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riffraffretro

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Everything posted by riffraffretro
 
 
  1. I didn't refer specifically to the UK dealer...if you read the post it relates to a Pan-European and worldwide network, any/all of whom are willing and able to supply parts from stock, via mail order... no requirement to purchase a plane ticket for that, last time I checked. It's such a shame that some of those who stick with the mainstream route to ownership fear/loathe the alternatives so vehemently, but that's how it seems to be these days. There's a vast inter-changeability of parts between different manufacturers/models which makes supply less of an issue - most model-specific parts are readily available and those that aren't can often be made at home - cutting gaskets from blank sheet and turning-up a few fasteners is hardly rocket science now is it? As I said, each to their own. As far as your "Ethnic Minority" reference goes, not sure where you're going with that, but do look up the definition when you get a moment. Happy trialing and peace on Earth to all.
  2. To keep this thread in perspective... JTG have a worldwide network of dealers (the majority of whom are based in Europe), all carrying spares and, in the majority of cases, with excellent technical understanding and interest in the marque - notwithstanding the array of componts shared with other manufacturers and the simplicity of the design. Visiting Spain for a gasket or fastener isn't and never has been, necessary. Each to their own, as the saying goes.
  3. Fantastic bikes, quirky management at the Factory, but at least they go their own way and there's nothing much wrong with that, surely? Viva la JotaGas.
  4. As above in relation to trials bike transport. The weight of a trials bike shouldn't cause any issues when mated to a Dave Cooper/similar bike rack (tow bar mounted), and small family hatch. To truly have your cake and eat it - if combining a few local lanes with organised Club events is your thing - get the bike road registered and legal, fit a bar mounted aux fuel tank, find space for a 1 or 2ltr back-up in your rucksack and the world's your lobster - just get used to standing-up lots, or buy a hybrid seat (easily removed as and when needed)!
  5. I too, recently came to trials after road and enduro riding. First thing to strike me was how friendly and helpful trials folk are... patient, welcoming and approachable. I'd suggest you join your local Club, which in association with the ACU, will run regular events and practice days, offering as much riding time as you can muster, for a meagre joining and entry fee (long gone are the days of me shelling-out £65 for an enduro practice day!). Also, don't discount the importance of practicing slow riding in a limited space set-up (driveway/garden area), which really does help in adjusting to the low speed bike handling skills so important for trials riding. Oh yeah, and never EVER, discount the abilities of the flat-cap wearing, pipe smoking pre-65/twinshock/classic brigade... seeing how certain members of that contingent can handle a trials bike really is believing. Have fun and keep the faith.
  6. Thanks again Keychange, I'll give that a try. TBH, its going to be an engine strip and rebuild next - I've tried the 'make do and mend' approach, which hasn't exactly proved fruitful, so best to bite the bullet and get properly stuck-in from here on. Cheers for your help, encouragement and guidance... all greatly appreciated.
  7. Filled gearbox and clutch with new fluids in readiness for the BIG EVENT (getting the useless heap of cr*p started), only for everything to leak out of various cracks and poor weld repairs in the RHS crankcase! It seems that the closer I look, the more issues I find... can only imagine the life this poor fella has had! That's me and the Mont done... back to being a rather expensive and not particularly functional, garage shelf! Over and out.
  8. Since fitted a new coil and Venhill decompression mechanism... spark still appears weak and no joy with starting (although the kicking process is much less barbaric with the decomp)! Electrex electronic ignition about to meet 70's Spanish metal - I'll update as and when! I was considering digging an 8' deep pit out the garden and throwing £20 notes into it - but I'll save myself the hassle and throw myself and the Cota in if the Electrex fails to evoke life (with the Missus filling in the hole shortly thereafter). Peace!
  9. +1 any feedback on sourcing those parts... did you contact Border Bikes?
  10. Still a Work in Progress, but I'm getting there. Success will likely, see me cartwheeling nekkid along the A48 - wearing nowt but my Hebo trials boots and a stupid grin!
  11. Thanks, that would be greatly appreciated. I've tried sending a PM, but the system states that your profile does not accept messages. If you PM me your email address, I can reply accordingly. Cheers.
  12. Thanks Keychange - I'll need to check on the chassis/engine numbers as I don't have them to hand. As an aside, where did you source the 247 manual? I have a VERY rough pdf version, but it looks like its been scanned and copied a milliion times and is virtually unusable? Cheers.
  13. Apologies for coming across as a bit of a Doofus, but my 21M Cota 247 (underslung clutch arm), only seems to have 4 selectable ratios in its 'box. Was this MY a 4-speed (can't find anythng definitive via Google), or is the fact that there's nothing above 4th, representative of another bodge-up by the PO, requiring further time and cash? Thanks in advance.
  14. Happy 2018 everyone! Can't believe how time has flown since my last post on the 247 non-start saga - with the 2018 season well underway and the UK weather looking positively Mediterranean (I wish!), curiosity got the better of me yesterday, resulting in me removing the old bedsheet thats been covering the Mont since last November. Feeling a mixture of dread and optimism in equal measure (dread from past experiences and optimism courtesy of Heineken), I've decided to have another crack at getting 'TOBY' (The Old ******* from Yesteryear), started and commissioned for the season ahead. New ignition coil beckons, failing which, it'll be either an electronic ignition upgrade + rebuild, or electronic ignition upgrade only, depending upon whether it does the trick or not and if it does, how things sound looking in from the outside. Wish me luck.
  15. Glad you've managed to sort the problem - I had a similar issue with stalling off the choke, which turned out to be a blocked pilot jet (they're tiny). Once disassembled, cleaned (Holts carb cleaner) and blown through (air), the bike ran like a dream... lovely steady idle and clean responsive pick-up on the throttle.
  16. Could be either, depending upon riding style and ability. Let's be honest, how many of us are able to rag the ass off a GasGas 300 in the snot of a typical UK venue (or the dry, for that matter)?
  17. Good to know that the Factory responded to your enquiry. As stated previously, with the Factory open and running, plus their decent network of dealers/importers, there's nothing of cause for concern here. Happy 2018 JotaGas and here's to a brilliant season (and beyond), for employees and customers alike. Still, IMO one of the tastiest looking trials bikes available and not too shabby in the performance department, either.
  18. The official Jotagas website lists a selection of dealers and distributors, based principally within Europe, but also in Australlia, Japan and the USA. I'd hazzard that parts would be freely available from the majority of these without too much trouble, which combined with interchangeably between model years, should cater for most instances - even when the requirement is for something specific/less common. I guess we're spoiled here in the UK with a comprehensive dealer/distributor network covering all of the main manufacturers and whilst there's no doubting that JG do things a little differently, surely there's no harm in that... credit to them for challenging convention. I plan on running my JT300 for the 2018 season and beyond at Club level, which no doubt, will test the durability of the bike and the parts supply chain in equal measure - I'll keep the site updated of progress but can't wait to get out there on something a little different and less mainstream.
  19. ... And mine has/had a reputation for being a bit of a bike - maybe she'll be able to help!? All joking aside... great bikes, however it's pronounced. Any news on the Haven/UK importer issue?
  20. Thanks again keychange... I think I'll try a new coil in conjunction with the STD points set-up and see how things go from there. I'm confident that the timing is set correctly now (feel I could remove the flywheel, relocate the condenser, set the points gap and reassemble everything blindfolded, after 15 pints of Snakebite... I've performed the task that many times!), so feel reluctant to ditch it in favour of electronic ignition, until I've at least, given it a fighting chance. I'll re-focus in the new year and update then.
  21. I've recently purchased a JT300 to run whilst pondering the future of my Cota 247. Whilst not exactly mainstream in the design and aesthetics department, they do appear to be beautifully crafted and thought-out bikes, broadly reminiscent of the Italian brand TM. Time will tell in relation to reliability and longevity, but the general consensus raises no real cause for concern from what I've read, with praise indeed for most aspects of ownership. Can't wait to get out and trial!
  22. No coil, but pretty much, everything else! I've thrown a sheet over it for the holiday and will see how things look come the new year; no appetite for sinking more time and £ into it at the moment. Its the only bike I've bought as a non-runner in 30+ years (in good faith and based upon the honestly of the seller), but a valuable lesson learned... never again!
  23. Yup, tried starter spray, but still no sign of life. I'm guessing it'll need an electronic ignition system to ensure a decent and reliable spark, plus a strip and rebuild to eliminate the possibility of failed crank seals (PO stated that the bike had been stood for several years). TBH, I've lost heart and with the new season fast approaching will likely turn my attention to a more modern mount, with the option of fixing or breaking the Cota in the not too distant. Can't say its been an enjoyable ownership experience, but that's the way it goes at times, I guess. BIG thanks to all at TC for helpful advice and encouragement over the past few months... you're all a credit to the sport and the reason I originally turned-on to trials in the first place. Have a great holiday and here's to a fantastic 2018. Thanks guys.
  24. I'm beginning to wonder if the problem is down to a weak/insufficient spark. I'm toying with the idea of fitting an Electrex CDI ignition system, but am getting miffed at constantly sinking cash and time into a bike that hasn't turned a wheel since purchase! If something doesn't give I'll likely torch the thing/set to it with a sledge hammer! The alternative is to spend out on something new(er) and go enjoy the winter!
 
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