jon v8

This is obviously only my opinion - But several things, the RS200 was never sold as a UK model, so it would be extremely unlikely that you would ever find one correctly registered from new in the UK - So a later age plate doesn't look out of place. It was also built by what became HRC, so not a standard production line bike, but more a small volume hand built machine.. So I'd be surprised if anywhere outside of Honda in Japan would have any records at all. And at that time many new bikes were not registered when new, often by second or third owners. You have a registration document for your bike which by law gives it an official identity in the UK, so it can be used on the road legally and the Police via the DVLA database would be able to return it to you in the hopefully unlikely event that it was stolen and recovered. I think its best just to stick with what you already have, maybe it is not technically 100% correct, but does it really matter ? I have a 1986 RTL250s which I am going to register, just to give it an identity in case of theft. I've yet to find any info on them relating to production numbers etc, and I've read all I can find on the net including the Honda trials history website. I also have the Four Stroke Finale book, but again no detail... The main thing is that we CAN register old bikes, where my brother lives in Portugal it is impossible to register old bikes...

Yes, they are good quality, I use them on all my trials bikes along with the Domino levers.

My opinion is that the Yamaha will always be a better bike in terms of getting results. But its not always about that - And I do own both... I like both for different reasons, the Yamaha for its ability and honesty, Yamaha and Mick Andrews knew exactly what they were doing and the bike in standard form is very good. Honda and SHM also knew what they were doing, but the weight of that engine is always against you. But the soundtrack from the Honda is in a different County ! And its a great feeling to do well with the Honda, the same as my rigid AJS when you clean a section that others on modern bikes sometimes don't. Its all about the rider and their personal choice, I went for both...

Sorry Neil, my situation is such that I cannot take on any work. I am overloaded with my normal work of repairing Landrovers, and I am having to spend more and more time looking after my parents. My own projects with bikes are just gathering dust, I don't want to make promises I know I cannot keep. I hope you understand,life isn't always how we would like it to be.

I use chainsaw chain oil, its cheap, non fling and veggie...

Hi Neil, yes I still have the jig. Sadly it has been slightly damaged, not beyond repair but its way down my list of things that need doing. If you could wait till next year, maybe Feb/March I could do it for you. I don't really have much in the way of measurements as I just built the jig around the Majesty frame I had in for repair. Cheers Jon.

Try this; https://goo.gl/photos/KQUEskM3Hb1eL19g8

Had you thought beyond a Bantam ? I was observing for a bit of a change at that GV trial. Amongst the entry there were some lovely smokers, Cottons,James and Francis Barnett. Then of course there are also Dot's and Sprites.(Among others) These often have the later 250 Villiers motors in them. These can be absolutely cracking bikes. But like the Bantams, not cheap if you spec them up.

I am very aware of the situation of what happened with the old setup at BVM when Kempy was in charge, I have been a customer of BVM since about 1985, but I am referring to the current situation with BVM, we are very lucky to have such great service from them, and from John and Matt at SW trials. It is up to you to ask the question of them if there is a problem where the bike needs to be returned.

SW trials are enthusiasts just like BVM who are more local to me. Trials is a very small world so there is no point in them selling rubbish or ripping people off, word would go around in no time. John who runs it is a nice bloke, always got time for a natter and a laugh.

Yep, I wouldn't buy one without a visor now,especially for long distance trials with road work.

Electric trials toys are irrelevant really in terms of the world, it really doesn't matter if they are petrol or electric. They are first world toys. The bigger concern is in places like India and Africa where motorcycles are basic transport and ridden / worked to death every day as basic transport. Is the world going to go over to electric instead of a petrol Honda Cub or CG125 ? Then you have a bigger set of questions to address... I've ridden a couple of electric trials bikes, they are not for me. I found them difficult to judge how much power to apply and getting grip on very slippery turns the last time I rode one was difficult for me. To the extent that I was dabbing on tight uphill turns where I could repeatedly clean on my C15. So to me the note and feel of a petrol engine and finding grip in slippery conditions is what trials is all about to me. Take my petrol bikes away and I'll stop riding trials. Probably be different if I had never been enjoying what I have known for the last 45 years. My youngest trials bike is 46 years old and the oldest is 73. None of them are even close to being worn out, so very unlikely I'll need an electric bike to replace them...

I would say the exact opposite, I've yet to see one of those Mikuni carbs worn out. All of mine have been extremely reliable and easy to tune. People do swop them for Dellorto and OKO, but I can't really see the point. The TK carbs don't seem to be as good.

Or you could try Terry Weedy - https://www.terryweedy.com/tanks.html

The other thought is a Mitas. https://bvm-moto.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=529