jonty

I had a problem recently with a slipping clutch on an '04 250. When I dismantled the clutch the friction plates were pretty worn so I got three new ones. After fitting these with the original steel plates the best measurement I could get was about 15mm from hub to fingers. I got some different thickness steel plates and by juggling various combinations ended up with 17mm. It meant having to refit the best of the old friction plates but the clutch works fine, no slip-no drag. If in doubt speak to Kev at John Shirts.

The fuel tank leak is not exclusive to the 280.We've had two 250's which have both leaked fuel from the poor welding around the bottom end of the tank.Luckily both repaired sucessfully (and cheaply) by a local welding company. It's worth asking around before you think about buying a new tank.

I've had black Domino grips from Haven Trialsport but I don't know if they are the dual compound ones. My lad prefers them to Hebo or Renthal and they certainly last longer.

You can get a kit which comprises a plastic plate which fits over the exhaust front pipe and covers the open area of the A frame in front of the barrel, and a small mudflap to fit on the bottom of the front mudgaurd. This stops a lot of crap getting into the airbox inlet behind the fuel tank. The kit is under a tenner. Try Haven Trialsport 01469 532600.

Stimpy, get used to it.It's a Gas Gas. It's just the beginning!

Next time you have the airbox assembly off fill it with water and stand it on the mudguard end. You'll soon see where the water gets out (and gets in)!

Changed from Putoline GP10 to ATF. Drag cured!

No hint of bitterness there then.

Thanks for your replies. I was surprised to hear that the carb on an '05 still leaks petrol. We had an '03 Rev3 last year for a few weeks and I had to get the mod at John Lampkins. I would have thought Beta would have sorted this by now.

After a year on an '03 Gas Gas 250 Pro my lad is thinking of changing to a Beta. The Gas Gas has been very competitive but is a bit too fragile for his style of riding. The funds won't stretch to a new bike so I would be looking for a good '04 model and I would be interested to hear from anyone about common problems with this particular year of bike. For example I understand there were some ignition faults. I don't want to start another "which is the best bike " debate but just to get some idea of what to look out for. Thanks.

Agreed Matt. A lot of the A-route sections were B-route sections at the same trial last year and the whole thing was over simplified. Maybe to avoid the queues?

Clean the disc as best you can with a sheet of fine emery on a flat surface then fit some new pads and thoroughly bed them in. The pads will settle into the disc profile and braking efficiency should'nt be compromised much at all.

Check that the gear lever is clear of the chain! If the lever is not completely home on the shaft the chain can catch and knock the bike out of gear when setting off.

Airscrew is actually a fuel screw and setting is 2.5 to 3.25 turns out. As you say fine tune when engine is running and fully warm.

I was'nt aware of the results issue with YMSA. My son has'nt ridden one since early summer but the results page on their website is certainly very poor-unreadable scans of photocopies! They should get their act together because they put on good trials.

The November trial was on the Saturday before Rememberance Sunday. It's sometimes more difficult for parents to take youngsters to trials on a saturday because of work commitments. Also the Bob Owen memorial trial at Tong attracted at least ten A&B riders who would normally have gone to the YMSA trial. I would'nt read too much into one poorly attended trial.

Try using PJ1 Clutch Tuner. Great for eliminating clutch drag but it may take 2-3 changes.

Have a look at www.ndymcc.co.uk the North Derbyshire Youth website.It's a great starting place for young beginners.

I was very pleased to read about the ACU award for Kathryn Wardle. I have seen her ride in a number of trials over the last couple of years, she is a great competitor and a credit to the sport.

Depends on your location. In the UK John Shirt(GAS Gas UK), Haven Trialsport, <mention of this company is not permitted on Trials Central> Barnsley,DMS Trialsport Wakefield. All advertise in Trials and Mototrcross News.

Still "sport of trials, business of trials" Ringo? Welcome back!

JK Hirst of Bradford are good for most parts.

Just wanted to say thanks to the S****horpe club riders who helped carry my lad out of Ferriby Quarry after his accident last Sunday and particular thanks to Alan Hunt who looked after him at the time. Ben has a torn Achilles tendon and will be on crutches for a while yet but hopefully no lasting damage. Once again thanks to all concerned. John Spence.

I've emailed Steve Saunders twice to try and find out the locations of his training days but so far no reply.Anyone know where he holds them please.

Beta Boy, it says on the label; "TT TRIALS PRO-Strawberry scented synthetic 2 stroke oil" and on the back all the blurb about running cleaner, less deposits etc. Of course it may be just MX5 with something smelly in it but I'll stick with it for now and see how the bike runs over a period of time. I got it from Haven Trialsport (01469 532600) but I guess that most trials dealers will probably be stocking it. The PJ1 Silverfire also comes highly recomended.