slapshot 3

You'll be spot on

Do you think this is wise living in Stonehaven? Think I might just be at the door waiting..... Does look superb doesn't it, the 07 2T looked superb at Lumsden recently but even from Roy's pics it looks awesome......now wonder what mater and pater have bougt me for my 40th Birthday pressie......

Just seen the pics and WOW, it looks amazing. Can't wait to see one next to the 4RT just to see how much of a diet honda will have to go on to match up to it. It looks fantastic and Santa please don't scrape it coming down the chimney, I'll leave the back door open

All, granted my initial response was a little tongue in cheek however reading throught the thread many have highlighted the variables involved in creating traction/Grip So let's discuss: Grip - a colloquial term for the frictional interaction between two surfaces Traction - the dynamic process in which a force is applied directionally to a surface inorder to propel the body applying the force. Dynamic Grip - directional application of a friction force to create propulsion in the opposite direction (newton's third law) If you read through my first post, all those factors I noted are the dynamic functions necessary to create the propulsion elements in the puzzle, the creation of the force that moves us forward. The element of the TYRE is far more important than suggested, otherwise tyre companies would not go through this process to create the best possible tyre and compound for the job whether it be trials, motocross, F1, Rally, you name it. Let's assume that all trials tread patterns are the same the only difference is rubber compound and wall construction, more physics and engineering. The tyre companies have done this work so assume again that the Michelin X11 (tubeless ) is the best tyre available and in all instance we assume this is used. We use a constant tyre pressure as well say 7psi. Back end construction is fairly similar these days wheel, tyre, mudguard, swinging arm therefore weight is similar as well. What makes them different is wether they are Linkless or have a linkage. We assume every test is done on a Beta (linkless) suspension and again assume that Beta have done their homework on the bike to create the best balance between weight of the bike and the ability of the suspension to keep the wheel on the ground. We have created the experimental control, the same bike and the same tyre all the time. How do we vary this, stick a rider on the bike and instantly the variables change but the emphasis is always the same, keep the maximum contact patch in touch with the surface and its here that our rider comes in. Unless we apply this force in a certain direction (thrust) the bike won't move (Newtons First Law of Dynamics) and to do this we use the contact patch of the trye to create a patch of FRICTION on the surface we attepmt to ride over. Take fat useless git rider, me, I get shed loads of fives because i can't keep the Centre of Gravity balanced so the bike and I topple over or my feet go down to help regain the balance. I lose the contact patch too easily or I create a patch that I can't control. Now take skinny genius, call him Lamkpin if you like, He has an inane ability to balance the forces that control the bike in any terrain thrown at him he can subconsiously control the balanced centre of gravity of the bike at whatever angle it's at by altering the way his weight (weight = mass x the force of gravity(assumed 10m/s/s)) applies force through the contact patch of the tyre on the surface, using his weight and it's position over the bike and throttle control (controling the propulsion available). So ultimately we prove that what creates traction or grip call it what you will, is the rider and his relative ability to balance the forces acting on him and the bike and how he uses the power available to propel him over the obstacles presented. There's lots more to it but it's too many years since I studied physics in depth and I now have a headache, I prefer the simple answer....because it does either that or 42........

might be pushing it a bit... don't those ones just calculate the bonuses the underwriters will fiddle you out of???

Would be better if KTM invested some cash in the Beta factory to develop the Rev three and the new 4 stroke. Bigger companies helping the little fish out, would be beta all round Seriously, where would Montesa be without Honda

Black day for English Rugby .....Mrs Slapshot has already given me a thick ear for this ....worth it!!

PHB there is a place on the web called Pricerunner with nikon D50's for sale at just over

My old man swears by Barbours but then he's even oooooolder than Big John

FANTASTIC Can't wait to see some piccys

Get looking everywhere just now because there are some superb deals to be had. As hillary says

Hi Chris, hope you didn't lay out much cash before you found the problem.. The one my dad bought just after me was screwed till the first time I went down the road (they live in the west of scotland) we stripped mine and he mirrored the wiring in it. Worked fine, then the cdi packed in!!! glad you got it going Donald

clicky Bet there some gorgeous classic American bikes in among this lot......mind you Andy would probably be more interested in the WW2 Flying helmet and goggles

My sexy new Canon 30d is nice........

It takes you as long as 5 minutes.........It's only the times

My dad's uncle was a dispatch rider in the far east during WW2 got one or two pics of him astride a BSA in Singapore, a Fort William man but hated the Scottish, think it made it more difficult for him to get to the Bar in the Nevis Bank for a week each year; my grandfather (his brother) flew Spitfires. We need to remember the individuals who gave their lives not just in WW2 but all other conflicts as well. We will all have links to victims of 20th Century conflict, the first time conflict became truly Global.

Andy, Any connection to last years Scottish .........

You also have to factor in the mighty Dollar/Euro/Pound whatever. Every rider at the top end of the tree wants the big payday and at the minute I think only Montesa/Honda have that kind of scope and looking at who they have, it kind of says that. Look back to what happened with Steve Saunders ... obviously my next statement may or may not be right however: Steve is #2 in the world on a rival marque, Fantic make him an offer that's extremely difficult to refuse he never hits the heights again. From an outsiders view, that was as simple as Fantic protecting Thierry Michaud but I could be wrong. Thousands of cynical trials fans may have similar views. Steve on the Honda was an amazing thing to watch, so is Bou on a Beta.... if you catch my drift. Can Beta afford someone like Doug, Adam, Fuji or Toni, probably not. Outwith the top 5, privateer teams with works bikes are probably the only option for many, like TTT. Wh knows what will happen, however, I suspect that one or two of these companies need to snuggle up to one of the big few companies still out there soon ..... any clues anybody

I think having the major manufacturers involved is vital and would love to see Kawasaki and Suzuki properly join Honda and Yamaha in the trials game. They need to do what Honda did and seriously link up with the likes of Beta or Fantic or Sherco or whatever other combo you want to look at. Remember montesa were dead and buried before Honda bailed them out....now look, that is the right formula. I suppose our market is not big enough to warrant them moving in otherwise what money there is would have to be spread much further around, however if the little companies don't link up they will continue to struggle. I don't know that having only 5 manufacturers is that good for the sport either, KTM, Aprillia get some of these other companies in too. Interesting conundrum for the sport, be interesting to see where it goes

barry, That's bad news mate, keep smilin' you're friends on here are all thinking about you. Slapshot

Bl**dy Hell 'K' thinking of riding again? Message to club more route markers required GPS......Is bigfoot havin another crack to act as a guide

Drop over sometime

I don't know what you're doing on here BJ, at least Dom tries to start his, you'll be still be giving half of Inverness the guided tour of your 4rt & not even considered starting it yet. Sorry Perce, have to contradict you mate, I HAVE seen the Big John 4RT, started, moving around large field and almost getting dirty

Unfortunately on Day shift, however their was athreat on Sunday of moving it because there was so much needing done at Lumsden in terms of tidying up. was going to be sorted out at next meeting (tonight). if it changes let me know D