turbofurball

With forks, I just chicken out and pay someone else to do it - I paid about 70 euros to get my Sherco ones done last year, seals and oil included. Far cheaper than me accidentally covering the garage in a nasty water-oil mix and then getting everything coated in sawdust, forgetting a washer or something, and then putting all the bits at the back of the garage for 6 months out of shame before paying someone to do it anyway ... As for the second inquiry, my other half loves motorbikes as much as I do - she often suggests buying bikes while I'm happy with what I've got - so get your partner to take their test is my recommendation

I can't comment directly on the 348, but with the 349 it's definitely possible for a new rider to get themselves into trouble with accidental throttle use ... mines a bit detuned (small OKO carb), and even then it could pull my arms off in 4th gear going up a hill. I got it 'cause it was cheap, should have held out for a smaller bike TBH but now I'm attached to it, lol

It's worth checking your boots (I can practically stand on a nail in my Forma Boulders without the sole flexing much), but yes trials pegs are often on the small side for the sake of the super uber top riders having as much clearance of obstacles as possible - comfort isn't much of a consideration on trials bikes! I like having big comfy pegs, but then I'm not a very good rider, lol

You created a thread here, so if you want you can just tell everyone who and where you are here (or ask questions) ... there's no rules (I don't think I ever did an introductory thread, I just got stuck in, telling Americans their politics were wrong ... and sometimes talking about motorbikes)

I honestly have no idea, but when my other half rode my White Wonder in the Downlands (32 miles, she didn't do the sections) at the refueling stop about 2/3 of the way 'round it was something like 2/3 empty ... meanwhile me on the TY175 had used less than a liter, lol

Hi Helwart, there is a possibility that both these problems are caused by a simple problem - if the clutch cable does not have enough tension when pulled in then it will cause both these things. If the cable is in good condition (not stretched or cutting through the outer tube) and properly adjusted and you still have the problem then it may be time to inspect the clutch itself. On my 349 I have trouble getting neutral when the engine is hot, but I just live with that problem!

A TY175 is only good for taller riders with the full smorgasbord of mods. At 5'10 I have the footpegs down and back, longer swingarm, handlebars raised (both at the yoke and the bars themselves) and it's about the same ergonomically as my Sherco. If I had a do-over I'd go for a bike that doesn't need anything much changing, or I'd skip to an aircooled mono

It's probably all on a Facebook group or something, that seems to be the way with news about trials in my area!

I run my '99 Sherco at 50:1 (with premium, dude!), as per the user manual ... I don't think the engines changed much between then and 2005.

Just to add, if the air filter is over-oiled you can fix it by putting it between paper towels and running it over with a rolling pin a lot ... I always feel the urge to use too much oil! (same as with shampoo, washing-up liquid, etc, lol)

It's a major component of off-road tyres, less so street tyres because need the flexibility and grip provided by putting more silicone into the mix

On my ST250 I just point the bike downhill, push the bike forward, get my feet up, drop it into gear, and ride it at low revs with the clutch pulled in until it frees ... I've been meaning to try some Dexron 3 in the gearbox to see if that helps, since it worked well on my TY

An Australian drinking Fosters? After that she may have had her citizenship revoked.

You need a full-size trials bike for the skills to transfer really, the Osets great for what it is, but doesn't sound like what you're after. An Electric Motion has variable power modes so you can push a button corresponding to how brave you're feeling ... I'm not sure if there's any others that are properly available yet TBH. Check out the review of the EM on Trials Tube, he goes over all the pros and cons. Also, you can try one out at Inch Perfect Trials if you're in the UK I'm sure people will chip in, but as I said elsewhere recently, if I could afford one I'd be all over an EM, lol

So ... one developmentally challenged youtuber does it therefore that's the default?

A Rieju Tango 2.0. Footpegs from a Gasgas EC250 fit, but are slightly higher. Maybe I should try the ones off my Sherco ... As for ergonomics, even with the footpegs changed they'll still be far higher and further forward than a trials bike, lol. It's a physically small bike for a trailie but rides exceptionally well, so I want to move the pegs as well as raising the bars.

I dunno about where you are, but here there's loads of wind and solar power - plus I can pop a couple of solar panels on my roof to get free power. Sounds better than dragging myself all the way to a petrol station for the privilege of paying 2.50 a liter for high octane E5. I really can't wait to be able to afford an electric bike!

Does anyone have a recommendation for footpegs that are a bit back and down from stock? I've not been able to find anything that looked good without costing the earth, and I don't want to re-weld the mounts

Regarding the valves, manual adjustment is normal in motorbike engines - because weight and size is important on any bike that little bit of maintenance is really unimportant. One additional thing to consider would be a new Electric Motion, you can try one out at Inch Perfect Trials and there's a few people here who have converted ... TBH I would too if I had the money!

Another vote for "modern" At the moment I'm mostly riding a '99 Sherco and it's far easier to handle than even my TY175 (which has been refined a lot over standard). Modern bikes might not look pretty, but they ride far better ... as long as previous owners haven't completely destroyed them through neglect.

Well, this isn't the ideal place to ask, the EC is completely different from the Txt/Pro trials bikes. You should be able to find a manual online to download which covers the jetting for different altitudes along with regular maintenance stuff (like here), for things like the top-end rebuild it's very much like any other 2-stroke enduro with a power valve so look for any good general guides to doing that on youtube. I've no idea on North American parts sources, sorry - obviously here it's much easier!

Sorry for the slow response, yes it's auto transmission fluid but a specific type (costs a bit more, but far cheaper than fancy gearbox oil that's been kissed by virgins and filtered in a mountain stream). I changed it for more of the same ATF, the first filling was good at washing out all the old oil

I started on a TXTPro 125, and I'm about 180lbs, it was absolutely perfect to start on - enough power, but not too much, just stick it in 1st for most sections and get around with some more revs when needed. I have a Sherco 250 now and it's ok I guess, but I don't need or use the power it has ... my TY175 is about right, but that's a different flavour of bike all together. One thing most people don't mention, a 125 is easier to kick in than a 250, which I like a lot when it's near the end of the day and I've already fished the bike out of mud a bazillion times!

Hi Ash, welcome Remember, there are no stupid questions! (except, maybe, "but why male models?")

Hello from the sunny side! Care to post up some photos of your bike? Going outside of the major manufacturers might mean you have to make some replacement parts yourself, but nothings beyond possible if the bikes complete and not been dumped in a riera for a few decades