timdog

In recent years I've only been riding occasionally and only using my TLR. I'm going to get a modern bike again, mainly because some venues are a bit much (for me) for the tlr. I'd like to keep it for the suitable ones. Previously had Beta 4t and loved it, I get on well with 4 strokes, like the low end torque etc.. But i fancy trying 2 stroke again mainly for the weight and a change as the big 60 approaches! Had beta 250 and TRS before, almost certainly going to stick with beta, got 2 v nice to choose from, 250 factory and 300 ss standard both 2017. My question is can any one give their opinion on 250 beta v 300ss I know all uk spec 300s are now the ss and i dont need a 300, sure dont actually NEED a 250 but i havent been able to get a go on the 300ss read that they're v smooth but pull like tractors

Best thing ive done is replace the standard fast throttle with an Amal 80/200 slower one. Makes big difference to me, maybe thats cos im rubbish! Had a 2016, got a 2017 factory(for sale) and tried a 2019 cant feel much difference other than the factory upgrades. Always had a bosi exhaust on, sounds amazing

Just for info when you get the engine sorted. It makes a huge difference to how docile the bike is if you fit an amal 80/200 slow throttle. Straight swap but make sure the cable nipple on cam on carb is in the rearmost of the two possible holes.

Massive difference between pre 65 and more modern twinshock. Pre 65 can be a minefield in terms of what is trials spec.. Close to original spec viewed as un competitive. Most pre65s are pretty trick nowadays e.g. New frame, forks shocks and numerous other mods so a trials spec cub covers a huge range of possibilities. Need lots of info. Great pre 65 bike, But depends what you want to ride, easier classic only trials or easier route on modern trials. You will probably find more modern twinshock easier to ride but depends on the actual bike, condition, mods etc. Absolutely love my BSA C15 for sound and smiles, had Fantic 240, very very good twinshock, much easier to ride, I just didn't actually gel with it at all, didn't suit my riding style (lack of!!) Now have a well sorted Honda tlr200, favourite trials bike I've ever ridden. People will usually recommend the bike they own/like, older bikes have more differences than modern so often it's good to try to have a ride on one to see if it suits. I guess Fantic200 would Get most votes

Gore wear mtb jacket. Thin and light plus the cut suits trials. Goretex is the most waterproof but even goretex is only water resistant when it's this thin and lightweight

Just saw this, did you mean Sunday gone, the 12th... There wasn't one as it was Remembrance day, trial was on the Saturday.. Next Sundays is Weardale if mean that one it's on their website

Lots of fun to be had on those! Sometimes nice to see just revamped bikes instead of nut and bolt restorations with modern parts that look better than new. Good for you keeping busy working on them

As pjw above says. BAA 2 day trial castleside club, venue Edmondbyers one for twinshock/pre65 and one for modern bikes. Have to wait for next year's now though. Fantastic course with great ride around a long lap

If it ever doesn't release prior to starting out in in gear being ready for it to move off then ride with clutch pulled in and it will soon release then should be fine when warms up

Beta clutch!! There is a thread on forums the beta clutch fix. Easy enough to do just takes time. Basically you need to remove glue deposits from plates. Tip is to put bike in 3rd and rock back and forth with clutch pulled in to release from cold prior to starting. It's a common problem but made worse by bike standing unused. Some people leave the bike with clutch in and held in with a rubber band but I'm not sure if that is advisable with the hydraulics. Beta still the most common bike around

At that price it's more about condition than brand although someone may suggest avoiding certain makes at that age. Personally I'd be looking for beta evo 250 or 200 if there was one and a 125 for your son. Could get away with big wheel beta 80 but depending on his size of wouldn't last long. 2011 beta evo in good condition can be found from about 1900 . I would try to avoid the earlier rev 3, you would very quickly want something more up to date but maybe struggle to sell it on. With an older 2_stroke it's about listening to engine for unusual rattles and wines. A top end rebuild isn't too expensive but once start on full rebuild it defeats point of buying cheap bike. If it claims to be rebuilt you can see if any receipts etc. Suspension lineages hearings etc need checking. Even just new chain sprockets and tyres can add hundreds so you need to consider what needs doing. Just remember if you Get something too old and worn then take to trials you will quickly want something better but may struggle to sell a banger. There are good older bikes out there, I'd join a local club and ask around in club and at trials it's better to Get a recommendation and a bike from someone who knows about it than an anonymous buy it now from a sale site. Maybe speak to local trials dealer who usually know many local riders and may help.

Thanks for replies, yes it's specifically the super soft not standard 300. I heard the torque is excellent without trying to pull my arms off which I don't need. It's the pulling from nothing that I love about the 4t but wondered how it felt compared to the 250. Didn't realise it but since 2017 all 300 betas are ss UK spec

I've only been riding twinshock in last few years but I'm looking to Get a modern bike again. I've had 2 beta 300 4t and really like them but in the past I had a 2015 250 2t. Just want something for the trials my old bones find too much on the TLR. Id thought of returning to 250 2t but there is a 300ss going. Can't find much written about them other than the technical spec. Does anyone have any side by side experience of the 300ss v the 250. Cheers

Don't agree trials is lagging behind at all. It's probably the most inclusive sport, girls/ladies compete in the same event and there is NO differentiation. They are welcome and capable. No need for separate events locally and I doubt they would want it as most ride with family and friends.

My TLR won't do that.......well not with me on

I'd just been looking at whether they would make a difference to my TLR looks like definitely worth it although mine aren't as bad as the old ones in the video as the have magical springs in.

Was it running then packed up, or won't start after a rebuild

If it comes down to the stator, the ref 3 was noted for stator failing, then West country windings do an exchange for reconditioned one. How strong is your spark, is petrol definitely get to the carb, i.e no blockage in tank? Strong blue spark could be timing out due to Woodford key/flywheel loose

Another vote for both Falcon and NJB. Had two pairs of NJB ultimates and they were good. Length adjustable too

Don't know how to actually test stator by measuring resistances etc but if no loose wires or bad earth and spark plug is good, plus you've tested the coil, or tried another that you know is working, then it will highly likely be the stator. The rev 3 is well known for stator packing up. Westcountrywindings have done a good job of a refurbed stator in the past, worth ringing them

I can highly recommend brake shoe relining by Villiers services, book it via their website. They do a softer trials compound.

Nothing new there... sounds familiar to everyone(well except a lucky few) practice and confidence. It will come but takes longer than many people think. When you gain confidence you will be less tense, allowing bike to move under you and respond with little movements to correct things. Watch other people’s body positioning and ask someone to watch you and see if anything you need to change.

Can’t comment specifically on your bike, shocks make big difference in how bike feels grips and responds over the ground. I’m assuming you need to replace as old ones aren’t up to it. Budget will play a part, if you want to spend the most then probably rockshocks, I’ve never used them but been very happy with njb ultimates on a bsa c15 and Fantic and falcons, but have betor on a bike now and again happy with them. Most companies now make them different lengths and with spring rates to suit rider.

Villiers services relined my tlr brake shoes with soft, high friction material and the improvement in brake performance was noticeable. With trials tyres on I wouldn’t want to be travelling fast on the road.

My experience at 53 when started was modern two stroke, as I’ve mentioned to you before I went to 4 stroke and much prefer them, but that’s personal preference. I bought aBSA C15 and spent money on improving it. Big heavy old lump but my smile was twice as big when rode that. Then a very well sorted 240 Fantic was next. Very good bike but never gelled with it, just wasn’t to my liking so sticking with 4 stroke I bought Honda tlr. Absolutely love it love riding on it working on it and just looking at it. From an enjoyment point of view it’s my favourite bike. Plus points, fun factor and smile,love the look and feel of the older bike, call it nostalgia or mid life crisis I don’t care it’s all about fun for ME and I’m happy. Down side, have to be selective which venues I would ride as some venues I would find too much on the twinshock. Better riders wouldn’t but I just want to have fun and not progress up the levels.Twin shock and classic trials are great fun and modern events where course is suitable. A lot might depend on where you are, are there many events where easy course is good for twinshock. I would maybe suggest upgrade your modern bike get plenty of trials under your belt and just enjoy it for a while, then see how twinshock appeals and try it, after all 2 bikes are better than one. You might use both at different events but give yourself a chance to see what appeals most.