outlaw dave

You are correct Twinshock - The Boost Bottle was fitted to the IT 250 Cross Country bike to help with response when riding in tight woods. We did fit this to our IT 175 for the same reason. The TY series has bigger flywheels, and does not require this, However I aggree that the air box is restrictive - we used to drill extra holes in the top to get more air flow.

Hey Bruce - I think he is from the UK - The 84 TY was sold in huge numbers in the UK - A very successful bike and promoted by Nigel Birkett and Mick Andrews. The 84 did have a tendancy to break cases if the chain came off - the Sammy Miller guard elimintes this - they also broke rear hubs - the later models came with a stronger hub. The 350 was only sold in the USA in 85 and then in Canada in 86 - the rear shock was about the only difference on the 86 TY 350 bike. The 350 also had a chrome bore. Some riders, like Stan Bakgaard, fitted a 250 top end to the 350 bike as they preferred the power. - Mick Andrews also made a 270 version at a later date. The Canadian Dealer who sold most TY models was the late Joe Brown of Victoria BC - he is being honoured this weekend, with the "Joe Brown Memorial Trial" at Shawnigan Lake BC.

JT - Gas Gas only recommended ATF on the 02' Pro when they had problems with the fibre plates swelling. - They now use 5w-30. - the ATF has a low acidity number (7) which stopped the plates from swelling up - at least that is the story I got. - The reason I mentioned the Opti 4 - is that I checked this out with the Manufacturer, because we had used this in the 2002 Pro, with absolutely no problems. ( I also sell it)

Gentlemen ! Beware using the wrong kind of oil in your tranny, as this can cause the fiber plates to detach from the metal. Most Manufacturers now say to use a light 5w 30 - in the Trials bikes. While there is a wide choice in MC oil, you should definately use one of these rather than any ATF, and be sure to change it often. We use OPTI 4 - 5w-30 in all the Beta - Sherco & Gas Gas Trials bikes available in North America at Motorcycle or Lawn & Garden outlets. If you have difficulty obtaining this, you can contact me via email

Hey ClarkP - Yes the Hebo pegs are the way to go on any bike. - As for the Beta footpeg mounts we have had no problems with the new style mount on the Rev. - The older Techno model had softer mounts which did bend. The hammer trick worked pretty good for those.

Why are you changing the jets in your bike when you don't know what you are doing???? The Manual does state the air screw should be between one and a half to two and a quarter turns out, depending on the elevation.

Hey Ish - Had that happen a couple of years ago - a guy came over to see what the new style bikes were like - he used to ride in the '70's - I rode the new Beta around the yard to show him and his buddies how they worked, - I really stressed the finger on the clutch at all times thing. but after a couple of loops around the yard - with me yelling at him, he couldn't resist showing his buddies how he used to wheelie in the old days In a split second he is launched towards the wall of my shop, completely out of control with me rivited to the spot. - somehow he managed to restle the bike to the ground before hitting the wall, with no damage done except to his pride. - This guy was the Canadian National Champ in 1976 - JUNIOR !! - he now has a lot more respect for modern bikes. - but is sticking to flying airplanes. - Both his buddies bought Trials bikes off me. The moral of the story don't let anybody try out a new bike, without a lot of open space, and don't be fooled into thinking they can ride because they have raced a MX bike or similar. - Trials bikes are different in more ways than one. ALWAYS make sure they have a helmet on, and ALWAYS make sure they know they are liable for any damage to themselves or the bike.

Andy - I will send you one of my Outlaw Toolbelts to give away if you let me know where to mail it to - these have been used by Dougie Lampkin and Andy Huddleston as well as many lesser known riders - They are hand made over here in Western Canada and last for ever.

Nick The "O" ring stretches with time ( ie: engine getting hot then cooling down) - always best to fit a new one - use grease or similar to hold in place-if you are stuck and don't have one, you can always cut a tiny bit out of the old "O" ring to make it fit then replace it with the small gap at the top - use silicone to seal the gap - reason is the oil will only drip from the botom

Over here in the Colonies, we have LOTS of experience with riding in the snow - You do have the best footpegs, and about the only suggestion I have is to spray your pegs with a de-icer before you go out - I use a product called Opti Pro which won't be able to get in the UK - but you may have luck using WD 40.

Dave Anderson (Anson) used to make my Outlaw clothing from 1989 to about 1998 - He told me he could not compete with the Euro imports pricewise, so had gone into doing embroidery for crests etc. ( many copied his designs) There are still many trials riders in Western Canada wearing Dave's fine jackets & pants - It is sad when quality products cease to exist because of cheap imports.

Funny Story - Back in 1970 - my new Sherpa T came with Knobby tires out of the box - So we have a trial that weekend in Edmonton Alberta Canada, first section - deep mud - over the bars - second section deep mud - over the bars - third section CLEAN - after I went back to the parking lot & took the front fender off - many years later I talked to the Distributor and recounted my tale (it cost me the Premier award) - He told me that the factory used to put on whatever tires they had available. !!!!!

Outlaw Accessories (my company) makes a extra fuel carrier for the front number plate, however, this type of added weight on the front, is noticable and that is why most riders going on long trips out in Western Canada are using my other Backpack fuel carrier - We have tested this on difficult long rides, and the riders all aggreed this was the way to go - plus you can carry one, two or three bottles depending on the ride, and you can take your pack off to ride sections (just like in the Scottish)...aye Outlaw Dave

Top Cat - Where are you located???

Marky G - Yamaha stopped making Trials bikes because the Japanese Motorcycle Industry is all about numbers and volume - Although the TYZ sold reasonably well in the UK, sales in other parts of the World were pretty much counted on one hand. The units that were bought in the USA were all (5-8 units) purchased from Canadian Dealers. - Ask Mick Andrews what he thought about the TYZ, I think most people would be in for a shock.

Att: DFWilson - If you would like to contact me via my email, I will give you some info: on the TYZ units that were brought into Canada. email me at - daverhodes@shaw.ca

I think there has been some interesting points of view, on this topic, but perhaps the best one, is the fact that some events that do have special trophies, will always be remembered, and can be a proudly displayed for the times when Trials buddies come to visit. The riders who win silver spoons in the Scott Trial value them like gold, and so they should, it takes a hell of a lot of ability and stamina to win one. In Canada and I would also include the USA in this, Trophies have become meaningless, because it seems that all you have to do at some events, is finish, and you get a trophy. - This is mainly due to the fact that there are way too many classes. - However, if a rider goes out and buys a new bike, travels to events, and makes an honest effort, then I think he or she should be rewarded with something that captures the spirit of that event. The bottom line is that awards have to be earned - The way they do things in the UK is probably still the best.

David - Just weighed the 2004 Rev 270 - and the 2003 Gas Gas 300 Pro Both bikes full of gas ready to ride Beta = 165 Pounds Gas Gas = 155 Pounds It should be noted that the Beta holds slightly more fuel than the GG

Well said JT - Once again we have the situation of Professional Riders being scored by Amateur Officials, using a system that few people understand, and one that changes every year. But, my vote still goes for Dougie Outdoors, with Jarvis much closer this year, if both can stay healthy.

Hey Jay, If you like Ossa's so much, why not pick up one of the MAR or whatever, and come to ride the OUTLAW TWO DAY in Western Canada - these bikes are always right up there in the awards and even though they suffer a tad in the high tech dept: they always do well. In fact there are two events that you could ride one is Steve Fracy's April 3rd/4th and the 2nd is the Original Outlaw held every year for the past 16 years on the Canadian May long weekend in Summerland BC - Hell we even have Mick's picture engaved on the Trophy..... aye Outlaw Dave

Terry The ones I've sold up in Canada have fit perfectly Best way to store your metal tank is to fill it full of premix gas. Aye.... Outlaw Dave

You could get a better one than that - An Outlaw Xbar pad complete with a score card holder - They are also quite famous, as Mick Andrews put one of mine on the factory TYZ in the 1992 Scottish, - but Ishy's right it didn't make the Japanese rider keep his feet up...... aye Outlaw Dave

Mick is entered on a Scorpa 125 Four Stroke in the SSDT - With his long association with Yamaha, they have probably made it worth his while to promote the engine. He also is big fan of Four strokes.

I have to laugh when I read about guys quitting because they are too old.... I talk to a lot of people at the Motorcycle Shows every year - this topic often comes up. - One guy in Calgary last week was being heckled by his young lads about getting another bike - "Too Old" he says - so I ask him "How old are you" - Oh I'm 47 ------- Lots of mirth after this. Just for the record I will be 67 this year and plan on doing lots of riding including climbing three Mountains in BC. (Check out my Joss Mountain pics on the Trials Canada site from last year)........ When you stop trying it's time to nail the lid down...... How about Mick riding the Scottish again this year and he's 60. ( Yamaha must have paid him Ha Ha.)

Hey Jaakko - Over here in Western Canada, we have lots of experience in Winter riding in the snow. - We have had both Mita and Irc come off the bead at low tyre pressures, and we have also seen the tread come off a rear Michelin, - but the guy was riding at -22 (Nuts) - We have found that some bikes get better traction in the snow than others, ie: the Beta is the best, no matter what tyre is on the back - the old TY mono was useless, and the new light bikes struggle. - 3rd or 4th gear is the way to go in the snow - Keep the front end light with your butt over the rear fender. - Another tip is to use the GasGas(Hebo) footpegs as the snow doesn't build up so bad.... Yes and we still have snow in the Okanagan Valley - Forcast for next week is -23 -- BUT spring is not far away, and we wil be out riding in February...... Cheers - Outlaw Dave