gjbiker

Hi Donald, I'm actually going to manage a few days spectating this year and really looking forward to it. Drop me a PM if you fancy catchin up for a beverage? GJ

Firstly, the trial was excellent and I'd like to thank everyone involved for a brilliant day. As my obsever had to drop out last minute I offered at the sign in to forfeit my ride and do the honours but was told there were plenty volunteers so I was let off. A very big thank you to all observers that came for that, and if you had to walk out to the sections you have my respect. I found the new marking system very easy to understand and I for one would be very happy if all trials were marked like this in the future. Considering this was new to most folk, I heard no complaints whilst lining up at the start gates. Lastly, I rode like numpty, clocked too many 'fives' to mention, my mate whipped me by a good 20 points but.......... I HAD FUN.........isn't that what it's all about ???? Thanks again to all, a totally brilliant day GJ

OK, this thread put me in memory lane mode and I went to look for a Belstaff Trialmaster like wot I had years ago. Jings, crivens, help ma Bob ! Even second hand ones on Flea-bay are fetching more than the National debt of somewhere that owes lots of money! These things make Barbour look cheap ! Anyhooz, before you all go looking, has anyone got an old Belstaff they don't want? GJ

Me too Thanks for the link

Lots of very good info on spark plugs on the NGK website Clicky Here Should be a BR6 though, aBR10 is way too cold unless the bike was being run flat out on the road for long spells? GJ

I wouldn't limit yourself to just two bikes if all you've seen is pictures? Over the years, I've owned and ridden Gas Gas, Sherco, Scorpa, Beta and Montesa. In my opinion they're all good but my PERSONAL choice is the Gasser with the Beta a close second. Don't worry about structural differences, they all break given the chance! Try and get yourself to a trial and ask around, I've never had a problem giving someone a go of my bike if they ask nicely Try before you buy is always the best bet if possible. Price, age and condition is all you need to worry about, your own personal choice of manufacturer will evolve once you get into it. Most importantly - get a bike and get stuck in GJ

Have a looky 'HERE'. It should let you decide what's best? You'll notice there's nothing less (more?) than 50:1 (2%). Hope this helps? GJ

Excellent link, I'll be whistling the tune all night now Cheers, GJ

Hi Kev, I ride both but I prefer my Gasser for 'competing' (more surviving than competing) simply because I've had more peg time on it than the Beta. Saying than the Rev3 is growing on me apart from the left hand kicker which really does my head in at times. I would never recommend one over another as it's normally what feels best for the individual but as a starter bike the Beta would probably be the best bet? Or a Scorpa or a Sherco ............etc. They're all good in my opinion, get something and get out there and enjoy. The choice is yours and will normally be dictated by price and condition........have fun. GJ

Might as well jump on the band wagon here and kill some time? Should be at home right now but the glorious fog has dictated that I'll spend another night offshore Anyhooz, to work out ANY ratio (either with a good old fashioned pencil and paper or the calculator function on your mobile phone) try to remember this....... Using 80:1 as an example 100 divided by 80 = 1.25 (this is the percentage often seen on a little sticker near the tank, i.e 2% = 50:1) Using 5 litres as an example (turn litres into millilitres by multiplying by 1000) 5000 multiplied by 1.25% = 62.5 (remember to hit the % key or your answer will be out by 2 decimal places) Hey presto...........add 62.5 ml of oil to 5 litres of petrol and you'll have yourself a lovely 80:1 mix ! and while you're all here, if you haven't already voted, VOTE NOW Have a nice night GJ

These links may be of interest- Clicky here! or Clicky me too! but at the end of the day, regardless of being in possession of a valid MOT, it's down how knowledgeable Mr or Mrs/Ms Plod are, if and when they stop you! (i.e. your lights/horn could accidently fall off when the bike is parked in the shed, nudge nudge wink wink say no more Guv) GJ

The only stupid question is the one that isn't asked so a wise man once said........ Perhaps the way you've written your question is confusing me but it sounds like you need to tighten your chain rather than slacken it off? If the tensioner is touching or almost touching the swing arm then it sounds like your chain is a bit on the slack side? If this is the case then slacken your rear wheel spindle nut and advance your snail cams to tighten the chain, this will cause the gap between tensioner and swing arm to increase. I usually run about 10 to 15 mm gap (fingers width) without any problems. To hopefully answer the second part of your query, the gap will decrease (recede) over a period of time as the chain and sprockets 'wear' (not 'stretch' as some people say - stretching steel takes a lot more energy than your average trials engine can produce). How quickly they wear is dependent on the quality of chain and sprockets and how well you maintain them. If I've read your post correctly I hope this helps, if I've just had a senior moment and misunderstood then please ignore me, I've had a hard day ! GJ

Try this link- Reallynoisyexhausts.com GJ

Have a looky here- Clicky linky This should help you decide what mix to use in the future? My Gasser manual also states 50:1 fully synth but I personally use 60:1 and have never had any problems. I'm of the old school 'better too much than too little' way of thinking but as you can see the majority run with 80:1. The choice is yours....... GJ

Hello When you say 'normal servicing' does this include.... Removing and cleaning the air filter. (choked filter will strangle the bike) Removing and cleaning the carb. (water or dirt, even the tiniest bit will cause problems) Remove the rotar cover and ensure it's all nice and clean and dry in there (water again normally) Change the oil (colour and appearance of regularly changed oil tells a thousand tales) Try a brand new plug, it'll take away the doubt. Still got a problem? Change the petrol and flush and clean the carb again. Check the reeds while the carb's off. No joy yet ? Delving closer to the realms of technical problems - Low compression? Remove the front header pipe (exhaust) and look for scores on the piston. It may have 'nipped' a ring Before I bore you to death, see how you get on with all that lot first ! GJ

Some people like to ride for fun, some like to compete. I do both (when I can). If there's a club trial on when I'm at home from offshore, I'll be there. If there's nothing on then I'll be blatting around for fun. It is difficult for me to understand the scenario that scorpa3 mentioned though, it's definitely more fun entering a trial than just blatting around? The main question is, what can we do to encourage more people to join in? Does the conjestion and feeling that everyone is watching you on the first section of the day put people off? Does the entry fee, licence fee, day licence price, club membership make them think twice? Do they just prefer the company of their own mates? So many questions......... I suppose people just do what they want to do for their own reasons, who knows? I'm rambling. Sorry. GJ

Hi jcr, I've had a Dave Cooper rack for lots of years and have found it very good. Hasn't had much use for a while as I'm normally heading off with No1 son so has to be the trailer but I've never had any problems when I have used it. Tie down points work ok but I usually use another couple of ratchet straps here and there for extra security. Not sure how good it'll be on your Zafira though? I've always had it on 4x4's, the spare wheel on the back door acts as a good main stay! Hope this helps ? GJ

Yep 'Tis the way it was designed, don't worry 'bout it. GJ

I've used the soldering method quite a few times but mostly on road bikes (inside the panel where its not seen). Works fine but not very strong. Be very wary of the fumes though ! Cyanide really isn't good for you !!!! I've 'hinged' a few back mudguards or used tie wraps on past trials bikes (when I was skint), easy to fix when it breaks again ! GJ

Hey Gizza5, you can chuck as many tyres that are better than that one at me if ya want ? I'll even pay the postage G'wastenotwantnot'J

Must admit, after watching the I was very impressed . It would be nice to hear a bit of feedback though? Someone out there must have one ? Methinks I'll have a wordy with Mr Dealer and see wot kind of px he'll give me on my 4RT? Looks like the ideal in-betweeny bike for a good day out. GJ

Keep an eye on it Kot ! Mine lasted 12 months from new before going into self destruct mode ( in the middle of nowhere of course) ! Nice bit of bling on the gasser mate I'm gonna shed about 6kg off mine (diet starts tomorrow) GJ

Biased opinion - Gas Gas every time ! Non biased opinion - Both good bikes. At 7 years old, both will have seen a bit of action so let your eye decide. Go for the one that looks to have been the most cared for. If you have loadsa money opinion - Buy both, then you'll have a spare ! The wifes opinion - New kitchen/decorate/change the car/blah blah blah Whatever you go for..........have fun GJ

Oh no ! Rumbled ! Will the SACU take my licence away ?????? PIES I've been a member for lotsa years but I'm clean now (wish I could say the same at the end of each section) !!! GJ

Have a looky at the videos HERE. They take a while to download/watch but are well worth it and will hopefully help in your decision to DIY or pay