2011 marks the ninth edition of the GasGas Adam Raga Replica, the machine that started the limited edition rider/factory replica craze back in 03. This has become a highly refined machine over the years and as the trials replica that all the others are judged by, the Raga is facing stiff competition from the other factories as each tries to outdo each other with the latest innovations. The Beta Factory 300, Sherco Cabestany Replica, and the latest example, the Ossa 280i Factory all bristle with those special parts used by the very top riders of each brand.
Yet while the other factories offer their limited machines in the same manner as GG did in the beginning, making the bike available during the slower sales months of the late spring and early summer, GasGas seized the opportunity of the highly sought after Raga in 08 by releasing the bike later as an introduction to the next model year. Not only this, they increased production of the 300 and also made the bike available in both the popular 250 and 280 engine sizes. This has proved to be a stunning success, as there seems to never be enough Raga Replicas to go around, no matter what size or how many they make.
  2011 has been no different, as once again the shipments of the signature machine have come and gone with phone calls to the importers asking if any more are available. And just as the 09 version of the Raga Replica followed the release of the new round tube frame bike of 08 with the emphasis on refinement of the current design, the new 11 Raga does the same after the completely new round tube frame introduced last year. The new Raga has one major refinement though. That is the introduction of the very special Reiger Racing shock absorber.

Factory suspended ...
  Towards the end of last winter, as happens every year when the speculation swirls about what changes will be made with the next edition of the Raga Replica, the rumor started circulating that there would be something special with the rear suspension. This new change was currently being used and developed by not only Raga himself, but other factory riders including seven times World Trials Champion Dougie Lampkin who had signed on with GasGas at the beginning of the year. The cat was let out of the bag so to speak on March 13 during the GasGas racing team presentation near Girona when GG released a photo showing Raga shaking hands with Gerrard Seesing of Reiger Racing, the well known Dutch firm famous for producing some of the world’s finest competition off road shocks for autos and motorcycles.
  Not long after this the first photos and specs of the new Raga were released, and yes indeed it was announced the machines would be equipped with the new Reiger shock, specially developed for trials competition. Equipping one of these limited production trials bikes with a special shock isn’t new, no matter what brand, but different being this is the exact same shock used on the factory bikes.
The available adjustments offered in rebound, compression and also in the number of springs available is mind boggling. There are 25 settings for compression (12-13 clicks out from closed is standard on the bike), and 50 settings for rebound (25 clicks out standard). Then there are no less than 8 springs available depending on rider weight. These springs start at 50 N/mm for a 50 KG rider weight (110 lbs.) and go up in increments to the eighth spring of 80 N/mm for a rider of 95-100 kg (209-220 lbs.) The standard spring delivered is in the mid-range, 67.5 N/mm and covers the average rider weight of 65-75 kg (154-176 lbs). Then there is the DVD video (included with each bike) showing how to adjust the shock to your needs. To top it off there is a tool included for adjusting the compression knob which although shown in the DVD being done with the Fender/air box unit removed for demonstration, it is accessible from the left side of the bike just in front of the air box. No need for removal of anything. Rebound adjustment is available via a slotted screw driver from below, again on the left side. Shock preload is taken care of by two spanners also included. The fender unit will have to be removed for this, but thanks to how easy this is accomplished (by removing the four stainless steel tapered screws and loosening the rear carb to air box boot), it takes only a matter of minutes. The small spanner (# 46) also can be used for the steering stem adjustment nut BTW. This is a very serious “piece of kit” as our friends from across the pond would say.

Black is back ...
  Those that were sad to see the end of the gold frame will be pleased with the look of the new Raga in person. The black frame returns to the Raga for the first time since 07. If the last two gold frame versions were flashy, the best way to describe the new bike is menacing, or maybe business like. It is still striking with the white fork legs, white tank with red graphics, and with the new lighter, red anodized triple clamps it really stands out, but it is one serious looking machine. The gold does remain in the graphics, and of course the very trick magnesium cases and clutch cover, so it’s not completely gone which is a good thing, because somehow that just wouldn’t seem right. Also, as last year there are Renthal Fatbars and Renthal Medium compound grips.
  Taking a closer look at those triple clamps shows how lightened they are from the past versions but more importantly the rear cut out on the bottom clamp allows for a ten percent increase in turning radius, something many of us are happy to see. Also looking at the front reveals the new lighter design AJP front brake caliper (AJP has been closed at the time of writing, and future Gassers will be coming with calipers and master cylinders made by Formula, the company most notably recognized from cycling, and they will supply near exact copies of the AJP mark for trials use, and will supply all the necessary rebuild kits for past and present calipers and master cylinders).
  Also new are the lighter chain and sprocket guards which amount to savings of 800 grams apiece. And the S3 chain adjusters. Being larger, they allow for more take up of slack in the chain when trying different sprockets and also the adjustment notches fit more precise where they contact the boss on the swingarm. The headlight is new and this is also where the manufacturers seem to be trying to outdo each other. These things just get smaller and more futuristic looking each year, but they serve the purpose of making the bike legal for events where required, and with the new rubber mount in the lower clamp it is completely secured. Also this is yet another area where more weight has been shaved off.
  Speaking of weight, since GG is claiming the already lightest bike on the market has lost more yet again, it just doesn’t seem possible. So, using the same manner as last year (fluids no fuel) the 300 on the same ultra hi-tech Health-O-Meter digital scale revealed it is lighter still. The 2010 280 Raga tested last year came in at 149.8 lbs. whereas the 2011 300 is 149.0 lbs. Just when you think they can’t get any lighter almost a pound is lost.

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