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Doesn't seem to be a no brainer eh - so many different views. I would say the 315 is already a fossil even though it's solid. Definitely a totally different ride to the other two machines. I know of an immaculate new looking 315 for around

Just in case you're not already aware: The Sherco 80 is a full size bike. My lad has one at the moment. He has a 2005 version. It does have smaller (thinner/lighter) forks on it, but other than that, it's the full 21" front wheel and 18" back wheel, full size tyres the same as my 290. I don't know of any other difference between the bikes (in fact half of my bike's been on his from time to time. That was just in case you were going to go to expense of creating a scaled down 125 for no great benefit. My lad is 11 and the bike would (if not run in to the ground) certainly see him a few years yet. I ride his 80 now and then and the forks feel lighter, but still very rideable, and I'm a VERY big lump. I would get the 80 now, and then sell it on as an 80 in a couple of years, or go for the 125 barrel in a couple of years. Could I suppose upgrade the forks as well if absolutely necessary.

i tell you what, that's a good call Speak to them about the letter, and just ask what the score is basically, what it means to you. Get an idea how official it is.

I jetwash them then spray furniture polish on mine. The cheapest I can find with Beeswax in it, usually about 90p a tin.

Strangely for us, no. Mixture of quarry, rocky banks and steps, probably some smaller streams. Good run round but if you're thinking of our Forest Trophy trial in May, it's fairly different terrain. P.S. Sorry, just seen your PM. Is your question answered above?

I'll let you know if it's significantly different to that when I found out.

I've got to get the proper brief on it yet, which I'll try to do pretty soon. In my own mind at the moment, I would expect the hard route to be around our expert level (Llanfyllin trials), same as our Mid Wales Novogar for those that have ridden it, if anyone can translate to the Bemrose (I've not ridden it). Definitely a fair bit easier than the Lakes 2 day hard route, but probably fair bit harder than the Lakes easy route. In between the Manx hard and easy route. How am I doing? The clubman solo route is I think usually pretty close to the sidecar expert route if that gives you an idea. It's a looooong way easier to get a solo round than a chair.

Yeah - very true that it depends on the conditions. On dry ground you're obviously not scrabbling for grip, and on grippy rocks and streams I wouldn't imagine a new tyre would have too much effect. Some people seem to manage with crap tyres. I always remember Paul and Stuart Tate from my youth days, who could ride on slicks and still give everyone a run for their money.

The one I've got on now is the one I rode the Manx on in August and I have a feeling I only turned it for the Manx When you apply weight, it doesn't spin too much, and the edges don't wear off so quick. My rears seem to wear at the same rate as my fronts these days.

I do blame the government, but not as directly as most. Basically, you get what you pay for in most cases. If you want top security, in fact if you want any form of competence, you've got to pay for it. That money comes from taxes, and yes, most of us would say we're paying for it. But.....half the bloody nation isn't, and our hard earned is spent on them instead. We are no longer a nation of shopkeepers, we're a nation of scroungers and freeloaders, and the government continues to allow it. Nobody should get a free ride in this country unless they're absolutely genuinely unable to work, full stop. Disabled people of this country are usually more than willing to work, whilst the freeloading scumbags sit at home playing their PS3's. If you're not working you should be on the poverty line, and you should be out picking litter for your dole money, supervised by the poor buggers who are doing it now for a pittance. We'd have the cleanest country in Europe. Our own people are killing our country and the government will stand by and watch them. [soap box collapses under weight]

It's a good question. I don't know anybody that doesn't turn them. If they don't they've got too much money Someone must know why the direction arrow is there? I suspect you might be right about tyre structure somehow.

There's a joke there somewhere, but I'm ****ed if I can pick it out

Dunno? Surely the over 40's award is the lower one? He's eligible for points if he chose to do so, but I'd imagine he won't be too fussed either way. Good to see him up there though

Regs are out for the British Sidecar Champs on 6th April in Mid Wales. I don't have too many details other than those in the Regs yet, but if there's any questions I can certainly find out. Last year was combined with the Classic Champs and there was some concern over the Classic being too easy. This year it's back to the old format, with the solo's providing a support class for the sidecars. I understand that I will be dragged in to mark out the support route for the Expert solo's, but we have a mix of sidecar old boys and up to date sidecar boys to sort the chairs out. For those that rode last year, the start was in a quarry. This year, the start is moved up the road a bit and will start at a local pub (we have use of the adjoining field). I believe the adjoining field is owned by a trials enthusiast, so there may even be a possibility of camping if the weather bucks up a bit, but I'll check up on that if anyone is considering it. I live 4 miles away, but I may just be tempted by the pub A good ride round anyway, most of our local venues, and looking like a possibility of a new one. Also if you fancy helping with observing, which I think is always more enjoyable at a one lap event, please give us a shout. 08MidWalesCentreTrophyTrialRegs.pdf

Despite the differences in sport between the US and the rest of the world, it's good to know that one of the most ancient of pastimes still unites us. Fishing is the same the world over right? Whether in China, France, Britain or the good old US of A it's one sport that we could all sit on the same river bank like civilised human beings. Family fishing trip

I found the same with the Sherco 4 stroke when I tried it a couple of years ago. I tried a really greasy section at a local trial, which I'd been riding in 2nd gear on my 290. The owner said he would ride it in 1st, so I tried it, but useless, then 2nd still useless, 3rd was feeling nicer, but eventually knocked it in to 4th and it was perfect. I'm not talking a big blast here, it was pottering round trees and some small banks. I was really surprised. Is there any similarity with the 4RT?

Awww come on, I cast a line out for Atomant a couple of weeks ago and he says he can't be bothered, then throw a dirty low down below the belt hit at the Dabster and he comes back with a serious response, and an almost hurt look (I know, I'm flattering myself there. Like you're bothered ). I've got to admit, I've slagged both of the bikes (in minor ways), the Gasser because the 02 Pro seriously hurt my wallet and it wasn't up to standard, but I've admitted they seem to have sorted their **** out since. Then the Montesa, mainly because of the cough and splutter it seemed prone to when it first came out (and the noise problem which I don't like). While I wouldn't buy the Gasser, just because it doesn't suit the hammering I'm likely to give it, I would seriously consider the Montesa. I suppose what I'm really waiting for is the Sherco to get sorted, so my spares fit it and my bike can be pilfered for my lads bike, but how long do we have to wait?

The early 80's were 100cc (strange as it sounds). They probably realised that it didn't fit in any particular class and changed it to a real 80cc.

Can't answer why you would get one if you ask for another, but I would say the reason for sending it out is 'unofficially' an 4rse covering exercise. When one of us (organisers) ends up in court prosecuted by a rider who wasn't aware of the rules or regulations, he's only got himself to blame. The ACU has made every effort to make the rules/safety guidelines etc as available as they can. If the ACU make no effort to get the rules and regs out there they're already on a back foot. I'm sure this could be worded better but that's my take on it and I think you've got to agree that the rules need to be out there in as many forms as possible. Few enough people know them already.

by electrics, do you mean stator? Didn't think they were different under the tank?

Honda were probably more interested in signing you up than they were Dougie. They must have noted that the GasGas was just a piece of s**t until you got one, and hey presto, the Honda is transformed the moment you rode out of the showroom with it

Surprised that so many already saying they use standard unleaded. Mine really does run noticeably worse on standard unleaded, and even starts it 'pinking'.

Agreed. Until he's 16 there is no doubt whatsoever. He's just not allowed to ride anything bigger than a 125 in any ACU event. Even at 16, only entering adult events is going to change. For any youth eventss, he needs a 125 all the way. You'd be surprised at how good they can be (actually improve for most levels from the 250). I ride my lads 80 Sherco out of the odd section to save pushing it and even with my 120kg load it pulls well. The 125 is another level. They're so much more controllable than a 250 for novice type riders. CoMorph actually converted me. I tried out the 125 and the 200 on his recommendation. Although for my weight I still fall back to the 290 so I don't kill it, for the sections the smaller bikes can really make a difference for control.

I'm supposed to be a security expert Ah well, it's one of my better posts Good to see Koxx UK investing in him. Sam's earned everything he gets. I've never seen anyone work at it like he does. I remember him hopping round our back garden, and taking the mickey, I said "yeah yeah, come back when you're British Champion". Didn't realise he'd manage it quite so quick. How long till we have a World Champion then? And is he coming back to the engined variety for a play?

Sam's latest video, now riding for Koxx UK Sam Oliver ( A new chapter)