timdog

Everyone has their own opinion on what's best etc but depends what suits you. Some don't like 4 strokes. Personally I rode 2T for a year when started then tried a beta 300 4T and loved it. For me I love the engine braking, smooth power delivery and the way it can just plod away down to almost nothing without needing to slip clutch. But it has more power than I would need if I want it.Tried a 250 4T but prefer the 300, slow action Amal throttle made it even better. Haven't had any starting problems, hot or cold. You have to ride them differently, not constantly blipping the throttle, although you can it's better rolled on/off smoothly. The instant sharper response of 2T makes things like double blips over bigger obstacles easier, or is it just different but I wouldn't go back to 2T unless I wanted to be hopping the the bike round, Having said all that the 250 2T was a lovely smooth bike! Try one first if you can and give it time to see if suits you.

Not sure if this is relevant to you but I bought "magicals" progressive springs with the variable length preload spacer so you can set it up to suit you. Works well in the bultaco forks

Not sure if this is relevant to you but I bought "magicals" progressive springs with the variable length preload spacer so you can set it up to suit you. Works well in the bultaco forks

Did Villiers services do the re lining or recommend some material. I have two bikes with shoes relined by them using their trials compound, bultaco chrome hubs, a cub hub and ajs stormer hubs. They are all v good for drum brakes and can stop dead on a fairly steep hill. The lining was a beige colour

I'm biased having had both, from a novice point of view I found the beta much softer power delivery and preferred the suspension, I went the other way and went to a four stroke. Still have the 2015 evo 250 2t to sell though!!

Sure the above is true, just peace of mind for the weeman riding/charging when it's all put together in a nice shrink wrapped bundle. I've lined someone else's pocket but happy., hopefully he knew what he was doing more than me with this stuff We put a car together from many bits as a project at school, but I still prefer being stung by a salesman for one built by a nice German factory 'cos I remember my wiring melting.

Had a set on for a few months now on 20R, pricey compared to some diy kits but I wasn't taking a risk as I'm not hot on electrics. They have all the safety features built in and encased in a waterproof padded pack. Very well put together. Depending on terrain, type of use, hill climbs etc have had over 4 hours use without any power drop off. The weight saving is very noticeable and has transformed the use of the bike, will help resale value too. The pack is much smaller than the original battery pack so needs securing in the battery tray, cable ties through the bash plate snapped so have had it tied in with metal cable ties now with no issues. Would recommend them and would buy them again without hesitation. They arrived in under 48 hrs and the owner of company was keen on feedback, haven't had any problems but he said get in touch if there were any questions or problems

Imagine trying to get an entry for the Scottish when Hadrians wall gets rebuilt!

I'm 90kg and recently put 10% stiffer front and rear springs on my Beta, much better, very noticeable on moors etc and suits me better in sections

Can't speak from experience of the Mont although I know plenty of people who swear by them as a great bike. I've had 2 stroke and 4 stroke evos and they've been a joy to own and ride. Bikes are a v personal choice but generally get the newest/best condition you can.. Bear in mind the owner and care/service it's had though

No doubt someone local will shout up but in mean time look on ACU website there's a link on home page to your region then to all local clubs

Yes as above dropped one tooth on front

Hi, I started just coming up to 12 month ago, bought a 250 sherco and while I liked it, I often felt it was riding me. Changed to a 250 evo and found it much smoother and softer power delivery, call it personal taste (or lack of ability!) . After riding 4 stroke pre65 I had always had a hankering for modern 4 stroke, I like the way they ride. While different bikes suit different people I have just bought a 2016 evo 300 4t and love it, while the bike obviously has enough power for the experts it's so smooth and controllable. Fitted an amal 80/200 slow throttle and that has made it even smoother. Haven't tried the 250 as a 300 came up right time and place. Get a test ride if you can, early days on it for me but I'm glad I made the move.

If you come to a trial you'll find anyone will help you out where to go etc and don't be shy to ask for advice great atmosphere up here

Look on ACU website, link to clubs, gives list of northeast clubs. Doesn't matter which you join but most people pick nearest to them and where they are going to ride. You can join online in members area which also gives you code needed to apply for licenec online. If you look at the calendar section on here it's updated regularly with details of the weekends trials e.g castleside club this Sunday. Durham/cleveland area trials not always on here e.g Guisborough club depends which part of Durham you're in. Trial on in Durham or Northumberland area pretty much every week. Look out for Butsfield starting probs in June Wed night trials, good intro for new starter. Hope that helps

Have you tried Richard Allen, allensusedtrialsspares

Have you considered a spare car battery with dc inverter? Workes for an Oset without the noise/expense of a generator or just connect to car/van battery

Bought a pair in june 2015, I normally take a 11 (46) and the size was spot on, they have been worn pretty much every weekend since and are now just about ready for replacing, boot itself not too bad but one of the seams coming apart. They get wet every time then dried with newspaperin and treated with dubbin but I would have expected them to last longer. Don't know if others will say similar but I'm trying a different make next time.

Ps as above I agree avoid a trail bike unless you just want to ride green lanes,

Not sure what area you're in but in N East there's always the easy route at every trial set out with twinshock/pre 65 in mind rather than specific twinshock trials. Depends if you want to enter twinshock events specifically, if you just want an older bike to enjoy then, if the classes are the same in your area go for best bike you can afford to buy (and maintain!) It's down to personal taste which one you pick or go for yamaha ty mono, still competitive

Pack your kit and get along to the butsfield trial today (see calendar section for directions) there's a good easy course there Saturdays trial at bedburn has an easy course you could get round too, you can always skip a section if you don't fancy it and the practise is better than you would get on your own. You'll get plenty of help/advice

It's like a second childhood coming back after a lonnng break. Feels great being back on a bike just spend time getting your balance and throttle/clutch feeling before launching at big steps!! It comes flooding back very quickly (not sure it was ever really there though) takes time to get bike fitness back. Enjoy and try to find some rocky bits to ride round on. Best practice is to try the easy route at a trial you get more confidence and advice amongst others

Has it just started doing it or have you just bought it, some people wire them directly to run constantly if they have had problems

P.s. bought a folding ramp for 45 so loads in seconds with straps to tie it down then easy to wash a van out. Years ago it was all trailers but mostly vans at trials now. A van is a bit of a man toy, look at it that way and the Mrs can get loads of shopping in it

I used to tow a trailer using my A3 but got sick of potential damage and the muck! Bought a transit connect crew cab, the double and single rear seats are easily removed or folded for a mix of bikes/passengers. Drives like a car does 45mpg and I use it most of the time now the car just sits there, love the van.