mattl

Wayne, you're right just recieved the latest price list and it's $6,999 retail for the 3.2, the 4.5 enduro is lowered too.

That's a good idea but, if you look at Cabes' bike will find it's the closest to standard of any. No trick forks, not even the slider coating or magnesium triple clamps (Yes Raga's bike not just Montesa now has them), no stainless steel braided brake and clutch lines like everyone else, no special master cylinders or titanium bolts, or anything really special. Yes, all the top riders use the Keihen carb, and sure probably special porting and maybe even larger capacity cylinder (300) like Diego Garrido was trying last year, but his bike is not that different to production, weight especially, since no mag cases or swingarm. If there was a Cabes special it would probably be like the SSDT special of last year.

Wayne, are you sure? Our info we got on the latest prices a couple weeks ago was $7,699 retail for the 3.2F

As a minder for the US team this year, just wanted to give info on what went on, it was a real dissapointment. The team was signed up to ride in the A class. The reason was the TDN has eased up in severity of the sections since 00, last year in Italy was just way easy in B, and with Geoff at his very best, same with Cody, Chris, and Ray, the thought was this was the time to do it. While walking the sections Friday, the first group of six were just insane, dangerous looking, jagged edged type blasts with virtually no run at that even Raga and Lampkin were complaining about, so the team dropped back to B, a very wise decision, as Vesty told us later, all the teams except Spain took a pounding. Dropping to B meant we were first out at 7:56 AM, and the whole day the guys were really riding great, everytime the clutch third ride was needed someone came through. On the second lap with over an hr. to finish, plenty of time we were pretty shocked to run into the Italians still on their first loop at section 9, this about six hrs. after our start. Then we were stuck behind Italy, Britian, and Spain by Section 11, the rest of the way. Trying to figure out which section to punch out on trying to get by was hard because the A teams were then spread out, the guys were forced to take fives to get back at section 15, the easiest of the trial. We also had the wrong info on the penalty points and grace period, no fault but our own, and this was a factor in Chris timing out by one minute. If we got in on time the score would have meant first in B . We kept trying to figure out if went quicker on loop one if could have made it but would have run into the A class sooner and had the same problem, unless we could have passed them when they stopped after the first loop, they just took so long on their first lap it was unusual. But, real proud of the way the guys rode, they did it as a team and rode their asses off, also proud of the womens team, they did the same, really rode as a team, just had a few too many mistakes mainly on the second lap can't do that at the level the rest of the top women are, but it was great to be there to help them both. Louise is really improving all the time, and she is someone that everyone was talking about. She is one of only a few top women that has the trick riding down to get her into position for the tight stuff.

Thanks Craig for putting up the results, and the photo of Pat, I talked to David Holther, results Editor of Cycle News last week about doing a story for him, but thanks!

Just want to thank whoever it was in the WOTA for putting the Motorama results on, I've been trying to post something since last night but keep buggering it up, Mo, Larry, and Curly would be proud, first timed out on the story then posted images without a heading, then the images were too large, in between rushing off to work, hope to get something out tonight, if not

I've got the top five in each class, can send in something in the next day or so.

Retarding the timing on the 2.9s really is the most sensible thing for most people especially on the 04s, as the slow throttle tube didn't slow the bike down nearly as much as did the 03. Using the right tools, air impact wrench with compressor and a flywheel puller the job takes 15 minutes, just did it to the 2.9 demo bike yesterday and tried it out. The temps warmed up above freezing and it was very slippery, but the bike got better grip in worse conditions than it did when drier. This is all down to the power coming on so much softer right off, but not only that it can be ridden slower without stalling. I can't say enough how docile it makes that motor for the majority of riders, and also how easier it makes the bike start, no more of those wicked kick backs when starting. Just a tip, when removing shifter, take the 19mm socket used to remove flywheel nut and put it between the top of the chain tensioner and under the swingarm. This will leave enough slack in the chain to push it up while wiggling the shifter off (move rear wheel so the narrow portion of the chain link matches up to the top edge of the shifter where it clamps on the shaft, and it will come off easily). There's no need to undo the master link and remove the chain.

Starting in 02 they advanced the timing for more snap for riders like Jarvis and experts but it can be a handfull for most riders. The bikes will also kickback like a mofo and it's really best for most to retard the timing. The 04 2.9 is very powerfull with the new ignition and exhaust, but retarding the timing and using the slow turn throttle turns the thing into an absolute tractor and the grip in wet conditions is improved so much more, the bike can be ridden much slower, stalls less, much smoother off idle but still has a lot of power in the mid and top range, but is just plain easier to ride. It also won't kick back anymore. If you don't want to use a strobe light just turn the stator plate counter clockwise, all the way at first. This will give a really good indication of the benefits, and then can go halfway to fine tune or whatever. Like triple 6 said just go to the Sherco or RYP site to see the Waynemeister's manual on how it's done.

Fracman I think the win and especially the margin of victory in the Spanish opener is very impressive, it's in Spain of course but, the terrain was slippery when he likes the dry rocks, and it's surprising to me how much farther ahead of Cabestany and Frexia he was. What is even more impressive now with Raga since the indoors started, the photos show the kid has really bulked up, must be spending some serious time in the gym, this along with his recent results shows me he's going to be really after the outdoor title and this is going to be a great year to see if he can do it, maintain the consistency, and will the level go up with everyone else too?

Hey you guys will have to get in line! The pads are PXC and stands for Paxau Competicio and are only put on bikes Josep Paxau the designer and engineer breathes on, that's why they are on David's and Will Ibsen's works 2.9 and 1.25s, the're not for sale. I've been trying to get one for a couple years now, Daivd said he'd see what could do but the point of haivng one on there is to know that bike comes out of his shop Motos Paxau in Spain and is special.

It really does help being a dealer for the brands, and would say that you can take every single bike, put them in a line in front of me and can name every single thing that I love about each bike and every single thing that just drives me crazy about each bike. Then there's the importers of each brand . Joe, you may say that GasGas is the brand people love to hate, but I've noticed way back from that other site, since Lampkin switced from Beta Montesa is the brand that gets the most negative comments, just in an attack form anyway. Of course that has to do with some people seeming to always wanting to rub in the recent results, but was also the case when Frexia switched over and again when Laia Sainz just did! Guess that's because people assume it's because of Honda's money when it's really the montesa racing dept. that shells out every single penny they have, every single year, and knowing that those fine people work their asses off touches on a nerve in me when someone mentions Honda! But, if they join, those riders really know that they will be on a great team with a great bike. The Mont-HRC team is known as the best, and that's not meant to slight anyone. But, to keep this on the GG subject the 04s are just plain great! There are so many things that make them so, some mentioned, some not. There is a new reed cage with no spacer now between the cylinder and carb inlet, so guess this also has to do with the added smooth delivery this year? The Pro was always a great expert bike but now it's become a very easy to ride bike for everyone, and the qualtiy of the components from the tiny AJP master cylinders, steel braided lines, to the Iris chain and work of art anodised suspension linkage, to all those dished out bolts......could go on and on!

Charlie agreed, just spent the last hour going through every one, and great job to everyone involved, and Andy, this site in just a very short period of time has been everything hoped for, you should be proud! Jarvis was using a Dellorto for the first time can remember!

good one, I guess Chevy or Dodge would have been a better example.

Yeah thanks so much guys it was great, being able to stay online and check back to see what was going on!

Mark, you just can't even begin to compare any of the machines from 8 years ago with the current crop, it's like comparing an 04 F-150 with a 96. Sure GasGas had teething problems with the Pro, the motor and airbox/ seat assembly were and are very unique designs, but they've worked very hard perfecting the bike and I just suggest you take a hard look at one with an open mind. I also forgot to mention one very nice, important change that is never mentioned on the 04s, that is the new plastic rad protectors, much more thought out and tougher plastic.

My comment of having to read the entire article from the mag wasn't in response to you Kevin, just in general to anyone who read the opeing message then went on www.alesport.com to read what was put in the on-line article, which doesn't seem that bad. In the mag it seemed just bitter, for instance he criticizes Lampkin for going for a safe ride in a section instead of the clean, and that was just a strange comment to make. I don't remember anything that Lampkin could have said to tick off Raga except what he said in interview and that was just what he told everyone, the strike was a stupid thing to do and it was just a case of it being the wrong time and place for that to take place, but he was right! It was reported that when Raga and other riders stood in the first section of the spanish opener trying to block Lampkin, Jarvis and the others from walking the section, that was the beginning of all the problems. But Raga seemed very gracious to Lampkin on the podium at the Monza indoor so hopefully it is all behind them. I hope so because Raga has been one of my favorites and it was just very disapointing to me what he said.

that's very unusual, would think maybe some grit got in there and started to wear on the slide prematurely, unless it was defective. Whenever set up a new bike, and periodically after, use a small spray of Tri-Flow lube to coat the slide (also use an injector to lube the cable with it and the throttle tube itself. Have not found anything that will give a smoother throttle tube to bar action than Tri-Flow).

The 04s are very nice. There are several improvements to them that until you really look it over and ride cannot appreciate. For instance the 40mm Marzocchi forks, 25mm axle and the works billet triple clamps rival the scorpa quality, the new air box design is so much better, the bottom drain flap is much more thought out than the drain tube, and the placement of the rear brake resivior with clip to the rear cylinder stay makes it so easy to remove the air box seat unit, and that just fits better than before. the design is just the way it should have been from the start. The new aluminum kickstart is a major improvement and allows more leverage into the stroke, and the aluminum mid silencer gives a nicer, mellower exhaust note. This combined with the cylinder head change and a return to the Dellorto PHBL carb gives a very smooth power delivery. Gone is the pop-pop rough power down low, now it is a smooth delivery the TXT Edition was known for. The 300 is just so smooth now, the 280 too but the 300 is very effortless to ride and if you use the black slow turn throttle tube both motors are very controllable, the 280 comes on easy then picks up to rev high while the 300 comes on stronger right off then flattens out a bit. Two important things, as discussed the #60 Dellorto starter jet has to be drilled out ( #58 wire gauge bit , .0420"/1.07mm) makes for two to three kick cold starts instead of eleven to fifteen in freezing temps (the Pro seems more sensitive to this), and the rear shock spring should be loosened about two turns if you weigh around 170 lbs., for best traction and ride height. The new lever added to the kickstand spring makes for a "slam" into the swingarm when leaning the bike off the stand, like the Montesa, but the reason for the extra tension was apparently to keep the stand from snapping back onto the swingarm every time hitting something hard when riding, but it just doesn't work. Best to still just remove it. Use GM AutoTrak II transfer case lube in the clutch. Nice bikes!!

I think those are good thoughts but would suggest that the mention of Honda's decision isn't accurate because Honda had nothing to do with Lampkin, Fuji, and Jarvis getting licenses for the spanish title, those riders were there for the best possible training for the WTC, they stated as such, and it was their own decisons. It wasn't just Lampkin being there that caused the Spanish riders to strike it was all three that put them over the edge. Also, Lampkin Fujigas and Frexia are in the Montesa-HRC team which is run by the Montesa racing dept., not Honda. I just think with the help Lampkin has given Raga since he started riding the WTC the comments he made were very disrepectfull, especially since he has always been so gratefull to him in the past, and had always shown such class. you have to read the entire article from the magazine not just what was put online.

I could understand Raga being bitter IF they were not warned of what was going to happen if they did strike. But, not only were they clearly warned by the Spanish Federation they would be suspended, they were also told that if their Spanish licences were revoked, that would mean they would not have a valid licence to compete in the WTCs as well, so they got exactly what they deserved, and have a lot of nerve to even mention being bitter, because what all of them should be is ashamed of what trouble they caused for the organizers of the events, the spectators that were looking forward to all the top riders, and the battle that would have been for the championship, which was going to be like a second WTC, the other riders who didn't strike, the people working for the federations involved, both with the RFME and the FIM, the factories, and the sponsors. The worst part is the damage done to the sport at a time when the WTC really needs positive exposure, more entries, and more important more sponsors! It's also upseting the way GasGas handled the situation because they should have had more control over their top riders, as Montesa did. Miguel Cirera told Frexia he was under contract not to strike and if he did his contract was null and void, not to even think about it, or he'd be booted off the team. That's what should have been told to Raga, colomer, and Fajardo, but then GasGas blamed everyone else just as their riders did. Raga did well at the end of the year when the events were on dry terrain, just as he likes and with no pressure, so lets see how well he does next year, especially since he's really p****d off Lampkin, and I think that's exactly what he should'nt have done.

Adam Raga stated after he won his first WTC, 01 in Goldendale, how Doug Lampkin helped him so much, always had the time to offer help in spite of them being competitors, and how if he ever became World champ he would want to be just like Doug. That all changed with the strike at the Spanish opener and not only was it a strike for most of the Spaniards, but some including Raga actually stood in the section trying to block Lampkin, Frexia, and the others from walking the damn sections! Now ever since, Raga keeps slighting Doug with comments how his Championship wasn't just, and how Tarres is the greatest, not Doug, because for one thing Tarres was a flashier rider Raga says in the latest issue of SoloMoto. I know he's just a kid and all that, but he would always show a lot of class way beyond his years, until now. There is no denying 7 straight championships earns Doug the title of greatest ever, and I'm sure Raga would have had his ass handed to him if he had of competed in the whole series strike or not. But, If the kid is trying to motivate himself with these comments for next year, I'm sure he's shot himself in the foot by doing exactly what perhaps Doug may have needed to help motivate himself even further to break the all time record.