micm

I agree with the suggestion by 'stpauls' of perhaps a much more common size, a 250 engined bike fitted with a low compression head/extra gaskets and maybe a slow action throttle. They would be easy to start as well. As for the unicorn of the trials world the 200 Beta, try before you buy if possible it may not suit as they don't have much torque.

There is a new concept of hydrogen fuelling that could be applicable to future, post petrol, trials bikes and other light vehicles. It does away with pressurised tanks etc. Zero emissions etc. Recharging would pretty quick. Link... https://www.businessinsider.com/car-bike-tesla-amazon-gates-bezos-climate-change-fuel-drone-2021-2?op=1&r=US&IR=T

57's nothing!

Thanks micm. How were the brakes on the new 250? I have wondered whether to try to improve the ones on our 2014 bike or if it just makes more sense to buy a new(er) bike. The factory editions have Braktec masters and I have wondered about that route. I will stop thinking about the 200 now (and have been told off about new bikes and "man" lust for new machines ? ) The 250 seemed to have a better back brake on my 1/2 hour go on it, so maybe they are all a bit variable in quality as delivered, but perhaps the 'borrowed' 250 was the 'works' spec one. I did sort mine finally, at a cost of two new sets of pads and another rear disc.

My Beta new 2020, 200 had poor brakes, the rear one was almost non existent, pathetic actually. It also jumped out of a lower gear without warning. Otherwise build quality was the average for most two stroke trials machines. Comparing a friend's new 250 to my 200 both Betas on the same sections I felt the 250 was actually easier to ride with a little more power, though I didn't tell him!. Beta 200s get a fantastic press here on TC but I wonder how many of these 'fans' have actually owned one for some time and have ridden them in events regularly. Maybe they are good in rocky stream beds but on climbs, banks etc in my opinion they are harder work. Nothing against the make, but I would consider all the two strokes not just Betas.

So if Scotland becomes independent and hooks up with the EU again, bang goes the Scottish Six Day Trial for most English, Welsh and Northern Irish riders, too much paperwork, so will it will be mostly the French, Spaniards etc instead?

Here you go. Link to sporting goods... https://www.revenue.ie/en/importing-vehicles-duty-free-allowances/personal-relief-from-customs-duty-and-vat/personal-effects-and-goods-for-sports-purposes/examples-of-personal-effects-and-goods-imported-for-sports-purposes.aspx

Thanks, good to know

The ACU has just issued a detailed briefing on the Carnet System for importing and re exporting goods into and out of the EU, now that the UK has declined ongoing membership of that particular club. The Carnet system is quite a faff for the amateur and I know the music industry is up in arms about it. However on the Gov UK Customs/Revenue website it seems to say 'personal imports' of 'sporting goods,' giving a longish list which includes cars and motor bikes, will not be included. In that case would the whole Carnet documentation still be required. Or am I just an optimist? Of course this assumes the government will let us out again one day. Does anyone know how this might work. Thanks

La Montesa 4RT es como una mermelada inglesa llamada 'Marmite' porque la amarás o la odiarás. Muchos más prefieren 2T. Buena suerte con la moto, es un gran deporte

No help on the carb details I'm afraid. Speaking as an 300 R One owner I can't help but wonder if a conversion down to the R One spec by reducing compression might have been a better and cheaper way of making the bike more novice friendly considering you are around 200 KG plus gear rather than reducing the capacity to 250cc. At 1200 feet you are already about 3% down on engine power from sea level to start with. Lowering compression (a base gasket or two) would have meant less alteration to engine so less change in carb settings I would imagine. 10C to 30 C temperature range sounds like typical Spanish conditions where the bikes are made.

On the Spanish Sherco site there is an '03 sheet manual which is what you got with a new bike and there is also an '09 manual. I am reasonably sure that although there was a frame change in '06 to black they are all basically similar. If yours is an '05 it should have chrome frame, looking similar to an '03 so the '03 is a good starting place. There was a 4T 320 '05 but therein lies a story. My advice would be to change the oil, pretty sure its 450 cc. The exhausts get clogged but you need to cut them open to repack. I had several of them including an '05 290, not much goes wrong if looked after. https://www.sherco.com/wp-content/uploads/2009MaintenanceManual_ST2T.pdf https://www.sherco.com/wp-content/uploads/2003ServiceManual.pdf

To quote theTRS importer's website 'Saunders Extreme Sports' regarding the R One..."These R (One) model bikes are specifically tuned to the UK Market, giving softer stronger power. This makes riding the bike much easier and enjoyable for our type of sections." For 'our type of sections' read 'mud.' So for the UK (no idea about anywhere else) the R One has lower compression than the RR and clutch is softer and lighter. Suspension between R One and RR is slightly different too, more adjustment on the RR forks and rear shock, though it is said you would have to be riding at the top level to appreciate or indeed need the extra front fork adjustment. Both models sport Tech front and Rieiger rear suspension also Keihin carbs but overall the`RR has more 'bling' bits.

For you a 250 two stroke like a TRS or Sherco (as Ryan Young) for your wife a 125 similar. Trials is not like any other bike sport pedal or power. Personally I think a 200 Beta is a bit lacking in go even for a novice but that might depend on where you ride.

Yes, the engine recharges the battery. No external charging equipment is supplied from new. If for some reason the battery goes flat then you kick start it and run it to charge

Do you need to trickle charge it. Are you having issues with the battery. I only ask because I have just bought one and so far the battery seems fine over a few hours stop start etc.

Buy a 250 Beta and leave it alone. The much praised 200 Beta is possibly too small an engine for general use in my opinion, speaking as an ex owner.

EM 2019: Good battery life, PELS Clutch is really just a switch, seems decently put together, no failure issues over one year, virtually silent obvs so hugely useful for land access, about 15bhp but massive torque from the off, really easy to loose traction needs very very careful throttle control, if you are used to petrol it's much harder to get your head round at first, but maybe coming off an Oset would be different. Ideal second or third bike.

It might not be relevant but in 2012 Nigel Birkett sent me this sketch plus some batteries in a pack and a basic switch (3 way) to wire into an early 'new' Ossa. It did work. The little battery pack contained 9 Ni/MH AA 2000 201111212 'Verificado.' Later on I think the factory made a modification this was an early version. Apologies for the writing, but that's how it was sent from Spain. The existing capacitor was to be removed but I think we left it alone.

If you can only run to 2015 buy the Scorpa instead, same components and a better and more conventional design with the fuel tank in the 'normal' place.

An 80 would be Ok if you don't mind revving the bike flat out most of the time in bottom. On climbs you would appreciate the lack of weight as you will get stuck quite often no matter how much you wind the power on! A 125 would be a much better bet or even an Evo 200.

When I bought a new TXT 300 back in 2012/3 the importers said to me on the phone quotes "You know they are hard to start". They weren't kidding. My friend, a big lad with size 13 feet could manage it!

My only experience was at formal Vertigo test day 3 years ago when I tried both the latest 250 and the 300. I though they rode we, looked cool and the mode/power changes impressive. The injection seemed faultless. But I found those new bikes 3 years ago very hard to start. They were both warmed up and clean. When I woke up the next day after the test and thought why does the sole of my foot hurt I remembered all the kicking. I am sure they are much better know but I have that lingering doubt about fuel injection. As noted Honda/Montesas are no trouble.

I agree, far harder than a petrol bike, even a four stroke.

The GG 280 is one of the fieriest bikes on the market. Try a 250 of any make to compare. Lowering the compression will make your 280 quite a bit softer at the bottom so it will not pull off so sharply but you will still have a lot of torque by comparison with a smaller motor. It is not a good place to be, worrying about the bike running away with you. Better to boss a smaller engine and then move up.