4ourtea

I think you'll find that most organisers/clerks of the course will not pander to the riders who continuously ride on a route that is "too easy" for them. In my experience (and I am C of the C in two or three trials each year), if a rider completing the Sportsman route says to me its too easy "cos I've only dropped one mark" or "there are three of us on clean - how are you going to produce a winner?" I tell them that they are clearly too good for the route and next time I expect them to ride up in the next class / route. Our club's Sportsman route is intended to cater for newbies and sportsmen (definition of the word "sportsmen" being: people who are riding for fun and also just to be able to stay involved as a rider in the sport of trials). They are invaluable in making a trial viable (can't run one when there are only 10-15 riders!) so we need them. Pot hunters that stay in the easiest class they can get away with need to be discouraged from that sort of thing. I think it is fair for any club to approach such riders (if they've been doing it for quite a while) and tell them that they should ride up a class/route or they will be marked as riding on a "no award" basis because the class is intended for less able riders and that they clearly do fall into that category. One last thing that I struggle to get my head around is - what enjoyment does a good quality clubman rider get by being able to say he won when the people he beat were beginners or the like!! Each to their own I guess...

Great use of a gadget! Interesting to see the speed fluctuate as the terrain changes - love to see the other days if you can bear tp put them up.

Brilliant bike - not too "rorty" and won't tear your arms out. Also very good at finding grip. Most climbs are fine for it, but don't expect miracles on massive 4th gear blasts if you weigh more than 14 stone. Best clubman bike out here and (also) IMO better than a 200 GG or Sherco. As is often said on this site - ride it first to help you decide if it ticks the boxes. One thing for sure is that it will be softer than a 280 GG!! But then a 280GG will climb Everest !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome... You are also very close to the Swindon and District MCC. We even hold a trial in May (and again in July) about 4 miles from you at Brinkworth. Have a look at the website on www.sdmcc.org.uk. We are also staging one at Devizes in June (a Sunday event with a BBQ afterwards). The August event is at Bushton near Wootton Bassett. I think those dates are right - I know the venues are because I'll be marking out for some and am Clerk of the Course for the May event. Do have a look at the site. Practise areas are thin on the ground around here trails are plentiful. Some of the Centre rounds are a bit tough. However, things like the Swindon Club's summer series and those of Chewy's club (which is Kingswood) are intended to cater for everyone from absolute beginners up to experts. This is done by three or four routes being marked out to provide sections to suit/test all abilities. Happy trialling...

I still get a buzz from riding my mine - it's a great bike even if it isn't the lightest or cheapest. As said earlier, quality doesn't come cheaply. In the SSDT you'll find it is a bike that won't let you down, and that keeps you smiling I can tell you - in all that unbelievable weather last year, when 2t bikes were boiling up, sucking in water, etc., my 08'er was superb - no problems at all. Tight turns might be tricky but point it in a vaguely straight line and it will take anything a section has to offer - provided the rider is up to it of course!! As for Sandifords (and people are singling out Caroline in particular) - why has everyone got the knives out for them??? Don't tell me you've never had a shop assistant have an off day in Tesco or Asda and give you short shrift or terse answer? Of course you have... Turbo - did you have frequent dealings with Ms Sandiford then?? Whatever the issues people might have, it needs to be remembered what that family business has provided to the trials riding community since Jim set it up all those years ago. In recent years, Montesa has been a "one-model" business (virtually) and making a success of a business based around one model (the 250cc 315R 1996 to 2004 and 250cc 4RT 2005 to 2009) whilst most of your competitors have been flogging 50, 80, 125, 200, 250, 270/280/290 capacity bikes to every age from kids to codgers takes some doing. Give 'em a break! I for one hope that they do come back in some shape or form - Montesa won't be the same without the name "Sandiford" being attached to the brand. As for the SSDT, I'm not in Scotland this year but I'm sure that the parc ferme will be a poorer place for the absence of Sandifords -

Definitive answer... Any 200 cc two-stroke. In my opinion, first choice is a 200 Beta Rev3, followed by ???. Chewy has one for himself and his missus and they swear by the 200cc motor (granted, theirs are Evo's). Why? Simple... plenty of usable power, grips in mud better than bigger engined bikes, light and flickable. End of story

I stem from Kent (now in Wiltshire) and can tell you that you need to expect mainly muddy trials. There are very few locations with stony/rock streams. Probably the best club to join is the Tenterden MCC - they have been around for years and run centre trials, club trials and East Kent Trials Combine trials (this is a cluster of half a dozen clubs that run a small "league" arrangement of trials - or at least this used to run). There are good riders in that club, including the multi-s'boy championship winning/ now up-coming adult rider Ben Morphett. There are good trials in the centre - the nearest rocks you will find are at the Hook Woods Trials Centre near Guildford - this is Sam Connors place and there have been lorry loads of rocks imported there. Good luck and enjoy your time in "The Garden of England"...

I agree with jamiemills - the SHERCO is a bit of a beast (even compared to my MONTESA). I had a go on a 250 4t BETA EVO earlier in 2009 and thought it was incredibly soft and quiet. However, when you wanted to GO!! it certainly had the ability. I also found it much more nimble than the sherco (and my MONTESA). I then had a go on a 300 4t BETA EVOand that was still lovely and soft yet with a bit more whoompf than the 250 (obviously). Although I can never see myself getting rid of my beloved MONT, I will be going for a BETA and not a SHERCO when that time comes. As has been said so many times on trialscentral before, have a go on each of them (250 and 300 BETA EVO) - you will see for yourself whether you fancy one. good luck

Ishy, as much as I read and often respect a lot of the posts you put on trialscentral.com , I'm afraid I have to say that this Plan B "part-six-days" idea is daft, even if we are in financially strapped times. The SSDT is what it says on the tin - 6 days!! If a rider is not up to 6 days... do the Jersey, Lakes or Manx two day trials or even the Reeth 3 day. 6 = 6!!! I understand that there are SSDT sustainability issues at the root of your suggestion, but I am sure that you'd agree, reducing the status of the SSDT by turning it into a some-of-this and some-of-that kind of entry, would belittle the event. The SSDT is a tough (but fair) trial... full stop. It needs to remain that way. If you were to allow first timers "who are not up to the full 6 days" in, would you be proposing to let them qualify as "Newcomers" the next year when they decide they are up to it? I wouldn't!! Some people starting mid week would also affect the "early day" scenario too. In short, the whole integrity of what the trial presents to the 6-day rider would be diminished. Do not dilute the sense of what the trial (and completing it) represents. This is the greatest trial in the world let's not forget!! Perhaps organising a mid-week one-day trial (they tried it a dozen or so years ago at Kentallen/Lagnaha) would help although, frankly, that just piles more administrative workload on an already very hard-working Club membership. The SSDT has been through tough times in the past, most notably in the early & mid - 90's when stopping in the sections, reversing up, hopping and skipping were full-on and resulted in it becoming incredibly hard for the clubman in particular. It was murder in the mid 90's if you couldn't do the tricks (I couldn't then and I still can't now!). Entries suffered as much for that as it did the late '80s/early '90s recession. However, the SSDT Committee rectified the problem by going no-stop and look at the way entries recovered - for the last 8-10 years... ballots every year! The prospect of seeing depleted entries is a worry, but I think that the Committee are savvy enough to be able to safeguard the trial's future without reducing its worth in the way you suggest might be possible. They are extremely switched on people - just look at the fantastic job they did this year when rain of biblical proportions on the Wednesday threatened to bring proceedings to a halt. They didn't panic - on the Wednesday evening they simply assessed the best and next step to take to safeguard continuation of the trial on the Thursday and produced a fantastic day. I rode again this year and it was incredibly tough at times but the sense of achievement when I finished and the camaraderie that riders developed through the week (when having to help one another carry bikes over rivers or re-start drowned engines) made it one of the best SSDTs I have ridden since I first started in 1987. The Committee were not given enough recognition in my opinion because it could have been an utter disaster - but wasn't... thanks to their reactions. The threat of low entries will undoubtedly concern them but they will assess things, react and make a decision that will keep the trial "on". On a lighter final note... perhaps the slow entry situation is down to the fact people are still trying to dry out after last year's epic event!!??!! As HL says, there is plenty of time yet for the greatest trial in the world to fill with entries. Sorry Ishy...

I've worn Gaerne trials boots for a fair while now (wore out my old Alpinestar Bernie Schrieber ones in about 1991) and they have been fantastic boots... can't fault them for durability and quality at all. I bought a pair of Gaerne Oiled brown boots a year or so ago and they were (still are!!) just as brilliant. However, about a month or so ago I thought I'd get another pair (was handing my year old pair to the lad) with a view to the new ones being for me. Gaernes have been brilliant but i just wondered what people thought of the other boots out there? I've heard that Alpinestarts don't last because the sole peels off - not stitched on apparently. What about Sidis, Hebos or Xc-ting boots... views please

You could also try a push bike inner tube (marginally inflated) jammed in on one side between the tyre and rim. Take valve inner out - Whack in the air (I've had to go higher than stated on tyre wall) - bead on non tube side comes out first Keep pumping air in - tube side then locates Slowly reduce the tyre pressure and ease the inner tube out from between the now-seated bead and the rim. Works every time for me... I don't like using the soap because I feel it stays "slippy" - fine for getting it onto the rim, but also a danger the tyre will slip off more easily in a section or big impact/twist. If you are struggling, even a little water can sometimes be enough to do the last bit. Happy tyre-flashing...

There's a number of very good clubs in and around Bristol - Kingswood MCC is great with a club series as well as centre trials - regular contributor on here called "chewy" will be able to confirm that. Bristol Phoenix MCC run a few centre trials Swindon & DMC (20 miles east of Bristol) are very active and run a great year-long club trial series that caters for beginners right up to centre experts - they are well worth the trip along the M4 Hope that gets you started...

Bound to be someone out there who can answer this... I've removed the headstock upper and lower yokes because the lower bearing was very graunchy. Top bearing easily removed as was the race in the headstock. Lower race also easily removed.. However, the bearing on the "pin" is well and truly on there - How do you get this off ?????????

" I like the way they're having to do the roughest moor first thing Monday morning, there's nowt like breaking them in gently. I've fought all the way down off that moor going the other way round, so god knows what it'll be like to ride up. " I seem to remember that not long ago (during the nineties and very early 2000's) Monday was never exactly a stroll in the park and one or two people were of the opinion that a tough Monday got rid of a few on purpose!! I don't subscribe to that view but it certainly got you out of your comfort zone. I think its great that they've mixed it up and managed to find a new group or two (e.g. Roughburn). Monday morning will be a real eye opener for the newbies and unwary when they ride the top sub of Trotters... what a way to start the week! Some of the mileage changes are likely to be due to the refuelling logistics (compared to other years) but the Committee should be congratulated on not turning the trial into a "road trial" where 80-90% of mileage is usually on tarmac. They have overcome all the problems and most importantly retained the key features that make the SSDT the greatest trial in the world. Well done to them.

Been fettling recently (not that the 4rt demands much tho') and I wondered just what purpose the gauze-like metal grill in the air box serves? Is it essential to keep this fitted? I have kept it in place with both the 4rt's that I've had/got, but now wonder just how important it is. I seem to recall one thread saying to take them out and just use the foam filter alone (like in a 315R). Any views or opinions?

Elvis, BVM may not have it on their website, but (trust me) they have got it on the shelf... I bought some (1 litre bottle) a couple of weeks ago. They are contactable on 01453 762167 or 01453 762743. Ask for John or Craig and you won't go wrong.

I had to do this a couple of times... try Devitt Insurance Brokers - they got my Mont insured with Zenith Ins. on a frame number and then I went to the DVLA office and got it all done. Devitt's phone no. is 0845 300 4870

I run that too (not in the 4RT tho') - I get it from Motaquip, but I expect you'll get it from most motor factors

The Wiziard from Wales is right about ATF being possible. I also found that Silkolene Light Gear Oil 75sae was a very good oil in my 315. There was a little clutch stick once started up and cold, but soon freed off, and as the engine warmed, this sticking went and the clutch was fine with no squealing that you can get on other bikes.

BVM MOTO --01453 762167 / 762743 available in litre bottles

Just fitted a full TTT kit to a Beta and not a drop of water in sight !!! I just used some masking tape to align the position of the sticker before peeling off the backing, and then once happy with the proposed position and resting place, I made sure the area was dry and warm (not good doing it in the recent icy cold weather as the stickability of the stickers is poor). Once that was done, I just peeled - positioned - smoothed it over then used a hair dryer to really "nail" it to the tank/guard/fork leg/etc. That also helped get any bubbles out. Remember to smooth in one direction. That way you are effectively forcing any air out in one direction and the risk of getting trapped air (very painful!!) is negligible. It really is a piece of cake. Just make sure you have plenty od time and patience... if you rush it, you'll regret it. And as an aside, the TTT sticker kit is great... it has transformed my son's 05 Beta and really smartened it up (he added an 06 rear m'guard too). Go for it !!

What sort of noise are you hearing? A re-build sounds pretty drastic and costly action to take when you aren't sure what the problem is. Mont 315r's were generally pretty good at holding together, but obviously a couple of drownings may have lead to all manner of crud getting into the motor, and then problems can begin if not cleaned out properly. If you're sure its bottom end noise then obviously a re-build is likely to be needed. If it's top-end, surely whipping the head & barrel off is the first thing to do. Check the state of the piston, rings, small end bearing and pin. If these are kn*ckered, change them and try it out again to see if the noise has abated. If still no better, then that would be the time to start splitting the thing and putting new mains, seals, con-rod (?), etc.

As "sectiononecleaned" says - Its a no brainer - Mont. Best build, Best Performance, best service, Unbeatable quality - I would have to agree. I had a 315r and thought the Honda build quality was fantastic overall and was nervous about getting a 4RT because "oh God, how o I ride a 4 stroke ??", but after a few rides you quickly learn what the different techniques you need are. One point missed in the above quote is - RELIABILITY. If you want a bike that you don't have to spend hours fettling just to keep it running, get a 4RT. They're easy to work on, built like the proverbial brick privvy and really put a smile on your face when you ride it. Okay... so its not the lightest 4 stroke, but you can't have everything! As all the others have said - get out and ride them all before picking one and parting with your hard earned cash

This problem is not unusual for the Mont as the rear brake lever sticks out a heck of a long way compared to those on other bikes. When you do catch it, it usually bends or breaks. When I broke my second one in nearly as many weeks, I did a simple mod to it rather than lash another wad on a lever again: I shortened the arm on the broken bit with the tip on it(i.e the bit that your foot goes onto) and then i re-welded this onto the bit that mounts onto the frame. the key thing was to shorten it sufficiently enough for it (once welded back on) to be tucked in behind the casing. This protected it from snagging on every rock that brushes past the right hand case, without compromising your ability to get a foot on the brake. If you want to go one step further still, I also chopped off some of the serrated triangle so that it was even more tucked away. It may sound drastic and feel awkward at first (different target to hit) but you soon get used to it. If you still don't like it after a couple of weeks at least you've tried to save some money and you've not lost anything. Next and last resort - buy the H and R racing piece!!

Yep, can't argue with that... he'll will be a real threat again this year in his class, especially as he'll no doubt get some training in with the likes of Raga and Dibs (or should that be Dabster?). A change of bike is bound to lead to him going up a gear... good luck to him - he's one of the WTC stars of the future for British trials fans.