13 replies to this topic

[Portman]

I recognise this could be a difficult subject but here goes.

I am evaluating the purchase of a new Scorpa (the one with the Sherco motor) but before doing so I’d like some feedback regarding the back-up provided by Birketts and also the factory.

I live some distance from Birketts so I’m not interested in their workshop facilities but does anyone have any experience of their recent spares back-up, their technical know-how and their warranty support? I do realise that sometimes an importer can get a bad reputation simply because the manufacturer is poor when it comes to parts supply etc, so any feedback about the factory would be good.

Lastly I realise that Scorpa is now little more than an offshoot of Sherco and with limited sales of new bikes I am not convinced Scorpa themselves will still be in existence in years to come (and hence some spares may become scarce). The signs are not good, for example their web site (and Birkett’s) needs updating.

[jsp]

I have had dealings with birkets under the ossa banner
and they where fantastic nothing was too much of a
problem.

jsp

[mattyholmes100]

I find Birketts great to deal with. Not had any dealings with warranty issues but find them very helpful with technical advice and parts supply. Will talk you through a repair rather than sell you a new part.

[TooFastTim]

Good points and ones that are difficult to deal with on these forums without upsetting some or all of the sponsors and, consequently, Andy. And you don't want to do that do you?

I've had dealings with Birketts on behalf of a friend and I concur with the other posters. So I doubt you'll have a problem there but it does make sense for the agency to pass to MRS now that Scorpa are owned by Sherco,

In the last few years we've seen Scorpa go to the wall and be bought out by Sherco and we've seen the introduction of three new brands viz: Xispa/XPA, Ossa and, now, Jotagas. I doubt the market can support more than three or 4 vendors especially in these tight times. I think many will agree with (especially Dabster).

So I'd not be worrying about Birks but about Scorpa proper.

[Nigel Dabster]

My question would be why a 2 stroke scorpa?
What advantages for you does that have over any other brand?

Generally the importers are ok but if you are buying a bike with a view as to what might go wrong with it seems strange to me?
Do you want reliability as your priority?

Where are you?

Edited by Nigel Dabster, 30 December 2011 - 07:53 AM.

[ormplus]

good anough bike with a 100% bullet proof engine.

[Eddie_Lejeune]

ormplus, on 30 December 2011 - 08:29 AM, said:

good anough bike with a 100% bullet proof engine.

the yamaha engined ones yes

[Nigel Dabster]

ormplus, on 30 December 2011 - 08:29 AM, said:

good anough bike with a 100% bullet proof engine.

Do you rate the 08 Sherco that highly?

[ausy300pro]

I recently bought a Scorpa (secondhand one) and have to say its the best built trials bike I have ever had, only the Hondas (including 4RT) are as good, and Birkett will go out of his way to try and help, therefore I would consider a new Scorpa as they are pretty good reasons to buy one, only downside is if you want to get up 300foot steps then linkless rear suspension may not be the best.

[ormplus]

son has used shercos for about 8yrs now and never had a serious problem,at championships and ssdt.easy engine to work on and never really changed from 99 to 09.if its not broken dont fix it.

[Portman]

Nigel Dabster, on 30 December 2011 - 07:49 AM, said:

My question would be why a 2 stroke scorpa?
What advantages for you does that have over any other brand?

Generally the importers are ok but if you are buying a bike with a view as to what might go wrong with it seems strange to me?
Do you want reliability as your priority?

Where are you?

Scorpa are the only ones who produce a proper trials bike with a high seat (the long ride) and for various reasons that is what I am contemplating as the best choice,for me.Otherwise I doubt if I would be considering them, especially as there is little financial advantage as against the other (popular) two strokes.

[Nigel Dabster]

Portman, on 30 December 2011 - 05:49 PM, said:

Scorpa are the only ones who produce a proper trials bike with a high seat (the long ride) and for various reasons that is what I am contemplating as the best choice,for me.Otherwise I doubt if I would be considering them, especially as there is little financial advantage as against the other (popular) two strokes.

The 4rt has a longride seat as an aftermarket thing as well.

[69model]

Have a look at the Beta long range kit too. Available from Beta for Rev and Evo.

[chewy]

Generally the importers are ok but if you are buying a bike with a view as to what might go wrong with it seems strange to me?
Do you want reliability as your priority?

Working backwards

Trials started out as reliability test of the machine...

The build quality of modern trials bikes !!!!!!!!!!! as many go wrong as go right.. I should know I.ve bought enough. Uk importers .well let me say that I have had discussions with lots of folk regarding their experiences when claiming warranty.. John Lampkin & Birks come out as the best from a customer service point of view.