lyndale

Hi, I persevered for 9 months slipping and sliding off the worn out, angled down foot rests on my MH 349. Everyone suggested lowering the pegs for that modern bike feel; I bit the bullet and bought stock foot rests with brackets from 'In Motion' about £25 and made some 1/4" thick plates to reposition them. A good mate cut off the old, then welded them on for me (not a five minute job). Now they are approx 1" lower and maybe 1/4" back (can send photos if required) and the proof is in the riding some say ? First ride out, wow ! what difference ! I got to section 5 clean (couldn't believe it) when I attempted to negotiate the sections tight turn while balancing, I went for a dab. Ever had that sinking feeling when your foot is stuck to the foot rest, it wont come off and you're toppling over; yes, it was a 'five' but worse was the dislocated collarbone when I landed on my shoulder. Moral of the story "be careful what you wish for" it's been 4 months since I last rode but hopefully back in the saddle at Xmas. All the best, Ian.

I agree with previous postings, but the Amal carb can be problematic at times. I had similar issues and ended up replacing carb slide, jets, needle etc with no joy untill I examined the choke in detail. It failed to seat correctly and was flooding the motor, causing starting and running isssues. Pleased to say, it runs sweet with std carb data settings; not bad for a 30 year old bike on the original piston.

At the grand old age of 58, I must be mad to try my hand at trials riding again ? I made the fatal mistake of going to a Witley MCC trial back in March (ended up observing) and met up with lots of old riding friends from the 70's; many were still competing and enjoying the camaraderie of the trials world. I found myself looking at twinshock M/C's and of cause "the inevitable" has happened with the purchase of a MH 349. The bike needs some TLC but I am enjoying the challenge; tinkering in the garage at night, fighting with the rear tyre etc only to realise how out of touch I am. Ian.