Classic Trials

I know this might open up a complete bag of worms but here goes..... The Sprite I am doing at the moment has a Villiers 32a engine with, I understand, a Parkinson Head and was once a 360cc. It has since been re-sleeved and is now back to standard bore as a 250 so other than the oversized cylinder head it appears to be a standard ally barrel. The question is; Which electronic ignition is the right way to go for trials? I have heard that numerous James, Greeves, Sprites, Francis Barnets, Saracens etc etc are running well on either Simon Bateman, Rax Caunt or PVL ignitions - can anyone point me in the right direction and advise the different characteristics that make one…

Hi there Does anyone know if there is a lower age limit for youth riders in the nostalgia trial ? Many thanks John

What are the security arrangements (if any) for competitors machines in Kinlochleven? Is there somewhere they can be left overnight securely or is it just down to the individual to sort out at their accommodation? Not having a van I would have to use a trailer and that doesn't leave much in the way of security - for the bike or trailer for that matter! Thanks

I have a lot of play in the swingarm bushes on my 349 Cota. Is there a conversion to needle roller bearings available/possible? Does the sleeve in the frame/pivot bolt wear, giving similar symptoms to shot bushes? Cheers

Hi all, I`d like an opinion from some of you knowledgeable types. Re the bike in the photo - do any of you think it would make the basis of a good pre 65 trials bike or is it just too far "out"? Any comments are welcome.

Hi I know a few topics on here but thought I would ask for thae latest thoughts..... My son's Whitehawk 80 fibreglass tank has a few blisters developed under the paint (and after every ride I drain the tank). What's the best option to seal ? Thanks in anticipation cheers John

Hello I run a sammy miller framed Bultaco which has a 1975 PM124 engine fitted. it came with a 1971 front wheel and probably the 1971 forks and clamps as well also a Montesa rear. So, I've managed to grab a barn find: a 1975 PM125 350 and will be using the forks and wheels off this to get the age of it right. alas the offset is no different between the two bikes and already the front is a nightmare when I trial the bike. the front drives on or tucks under so I reckon I need less offset (and more trail) in the clamps. yesterday at a Dabbers trial, after much measuring the nearest i can get is a set of SWMs or Honda TLRs. the Honda clamps look as if I'll have f…

hi every body i bought a montesa 247 and its a beautiful machine but im having problem whit the oil-gasoline mix to pure on the bike tank, i wonder if any of you might know the specific mix for these bike ,im using castrol super tt 2t.. and 1/4 of a pint of oil per galon of gasoline, any suggestions?

Well what a fab 3 days of trialing, a big thank you to Bill Hartnell, Colin Dommett & crew & all the observers for a very enjoyable 3 days.

Come on then any news who is doing the business, any pics as well>

hi folks, I’m new to the sport and looking for some advice re any clubs that run a pre65 event in the sussex area? Ive got a bit bamboozled by all the infomation on this site so if anyone can point me in the right direction it would be much appreciated cheers

Hi All, In the regs it says riders from the EU, does anyone know if entries from NZ or Australia are allowed or who could I phone/email about this please? Merry Xmas.

I haven't riden a trial for nearly 10 years now so I'm a little out of touch with it all. Which championship would be the best for me to ride on my Montesa Cota 330 (1985). According to the acu web site there appears to be 2 which I could enter. Sammy Miller and Acu Traditional?? Do any these Trials involve road work? Which would be the best for me and the 330? I presume I still need to join a local club (will join Nene Valley anyway) but do I need an ACU licenece - when I started in 1988 you needed one, they then abolished it. Is that still the case? Other than the national champs are there any good events in the Midlands for Twinshock? Thanks, Steve

Hi I am looking for some information on a B40 i have just purchased and about to restore to useable condition. The bike has Bultaco front and rear wheels and forks. It has later GB engine fitted and engine number ties up with what may have been a WD bike. The main question is the top frame rail modification, i guess it was done to allow the barrel and head to be taken off without engine removal but when was it done, picture attached any info appreciated. thanks derek

Hi, anyone know how to contact Charlie Harris if indeed he's still around? I'm trying to piece together any history of my Montesa Cota 330 which I'm quite sure used to be his and supplied/supported by Robinsons of Rochdale. I think he was originally from up north somewhere or possibly Midlands? and spent sometime in the Weymouth area which is how the bike ended up in this area. I bought it from someone he sold it to who worked with him at Bovington or Lulworth camps. I seem to think he may have moved east from Dorset possibly Brighton way, but I did see mention on his name (Possibly Same person) on the Redhill and Reigate clubs results from a few years back, riding …

Hi, I was told this is the place to be for the following... (taken from a classic bike forum i use) I know the reg so if theres any pictures somewhere?...

90 riders were entered in the programme for this years Arbuthnot, a great day out in the sunshine. Considering the rain beforehand it wasn't too slippery in the sections,but the tracks in between were a real challenge at times and would have made great sections in their own right.I did feel for those hardy types riding the Colonial route on road tyres ! It really is a great day out,more an adventure than a trial at times,you see some amazing bikes and ride through some very beautiful countryside. Legs and shoulders were more than stiff this morning, over 80 miles,mostly off road on a rigid take their toll. Anyone got any links to photo's, there were plenty of people tak…

Anyone seen or heard anything about Brian Hutchinson (Stokesley) - He was a big hero of mine throughout the 70's and 80's, riding Montesa's and laterly Bultaco 175's. If anyone has any pics, please post, so we can see the farming genious in action. Cheers,

Not really just Trials, but 60's Scrambling with some great footage from the Greeves factory

Hello, Can anyone help me? My Boyfriend has a 1988 Yamaha TY250 monoshock. I'm trying to buy him a new inner tube and tyre clamp for xmas. I think I've found the right inner tube here http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360194110833&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT - Is this the right size? But I'm having more trouble with the tyre clamp, I spoke to a shop and he said I needed the size....but I don't know what size he needs and I don't want to ask him as I want to suprise him. Anyones help would be appreciated. Rachel