micm

You don't say how old the bike is or how much work its done.

Two new Betas have the same problem in my area - South of England. One is 4 stroke one a 270. A rear cylinder was replaced on one after 2 trials. It has been suggested the cylinder casting flexes slightly causing the problem. The all make bike test in YOU HAVE USED WORDS OR A PHRASE WHICH ARE NOT PERMITTED ON THIS WEBSITE. PLEASE DELETE YOUR POST/TOPIC. DO NOT TRY TO CIRCUMVENT THE FILTERS IN PLACE ON THIS WEBSITE recently highlighted Beta brakes as less than ideal. A new 250 2 stroke I tried during a trial at Christmas had very poor brakes - they ruined the bike for me.

My 290 ex works bike is a pleasure to ride. It is so smooth at the bottom end with limitless power further up. The engine feels fantastic when dragged in 3rd or 4th under load. The suspension has also been balanced and is very responsive. Unlike a Cabestany Replica there is no switchable ignition. In fact a Cabes Replica is the closest thing to it, though they feel a bit flatter. The bike has had work done to most areas - engine suspension and electronics. It is a good bike.

Nice ground not much mud though, how about snakes? What's the song playing in the background?- it makes a change from the usual 'nu metal on trials vids.

The bikes were I believe created and assembled in the Hampshire area by Bob Golner who owned a motorcycle shop in Denmead. The frames may have been made by Mick Whitlock of Hambledon near Denmead who was also responsible for many other superb trials frames and accessories. Bob is retired now, but Mick is still running an associated business near Petersfield.

Site speed in Hampshire UK is fine on ordinary broadband a few few seconds maybe but quite acceptable. Let's say 250 rather than 290. I agree the front page could do with a make over though I appreciate it could be a lot of work. Keep up the good work Regards

Which of the Communities are the least restrictive - if any?

Reading the press today, in an interview with Gas Gas director Narcis Casas a new Spanish Law is discussed. As I understand it, it is now illegal in Spain, to ride a powered bike (or quad) more than 4 metres from a highway. Not very good for the Catalan trials manufacturers or riders. I guess (I don't know) that the Spanish riders had hitherto enjoyed pretty open access to land. I hope they find a compromise.

OK I can see you are p****d at Spanish trials bikes but please don't bomb the Sherco factory!

Even the brakes on the works Shercos squeal a bit sometimes.

You have to be a bit careful of what materials you import to the site. Any natural material if it is unpolluted is I think fine. That is natural rock and logs basically. Semi man made things like telegraph poles and railway sleepers are probably ok as well. Man made materials can cause a planning hassle. A load of dumped concrete blocks may be heaven to a trials rider but could look like waste dumping to a planning officer - likewise old tyres!

For someone who has never ridden a trials bike you should not overlook something like the Gas Gas 80. Its great fun, smaller and lighter than a normal bike and so easy to start. My daughter has one. I have borrowed it and ridden it in over 40's trials beating my experienced chums on fulll size machinery into the bargin. If the rider is light as you say the lack of power will not be a problem. The GG 80 suspension and brakes are superb too.

Hi Shaun, Count me in, and a couple of my friends as well if its reasonably near to South Hampshire. I guess

Its all part of the conspiracy to site international trials events as far away as possible from its normal fanbase. The outdoor one in South (?) America this year is an another example. I suspect it is to do with FIM 'diplomacy.' It goes something like this, 'We must give the (say) Russians a (any old) World Round - volunteers - no? - well give them trials!'. 'Oh and give the FIM reps 50 Euros a mile to get there.' On the other hand if there was a 'proper' outdoor world series it would probably have 5 events in Catalonia and 5 in Yorkshire (obviously including The Scott) - that might be more like it.

I had an 07 250 Gasser.It was very enjoyable to ride, light and easy to throw around. However it was a b****** to start. Some of my friends simply couldn't get it to fire up at all. It was checked out by good mechanics who said sometimes with GG you get a bad starter! I sold it in the end.

You muct check that it is not registered as an SSI - site of special scientific interest or anything similar - the conservation bodies would take a close interest in it. This can be checked at your local planning office. Strictly speaking digging holes trenches etc would constitute 'development' from a town planning point of view and would need permission so reasonable discretion is needed. Also what you bring onto the land is relevant. Natural materials that could be found on land such as wood stone or soil (clean) is considered less intrusive, but you must be more careful with 'non natural' materials such as concrete old tyres or similar things. If pollution from non natural materials gets into your neighbours land you could be held responsible in law. ( Its a tort). The local authority does have power to rectify planning infringements and they do use them if pressed.

Shercos don't generally seem to come with a manual just a poster with basic maintenance tips on the back. The amount of gearbox oil for the whole 05 range of bikes (my most recent 'poster') is 450cc.

Check out the 'Mototrials' briefing in Stuff magazine (uk) the September 2007 issue. Page 88. it includes a quick briefing, chat with Dougie and action pic. There is talk odf dabs and sections and apparently riders call 4 strokes 'diesels.' Oh yes and Dougie is launching a new helmet. But I should avoid the gloves they suggest unless you have switched to super moto. Overall not a bad short briefing and in the normal mag style.

Urban trials bike. What about adapting a current bike or similar for 'urban' use. Where noise is almost always the worst problem. The idea is the bike is a proper trials model, but it has to have a lot more sound proofing. Bigger silencers, thicker exhausts, cases etc. Ok its heavier but would it be possible to reduce the sound levels considerably in some way. Still suitable to be road registered. It would still be comparatively light but would be expected to run in a different 'class' perhaps. Might be handy in Japan and the UK at least. Another bike varient for the manufacturers to make as well based on the same technology. Ideal for my garden!

Sounds like a new class at the club trials! You know what I mean. Pleae indicate class entered:- twin shock, pre 65, old mono, traction mono, 2WD, maybe electric as well. Its going to be hard finding enough different coloured markers.

The 290 is pretty powerful and it feels it. A slow action throttle is a good place to start. My 290 is well made and reliable and I don't know of any general faults. Re fitting a sherco airbox can be trying though you don't have to remove it to clean the air filter. Some say the back end is a bit wooden compared with a gasser etc but they track well. There are slight changes year on year, the 05 is the last of chome frame models.

I'm told by the publisher that it's due out at the end of November 2006. Looking at the French edition it looks pretty good. Its a full A4 size with much longer articles than Trialsworld. The one I saw even had an electric gas gas in it!

Straight out of the box a Gas Gas txt 80 goes pretty well with no mods. My daughter loves hers. It rather different to my 290 Sherco but it will do stuff. Finish is pretty good too. Maybe a Beta is more powerful but the Gas Gas is pretty cool.