NoTraction

So are you saying there’s nothing that will achieve what I’m hoping to do? What would you suggest?

That’s a good idea, hadn’t thought of that…. I’ll give it a try, thanks 👍

Thanks…. I already have the slow throttle and flywheel weight. I’d be interested to know the best way to reduce the compression maybe. It’s only really until I get more used to it, I feel I would rather learn and then go after more power when I need it rather than trying to learn techniques with more power than I need if that makes sense…

Hi Guys and Gals, Can anyone tell me what the real world riding difference is between a 200 and a 250 Rev 3? I’m new to the sport and searched for a 200 but none were about so I ended up with a 250. I have read that the 200’s, either Rev 3 or Evo are the ‘holy grail’ for the beginner Clubman rider with the ideal spread of power etc. Is there a big difference between the two? And if so are there sensible alterations I can do to the 250 to make it more like a 200 to ride? I ask this because at my standard I don’t need the power it has and in some ways it would be helpful to have less so I can master technique without worrying about the bike getting away from me so much. I have already fitted a slow throttle. I’d be grateful for any insight on this.

Thanks…. I’ve got myself a paddock to practice in so will be doing that 👍

Yes, that’s the one. Thanks for letting me know.

I think I’m getting it now…. There I was thinking it was partly a hardware issue but I wasn’t seeing the full picture. I’m going to join a club that’s not too far way that has a practice ground and will get some lessons as soon as I can - it will be great if I can find someone this end of the country but my guess is I will have to travel. Thanks for your comments 👍

Does anyone know what the going is like at Park Farm, Hook Norton? There’s a trial there next weekend, I just wanted to get an idea on what it’s like, ie flat, hilly, boggy, easy, difficult etc. Many thanks.

Sounds like fun 👍

I totally get it…. I’m sure I can find somewhere round here to try it on my pushbike with all the HS2 stuff going on. I think that’s a great idea 👍

That’s really helpful, thanks 🙄

Thats a good idea 👍

Thanks Rich…. I was there, it was a nicely laid out area. I was disappointed with my score but more because I didn’t think it through and got 5’s where I could have got 2’s or 3’s probably. Also, on one section that I know I cleaned all fours times I was awarded four 5’s! I can only guess I mistakenly didn’t follow the course correctly but nothing was said - I was really annoyed with myself about that one! I think I could have taken 40 points plus off by paying more attention - note to self for next time! My biggest issue, and hence me blaming the bike, is letting it get away from me when making turns on slopes, both up and down bit mostly up. I somehow fail to get the bike in the right position and then tend to over shoot the turn and the bike goes flying. I’m clearly not putting my weight in the right place and gripping the throttle too hard. I’ve fitted a slow throttle but it’s still easy to over twist it, I’ve managed to get hold of a stronger slide spring for the carb which I’m going to fit and see if that helps me. Someone I know has kindly given me permission to use his land for practicing so all good for the flat stuff but unfortunately there are no banks, its flat as a pancake. Look forward to meeting you sometime, onwards and upwards 👍

Thanks very much for all the time spent replying to me. It’s all great info and gives me lots to address. As I’m doing this on my own, although I am finding everyone really friendly at meetings I don’t have any one to ask for sage advice directly which is what makes this forum so helpful to me and confidence inspiring. There’s only so much ‘turn up and get on with it’ you can do without some direction. I appreciate all your comments and will go over them again at the weekend. Oh yes, I did rotate the bars forward a bit and it did help at the last trial. That is until I binned it half way up a slope and twisted the forks! But that’s another story…. (Fixed now!)

That’s brilliant! It’s funny, but the wheels are so small that they can get up some hills! Used to get up railway embankments on my Vespa 50 that the DTs and ERs couldn’t back in the day! 😃

Tell me about the price of scooters! My first was a Vespa 50 Special in 1984 which was £320. It makes me shudder when I think of the scooters we cut down, chopped and god knows what else in the 80’s. My first Lambretta was an SX150, albeit incomplete, which cost me £70! Currently got a ‘61 Li 150 S2 which I’ve put a GT186 kit on and rebuilt the engine to suit. Goes alright for an old Italian shopping bike! There’s still quite a scene round here (Aylesbury/Oxford). I would have been living spitting distance from Wiggs shop in 1981, me and my mates (I was 13 then) spent many hours drooling over the bikes and making a nuisance of ourselves. They used to put up with us though! I remember we found the front door had been left unlocked one night when they’d all gone home - being good boys we told Julian the next day, someone got in trouble for that I think! Anyway, I digress. I’d love another old TY if one appeared at the right time/right price. What did you mean ‘Do private message as needs - fairly local and have new/old bikes.’? Sorry, didn’t understand. And I definitely need to get to a practice area. I couldnt make it to the North Berks practice day on Saturday in the end, mind you it was bloody freezing so it might have been hard work!

I had a Messenger chat with him… it’s funny, we’re from the same small town (Winslow) but I don't know him. His Dad, Julian, had a shop there when we were kids in the 80’s selling trials bikes. I don’t think he does lessons locally to here though, I think he does them in Surrey, Hookwood I guess? The conversation fizzled out and I didn’t get anything booked, he was a bit vague on the detail but I remember it was £200. Not sure if that’s one to one or not, he didn’t say.

Yes, I have a flywheel weight fitted. Already checked that. I’ll check the sprockets though, thanks 👍

Noted. One for the field this weekend 👍

Wow, hardly any revs at all! He makes it look a doddle! I guess slipping the clutch goes against other types of riding so I better change my thought process! I think I’m going to go to Trials Day or Inch Perfect for a bit of instruction in the New Year, unless I can find anyone nearer. Alexz Wigg lives just down the road as well and I believe he’s starting a trials school. I could really use some coaching on the basics.. But I’ll watch that video again and give it a go at the weekend. Thanks 👍

So I’ve definitely got a slow throttle in it, I fitted it myself. I did the recommended sticky clutch fix and have filled with Nano Trans and it’s about the same, maybe a little better. But I haven’t checked the above mentioned clutch issues. I guess must be me then..

Helpful, thanks 🙄

So I’m just throwing this up for discussion really… Those who have read my previous posts will know I’m new to the sport. After research and deliberation I opted for a Beta Rev 3 250, I tried finding a 200 but had no luck there. Initially I fancied a twin shock, poss an old TY175 or Fantic 200 but the consensus was that something modern would be easier to learn on. Most road bikes I’ve had have been 4 stroke, I’m a Harley lover and have had 5 over the years and as far as two strokes go I’m a fan of old Lambrettas of which I own one (1961 vintage with tuned motor). The reason I mention this is that generally I am acclimatised to heavier slower revving torquey bikes in the road bike world, even the Lambretta isn’t a screamer. I keep getting spat off the Beta and I find it very light on the front end. The clutch is snappy and although I’ve only done three trials I seem to have a habit of inadvertently giving it too much throttle and flipping it, coming off the back usually. I have fitted a slow throttle, doesn’t seem to make much difference to me. I’ve also ordered a stiffer slide spring to give the throttle more feel. So, taking a view, I’m wondering if I’m using the wrong weapon? Should I have gone for something older, less lively and more sturdy or a modern four stroke such as a Rev 4 rather than the Rev 3? I’m never going to be super competitive starting at 53 but I would like to plod around the sections on something a bit smoother and steadier than what I have - I just feel it’s a bit too much bike for me, strangely enough. Either that or I need to be able to calm it down a bit until I have a few trials under my belt. I guess starting out when it’s cold, wet and slippy everywhere is more challenging than starting when it’s dry but I feel I would like to not be so wary of the throttle all the time and more sure footed. Sorry for the long post. Does this make sense? Would be great to hear from those who know better than I!

Well, it went though when nothing else was working. I’d give it a go, they’re not expensive.