stpauls

I ride a Sherco 125 every week in a trial - perhaps now around 80 trials on this bike. However, in the past I have always ridden 250s. The thing about a 125 2 stroke trials bike, compared to a 250, is that it completely lacks torque at the bottom end. Consequently, when ridden by an adult, it is necessary to rev the motor and slip the clutch to obtain power and torque. It is there, but not at or near the bottom of the rev range. The latest GasGas 125 is a bit better than the others IMHO, but still nowhere near a 250. I don't think that the limited power of a 125 needs a heavier flywheel to smooth the power. However, it might contribute something else to the power characteristics - perhaps slow down the time that it takes to rev up and therefore slow down. Why not fit one and report back.

Before you do anything else, use one of these: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motion-Pro-Seal-Mate-Fork-Tool-Motocross-Enduro-Husqvarna-CR-WR-TC-TE-449-450-/152435574729?hash=item237dde47c9:g:y4EAAOSwmfhX7TkO Look on Youtube for instructions.

Aged over 60. Ride in over 50 competitions a year. Rarely practice. Usually Novice, rarely Clubman. Always for fun!

I was talking to Jon Bliss a while back, while waiting at a section. I asked him about spares for the motor, He said that if anything major occurs, then you just spend £180 on a brand new engine. However, he said that the motors are very reliable. Two or three similar bikes (they are all slightly different) built by Jon Bliss regularly compete at Clubman level in the South West. They are competitive alongside modern Monoshocks and obviously with Twinshocks. Most of these bikes from Jon have the fuel tank in the top tube, like this one:

The rear brake on the Techno that I used to own would fade out during a trial, whatever I did. I met a chap a year or two ago who had completely replaced all of the rear brake hydraulic system on his Techno (not the caliper bits) with brand new bits that he had bought from Australia over the Internet.. Apparently they then worked. Also, behind the bleeder nipple on the rear caliper there is a small ball bearing, which acts as a one way valve. This might be missing.

Fuel mix calculator here. http://www.haniel.co.uk/fuelmixcalc.html

Nothing wrong with the fuel tank in the rear - lower down, so a much lower center of gravity = improved handling. The fuel pump is old, well-tried technology and is reliable. Have a look here:

Some of the Cubs that he builds don't even have those thin engine stabilizer bars. Here is a link for anyone that is interested: http://www.bsaotter.com/the_mini_otter_project..html

I'll wager that you are also one the gentlemen that always pushes in when queuing for a section. That is also poor etiquette. Bad manners too.

Why do some thoughtless people leave their engines running when queuing for sections? I can understand it if the trial has just started and they are warming their engines up while queuing at the first couple of sections, or if their bike has suddenly developed a starting issue. However, some people routinely leave their engines running between sections. Exhaust fumes are carcinogenic (causes cancers) and so you don't want a dirty two stroke exhaust inches from your face, blowing poisonous fumes into your lungs. I have asthma and this always brings on an attack later in the day, meaning breathlessness and no sleep for me that night..

I would like to see Triumph make a copy of Jon Bliss' twinshock Cotswold Super Cub. Perhaps using a titanium frame and a Triumph built/commissioned copy of the Chinese motor, with FI and a full-length bash plate. Mono-shock, discs etc obviously an optional extra. A very capable bike in the right hands.

At the trials competitions that I go to every week, I estimate that there are typically 10 two strokes to one four stroke - something like that. This must tell you something.

None are really better than the other. All down to rider skill really. A 125 is MUCH easier to control than a 250.

Sherco, Gas Gas, Beta. They are all good - new or second hand. Don't bother with a 4 stroke until you gain some experience. 250s are the most popular by far, but a newcomer to the sport, or an older rider will find that the late 125s have more than enough power.

And also catering for the Over Sixties riding modern bikes?

I rode in the Hex Hill trial and on my 4th lap I thanked all the observers, as I always do, so it has become a habit and I do it automatically. I can understand how a person could forget, but over 50%? The Over Sixty riders might have a valid excuse, with failing memories due to their advancing years, but they were in the minority. Some south eastern clubs use hole punches and riders self-score themselves - not ideal for several reasons, in my opinion, so we need to keep both the organisers and the observers happy. Remember to say thanks because politeness costs nothing.

Get a Sherco 125. It will do everything you want.

Got to be over 60 years old to ride a modern monoshock in Bath Classics trials. I ride a 125 monoshock and it's capabilities are way above my ability. The future? Electric bikes.

Does anyone manufacture a 200cc conversion for a 2014 ST 125? There is an earlier model on E.bay that has had it done. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/sherco-200-trials-bike-2007-/302170168160?hash=item465abedb60:g:41AAAOSwUsJYVvTi

Points: The fuel pipes on the Sherco STs get brittle after a short while and can allow fuel to leak out and/or air to leak in on the suction side of the fuel pump. Mine will not start if there is not ENOUGH fuel in the tank, although there may still be a bit still left in the tank and if I had not deliberately stopped it, the engine would have run on for some time. I have to put a bit more fuel in and it will start again.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Xispa-25-cc-petrol-trials-bike-/322337892767?hash=item4b0cd5e99f:g:KcYAAOSw5cNYNbBl

Some of the pushbikes that I see on the way to work have incredibly bright lights. Don't know anything about them though.

Snapped the sidestand on my 2014 Sherco ST. Anyone found a stronger replacement? Or a cheaper replacement?

You were in North Korea last week? MI5 will be round to "have a chat" later! : ) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MI5

The first Chinese trials bike. Xispa http://www.trialscentral.com/forums/forum/61-xpa/