woody

Jon, your addition to the practise areas section han't worked, there's nothing in there for Staffs. I'm curious now though - where do you practise? I'm in Streetly and I can only think of Linley Woods (haven't been there for ages, thought it was off limits) St Margarets (definitely off limits and no longer an option due to redevelopment and security) Clayhanger at Brownhills (good for enduro practise too but police are getting interested) or the farm at the back of the power station at Rugeley although the council have him closed down for the moment I think. Need all the practise I can get at the moment with the lakes 2 day coming up. Haven't ridden all year due to string of injuries and mishaps so well rusty. So is the

The category for British bikes in the ACU classic series actually caters for British bikes up to 1975, not 1965, it's no longer called pre-65 class if I remember correctly. Twinshock category caters for twinshocks that don't fit that one. The original pre-65 date in classic trials was indeed to cut out the 4 speed Bultaco as it never stipulated British bikes only, just pre-65, so back then, before the top guys had 'developed', modernised or whatever their pre-65 bikes to their current level, an original 4 speed Bult would have been more competitive, as it was when they first appeared. Don't think todays trick pre-65 bikes have anything to fear from one of those early Bults though -they're now a dinosaur by comparison....

Dabster, you poor misguided lad. Remember Adam Norris had some of his best ever rides on the TYZ and put up some best on day scores (or at least joint best) if I remember rightly in Scotland. The Spanish guys around him that week looked amazed and couldn't believe the way he was riding it. Or was it that they'd never seen a TYZ before The finishing stats forgot to include the Sherpa. Someone in another post mentioned it was a different colour from the one that started. Don't know about that but weren't some Gassers as well what's good for the goose and all that. So Dabster, does Paul Garratt's sterling effort on the Sherpa inspire you to get entered on the 340 next year......... Go on and I'll enter with you on the Ossa. I've got a few, so one for each day should do it

You're right with The Butterfly but not Bradford. Maybe they meant Broughton as he lives in Broughton-in-Furness and it was mis-heard somewhere along the way.

I had the same problem with my 02 Rev 3. OK up to a quarter / third throttle, then it wouldn't rev any further. It was the stator. I had it replaced under warranty as it was less than a year old but I doubt you will get it replaced under warranty now, although you should in my opinion as it is a known problem on all models of Rev 3. The stators can be faulty. Why they can't sort it I don't know. If you can't get it done under warranty and a new Beta one is expensive you can have yours repaired by Bradford Ignitions. He advertises in TMX under Services and also has a website, something like motoplatuk but can't remember exactly.

Nice picture. He deserves a mention and a photo for being brave enough to tackle the Scottish on the Bult. He told me last year he was going to enter on it and I said Don't do it, it's too hard for a twinshock these days, but he was determined and I'm glad to see he's still hanging on in there (I think anyway as I can't see today's results yet) Good luck Paul and here's hoping you finish.

I agree with you here although it depends what it is being used for. I have started to do one of my Ossas with discs but only to ride in the odd modern event where decent brakes are needed. I'd never ride it in the twinshock championship here in the UK and I don't think it should be allowed although there are no rules yet to prohibit it, but I agree that it is not really in the spirit of the events.

Yep, that'd be good if it could be done, with the advantage that the fork leg is left unmolested and therefore retains it's original appearance. Can also be transfered from bike to bike as well.

Yep, that'd be good if it could be done, with the advantage that the fork leg is left unmolested and therefore retains it's original appearance. Can also be transfered from bike to bike as well.

Same here. I can never see them on the same night as the link for the day's results never becomes enabled until the following morning (for me anyway)

That is a good way of mounting a bracket on the mono, it was an aftermarket option here in UK, but the twinshock Yam forks don't have the lug on the lower leg for the brake plate for the torque reaction. They had bolt on torque arms so this method isn't possible.

The biggest problem is mounting the caliper. If you know someone who is very good at aluminium TIG welding and does a neat job you can have a mounting bracket welded to the fork leg. It shouldn't distort the leg as I've had an Ossa leg done by a friend who is an exceptional welder, although TY175 legs are pretty spindly. The alternative is trying to fashion a bracket that somehow clamps to the leg. What I did was to make a copy of the caliper bracket of a Marzocchi fork leg as fitted to an old disc braked Beta, Fantic, JCM etc. (air-cooledtype) and mock up a fitting with the wheel and caliper from same bike on the Ossa leg. Only problem is that like the TY the Ossa has its spindle directly under the fork leg whereas the Marzocchis are leading axle so the caliper bracket needs to be shaped accordingly to get the caliper to sit correctly as the wheel and therefore th disc sits further back in the Ossa forks. Once that was done I had a bracket machined properly out of alloy (another engineer friend - what I'd do without 'em I daren't think) and then had it welded on. Then use the wheel and caliper from the same bike. There are a few being broken now. The old type discs and wheels aren't as 'attractive' or efficient as the more modern type but chances of getting reasonably priced modern stuff is slim. Before doing that however, have you tried genuine Yamaha brake shoes in the hub. The friend of mine who is the engineer has a TY175 and his front brake was poor also. He ditched the aftermarket shoes and used genuine Yamaha ones (there are about 4 different compounds apparently) and it worked perfectly. I've bought some for my Majesty but haven't been able to try them yet. They are the same as Yam mono rears, supplied by Steve Goode. Try him on 01938 850544 and ask for the same shoes that I've had - he'll know what you mean. They are around a tenner if I remember. Cheaper to try that first before going the disc route - which may be frowned upon anyway, depends where/what you ride. Dave

Thanks Kinell. Another new new on the trophy then. If anyone knows if the full results are posted anywhere at some time can they post the link.

Anyone know the result? Haven't seen them anywhere yet.

In terms of twinshock regulations, the only ones that exist from the ACU as far as I know are for the National championship. As Dabster has mentioned these just state that the machine must have been manufactured orginally using twin shocks. Not sure about their positioning. There is no mention of disc brakes as far as I know but I wish they would state they aren't allowed as they give an enormous advantage on sections where brakes are an asset (Phil King for example with huge drops down steep slippery banks with little run off at the bottom. No brakes = 5) It just enables people with engineering skills or money to fit them and gain an advantage. Twinshocks didn't have discs and for the National championship I don't think they should be allowed. Club trials is a different matter and it is down to individual clubs what they allow. Most modern clubs won't care as they just want people to ride and enjoy themselves but if it is a classic club and they have a championship then I think again - no discs. I'm not actually sure how much further the last/youngest twinshocks can be modified or improved in anyway other than what you would call minor tweaks to footrest position, shock angle/position, steering angles, exhausts etc. Engines on most have more than enough performance, front suspension units all worked very well by then so there's not that much to do. I don't think there is a problem swapping period components over, eg; 300 engine into 240 Fantic, fitting front forks and wheels from other makes, as it could all be done at the time but where do you then draw the line. An engine from a 305 into a 240. Engine from an air-cooled mono beta into a t/s 240. Yes or no? Neither was available in the twinshock period ie; pre '85. I have a spare Majesty frame and a TY Mono engine. I was going to build a Majesty using that engine as the last works Majesties were 6 speed and a different engine entirely from the Majesty lump, and different frame too I think (Peter Salt rode one in the early Sebac days) It would be a sort of copy of one of those but I'm not sure if it would be 'cheating' or not although it is again something that could have been done at the time as Yam monos were out in '83. As regards the Cotswold Majesty and the ER, my own view is that it is nice to see another variety of bike out there which is at least within the spirit of the game. They're different, as they're new and it adds interest. OK, they can be fitted with modern Paoili forks but I don't think they give that much of an advantage. However, they don't have discs and it is still something that could have been done at the time with any fourstroke engine in a mini Majesty frame. This is an interesting debate which could provoke all sorts of argument/thoughts but for me the biggest issue to address is no discs in the National championship before they creep in. The next issue for me is to address the routes and classes in that championship before it turns turtle again but that is for another thread. PS Dabster, that Yam mono with the twinshocks grafted onto it is alive and well and still being ridden down in the Wilts area in Bath Classic and Golden Valley events. Yes it's ridden in the t/s class and as you'd imagine is oh so slightly superior to the more legitimate tackle...

Hey Ringo, don't get the wrong idea now, not upset this end. Just thought I'd give you a tongue in cheek ragging for a bit of fun as I thought your response was open for it . It's all for banter and I knew you wouldn't take it lying down - although maybe you're used to being in that position in sections riding one of those Montmessy machines... Anyway, does anyone think any of us have helped JT25 with his original question...... or has it put him off trials for good

You're not the only one who'd like to know that one I think. I saw some very trick bikes allowed to ride last year without being docked the 10 mark or whatever penalty for 'non-originality' (that's a laugh) Other less trick bikes were docked the penalty. Depends on the components that they consider trick I think - or who you are. They definitely don't like after-market frames such as Otter, Faber or Wrighty's Bantam frames, but the copy James frames are ok though with modified steering... Looking at Andy's pictures I am sure I recognise a Bultaco frame housing a Triumph lump. I'm sure it is but it's partly obscured by rider so I could be wrong. Seems almost anything goes for engines as long as it's not externally obvious. Some cubs sure go and sound like Hondas. I entered about 7 times on a friends 1953 500 Enfield which is original and was unsuccessful every time so I have no idea how to get in. I gave up trying a couple of years ago.

Can you smell BS???? Definitely - if he was on the 315. On a Scorpa he may have made it..... Dear Ringo, your sarcastic broadside at my comments displays an arrogance that suggests only your opinion counts. My opinion was just that - an opinion. I actually said I didn't criticise anyone for their choice of bike. Each to their own and none of my business. I know you didn't say the Scorpa didn't have enough power as I read your post. If you had read mine properly you'd have noticed I never mentioned you or your post. Merely my opinion and surprise of other views that the Yam engine lacks power, based on general comments in this thread and others. Shame you didn't know about the STOCK two states of tune the Scorpa is available in too. Also mentioned in mine and DG's posts. Hope that foot tastes really bad. At least I haven't got mine in my mouth

I have to say it leaves me open-mouthed when I hear people saying the Yam engine hasn

Try Steve Goode at Welshpool 01938 850544. He stocks petrol taps for the Spanish bikes so may be able to help.

I've always used between 180 - 200cc 10 grade per leg in the Betor forks as fitted to Ossas and Bults. Lower amount to achieve softer action, higher for stiffer. I used 200cc 10 grade in my 74 slimline and they worked very well. In my opinion 30 grade is way to thick for forks and with good quality modern fork oil available these days I don't know why anyone would want to use the Auto trans fluid. Ultimately though it's down to personal preference and experimenting with volume and grade but the above spec. is good starting point.

Blissy photo was from Lower Norcott Farm group I think, only used by South Birmingham in the Mansell and the odd Midland Centre trial. Agree that the 4t Majesty is a nice looking bike - apart from the rear mudguard - prefer a better shaped one myself but other than that they look, sound and go like the dogs doodies. They are quite pricey but I imagine it will run forever with minimum maintainance so if it is your only bike it balances out over a period of time. Jon hasn't got a website. He'll be at the next round at Bootle though and all of the rest I believe. He had an ad in TMX very recently with a contact number.

Correct Dabster - and they are still a passion even after its crap brakes and duff clutch cost me 6 soft marks on 2 soft sections at the Mansell on Sunday. The frustration which finally burst forth in verbal form at the penultimate section was probably heard echoing around Wenlock Edge for hours afterwards. Wish I could help with where to get an airbox for a Gripper but I had the same problem when I rebuilt a 250 and 350 couple of years ago. Both were mashed but couldn't source one anywhere, even from the states, new or used so had to improvise with them and patch them up. Chances are though any used example you locate will be next to useless as they aren't the best construction. They can break apart at the mounting points and crack open here and there. I daresay that Spain would provide one (I never tried as I can't speak Spanish) and there are several specialists on Mats Nyberg's Ossa site that you could try. There is a story that somewhere in Barcelona there is a lock-up or such where there is an Alladin's cave of Ossa stuff, spirited away from the factory in the dark days before closure but no-one seems to know where it is. One day I will make the pilgrimage to find this Holy Grail of Ossaland. If I were doing a Gripper again I'd get an airbox made from alloy and re-position the mounting lugs so that it can be removed from the bike sideways through the frame tubes - from memory it has to come out the back which means back wheel out. Memory not so good though as I've tried to erase my time working on the Gripper..... Depends whether you're bothered about originality, personally I wouldn't be as I'd rather have an airbox that I can remove easily and that won't break again. It can also be designed to take a top loaded filter such as TY/TYZ Yam or Scorpa SY which are available and make servicing easier. As I recall getting Gripper airfilters was also a problem when I had one. If you're busy modifying it, moving the footrest position down and back and replacing them with modern pegs improves the riding position a lot too in order that you stand in it a bit more rather than be tipped over the front. Depends how tall you are and whether it bothers you I guess, but I've done all my Ossas and it makes a worthwhile difference to riding position/comfort. Hope you get it sorted.

The bike in Marky G's last picture is the bike that we get in the UK at the moment which retails at

Try speaking to Steve Goode 01938 850544. He may not have parts but may know a contact, who the original importers/dealers were etc. I remember a mate of mine bought one of the first when they came out and it was a seriously pokey bike. I've also noticed there are some being ridden in Spanish twinshock championship trials when I've been looking on TODO Trial Classic website so there may be some spares back-up there if things get desperate. They're badged as Merlins there I think.