andat

For a biased opinion, I my 07 Scorpa. The Engine is strong but smooth, and crisp off the throttle. The suspension is magic (to me) and I find the steering precise and accurate and never ever feels like it wants to 'tuck'. Good riders complain about the front end weight, but I'm not into the hoppy boppy stuff so don't give a damn. I've had it for 12 months now and only serious maintentance has been new wheel bearings and head bearings (which are probably down to my over zealous use of jet wash). I have not had the carb off at all but I do clean the air box and air filter after every trial and its still runs sweet.

If you are on a budget, keep clear of the pukka trials shirts and bottoms (X-CTING, Hebo, Clice etc)- they are way too pricey compared with MX gear, which is far more durable. I had a flier in a weekly rag the other week for some AXO MX gear and couldn't beleive how cheap they were. Also Alpinestars are doing pants and shirts at reasonable prices at the lower spec end of their MX range (try Demon Tweeks web site). Don't forget waterproofs. Again, if you are on a budget try to avoid the pukka trials stuff. I bought a perfectly adequate waterproof jacket for

Thanks guys this is good feedback. We don't want to pay more than we have to but there comes a time when I'm afraid a hike in entry fees will be necessary if we want to keep long-standing venues available. At the moment the going rate in our neck of the woods is

Delicate subject this. How much extra to your normal

Hi Scorpa Lad. Are your footpegs ally? Do your footpegs look as if they are sagging? If they are and you have access to ally welding facilites, just add a blob of weld to the bottom part of the bracket where it pivots and file-off to suit - this should bring the pegs back level. As for new pegs, I recomend Trial Cast ally pegs. I was lucky and got some on the cheap (

All I can suggest is ring Nigel Birkett - what he doesn't know about the TYZ Yamaha engine isn't worth knowing.

Cheers mate...never thought about asking you.

My 07 is still on the settings from the dealer: the fork tops protrude throught the top yoke by about 5mm and handlebars are slightly forward, but handlebars are a personal thing. I have found that with the bars forward of what feels like 'normal' I can control it better in the tight stuff. Its a personal thing really, but once you start pratting about with suspension settings you will be at it forever. The key (apparently) is to make sure that your 'static sag' (i.e the distance the suspension settles under the bikes own weight) is correct but I have no idea what amount of static sag should be for the SY250.

I am thinking about letting my son (1st year B Class) have a go at an international event and I am told that there is a 'non-championship' class in the UEM Youth rounds. Is that right? What do you have to do to get an entry? Any other advice would be greatly appreciated.

18 years...pah...how about 25!! I took it up again two years ago when my son graduated from the TY80 conducted route and I didn't fancy legging it around 4 laps of a closed course to keep picking him up so I took the plunge and bought a second hand Beta to keep him company. I was hooked again and last year treated myself to a shiney new Scorpa. I ride in the East Midlands Centre and have a great time; there is nearly an event on every weekend within 1 hours drive of home. Aside from the pleasure of riding (I'm not that good) I have made many new friends and met some old ones too. In fact, it has become such a big part of my life, the BM 1200GS may have to go as it hardly ever gets used.

For fear of being labelled a 'long-coat', I saw it and it was truly awful. It was hardly a 'trial of nations', which if we are to be honest, is not really suited to an indoor arena. Isn't it time the FIM consigned this event to the annals of history?

Sorry guys, but I have a pair of black Sidi trials boots and removed the steel toe caps and they are rubbish: the leather is very stiff, the stitching rots (despite lots of waterproofing) and the soles have no grip...hence the considerable number of bruises on by ass from slipping down banks while walking the sections. My mate has a pair of Daidora 'Stone' which come with an inner waterproof lining and he swears by them. I am expecting Santa to bring me some on Tuesday morning...PLEASE

2007 model year (came out late 2006) has a dark gunmetal grey frame. Silver frames were on the 2006 model for sure (and probably earlier ones than that). Both have similar blue plastics but 2007 has slightly higher rear mudflap. 2008 model year (out now) has a black frame but white plastics. Other clues are 2007 model has black fork tubes and polished alloy triple clamps whereas 2006 model has chrome fork tubes and black triple clamps! 2008 model has marzocchi alloy fork tubes. I have a had a 2007 model for 12 months with no problems. Good luck