very torquey, however is more aggressive than the 300 in just about all instances. I think you'll find the 300 to be more to your liking, although even the 280 would amaze you. You'll find quickly that you can ride those tight woodsy hills in pretty much any gear you want and go as slow as you possibly can go and still have LOTS of torque.

In fact you'r preception of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th gear will become very different, as you can quite comfortable pull away from a dead stop, up a slope in 4th gear on these bikes. In fact, when traction is at a premium, common practise is to use a MUCH taller gear than you would normally think and simply torque yourway up.

I very rarely even engage 1st gear on my 280.

 

[Matt R]

Jeff,

Like JTT describes, a trials bike is completely different animal. The power and handling is great. I ride a TXT280 and am very happy with it. Remember, a couple years ago, this was the top model that the World riders used. I have also rode the TXT321 and 300 Pro. I still prefer my bike and can control the power better.

Matt

 

[miko]

txt 321 or 300 pro?

For what it is worth, I just bought a 2003 300 Pro and after the weirdness of the initial ride, I find the bike extremely rideable.

My background is riding trail bikes as a kid 20 or so years ago,
then deciding I missed riding and buying a 250 YZ a year ago.
So I'm by no mean an experienced trail rider. In fact I find cruising
wide open in 6th while standing on such a flickable bike a bit
disconcerting. But that would be true of any trail bike.

For putt putting around in first through 4th I find it a very easy
bike to control. I love that low end torque.

miko.

 

[farmerj]

JTT and all the rest,

Thanks for sharing your expertise and experience!

Jeff