breagh

I would add the sport isn't promoted. Said it before Trials is a secret society the general public knows nothing about. We've the biggest trial in the world up here in a few weeks. Unless you are active in trials you wouldn't know about it. We're worse than the masons.

Been to a couple,Grimbo a few years back and Steve this year. Mixed feelings,you only really get what you put into them,ask plenty questions,watch and listen. A lot just want a play or to showboat.. We've a local lad who's in his early 20s and rides at expert level. He's come along to and his instruction has been brilliant. I think because of his age he can relate to the youngsters and also has a very modern approach to riding. Perhaps there's some local expert who could help? You don't need to be a big name to be good at training.

Real nice,takes me back a bit as that was my introduction into trials. So easy to use,started,ran,brakes worked,very quiet. Thing is you could use it as a trail bike or to nip down the shops run forever on a tank. Can't even sit down these days anyway you would run out of fuel or overheat going for a paper on the latest Gasco. That's progress???

I wouldn't,before you start it rock the bike back and forward in 5th gear with the clutch in. Should free it.

IT's an odd one,the engine number is nothing like the frame number,it has 199 in it. It has 6 gears and it's a killer to kick over? Checked jm19914351b

Hello there,for my sins I've ended up with an old Bultaco. Pretty sure it's one of the last 340s engine wise,Number 4351 B. But the frame looks a bit odd,hand painted look with a dodgy pinky orange primer. Is this normal,? Frame number is rb 19803844 b (could be d). Just curious. Thanks in advance.

Dan's spot on you've got to be consistent. This isn't helped by the number of routes as clubs try to cater for everyone. I feel it is a mistake to try and run trials to in this fashion,,you either cater for experienced riders or fun and beginners. That way riders know what to expect.

I would go with the Scorpa. Reasons are it will have decent brakes and nice suspension. Wee bit easier to get to grips with if you're a bit rusty. Condition is important though. Cheers.

Good points Tony. I would say in Scotland we have more Trials in a month than we have enduro's in a year and the Mx scene is pretty fragmented too. If you want to ride most weeks Trials is the only off road option. I estimate our average club member is about 40/5 years old.. The older lad's obviously have a bit more cash and also seem happy to take trials as a fun day out on the bike. Youths are a problem,even the good ones don't last. But as long as they're making new 40 year olds I think it will work out.

Hello Will from Fife. Pity there's not much of a scene up there I bet there's plenty interesting places to go. An old trials pal of mine Alan Fender moved to the islands years ago,real decent lad. Don't know if you could get in touch for some tips? Think he's riding the pre 65 this year.. Cheers the noo.

I wouldn't blame the design of bikes for lack of sales. Trials is like secret sport that exists on the fringes. As I've said before there's plenty folk want to ride trials,they just don't know about it yet. Instead of tinkering with rules that effect about ten riders why not a plan to promote trials at grassroots?

"Super rare" or collectors? Read, can't get spares. Or was too rubbish in the first place to sell in any quantity.

A wee tip it's important to keep as much mud etc away from the filter intake as possible. The design is not perfect. This means a bit duct tape here and there and some sealing round the top of the airbox. Get a look at some others to see what there owners have done. Never run mine at 100.1,more like 70/80 ml per 5l. Only other thing keep an eye on the fan switch,they always give bother.. Great bikes.

Can't say I've ever had a problem with "tyre creep" on a tubeless , wheel/tyre with a tube,never fitted a rim lock. As for the clutch,check the adjustment at the lever and slave cyl to make sure there is no pressure on the clutch when disengaged. The clutches on these bikes are very robust so there is a chance this may be causing the slippage?

If push came to shove most riders could get by without using the clutch in sections. Up until about 83 every one rode without touching the clutch even at world level so not exactly club trial stuff. A few years back my slave cyl blew before the start. and only one lad beat me, that normally wouldn't. Lot of the old timers hardly touch the clutch. Worth thinking about?

Would make the championship a lot more interesting if all riders used them?

Can't say I'm an expert on TS trials but I do come from the late 70s 80s era. I suggest that the average modern TS trial will have nothing like the sections that were ridden "back in the day". This being so any average standard TS bike will be well capable of clearing up in the right hands. I believe a few mods will make the bikes easier and more pleasant to ride but not give a significant advantage. Anyway,wouldn't a Majesty or a Fantic 240 not be a match for any Bultaco???

Can't believe they did away with the seat. Had the old Bultaco out on Sunday and being able to sit between sections was the highlight of my day. Though I would gladly swap my old 340 for either of these two beauties surely a half decent stock bike is more than capable at any TS trial?

Since we've touched on the subjects of cycling and value for money. A pal of mine just bough a new Giant XC mtb top spec,retail £5k. What do you think it will be worth in a couple of years? My estimate 2 empty crisp pokes. We trials lads get a great deal and you could win about anything on a 30 year old bike.

Looks like the same set up as some of the Wee Scorpas used to come with as standard. Think they could be pricey though. I was quoted £70 ish for a slave cyl for one a few years back. No doubt Nigel at Birkett Motorsport will be able to help. BTW the cable set up on the Scorpas is just as good.

Just sold a 2012 Scorpa 280sr,A chap that lives 3 miles from me has 2 2013 Sr 280s all came through Nigel Birket. Mind you they're the only ones I,ve seen.

Is it quite common for folk to lose there digits in the open sprockets? Never heard of it happening?

Hi,if I mind right it's 750 ml and should be marked on the clutch casing. There's a wee 8mm bolt which is a level plug hiding behind the rear brake lever. Watch how you go with the drain plug as the originals are made of toffee. I used atf,,but I think light gear oil would be suitable too. Cheers.

Can't say I' remember cleaning a chain and I've been around a while. I feel it's pretty pointless when 10 yards from the start the whole thing is running in mud and water. Wouldn't leave it dry though and always oil (engine oil) it as soon as the bike is dry. Never any problems even with wee 428s that my Scorpa 175 runs You might save a bit on wear with a more particular approach. But even a tight fisted Scotsman would let it go..

Great posts Dan. My feelings are the beginners and specially the first timers are the most important riders at the trial. How they are treated is critical to the future of trials. Once riders are up and running they can take care of themselves. But they need the stepping stone to get them there. Keep it nice and simple at grassroots. Think like a beginner if you want a successful club I would say.