steve fracy

Do you know if the rider was from North America or European? I rode the World Round in 90 in Ioco BC Canada. Amos and Donato Miglio were riding Factory Fantics that were absolutely rocketships!! Reported to be the most powerful bike there from everyone riding. Camozzi was also riding a Fantic as well I believe Jean Luc Nictou. Mike Guns from Canada was in Globe as well riding a Fantic. Steve

NC nails it again!!! Forever Fantic!

have you tried dis-connecting the kill switch first???

Dan: Wow! i'm glad we BOTH got to see them before they set off! Our visits sound similar for sure, although I am sure it has been at lot longer between visits for me....I think the last time was 2001 World Round in Goldendale. Even longer for me to see Lana as she did not make that trip. Yes, they have always treated me like family. I actually lived the entire summer of 86 with them, riding all the Nationals and NETA events. It was teary eyed for Lana to meet my 6ft3 son, and me after so many years! I was lucky enough to be riding in an era when they were so involved with the sport. We sure had a ton of laughs thats for sure! Steve

Oh ya! There was some great stories flowing back and forth.....most of which are not suitable on a public forum. Just the way we like it, bench racing from back in the day!

Dan: I am not an expert on who is now the dealer for your area. I do know one thing though. After the Vermont National last year, my son and I met Ron Sr. and Lana for a late night dinner! These people are salt of the earth, and I'm proud to have called them friends since the early 80s. It was so great to catch up for sure! Ron and his family have meant alot to the sport in the Us over the years, and as much as it hurts, it was the factory who made a business decision. All the dealings that we have had with Tim and his team have been positive, and I would recommend them to anyone! I do believe in supporting people in your own country thats for sure.

I recently test drove a new Ram Promaster as this is the best all around vehicle I can see for both work and play for me. I was very surprised how good it felt. I like the motor, and gas mileage, and the fact its front wheel drive. They are pretty cheap when comparing too....might be the ticket!

Yes that is true that Bernie did have Michaud's bike after the World Round.....and I ended up riding Saunders bike that was left here too, later in that year! So much better than the stock one. The motor was amazing.....dont know what was done to it but is was good! Aluminum sub frame as well. I dont believe the rumour about Bernie not being paid though...

Back in the 80s we used to ride in the then Cycle Canada show that was held in BC Place stadium. Stan Bakgaard used to promote and set up these shows that were hugely popular.There is still some great video around of these shows, and some of the sections would be intimidating even today ( 30 ft high scaffold staircases) As riders, we were even paid quite well for 3 days of riding! ah the good ol days!

We have several sets of Rawsport clothing. very good quality and stands up well!

These were stock bars on Fantic twinshock bikes, and, I believe they came on the first 301s and 301p2s

That is awesome! Have not seen or heard of him for decades! I keep in contact with D.Pyle and will drop him a line and see what he remembers also! Steve

Kramit...thanks! My memory is good...just fading! That is very cool that Duane showed up at your event. How long has it been since he was at a trial?

Then it will be ready for sale!

Yes if you have that different muffler it would be considered special.

I would love me one of those in good shape, ride against the modern bikes!!!

I can name most of them....I was at that event in 83 in Texas. The ones there all had Bultaco style rear exhaust on them. Gilles Burgat, John Lampkin (who won the event), Bernard Cordonier, Renato Chiaberto, would have been the top riders on them that year. Am I missing anyone??? Who else was there or can remember the factory team that year? Diego and Michaud were on the team in 84 in Watkins Glen.

Ahhhh the infamous Pam Anderson from Ladysmith BC Canada! Her son attends the private school at the end of the lake, bout 5min from here!

Very cool! A nice find for sure! I bet the motor is spectacular.... I got to ride a bike that was left in the US in 87 that was ridden by Mr. Saunders. Aluminum sub-frame and motor was much better than stock. Can imagine that the bike you have there is very nice!

Well I can only really speak on behalf of the Fantic 300 as i worked for Fantic in the US. At that time in period, it was considerably heavier that the bike it replaced, the 240. As we were inching towards monoshock bikes back then, in fact Fantic team riders were competing on this bike against guys on Yam 250 monos, it was a huge dis-advantage. Not to mention that I have now owned a 240, then a 300, and now a 200. I can honestly compare all of them. Although slightly underpowered, but very capable with a little clutch work, the 200 has the best geomotry and is by far the lightest and easiest to ride. I should have clarified....obviously light when compared to pre 65 bikes and such, but, much heavier than other bikes of there era that were made a few years before....

Wow! possibly the two heaviest trials bikes ever made.......and someone who is from a town just an hour north of me! Nice!

Actually the biggest difference about my bike in the mud versus modern, it has real fenders, especially the front one and no mud gets on the motor!

Great event Hugh! Most fun I have had riding in years....thanks for your efforts! Cheers, steve

Well, decided to ride my little 156 Fantic for only the 4th time since getting it in our last club trial of the year! Decided to jump up a class from the usual vintage and ride the Sr. Intermediate lines for the challenge and to be able to ride with two of my good buddies! The p****** down rain changed the sections after the first loop and made them pretty challenging on a modern bike! My two good buddies usually battle it out in that class for the win, and we had a very fun time. I was blown away with the bike, and how well it worked. I had never ridden it in mud before. Just felt so comfortable all day on it. A couple sections on the last loop were so slippery that my mates did not even get through them... I have owned a 240, then a 300 and now the little 156. To be honest, it has taken me till now to really appreciate this bike. It has by far the best geometry of all three. At times I have thought it to be underpowered a bit, but in reality it just needs to be ridden a bit different and it works amazing. It is so light for a vintage bike and suspension works great. Was chuffed to have loop scores of 2-5-0 for a total of 7 to take the win against all the modern bikes! Something special about having that much fun on a bike that was built in 1982!