tonyp884

Tommi - Our 8 yr old son Matthew will really miss you. He met you here in Charlotte, NC USA about 5 years ago, when he was 3 years old and decided then he wanted to do trials. We saw you ride again this year in Atlanta, GA. He has come a long way, and 2 weeks ago in Cornelia, GA at an STRA event, Matthew placed 1st, with only 1 point riding his TXT 50. He will really miss you as you are his hero. Good luck in your new job in Spain, take care of your back, and we hope you will come back to the US again. Maybe we'll see you agin at TTC in the future. Meeting you changed Matthew's life and he now eats, breathes, sleeps, talks, lives and loves trials!!! As his mother, I cannot imagine anything that I'd rather he be doing than riding trials! And you are one of several really awesome role models that we have met in this great sport. We are truely glad to have met you and wish you much happiness and success! Take care - Tony, Lydia, and Matthew Powers

Bigfoot, my 8 yr old rides a 2000 model Gas Gas TXT50. We are the 3rd owner and it has the original clutch, I'm told, with no problems. So far the bike has been very reliable. We have installed a Bosch platinum sparkplug one step hotter, cut the lid on the airbox to let more air in (a BIG help !) , cleaned and packed with grease ALL electrical connections, and installed a homemade deflector to keep mud out of the radiator. I change the transmission fluid after every ride with non-synthetic Dextron III. Tony P Charlotte, NC USA

Yes, I have a 309, with upside down forks. From what I've been told, it is pretty much the same bike as a 307. I bought the bike in July and I'm still learning about it. Looks great if you like Florescent yellow, white, and light blue, runs great starts on first or second kick. Tony P

Anyone out there got an extra Fantic Jersey and willing to get rid of it? I'd REALLY like to find one to wear while I ride my Fantic 309 at local trials events. Thanks, Tony Powers Charlotte, NC USA '91 Fantic 309

Could someone give me some input as to the best way to repack a silencer? In this case my son has a Gas Gas 50. We bought it used, and it was pretty loud. I took the silencer apart and found some pretty nasty looking oily packing. I repacked it with an FMF repacking kit. The bike was really quiet!...... For about 1 hour ! What did I do wrong? Should I pack it loose or wrap it really tight? Is one packing material better than another? Or, should I just give up and accept the fact that this bike is going to be noisey? If it matters, I am running Amsoil at 80:1 and the bike does smoke a little. Thanks, Tony P Charlotte, NC USA

I'm not having any look here in the USA finding a set of Hutchin Trials Tires for my 8 yr old sons Gas Gas 50. It has a 2.50-16 front tire and a 3.00-14 rear tire. The Hutchin trials tires were really good, 2 ply and soft. MUCH better than these piece - o - crap 4 ply Cheg Shins on the bike now. We had a 1999 Beta Mini Trial, made by Trueba that had the Hutchin tires on it. We were really shocked when we bought this Gas Gas 50 and realized how bad these Cheg Shins are. Interestingly enough, I saw a new 2005 Gas Gas 50 at the Youth Nationals in Sequatchie, Tennessee, USA back in July, and it came with the Hutchin Trials tires. I've called Risin Sun, the Gas Gas parts importer here in the USA and could not get a set from him. I've searched the 'nert, with no luck. Any of you fellow trials guys in other parts of the globe able to help me out? Thanks, Tony M. Powers Charlotte, NC USA

I could also use a kickstand for this bike. Thanks, Tony P

I bought a Fantic 309. The silenser is beat to death. Anyone got a replacement or know of an aftermarket unit that will work. It would be nice if it were quieter. Thanks, Tony P Charlotte, Nc USA Tonyp884@aol.com

I just bought a used 2000 Gas Gas 50 for my 8 yr old son. This is a much nicer trials bike than anything he has had before. I know very little abouth this bike, and none of the dealers that I have called seem to have an owners manual or much knowledge of this bike. I do know that the ignition has been upgraded and that the thermostat for the cooling system has been bypassed. I'd love to make contact with someone who is currently maintaining a TXT 50, and maybe ask a few questions about routine maintenance. I'm not sure how much nor what type of oil to use in the tranny. I've been told 5w30, 10w30, full Synthetic Dextron, Non-synthetic Dextron, MTL 75, and even a special General Motors differential fluid. I'd also like know how much and what weight of fluid to put in the front forks. Should I use 10 weight or would a little lighter be better? Thanks for any help! Tony P Charlotte, NC Tonyp884@aol.com

Can anyone give me some information about a 1991 Fantic 309? I'm fairly new to trials. It will be my third trials bike. My previous trials bikes were a Honda TL-125 and Yamaha TY-250.I never had a more modern bike. Is the 309 actually a 250cc engine? What is the power and handling like? Anything I'd need to know about this Fantic model? Tony P

Could anyone give me some information about a 95 Fantic 247 / Strengths / weaknesses ? If you were looking at buying a 247, what sort of things should you look for / check out ? What would be a fair price for a really clean 247 ? thanks, Tony P

Thanks for the info Alan. hope you're doing well. We are about to go outside and ride the Beta. I've setup a little section in the yard, real tight. Trying to teach Matthew to hold his head up and look where he is going, not watch his front tire so much. It is 22 degrees outside, 1 inch of snow and about a 1/2 inch of sleet on top of that with more freezing rain today. All that white on the ground looks really cool with the colored ribon on the section. Matthew said he needs to practice ! At least he is willing! Have a good day, Tony P

I kinda have the same problem. My son's 1999 Beta Mini Trail 50 which is actually NOT a Beta but is made by Trueba in Spain. It has a Moto Morini 50cc S5-GE engine. This is basically an MX engine. I'd love to have some port work done or add some weight to the flywheel. So, my question is, how do you add weight to a flywheel? I thought about stick on wheel weights, but figured that would not be enough. I'd appreciate any help. Tony M. Powers Charlotte, NC