I have been looking for a TY80 for my son for so long that he has outgrown that size range! He is a small 12 year old, but fits on my 1994 JT25 from a physical dimension standpoint.

Does GasGas have a 125cc kit available to retrofit on a 250? Or in the alternative, is it possible to radically de-tune a 250cc to a power level managable for a small twelve year old? Unfortunately, their are not many used 160cc or 200cc GasGas available which is the reason I am interested in converting my bike for him. Besides, if I do that, then I might be able to justify a new GasGas for me!

Best regards,

Mike

Mike,

As to the 125 kit, you might want to contact Jim Snell at Rising Sun Imports. He can be contacted through the Gas-Gas webpage. If anybody would know about a 125 kit, Jim would.
The 250 can be detuned quite a bit. I set one up for a woman rider (also a new rider) a couple of months ago. Here's what I did:

Tapped the end of the muffler to accept a brass plug, drilled with a 1/8" hole in the middle. This softened the bike up a lot and the plug can be drilled out in stages as he needs more power. Be sure to check the jetting and cooling system to make sure they are in good shape. The ignition timing can be retarded to soften the "hit" of the engine.

Raise the fork tubes in the tripleclamps to lower the front and cut down on the shock preload to lower the back. You may want to take some of the preload off the fork springs to compensate for his lighter weight and make the suspension more compliant. To compensate for his shorter stature you can weld 1" risers to the top of the footpegs and cut teeth in them. Shorten the bars to about 30" and capscrews can be installed (after tapping a hole) in the lever perches to make the levers adjust closer to the bars and easier for him to reach if the levers are not adjustable for throw. An extention can be welded to the rear brake lever for easy reach. This may help to adapt the bike.

Jon