buster

Lane - You are a "Former World Motorcycle Racing Champion"? WORLD? Bernie must be awfully proud of you. It was a nice bit of family promotion, and Debbie looks great as always, but telling us that "a couple of trials riders" were to be featured was a bit deceptive. This piece had nothing to do with trials. Other than a brief shot of your kid taking a small mx jump on his bike, it was just "The Lane Family Empire". Jeez, I always liked you Lane. I met you a bunch of times when I was a kid in the 70's and my dad was riding National events - you were always very nice to both of us. But telling people you were a World Champ is pretty sad to hear now.

That's ABC, right Lane? Any idea who the riders might be?

Boston is right in the midst of the NETA (New England Trials Ass'n). You should check out their website if you get a chance - they have lots of info for riders in the Northeast. Here's their page of dealers' links: http://www.newenglandtrials.org/dealers.htm Good luck!

Caught it at the Guggenheim in Manhattan when it opened. Loved it, just terrific. Had Sammy Miller's original Sherpa-T, Dougie's '96 Beta (front wheel up on a large paper mache "rock"), and I think a '94 GG. The unending spiral of that building was perfect for an unbroken line of display for all the wonderful, odd and historically important bikes. Well worth it, as was the book.

Ha! My dad had a Triumph TR-4 when I was a kid (British Racing Green, of course) and a Norton Atlas. Much as he loved them both, he was also fond of pointedly saying "Lucas - God of Darkness!" whenever he had to pull out his trusty VU-meter again. (Absolutely brilliant machines otherwise though. Don't know when I've had as much fun behind the wheel since - even in my nifty Impreza WRX.)

Weak spots? - Some of the older Rev's reported problems with the electronics (stator). On the other hand, I have an '01 that I bought new, and it's been absolutely flawless. So you might get lucky. Is any year better then others? Not really. They never made *major* changes from one year to the next. In '02 they went to a straight swingarm, the usual tweaking with the front pipe, etc. One thing they did redisign that makes things easier after '01: a redesign of access to the air filter. Oh - each year they claim to have lightened the bike from the previous years. I've ridden some newer Rev's, and indeed their front ends feel a bit lighter than mine (not that mine is an anchor, mind). Things to look for? What color do you prefer? LOL..other than asking about electronics, I don't know that they are known for any common build problems. Whats the power delivery like? Very, very smooth, especially at low rpm's. Kind of a hallmark of that engine. Not the sudden snap the my wife's Gasser has (which has it's place, don't get me wrong. But the GG's sure not as smooth down low. It's easier for us "mortals" to keep control with the Beta power curve I think). Lots of torque - will pull you up Everest. (Er...Everest Drive, near my house. But it's REALLY steep ) The usual things - excellent ergonomics, reliable as a stone, and power out the wazoo. But like most people will tell you: try to ride them all before you decide. Each one has its own personality, and you might find yourself more comfortable with one versus the other. If you DO choose the Beta though, I think you'll be rewarded with a bike that starts every time, has great, friendly handling characteristics, and churns out more power than you'll ever need. Good luck!

Not sure what riding's like there, but with spelling like that you'll fit right in!

Once she discovered Tequilla I didn't NEED technique...

That certainly DOES sound easy! Thanks for your input, Woody

Trialsurfer - Not sure how close I am. Two or three hours is my guess. I'll have to look up their address. A buddy of mine just purchased a GG300 Pro from them, and is expecting delivery today as a matter of fact. Said they were excellent to deal with. I've heard nothing but good things about them all the way around. I may just have to drag wifey out there one of these days.... Copemech- I tried desperately to get her on a Beta 200. I love my 270, and you're right. The thing starts with MUCH less effort than hers. But, as you mentioned, it's got that left side kick. She was absolutely not able to get past that, no matter how much she preferred the bike's ride. Steadfastly refused to even consider it. Shame, as it would have suited her riding style much better than the Gasser's twitchy handling and abrupt power delivery. (Not that that's a bad thing...if you're good enough to handle it.) Hey - she CAN squash ants! Er...but only with her right leg

Thanks James, I appreciate the thoughtful advice!

I certainly will, if I ever see one around here. Thanks Cota

F I N A L L Y ! Thanks very much Jack. I'm thrilled to hear from someone who's had the opportunity to compare. And you're right - once she realizes she owns a bike that starts when she wants it too, I'm betting she'll switch allegiances pronto. Thanks again!

Thanks HondaRS, hadn't thought of that. One of my first bikes was a '73 Sherpa-T fitted with a compression release, and found it very useful. And of course, being 13 years old, was endlessly entertained by the fart sound Hi Colley - thanks for your thoughts. We actually did put the extra base gasket on, first thing. Great mod, too. Much smoother power delivery for her. Unfortunately, it didn't really make an appreciable difference when it came to the ammount of force needed to kick it over. Really though - as much as I am grateful for everybody's thoughts on how to make her adapt better to her current machine - does anyone have an opinion on my original question?? (For those who don't care to scroll back to the other two times I asked it: Is a 4-stroker easier to kick over than a 2-stroke of the same displacement?) Thanks!

HAHA! Yeah, you're probably right. At least she won't be able to start her Gasser to chase me down, if I get a head start!