doc_d

Phil Smage showed up at our trials event in Michigan and shows everyone a line that no one had considered. I had just ridden through this section while he was scoping it out but missed his ride. Luckily one of my team mates caught it on video.

I'm a little disappointed I didn't get a video or at least a picture of you pulling your cooler full of beer around on your trials bike like a trailer.

Ran into this nicely edited video that Brent from Bennett Powersports out together of my club's first event this year. I had a lot of fun working it.

Thanks for the advice! I'm thinking that's the route I'm going to have to take.

Not sure how I missed your post Biff. The new house is coming along. Sure we can have a WGASA party. Best to break the new neighbors in early. I bet it's been a long time since they've seen a naked gentleman running through their yard at 3AM. I doubt Brad is going to have the Hidria stuff. My understanding is that in '14 the Hidria stuff was put into some bikes (Pro Racing) but not all bikes (Raga) because Kokusan couldn't provide enough ignitions which ultimately stemmed from the Fukushima disaster. I believe shortly afterwards ('15 maybe) they switched over to a different (dual spark) Hidria ignition system. So unfortunately I have an ignition system that had a very, very short run in the Gas Gas bikes. I think my best bet is to see if I can talk Don into swapping CDI's with me since he also has a '14. Supposedly there was an issue with some Hidria CDI's in '14 that resulted in the symptoms I have. The problem is, even if swapping CDI's proves that it's an issue with the CDI, it looks like procuring one might be very difficult. Doc

No worries Dan! I really appreciate your help. I'm crossing my fingers that there is really some new parts distribution from Gas Gas to US dealers and after he calls Jim he'll go through through those channels. So I haven't given up complete hope yet. But then again, maybe this is the Universe's way of telling me I just need to ride some enduros on my KTM this year instead. Doc

So I called the other dealer that could supposedly get the Hidria parts. He said he'd have to call around to try and find them. I asked them who he was going to call. His response was "Jim Snell" who I already know doesn't have the parts. So frustrating... I guess I don't get it.

I'm not trying to be argumentative but I have a box here with parts ordered from a Gas Gas dealer that were drop shipped by Jim. I was also told by this dealer they can't get the Hidria parts and I should try to retrofit my bike to a Kokusan ignition. Apparently I just didn't call the right dealer. Someone PM'd me the name of a dealer that said they have no problem getting the Hidria parts. I'm going to call them tomorrow. Thanks Doc

They get it from Jim Snell. Jim isn't getting any new parts, so it's just what he has left in inventory.

With Jim Snell no longer acting as the U.S. parts distributor, does Gas Gas have a new U.S. parts distributor?

Biff - This is Todd. I've swapped plugs probably at least 4 or 5 times. The plugs were gapped to spec. I've also replaced the spark plug cap, wire and ignition coil. I'll let you take it for a spin next time we're out at Sully's. Thanks Andrew... I'll see if the other gentleman in my club with the same bike would be kind enough to swap CDIs. If it did turn out to be the CDI, any idea where I might find one? I've had zero luck finding any of the Hidria ignition parts here in the U.S. Thanks! Doc

I have a '14 250 with the Hidria ignition. Once the bike warms up it has a significant misfire right around 1/8th throttle. It's right where you hold the throttle to cruise, so it's really annoying when transferring between sections. I've heard this is a known issue with the Hidria ignition. I know someone else who has the exact same bike and it runs flawlessly. So not every bike is affected. So I'm assuming it's fixable. Has anyone who's had the misfire been able to solve it? I'm willing to throw some parts (stator, CDI) at it to try to resolve it but I can't seem to find any of the Hidria ignition parts here in the U.S. I've tried Jim Snell and Lewisport. Any suggestions where I might source the Hidria ignition parts for a '14? Thanks! Doc

I'm toying with the idea of selling my '14 Gas Gas 250. It's getting frustrating trying to find parts or find information. If I buy a new bike, who has the best support in the U.S.? Are Betas or Montessas easy to get parts for or is it the same situation as Gas Gas? Thanks! Doc

I think the 250 is mild enough to start with and gives you room to grow. I started with a Gas Gas 250. I don't think it was that snappy. Just start with a slow throttle and you should be fine. When you're ready for a little snappier power move to the normal throttle. The Gas Gas (and other's I'm sure) also have a two position ignition switch for wet / dry. If you run it in the wet position it retards the timing and makes it even a littlle milder. Doc

My '14 250 is cake to start. 1 or 2 kicks cold (with choke) or hot (without choke). I'm not a big guy. So I think you've got something else going on. Does it have good compression?