stpauls

A LOUD exhaust and new stickers is the way to go.

Was the piston too big for the bore? Most experienced riders use KY or Sensitol to avoid seizures.

Anyone know what size rear sprocket a Sherco ST 250 2016 should have as standard - the one that it came from the factory with? Thanks

A good practice venue. £100 a year or £15ish per day Fry’s Bottom, Chelwood, Bristol, BS39 5QL Call Steve Wilcox on 07814 767259

New or second hand, as Sherco have altered their models a few times during the last perhaps 5 years. I went to Sherco after 2 Betas and would not go back. Now on my 2nd Sherco. There are issues which are applicable only to certain model years. Some 250 Betas can jump out of 1st or 2nd gear, mid section - without you having touched anything, Apparently some do and some don't (my 2014 did). The problem is that new or second hand, you won't know if that particular Beta does it until you have owned it for some time.

Rubbish!

A slow throttle certainly softens the engine's response to the throttle. However, putting a bigger rear sprocket on a bike certainly reduces the speed, but unfortunately it also INCREASES the power at the back wheel, which is probably not what the rider desires!

None of the above points about flywheel weight and torque are correct. What IS important in not the actual weight of the flywheel, but WHERE that weight is located. The more weight that is located at the outer edge of the flywheel, then the greater the inertia and torque forces. More weight (mass) at the outer edge of the flywheel = greater torque/inertia forces, and visa versa.

There are some dodgy 3 speed Villiers motors about, so I hear.

Use plenty of washing up liquid. Agree with up to 80psi to make it pop. Brand new tire? Are you sure that it is not fully seated, even though it didn't pop? (The OLD IRC tires did not pop, even though they were fully seated, then promptly deflated when you hit a bump - they were too slack).

"The lady doth protest too much, methinks" Hamlet

"Frame and engine numbers on entry forms for trials competitions has been standard practice in Australia for as long as I can remember". British trials meetings could do this too.

Well, if the Ozzies can do it then the British could do it too. b

DO YOU KNOW THE FRAME AND ENGINE NUMBER OF YOUR BIKE? I don't and never have known the numbers on any of my non road registered bikes. I was talking to a chap that had two motocross bikes stolen from his well guarded garage recently. I asked him about frame and engine numbers, but he had no idea. Therefore there was no way for any third party to EASILY identify them. This got me thinking. If it was a requirement for (modern) bikes to enter their frame and engine numbers on the entry form at ALL trials events and this was then checked (perhaps on a random basis) by the Scrutiniser, then this might help identify stolen bikes and deter bike theft. Trials Central could hold all stolen bike serial numbers on an Administrator controlled register/database, which was Read Only, but could be accessed by any member of the forum. Apparently there is a school of thought that some bikes are dismantled and then exported to certain northern European countries that have a very active off-road scene, where they are then re-assembled. This could also help any law enforcement agencies.

The fuel lines on the rear tankers go hard and split. which causes all sorts of unusual problems, including fuel APPEARING to leak out from places whereas in fact it is coming from elsewhere. It can also make the engine play up, perhaps intermittently or under certain conditions. The fuel lines can need replacing in 18 months.

The Clutch slipping in 4th and 5th. There should be 6 springs in the clutch. People often remove 2 of them to make the clutch pull lighter. This will sometimes make the clutch slip in 4th and 5th under load. Mine does sometimes. Either live with it or replace the 2 springs.

Obviously I have not seen this particular clutch, but if it was mine then I would just file each tang smooth, finishing it with a fine/smooth file. or fine emery paper. I would also do the clutch plate fix, which is pegged at the beginning of the Beta forum. Don't use ATF but a proper gearbox oil such as Putoline G10. The clutch will rattle a bit, but should work ok. The alternative is to replace the clutch basket and probably the plates too, which is expensive.

Try Poundland.

High costs and low wages certainly have an impact on trials. In Britain we also have a lack of waste land and other suitable places to ride a trials bike. Official/commercial places are often few and far between. You can combine all this with a negative public and media view of motorcycling in general.

Initially, nothing beats spending as much time as you can just riding the bike, playing about and learning how the bike reacts to your input. All the rest comes later.

Thinking about a new set of boots. Gaerne Balance Oiled or Gaerne Balance Black? About £60 difference. Any preferences or experience? Thanks

How long is a piece of string?

Nearly 5 years ago I bought a pair of Wulfsport boots from Ebay. They were really uncomfortable and rubbed the skin off my left ankle. I put padding in there, but it still rubbed. A month later I had had enough, so I bought a pair of Garne Balance oiled from a dealer (Active Bikesport) where I could try them on first. They were nearly twice the price of the Wulfsports, but much more comfortable and one size larger. After a bit I wore them alternately. After a while the Wulfsports became more comfortable and became preferable to the Garnes. However, the inner lining on the heel of the Wulfsports has now worn away and the rough, stiff plastic? heel protector rubs my heel. Additionally, the leather has cracked/split where it joins the sole and cannot be repaired. I like having two pairs of boots. I may get another pair of Wulfsports, but one size larger than last time.