GAS GAS TXT 280 [2015 – 2022]: A Trials Machine Built for Precision and Grit

Introduction

The GAS GAS TXT 280, produced from 2015 to 2022, isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a scalpel designed for dissecting rocky trails, vertical climbs, and technical terrain. As part of the Spanish brand’s legendary trials lineup, this bike blends a lightweight chassis, a snarling two-stroke engine, and race-bred adjustability into a package that feels as alive in your hands as it does under your boots. Having spent a day wrestling this machine through mud, boulders, and log piles, I can confidently say: the TXT 280 isn’t just competitive—it’s a teacher. It rewards skill, punishes complacency, and begs to be thrown at obstacles most riders would walk past. Let’s break down why this generation remains a benchmark in the trials world.

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Engine Performance: Two-Stroke Ferocity Meets Modern Refinement

At the heart of the TXT 280 lies a 272.2cc liquid-cooled two-stroke engine—a configuration that’s become synonymous with trials riding. The bore and stroke (76mm x 60mm) strike a balance between low-end torque and explosive top-end, making it equally comfortable lugging up slippery inclines or snapping over sudden ledges.

Key Highlights:
- Carburetor to Injection Evolution: Early models (2015–2020) used a Keihin PWK 28 carburetor, delivering crisp throttle response and tunability. From 2021 onward, fuel injection arrived, sharpening low-RPM metering and reducing maintenance—a godsend for riders battling altitude changes or muddy conditions.
- BRAKTEC Hydraulic Clutch: The diaphragm-style hydraulic clutch (GG 1/3 system) is butter-smooth, requiring just one finger to modulate. Compared to cable-operated rivals, it maintains consistency even after hours of abuse—critical when balancing on a rear wheel.
- Reed Valve & Exhaust Tuning: The reed valve induction ensures snappy power delivery, while the expansion chamber’s design prioritizes low-end grunt. You’ll rarely need to rev this engine past mid-range; it’s all about torque, not top speed.

Riding Impressions:
Twist the throttle, and the TXT 280 responds with a linear surge rather than a hit—a deliberate choice for control. The injection models (2021–2022) eliminate carburetor bog entirely, offering seamless power from idle to scream. On loose gravel or moss-covered rocks, the engine’s predictability lets you focus on line choice, not throttle panic. That said, purists might miss the raw “bite” of carbureted models, which demand more precise clutch work to avoid wheelspin.

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Chassis and Handling: Where Featherweight Meets Unbreakable

Trials bikes live and die by their weight distribution and suspension poise. The TXT 280’s chrome-moly tubular frame weighs just 69 kg (153 lbs) dry, yet feels indestructible when dropped onto jagged rocks—a common occurrence in this sport.

Frame & Geometry:
- Wheelbase: 1,320 mm (52 inches) keeps the bike compact for tight turns.
- Rake Angle: 23°—steeper than enduro bikes—for razor-sharp steering.
- Ground Clearance: 325 mm (12.8 inches) lets you straddle obstacles without dragging components.

Suspension Setup:
- Front: TECH forks with 39mm aluminum legs (167–180 mm travel, depending on year). Rebound, compression, and preload adjustability let you tailor stiffness for rocky vs. muddy terrain.
- Rear: Later models (2018–2022) upgraded to Öhlins or Reiger shocks with linkage systems, offering 174 mm (6.9 inches) of travel. The linkage improves progression over square-edged hits compared to earlier direct-mounted shocks.

Brakes:
BRAKTEC dominates here, with a 4-piston monobloc front caliper gripping a 150mm NG Wave rotor. The rear uses a 2-piston setup with an “autostand” system—pull the lever, and the bike holds itself upright on inclines. Modulation is exceptional; you can drag the rear brake mid-wheelie without locking up.

Ergonomics:
At 630–660 mm (24.8–26 inches), the seat height is low even for trials standards. Combined with narrow handlebars, it encourages an aggressive standing posture. The Michelin Trial X11 tires (2.75-21 front, 4.00-18 rear) bite into terrain like claws, though serious competitors often swap to softer compounds.

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Competition: How the TXT 280 Stacks Up

The trials segment is fiercely contested. Here’s how the GAS GAS holds its ground:

1. Beta Evo 300

• Pros: Softer power delivery suits beginners. Lighter feel at 67 kg (148 lbs).
• Cons: Cable clutch lacks the TXT’s hydraulic precision. Older models suffer from frame flex.

2. Sherco ST 300

• Pros: Stronger mid-range punch. Sleeker bodywork.
• Cons: Higher seat height (660 mm). Suspension less adjustable than GAS GAS.

3. Montesa Cota 4RT

• Pros: Honda-derived 4-stroke engine (reliable, quiet). Fuel injection since 2015.
• Cons: Heavier (74 kg / 163 lbs). Less “flickable” than two-strokes.

Why Choose the TXT 280?
GAS GAS strikes a middle ground: sharper than the Beta, more agile than the Sherco, and far lighter than the Montesa. Its hydraulic clutch and BRAKTEC brakes give it a premium edge, while the chromoly frame withstands crashes that’d bend aluminum rivals.

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Maintenance: Keeping the TXT 280 Razor-Sharp

Trials bikes endure brutal punishment, but the TXT 280 is surprisingly low-maintenance—if you follow these tips:

1. Two-Stroke Care

• Oil Mix: Use high-quality synthetic oil at 80:1 for injection models, 70:1 for carbureted.
• Air Filter: Clean every 10–15 hours. Consider a pre-oiled MOTOPARTS.store replacement for dusty conditions.
• Cooling System: Flush coolant annually. The radiator’s vulnerable in crashes—install a guard.

2. Suspension TLC

• Seals: Replace fork seals every 50 hours. Leaks are common after log impacts.
• Linkage Bearings: Grease every 20 hours. Sand and mud accelerate wear.

3. Brake Upgrades

• Pads: Swap to sintered pads for better bite in wet conditions.
• Bleeding: Hydraulic systems demand yearly fluid changes. MOTOPARTS.store’s BRAKTEC-compatible kits simplify the job.

4. Chain & Sprockets

• Lubricant: Use a dry lube to avoid attracting grime.
• Alignment: Misalignment accelerates wear. Check with a laser tool monthly.

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Conclusion: A Trials Icon That Rewards Mastery

The GAS GAS TXT 280 isn’t a bike you simply ride—it’s one you collaborate with. Its lightweight frame forgives miscalculations, while the engine’s torquey character pushes you to attempt climbs that seem impossible. Yes, the seat is unforgiving, the fuel tank tiny (2.4–3.5L / 0.63–0.92 gal), and the kickstarter requires a committed boot. But these aren’t flaws; they’re reminders that this machine exists solely to conquer terrain, not coddle riders.

Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a weekend rock crawler, the TXT 300’s blend of precision and durability makes it a worthy stablemate. And when parts inevitably wear—clutch plates, brake pads, suspension seals—MOTOPARTS.store has the OEM and upgraded components to keep your GAS GAS biting harder than ever.

Now, go find a boulder. Your TXT 280 is waiting.

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Specifications sheet

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