the dabster

Anything Vertigo do within their commercial strategy that breaches law in any way is a matter for them and something I know nothing about. As a customer I feel the bike is good value relatively speaking and am happy to pay the price asked. I couldn't agree more about opinions which is why when asked to contrast brands I started by saying my comments were subjective.

Bear in mind my answer is absolutely subjective. I bought the raga version on my return in 2013 and was hugely impressed with the tech forks. Overall I loved the ergonomics of the Gas Gas with the low pegs as I'm over six foot and I can understand why they were so popular but I would say the Vertigo leaves it standing. If you look at the "Test rides" thread on the vertigo forum you will see my overall thoughts as best I could articulate them. The engine is very impressive with a seamless band of smooth controllable power from idle to top revs, very impressive. It is possible I just had a good day and the type of terrain suited me for the test but I found it easier to command than any other bike I've ridden to date. I have ordered one so can't say any more than that. The difficulty comes with what you consider to be desirable features in contrast to me. Dougie Lampkin said he believes they have achieved the production of the finest all round trials bike out there and after one hour on board I am compelled to agree with him! Now I am not a top level rider so the emphasis must be on the easier to ride theme. More stable yes, unbelievably stable!

I came back to trials in the middle of 2013 after a twenty year lay off with a Factory Raga 250 which was very nice and replaced by a 2014 Factory Sherco which was nice and currently with a Factory Beta which is quite simply fantastic in every sense. Tested a Vertigo last week and wrote a cheque out and joined the waiting list for one this week. I don't think any trials rider would be disappointed with any feature of the design or performance but as the reliability is still an unknown it would be wrong of me to recommend something I'm not qualified to comment on at this time other than to say from a personal point of view I've paid my money and am willing to take the chance.

All your questions will be answered on the email address you have been given on the other post. I've ridden one of the demo bikes they are fantastic.

Anyone from the Sunday test day in Yorkshire wanting to post their views on the bike. Interested to hear as many views as possible.

Mine was the same and I read in the forum about people putting plumbers tape round the threaded rod that comes throught the triple clamp because the opening in the clamp was excessive. When I phoned John Lampkin a chap that works for him claimed he had never heard of beta suffering from this and suggested the steering head just needed tightened? I think those forks also have a funny feel through the initial phase of the stroke. That said I've tightened mine down again but still get the sensation when I turn the bars from lock to lock.

Just back from my test ride on the Vertigo, hope it's not rose tinted glasses but very impressed and incredibly pleased at this stage that I have one coming. First impressions are the design is much more radical than I anticipated... very well thought out from what I have seen so far. It looks difficult to damage as everything is incredibly well tucked away. Really small when you get on but I was spooked by the long rake initially, front wheel felt miles away but fifteen minutes on it and I began to realise how stable it felt. My feeling is this bike will work for a novice and equally suit a top rider. It is really stable and the emphasis on keeping the weight low and central is tangible even to a wobbler like me. The engine was IMO flawless! smooth and torquey of the bottom with instant response all the way up the rev range. Absolutely loved it and can only see it getting better when I get more used to it. Interested parties really need to see it in the flesh to appreciate it with the only slight disappointment for me being the fact the exhaust cannot be repacked as was originally thought. In summary I would contrast it to the Fantic 200 when it first came out and superseded the bultaco's and montesa's of that era. I anticipate if it proves reliable it will be a game changer.

I believe only the 300cc combat is for sale initially. The price is set at £5750 with no discount for any reason (i.e no. of units ordered etc) I was told the company are setting a level playing field for all their customers which is reassuring if they honour that. Other models of comparable engine sizes to all the current brands (250/280/300) will be produced in the near future with variable specs available. I had to pay £500 up front to set the order mechanism in action and was told the company do not, and don't intend to facilitate part exchange at any time, even within the brand. So my understanding is when I want to sell my Vertigo the company intend to set up an exclusive web site for advertising second hand V's. It does introduce a logistical problem not previously encountered for me because I have to pay for the Vertigo and then try and sell my Factory Beta privately which equates to roughly £12000 lay out on trials bikes in the same calendar year. That's not meant as a complaint, thank God I'm in the position to do so and I love everything about motorcycling so consider it money well spent but normally my local dealer Highland Leisure sport give me a fair price for my used bike and are extremely helpful in facilitating the change which is a convenience I will miss to be honest! I can see this feature of changing to a Vertigo a stumbling block for what would potentially be future customers.

Yeah will do, the only thing is I'm not much of a rider although I can ride I won't be able stretch it. I belong to the category all the makes are too good for my ability. The fuel injection and the apparent ease of use were factors that attracted me to the Vertigo, sick of lean knock although I currently run a factory Beta and it is a brilliant bike. I missed the initial batch but have been informed my bike will be part of the January delivery. May have a better idea tomorrow after meeting the guy who is coordinating the sales.

I'm going to the Mcgregor trials academy in Ayrshire tomorrow! Been watching the previous reviews with some interest as I have ordered the bike.

I take it from the ad Dougie is not using a dealer network but combining importing and sales?

Hi Nico, Just replaced the small one at the back on my 2014 racing last week because it had deteriated. When I looked at the parts catalogue it was classed as an engine protector. I agree with the post above that says better to replace the linkage than risk the magnesium cases cracking. I know people post on here looking for others opinions and in that context I would encourage you to order a new rubber and remove the linkage guard. Order new nuts and bolts at the same time and it will be an easy fit.

Hi Nordy, I'm no expert but will start the ball rolling for you. Your own explanation shows you have addressed everything likely to cause the problem other than jetting. If the bike is sweet in the middle and top of the rev range under load you can change your 45 pilot jet for a 48. The screw I believe is an air screw that richens the mixture when turned in and weakens it when turned anticlockwise. If you fit a 48 the screw will probably need to be weakened (turned back). I wouldn't worry about it being a half turn of the seat if the bike runs fine. The screw position has an inverse relationship with pilot jet size as I understand it. The jet sets 80% of the fuelling characteristics and the screw fine tunes the other 20% if that makes sense. the ratio of screw influence is determined by size of pilot jet. Hope this helps.

Hi Nico, couldn't help but notice your comments on the jetting and wondered what you meant exactly? I know someone with a gasser that is struggling with it always knocking/ running lean. Did you get your fork spring problem sorted by the way?

The principle of straps is feasible because the circumferential support they provide unloads the tendon at the point of attachment (where it has microscopic tears). Rest is not a long term solution. Try a wrist roller slowly and gently with a very light weight. Learn how to stretch the affected fibres, there is lot's of info on the web on various techniques. Anti inflammatory agents and acupuncture are more feel good factors and lot's of remedies tried have probably coincided with the condition having plateaued naturally leaving the sufferer to believe it has worked!

EE your irregular heartbeat will be due to AF which is why you need the lifelong anticoagulant to prevent clots but you would have been prescribed it with the valve anyway. Some people get away with clopidogrel for AF but as said in conjunction with the mitral replacement, warfarin is appropriate. You are right about the pharmacological consequences to these drugs but sound as if you have a sensible awareness. You will get massive benefit from the aerobic nature of trials and should not be put of building your fitness because of the surgery you have had, it will be conducive to your long term well being.

Don't want to ruin all your positive feedback but I'm sure there is a problem with nose weights in relation to these racks. It's not a problem if you have a heavier vehicle like a Landrover discovery etc but is a problem with smaller cars. Not sure your legal from an insurers point of view in the event of a claim. You should check it out, wouldn't want to see your driving record blighted by ignorance. Hope I'm wrong.

I didn't leave it on long enough nico, I knew something was amiss immediately when I heard the clicking sound from the fork leg on rebound. I took the bike straight home and removed the jitsie spring. What I can say that may be of help to you is I uprated the back rieger spring and I noticed exactly what you say, the suspension staying higher in it's stroke. What's more, with the softer spring I was more aware of the damper action and couldn't really feel the spring so much but now much more aware of the strength of the spring if that makes sense. If you watch the promo video of Lampkin on the Vertigo there is a shot where he rides up the hill goes onto his front wheel kicking that the back round and when he lands you can see the action of his rear spring; my bike feels more like his looks now since I have put the harder spring on, the rebound is much improved and I can actually get some decent lift from the back when I get my weight of the pegs. Most noticeable (positive) change I have made to the bike so far!

My bike is a 2014 model and both caps just unscrew to reveal the internals, it doesn't appear to have adjustment on the right hand cap on my bike.

Thanks for this nicos, I am going to try again to get back to jitsie because my forks were clicking internally when I fitted mine and when I opened the leg up to see what was wrong the adjuster had pulled back through the rod.

I think the left leg is compression with the adjuster marked plus and minus, right leg (front brake) is definitely rebound. your option to increase preload I think is one spring change and moving to two if you want real stiff. Not sure about spacer options but Nico said on here Trials uk are going to get some info so keep an eye out.

Yeah, def no need to pull the bolt at the bottom of the leg and have to replace oil it is possible as said to open both caps and keep the legs depressed while you do it but you will need help. Please let me know if you get any specific info on spring length, spacer or leg preference because I'm in the dark about it.

Sorry just noticed your bike is a 2011 model, mine is a 2014 so not sure if forks are same.

Slacken the two 10mm bolts on the top yoke because they create circumferential pressure on the threads of the cork caps. Pull the bars off a 22mm socket will slacken the caps. Open the caps on both legs, they will not pull off at this stage but if you have the bike on a stand you will be able to press down slowly on the fuel tank and the caps still joined to the fork internals will pop up out of the leg. Get help to depress the forks fully and get someone to keep the pressure on the tank keeping the legs depressed. The caps and internals will be fully out of the legs at this stage: there is a three to four inch plastic sleeve/spacer under the cap and continuous with the spring and internal rod. Pull the plastic down against the resistance of the spring and you will see a 17mm red anodised nut that attaches the internals to the cap; slide an open ended 17mm spanner onto the nut (it has a flange on the top to hold the spanner in place) and use the spanner to hold while you go back to the cap to slacken from the rod internals. The cap will slacken in two stages in that it will open and turn easy then come to a stop again, I believe this is the compression rebound adjuster thread; crack the cap again and this time you will see it will screw itself of the internal rod and the cap will come free. When you pull the spanner of lift the spring of the rod and catch the rod again quickly as it will try to sink back into the leg. New spring back over the rod spanner back on anodised nut and rebuild in reverse remember the cap will go tight and then slacken again before it threads back down the internal rod (two stages) Release the pressure on the tank and let the legs return then thread the caps back into the fork legs and tighten not forgetting to retighten to two 10mm bolts on the top yoke. I used the compression leg to put the spring in (clutch side) its possible the other leg has a shorter spring but as I said Jitsie give no guidance with the spring. Hope this helps.

Be careful, I did the same and got a jitsie spring which came with no instructions. When I worked out how to remove the OEM spring I notice the jitsie replacement was shorter with no additional spacer but stuck it in the compression leg and put the bike back together. Long story short kept getting a clicking noise from the forks so put the old spring back in. I sent jitsie an email asking for advice but never received a reply. Find out the correct way to do it if you are going to replace it with an uprated item.