51mon

Before you get carried away, it’ll be worth checking something simple that caused the exact same problem I had on mine.... The gear change had come slightly lose and worked its way inboard, enough to be rubbing on a casting on the engine. This was enough to stop the lever returning on its own. Hope that helps.

I had the same problem with mine. Was worried it was going to be an expensive fix but turned out to be a really minor issue.... the gear change wasn’t tight enough on the shaft and had slid inboard enough to be catching on the engine casing. Making a bigger slot in the lever and making sure it was tight enough not to slide solved the problem.

Currently got a 120 Main and 27.5 pilot. Seems to go ok but read about people going for a 132.5 main? May give it a go after I’ve got used to the bike a bit more and figured out what’s what. 10 tooth just been fitted - much better!

Brilliant, thanks very much.

Hi, I’ve just removed the carb from a new to me Factory 4t as I was having problems with it occasionally popping and stalling off idle. When I’ve removed it I've noticed a rubber bung on a breather pipe at the top of the carb had perished and split. Two questions: 1- would that split cause the problems I’m having? 2- is this bung normal (it seems too smaller diameter for the pipe?) Thanks for any help, it’s a bit more complex than the 2t carb I’ve been used to!

I feel like I've opened a new can of worms! On a serious note though (not that it matters either way to a future purchase), I'd always assumed that plungers were classed in with rigids? Is that the case? The more you actually think about it the more they are Twinshocks?!

Thanks for your thoughts chaps! I see what you mean about the lack of plunger frames being used and there's obviously a reason? That said, like Charlie says, as a first time proper project bike the bantam might be a good idea after all, as a cheap option? Instead of cutting and welding maybe the plunger units could be locked out somehow? I'll keep looking either way, don't think the idea of a rigid is going to go away!

Hi, I'm really keen on getting a Rigid (I like a challenge!) and while top choice would be something like a nice big Matchless, funds just aren't going to stretch that far at the moment. I've been looking at little Bantam's and the most available option at the right price is by far a plunger framed version. Are plunger frames going to be any use or will I be fighting a losing battle? I will be buying it as a bit of a project but will be trying to keep it reasonably standard so would rather not start replacing the rear loops to get rid of the plungers. Any opinions would be appreciated! Thanks!

Hi, I'm looking at riding in the Ventoux Classic trial in the south of France in October. Due to a severe lack of holidays left at work for the year, the only way I'm going to be able to do it is by saving time travelling by flying over. Obviously this means I will have no bike! I just thought it would be worth asking if anyone was travelling over for this comp from the UK, or knew anyone that was, that might have room for another bike in their van in exchange for some help towards their travelling costs? Fingers crossed!

Yep, well done to the club. Sections were spot on and thoroughly enjoyed the weekend. I reckon beer, wine and cheese at the end of the day could catch on! See you again next year.

Sorry, no idea how to go about getting bike registered. Was lucky with mine in that it was already sorted. That said, DVLA still insisted on an inspection. Seem to remember reading about doing it on here in the past though so sure someone will be able to help you.

Lets hope so! Thanks very much.... looking forward to it!

I know I'm leaving it a bit late, but I don't suppose there's still any places left are there? If so I'll post the entry form off 1st thing in the morning! Thanks.

Hi Ian, Just read another one of your posts where you mentioned the old Fantic giving you a fresh load of enthusiasm... couldn't agree more, I'd ride mine over the Beta any day now! As far as national events go, you can't go far wrong with the Normandale series. Always a good ride round, always something to take marks of the winners without being too hard for the rest. Even if you've no road licence, selected ones are all off road. Enjoy the bike!!

Cheers Grib! Sounds like the plates are in the right order so maybe its just the newness making them grabby. Have tried PM'ing you but apparently your inbox is full? Thanks for your help though.

I've just fitted new clutch plates to my 240 but I'm wondering if I've put them in right... It seems a bit grabby. The friction plates come with one plate that doesn't have lugs on to locate to the cage... My question is - does this go on 1st or last?? I've looked at some engine diagrams but they're not very clear. Thanks in advance!

As far as the forks go, mine were useless and I had the same thoughts as you about the 38mm ones, but decided to give the Magicals progressive springs a go. By far it is easily the best

I bought a set of Magicals to use on my Fantic and was initially really pleased with them. I'd asked for the quicker action rebound which was maybe a bit too quick but that said, they never did my riding any harm. 6 months on, the coating on the spring had worn off (between the springs where they touch during compression - not from being chipped in a fall etc.) and the springs had gone rusty. The seals had also started leaking and what with them not being re-buildable this wasn't as easy a fix as say Rockshocks or Falcons. Customer service was basically non existing when I questioned the dealer with him telling me "the shocks are only covered by warrantee until they are fitted to the bike"!! Not much use. I have since purchased some Falcons and although I haven't riden with them yet, the build quality is a level up compared the Magicals and on top of that they're re-builable. Hope that helps.

Thanks for the replys chaps, am really tempted to have a go myself, suppose if it doesn't go to plan I can always pass the parts on to someone who knows what they're doing?! Have got a price off Jones Restorations, they seemed pretty reasonably priced so if the front wheel doesn't go to plan that's where the back one will be going I think!

Hi Folks, I'm just getting to the end of rebuilding my Fantic 240 for the 2nd time (proper job this time!) and it's exagerated just how tatty the wheels are. Seems a shame to leave them as they are when the rest of the bike is looking so fresh, so I'm wanting to get the hubs/rims powder coated and them rebuilt with stainless spokes and nipples. The question is, can anyone recomend anyone who can do the job in the North West of England at a reasonable price? Failing that, how hard is it to try the rebuild my self and what equipment would I need? Happy to try most things once! Thanks very much, hope someone can help.

Just noticed on the website entries closed on 15th July. Ah well, next year I guess.

Hi seth29, Think I might be the guy from the south you're thinking of! Completely forgot about this comp but still fancy it. Do you reckon its too late to get a ride now? Also how do you get across? Just priced the tunnel up and it doesn't seem too bad. Not much time to get things sorted but might give it a go! Cheers, Simon.

Axulsuv, not sure if you're still interested but I've just received some magicals fork springs after reading this thread. They are 420mm long as opposed to the 460mm that were in there already. Not tried them yet but looking forward to it!

Thanks for the thoughts chaps. Think I just needed some reassurance that the Rockshocks/Falcons were up to the job. The duplex spring Magicals come in in between the two price wise but not being able to rebuild them is putting me off slightly. I do like the look of the Maxtons a lot but just can't warrant two or three times the price...... think how many home rebuilds you could do for that cost?!! Now its decision time......

Think this place should be able to help? http://www.offroadaction.net/