dgshannon

Only if you want it to be. 50:1 is a ratio. 50 parts fuel to 1 part oil. The unit of measure is whatever you want it to be, provided it is the same on both sides of the equation. 50 gallons of fuel to 1 gallon of oil 50 ounces of fuel to 1 ounce of oil 50 ml of fuel to 1 ml of oil 1 liter of fuel to 0.02 liters (20ml) of oil There are a number of calculators online, such as this on: http://www.csgnetwork.com/oilfuelcalc.html The easy way is to get a "Ratio Rite" mixing cup. Just do a Google search.

The good news is that when you can finally get another bike, you can buy a new Beta and save youself all that work on color conversion!

Maybe the reverse, and the latest bikes got something lesser. Anything about the latest batch to indicate that the forks are superior?

Interesting. Mine does not drag, even when the lever is not "pulled to the bar". In other words, in normal riding position (three fingers on bars and one on clutch) I can pull the lever in to my knuckles, and have no drag. Sure that has a great deal to do with lever adjustment, as well. I slide my clutch (and brake) perch very far inboard, on the bars, so that my finger is working almost out at the tip of the lever. Allows for maximum leverage, and most progressive range of motion. Add to that, the screw adjust being set so that all but the slightest movement of the lever begins to disengage the clutch. With all that, my clutch has long since fully disengaged before the lever meets the bars. For gearoil, I went with Castrol fully synthetic MTX 80 weight. So far, so good.

Excrement - What about the other end?

After gaining the input of two folks I respect, (one a National rider, and the other a trials bike shop owner, and mechanic) I decided to take their advice, and go with the Castrol TTS. Despite the 50:1 statement, from Castrol, it seems it comes highly recommended, for the 80:1 trials crowd. Interestingly, if you look at the Castrol marketing, one of their claims to fame is how much longer an engine will run before seizure, at 1000:1 ratio, with the TTS, than with other major oil brands. So, as stated earlier in the post, the 50:1 is likely just a CYA statement, for the high reving, high performance, crowd.

Mine finally hit the motor freight dock at 10:45 am Friday. Sadly, the company (Estes Express) could not be bothered to unload it until well into the night, so no delivery to me Friday. When pushed to have it ready for me to pick it up myself, they swore it would be ready at 7:00 PM. So, after the hour long drive, across Houston, I arrived to find that they had not even backed that truck up to the dock yet, and I would have to wait. Much later, here comes my box, plopped over on it's side, tilted back on the forklift so that the tires, peeking out of the box, were the highest point on the bike. The tip of the gearshift lever was poking out the side of the box, and bent, so that it wouldn't fold any longer. All in all, a very bad experience, and I cannot recommend Estes Express to anyone. With all that said, it took burning the midnight oil to get the bike prepped Friday night, and ready for the early Saturday ride. But, let me say that come the end of the day Saturday, it made it all worthwhile. I am extremely happy with the bike. After 7 years on 4-strokes, I was anxious about returning to a 2-stroke, as well as undecided about picking a 250 over a 290. Granted, I have only one day of riding so far, but my concerns are gone. The bike was super smooth, with plenty of low end grunt. One of the other threads covers "necessary" clutch mods, so I was concerned about that, but mine is extremely smooth straight out of the box. Houston gets about 4 of those "perfect weekends" weather wise, per year, and yesterday was one of them. With 8 riding buddies, and a sweet brand new bike, it hardly gets any better.

Well, all these discussions of "absolutely necessary" clutch mods, and picking the "correct" and "critical" gear oil had me concerned as I endured the months of wait, for my 2011 EVO to arrive. Finally able to pick it up LATE Friday night, prepped it till midnight, and out for the first ride yesterday. Since it came with an empty gearbox, I had to make a choice. Filled it with Castrol MTX fully synthetic 80w gear oil. I don't know if Beta has been reading this thread, or others, but it seams that they have done something, because my clutch was absolutely WONDERFUL! Extremely smooth and progressive, with a wide range of engagement. There was no drag with the clutch in, shifted great, and even with the engine cold, and new, I clicked it into gear with no lurch forward. Interested to hear from other 2011 owners as to whether your experience has been the same. Did Beta finally start doing the mods at the factory, or maybe impose better quality on their clutch disk vendor? - Darrell

Yes, there is a HUGE difference. Motocross boots are extremely stiff. Trials boots are flexible, allowing your ankles to move through the larger range of motion necessary for trials. Also, the soles are designed with walking the sections in mind, while motocross boots are all about being in the bike, and protection from a more dramatic crash. Trying to ride trials in motocross boots is a big mistake that can only be measured properly after you have experienced your first pair of trials boots. Boots are like bikes in that everyone will have their preference. Been riding trials for 11 years now, and have only had Gaerne boots. While I can't offer a comparison opinion, the fact that after 11 years I have not had even the slightest desire to try another brand speaks volumes for their quality and comfort. - Darrell

And a 247, and a 348, and a 349, and a etc...

Interestingly, I was recently advised by someone with an incredible EVO clutch (mods done) that they use a 50/50 mix of synthetic 10W40 and ATF Dexron. Never heard of anyone using a cocktail, but he said he has for years, and it obviously works, as evident in his bike's performance.

Totally amazing!

Owned many 315's and I am not familiar with the term "sub air filter". What are you referring to.

Which begs the question... "When are you going to make some more?" Many believe that there is a market for some "new" vintage bikes. Air cooled Honda CRF motor, Yamaha TTR motor, Chinese knockoff on an old air cooled 2-stroke, etc. in a nice "new" vintage refabrication chassis.

Exactly my thought, as well. Always laugh at the arguments over a few kg weight difference, between the bikes, when most need to be more concerned with trimming more than just a few kg's off their gut. Me included...

I bet you think we know which bike (250 vs 290) you are speaking of...

Very entertaining race. Cannot believe how close Lorenzo came to going down when he collided with Simoncelli. To save it from disaster, then race your way back to the front, for the win, is a testament to his skill. Anxious to see Spies on the true factory ride, next year and Rossi on the Ducati, of course. Should be interesting.

Which weight? 75 or 80?

WES was previously available through B&J Racing. Didn't notice them on his site now, but did see where he is manufacturing his own, in a more classic style.

Can't speak for the 348, but here is a posting, from the Twinshock area, showing a 4-stroke in a Cota 247 frame. http://www.trialscentral.com/forums/topic/29727-kawasaki-4stroke/ Super nice work, and he was able to swap the chain, from right to left, to accomodate the Japanese engine. If you got the skills, it can be done.

Since you are listing AHRMA as you club, then it is a fair guess you are in the states. I wouldn't order anything from the UK, until after you check with Jared at Southwest Montesa, or Bob at B&J Racing, to see what they may have available.

What kind of stuff is the "stuff we do"? In out area (Houston, Texas) the primary "stuff we do" is VERY tight, lots of off-camber, loose dirt, where traction and smooth power are king. Almost every one of us ride 4-strokes, because they lend themself so well to that terrain. After 7 years on 4-strokes, I am returning to 2-strokes (long story). Had to decide between the 250 and 290 with no real opportunity to test either. Went with the 250 in hope that it is the smoother, and more tractable, of the two, down on the bottom end. We don't have any long climbs, or big steps, where (I think) the 290 would be of benefit. Hopefully, I made the right choice. Will find out, in a few weeks, when the 2011's finally get to the US.

You handing out recommendations, or knee braces? If braces, I will take one, for my right knee.

Be interesting to see if the exhaust location has any long term effect on the gearbox. Oil getting too hot, clutch slipping, etc. It gets REAL hot down here in south Texas, in the summer. I would guess that the testing, to date, has not included that type of environment.

Exactly how I read it, as well.