mospeed

I would be interested to know what Honda's R&D budget is compared to the other manufacturer's. I'm no expert in the field of trials but in my humble opinion I would say Bou is currently the best rider with the best package and on the bike that suits him more, probably because Honda invest more. This is evident not only in trials but in all motorcycling in general. Motorcycle sport is big business now and although I have never been a Honda fan, I can tell you from working on various manufacturers bikes that they are usually better put together than most others. He probably earns more also, which is a great motivator.

Thanks for the replies. There's no evidence of piston slap noise and appears to have plenty of compression, although I haven't tested it. Although I take your point that if the bore is worn simply fitting new rings won't correct the issue. Oil ratio and type that it is running on is unknown as it had a full tank and I haven't had to fill it yet as iv'e only been out on it once. I have mixed some fresh fuel at the ratio stated in owners manual at 2% with Putoline 2T trial. It doesn't appear to be clutch related, as I am well aware of this, due to owning an R6. (Yamaha tick as its commonly known). Not really sure if its worse when hot or cold. I'll check this out tomorrow when I use it next. It sounds more like small ends in my opinion. I think I will use it as is for a while, if it gets worse I will strip the top end and investigate. Any further advice regarding this particular bike would be much appreciated. Many thanks, Pete

Hi, I'm new to trials and have recently bought an 04 125. My query is, do they suffer from a noisy top end. It was bought from a guy who is a qualified bike mechanic. He stated that it had recently had a top end rebuild with new small ends and rings, which I have no reason to disbelieve, as he showed me the old ones. But it has a rattle. Most noticeable at low revs/ tickover. I was told they all sound like this. Is this the case or do I need to consider pulling it apart to check. Any help or advice would be much appreciated. Thanks, Pete

Hi All. Just a quick update. Picked up the Sherco on new years day. Went out for a good few hours yesterday, in some local woods. What a blast. Riding my road bike makes me grin, but playing around on a trials bike is probably even better. I have to admit, respect to all of you who can actually ride with some ability. I had some ideas of what I thought I may be able to do, I was rubbish.... However, I had a great time and I can only get better (I hope). Had to go back to workshop to inflate tyre, which strangely went down, leaking around rim. Put air in and I was back in the woods again. Note to self.... Take foot pump in future. Got lots to learn, and I'll be back out again tomorrow with that in mind. I doubt that i'll ever be great, or even good, but its going to be brilliant fun learning. Thanks to the guys who gave me the advice. looking forward to getting loads more advice and hopefully riding with some of you in the future. Happy days ahead. One quick question, is it true that Sherco's all suffer from what sounds like top end rattle at low revs, as this is my only concern. Guy I got it from recently changed rings and small ends, and included the old ones as proof, but it does seem to rattle, any info greatly appreciated. Thanks, Pete

Just a quick update. Have put a deposit on a 2004 sherco 125. Can't wait to collect it. Hope it doesnt disappoint. Thanks for the advise given. I'm sure there will be plenty more questions from me. Thanks again. Pete

Thanks to both of you for the opinions/advice. I thought the Beta would be the better proposition, but as I have no knowledge other than what I have read on the web, thought it best to get some advice. Thanks also for the offer Steve, I'll keep you posted on what I get, but would love to meet up with you, as your'e fairly local I guess, being a Bishops Waltham member. I'm in Portsmouth. Any more advice or tips of what to look out for would be great. Thanks Pete

Hi all, I'm a complete novice with no trials bike experience. I do have years of bike riding experience, riding an R6 on the road and Iv'e had a play around on my sons moto x bikes in the past. I'm 49, short and fairly light (about 11 stone after eating all the xmas food). I won't go on and bore you, but I'm looking at 2 bikes fairly local. (south coast) most appear to be in wales, midlands or north, so here's the dilemma. I either spend a day travelling and spend £120 on fuel or I look locally. I have seen 2 bikes, both at the same address, locally. They are a gasgas 280 TXT Pro 2002 model, and a Beta Rev 3 2006 model. The beta needs rear wheel bearings, but I'm more than capable of changing these. The beta is approx £300 more expensive. Would the gasgas be too powerful for a beginner. Any help or advice would be appreciated. I'm fit and active, ride a mountain bike for pleasure with my son (trying to keep up with him). I'm getting too old for mad sunday blasts now and just want a bike to play around on with the possibility of joining a club in the distant future. I could afford either, although I'd prefer to spend less if possible, as I have no idea if I will even be any good on a trials bike. If I take to it, I would be happy to spend a fair bit more later. I can ride my R6 at a fair rate, but I know that trials is a completely different ball game. Just dying to get a bike and go have a play...... Any advice.................. Thanks