bigplonker

The Norton's back on eBay again. This time advertised by a 'seller' up in Scotland(?). Interesting that the description states the bike's in Hampshire. Also, again, the 'seller' has asked for contact to be made directly by yahoo email rather than via eBay. I've alerted eBay to the possibility this may be a scammer (again). Hopefully genuine bidders will think twice before bidding - the bidding so far, I suspect, has been pushed up by the scammer's crooked associate(s). Hope I'm wrong about all this...

Yes, I take your point. However, in this instance, there were a number of factors that suggested the 'seller' was a scammer: 1) The whole ad (photos and wording) was 'lifted' from (i.e. a copy of) a genuine ad that ran about two years ago - I remembered the original ad because it was for an excellent trials iron and I even went as far as contacting the owner for further info before reluctantly deciding not to bid due to an infestation of moths in wallet. 2) About a week after the bike originally sold, the same ad (same photos and wording) appeared on eBay but this time by a completely different seller. Had the ad been placed by a genuine seller, the photos and wording would surely be different. Alerted eBay to the possibility that the ad may have been placed by a scammer. Soon after, the ad was dropped and the 'seller' ceased to exist on eBay. So when the same ad appeared for a third time (last week), it was pretty obvious to me that this was a scam. 3) Item description stated the bike and owner were in Hampshire yet the 'seller' was listed as being in London. 4) 'Seller' apparently had a 100% record of about 25 transactions, thereby appearing 'genuine'. However, on checking these transactions, they were all for useless items (such as shirt buttons) sold to or purchased from one or two other eBay members - a classic case of scammers working together in order to build their 100% records, thereby gaining a false impression of authenticity. 5) As mentioned before, the 'seller' requested prospective bidders to contact direct by email rather than via the eBay system - this is a favourite ploy of scammers. 6) The 'seller' was listed as having one other item for sale on eBay. This turned out to be an impressive camper van. However, the look and wording of the ad was noticeably different to that of the Norton. Obviously two ads by two different people. In all probability, the camper ad was also a scam. 7) As I said, after alerting eBay to the possibility that the 'seller' was a scammer, both ads disappeared and the 'seller' was listed as 'no longer an eBay member'. I presume he, or they, are now busily rebuilding another false eBay profile so they can continue their wretched trail of deception. Now..., I fully realise that I'm coming across as an interfering busybody saddo with nothing better to do all day but snoop around on eBay searching for fraudsters - but this is not the case. However, having been stung by a scammer once (a grand for a non existent computer) I'm keen to show people how easy it is to get mugged on eBay. With the prices of classic motorcycles continuing to rise, it's no surprise that scammers have begun stepping into this lucrative market - a market that's lagely populated by old gits such as myself who may be new to the internet and unwary of the dangers that lurk within. Apologies for the ridiculously long length of time I've been waffling on and on about this Norton scam but if it saves just one person from being conned by a scammer it'll all have been worthwhile.

Listing has now been removed. This suggests it was indeed a scam. Somewhat scarily, about eight bidders had pushed the bidding to beyond four grand. That's four grand for a bike that effectively doesn't exist. And the scumbag scammer (i.e. the listed seller) had a 100% record as an eBay marketeer, probably made up with about 25 fake sales or purchases to another eBay member (another eBay scammer) with whom he was 'in cahoots'. Just goes to show how easy it is to be conned via eBay. Beware...

Success! Have alerted eBay to the existence of this questionable ad. How they choose to deal with it is up to them.

Yes, that's the ad. Interesting that this scammer (99% sure) has asked for prospective buyers to email direct rather than via eBay. Even more interesting is that he's asked people to do the same with another item he's selling (sorry, scamming) but with a different email address (see his 'other items for sale'). I've been looking for a 'report this seller to eBay' link but can't spot one.

Just spotted a 500 Norton trials on eBay. I could be wrong (as usual!) but I seem to remember it being advertised some time ago (by a genuine owner) and then exactly the same ad running again a bit later (by a completely different seller). I therefore assumed the latter ad to be placed by a scumbag scammer and informed eBay accordingly. Now, here's the same ad running again. If anyone's tempted to bid, do please tread carefully and make sure you're entirely happy with the seller's (somewhat dubious, I reckon) authenticity. Apologies to all concerned if my suspicions are entirely unjustified.

Looks a beauty. I'd keep it and ride it.

Join a club, preferably one that specialises in trials (I note you're down in the South East - lots of trials clubs in that area). Then, as a club member, you'll have loads of chums who'll offer help and advice about what bike suits. Personally, I'd go for the best 250cc Montesa 315 that you can afford.

I'm sat here with a Boxing Day hangover. Listening to radio and browsing Trials Central. Mick Jagger's belting out 'Jumping Jack Flash'. As I look at a GasGas ad Mick's singing '...it's a gas, gas, gas'. He's nearly right. Ahem, I'll get my coat.

I reckon it's a Marcelle conversion. But I could be wrong. Has been known. Come to think of it, I'm nearly always wrong about everything, according to 'her indoors'.

Thanks for replies. That's that cleared up then. Sounds like an ideal trials motor. Wonder why it never really caught on.

Years back I had a Montesa 348 which I seem to remember, somewhat confusingly, had an engine size of 310cc. Have just checked the internet and discovered I was wrong - actual size was apparently 305.9cc(?). Interestingly, on the same site, the Montesa 349 is listed as having an engine size of 350cc. Is this right? Or should it be 305.9 like the 348 model? Would be grateful for clarification from any Monty anoraks out there! Many thanks.

Might be worth considering a good 175 Yamaha and entering the twinshock class. Sometimes the sections are a bit easier and therefore more suitable for a novice.

I noticed that the Yrjo Vesterinen 340 'works' Bultaco, as advertised on eBay recently, sold for a whopping 8750 squidlettes (at least I think that's what it went for - I was too shocked to really concentrate on the bidding). Is it just me or does anyone else think this was a tad over the top? Maybe I'm just getting old (er, what's with the 'maybe'?).

Solvol Autosol is top stuff. Used to use it to polish up my bikes before I officially turned lazy. Also used it during my student holiday job with Northampton Corporation who employed me (many moons ago) as a bog cleaner in charge of the extremely grand underground loos slap bang in the town centre - a massive responsibility. It worked a treat on the many brass taps, handles and pipes on show in this fine old Victorian establishment. Dunno if the place is still there. Doubt it. Ah, they don't build loos like they used to.

Ace Clousseau 'tec work John. What's the bike you know of, and is it going to France? If so, do you happen to know which area of France and/or the name of the owner out here? (I know of a chap called Hamish Eadie who lives in the Dordogne region and it would be nice to know of other Brit trials riders out here.) Many thanks, Gordon

Hello there Munch, Many thanks for your suggestion. May well take you up on it but I've just heard of someone who's apparently collecting another bike from Inverness next week and am trying to track him down. I'll keep you (and other Trials Central chappies) informed of progress, if any!

Thanks. I'll give 'em a ring.

Help! Just bought a 250 Greeves. Bike's in Scotland. Need assistance to collect it! Seller is willing to take the Greeves to Kinlochleven during SSDT week for collection by anyone who's up there from down south. Would be more than willing to contribute to petrol and transportation costs - ideally to Gordon Farley's in Guildford (who would give it a checkover etc.) but anywhere south would do (I could then arrange delivery to GF's). Does anyone have space on their trailer or van?

Ive found Charlie Harris email address, if you send me your email address i will forward it to him, Aha! Would also very much like Charlie's email address as, like him, I've now moved to France. Last time I spoke to him (at a Greybeards trial) he said he was living down south, somewhere near Carcasonne I think. Would be great to get in touch with the ol' bugger again. I have a couple of old UK phone numbers for him but I presume they're now well out of date. Thanks, Gordon.

Thanks again. Much appreciated.

Have just seen brief mention of a Dartmoor 2 day trial which apparently runs in September. Does anyone have any further info? Would like to know if it's open to twinshocks, if it's relatively easy or severe, if it's all off-road or partly on-road (i.e. do bikes have to be road legal) and, if possible, the contact details of the Secretary of Meeting. Many thanks.

Great. Many thanks for all the info. Aim to be there in 2010! Enjoy your ride.

Sounds like a great trial. Does anyone have contact details of the 'secretary of the meeting'? I'd like to contact him/her about entering next year. Thanks.