neonsurge

Anyone know if the Eboracum CR trial on the 27th is the Kay Trophy event? Is it at Ouseburn as in previous years? The club's web site doesn't seem to have been updated recently.

Not sure if it's a case of needing to get real, it's more just having some consideration for fellow riders. Where there's a long queue for a section, kill your engine. Fire up when the person in front of you enters the section - that'll give you time to clean out if required. OK, it can be a pain sometimes if the approach is uphill, but it's only a little bit of physical extertion to push the bike. I'll occasionally light a fag at a section even if I'm in a queue I'll get off the bike and stand away while I smoke me gasper. I'm not trying to be holier than thou or anything, it just seems to be common sense. Looking at it differently, what's the point in unnesessarily wasting fuel and building up heat in the engine?

Completely agree. What I think is funny is the way that Dougie, Friexa and Fujigas feel the need to emphasise the fact that it's not the bike's fault. F1 drivers and the like tend to say "we had some bad luck" or "I made a mistake" whereas the HRC boys are like "we had some bad luck... but it wasn't the bike!" and "it wasn't the bike, it was the sections!" I just think it's funny and incongruous PR-speak, that's all

Has anyone else noticed that in post-event interviews and press releases, all of the HRC-Montesa riders are almost literally falling over themselves to state that their relatively poor results are emphatically NOT the bike's fault. From the Barcelona press release (there are many other examples - check the FP news): Dougie: "...I made too many mistakes and have again been left out of the final. It's disappointing, of course, but we are all aware of being involved in a very interesting technical project, and that apart from requiring constant work, we run the risk that the result could eclipse our efforts." Freixa: "...We all generally made the same sort of mistakes, as a result, I stress, of the type of obstacles." Someone's got those boys on a short leash!

Just remembered something that I was told back in my trailriding days: To stop sweat running into your eyes while riding (and to minimise the subsequent helmet stink), put a sanitary towel in the front of your helmet. Yes, an unused one (before the inevitable replies...). With the bicarb and Always Ultra, I realise that I might be sounding a bit kooky on this thread, but both work, honest!

At the risk of muddying the waters, I had a very bad engine knock on my '03 that was eventually cured by going up one size on the pilot jet from 30 to 32.5. If you've tried everything suggested here (as well as checking the timing), it might be worth a shot.

Bicarbonate of soda. A light dusting prevents cheesy helmet syndrome. Really.

Yes I'm serious. I like Jack Burnicle in the same way that I liked Murray Walker. Yes, he waffles like an old woman and makes numerous glaring commentating errors but he's just so damn enthusiastic that I can't help liking him. He DOES seem to have a background in motorcycling as well. Maybe not trials specifically, but having at least a passing familiarity with the subject matter gives him a distinct advantage over many commentators that I could mention, especially on satellite/cable channels. matt: It's Marseilles I believe. Unless Eurosport decide to show Sheffield again as happened on a couple of occasions last year when the round shown was different to that which was advertised. I haven't got it in for Eurosport, honest! They derserve credit for showing the ITWC in the first place.

Maybe I kinda miss Men and Motors' coverage although Eurosport seem to be giving us the full hours' worth this year and I must admit that I enjoy Jack Burnicle's commentary. He's like a (slightly) more coherent Murray Walker and is obviously knowlegeable and enthusiastic about motorcycle sport (which is more than can be said about some so-called motorsport presenters - Jim Rosenthal anyone?)

For reasons lost in the mists of time, my Rev3 was supplied minus a front light but with all of the wiring still in place. I'd like to eliminate all of that superfluous gubbins if possible. Only one amongst that big bundle of wires seems to be used and is currently connected to the earth point of on the upper yoke (along with the earth lead from the kill switch). If disconnect this wire and I stuff the lighting wiring down behind the headstock with the rest of the electrical stuff, where should this wire be grounded? I can't see any obvious earth points in that dark hole (although they're obviously there). Is is required at all. I'm not very electrically-minded (can you tell?) so all advice is appreciated!

I ran into this problem a while back - a couple of hours before the trial starts and I've just noticed that the clip on the split link is bent and a couple of the other links are damaged so I replace the chain. I don't want the adjuster cams pointing down 'cos I know it's going to be a rocky event but can't get the correct chain tension because of that bloody bolt! In one of my trademark "bodge it now and worry about it afterwards" moments I grabbed the Dremel and ground the bolt head flat where it was fouling the cam. It's still like that...

I also seem to remember reading somewhere that indoor trials is to be an exhibition sport at this years' summer X-Games. That's exactly the kind of exposure that trials needs - get the tattoo and nose ring brigade interested and big sponsorship money will follow.

How 'bout "ghetto smurf"? Or "frodo's underpants"? No reply necessary, take it to messenger you minature workshy gob****e

I've just bought an LDV Cub and had quite a bit of trouble getting reasonably priced insurance. No-one seems to want to insure a commercial vehicle for private use. Norwich Union (of all people) eventually came up with a quote of

I have a theory on this. I'll confess that I do not have a detailed understanding of the operational structure of the ACU and know even less about the equivalent organisations in other countries so if anyone feels the need to put me straight on any inaccuracies in this post, please do. However, I've often wondered if the relative lack of support for up and coming youngsters in off-road motorcycle sport (and trials in particular) is a consequence of the monolithic nature of the governing body. I know that the ACU has a trials and enduro committee but I'm sure that whatever committment those people propose to make to the trials community must ultimately be approved at some higher level (especially where such committments involve significant funding) and in today's world that inevitably means some kind of potential return on investment analysis being performed. That kind of work is usually undertaken by people with no real understanding that the returns are likely to be in either the very long term and/or not financial - prestige and recognition may be the only tangible results. "Welcome to the real world" you might say and in many ways I'd agree. But once again, remember that the ACU is responsible for all forms of motorcycle sport and if a purely pragmatic approach is taken to grass roots investment (as increasingly seems to be the case), then it's the more high profile disciplines that will receive the majority of the support. And in the UK that means road racing. Just about every one with a passing interest in motorcycle sport (and at a stretch, sports fans in general) have heard of the likes of Neil Hodgson and James Toseland, even if only because of the BBC's coverage of WSB and brief mentions on Sport Personality Of The Year and the like. Most people know what motocross is, even if they remember it as "scrambling". But most people also have no idea that the sports of trials and enduro even exist and that's the problem: No public perception means that any investment by the ACU above and beyond their core responsibilities as the governing body is likely to be considered to be a loss leader in a purely financial sense and is therefore less likely to be approved. It's a vicious circle. One obvious solution that's already been mentioned is an increase in membership and affiliation fees, but there's no guarantee that the increased revenue will filter back into the sport from which it originated. Motorcycle sport is almost unqiue in that the governing body is responsible for all levels if all of the diverse disciplines that fall under the catch all heading of "motorcycle". Take the FA, the LTA the ASA - there's a big difference between the highest levels of a sport and the sunday afternoon pub league but it's still fundamentally the same sport with the same rules so it's far easier to effectively distribute what funding is available to the areas that would best benefit the sport as a whole. Motorcyling isn't like that. How about breaking up the ACU into its component parts and giving each subsequent division autonomy over its organisation and finances in relation to issues that affect that discipline directly? The "parent" organisation could handle the more run of the mill aspects such as liability insurance etc. but the divisions would be responsible for planning their own budgets and development. This would allow the people with most knowledge and experience the focus their efforts where they will be most effective. This isn't intended to be a criticism of the ACU, just an observation that maybe it's become something of a multi-headed monster and motorcycle sport as a whole may benefit more from lots of single headed monsters being looked after by a benign keeper (if you see what I mean).

Yep, that's what I'm looking for. Thanks Boyd.

I'm sure I read a similar question on here a while ago but a search didn't turn anything up so here goes: I've just got a new (to me) van and it's white. Really white as in "how much more white could it be?" And the answer would have to be: "none more white". Which is OK I guess, but being the crazy rock and roll dude that I am, I'd like to break up all of that whiteness with a few tasteful stickers. Anyone know where I can buy some of those van-sized "Beta" ones? Failing that, generic trials logos such as a larger version of the common "silhouette" rider that many people have on their cars? Or are all of these custom-made? A bit of a daft question I know, but I haven't been able to find anything "off the shelf" (as it were).

I have a book that I was given as a kid called "Schoolboy Motorcycle Sport" by Ralph Venables. There's a photo of Dougie aged 7 riding a full-size trials bike (I think it's a Cota 348) and he's got that classic Dougie "total commitment" look on his face, even at that age. The caption says something like "...one to watch in the future"! The will to win has obviously been there a long, long time and I believe that as soon as Dougie feels that he's no longer able to compete at the highest level he'll quit. That's how real legends are made. I hope and believe that were a long way off that time yet, though. 10 outdoor championships?

I put 2004 plastics on my 2002 Rev3 a while back (mainly to get the better air filter access) and front and rear mudguards, airbox lid, fixings, seals and graphics cost

There's a big difference between legislation which is ultimately benefits society as a whole and that which borders on the violation of civil liberties. Ironically, smoking is one of those issues which has a foot in both camps and I guess that's why it tends to provoke such debate. Most people are capable of making sensible, informed decisions based on a well-developed sense of social responsibility about their lifestyle and how they interact with others. Unfortunately, some people can't and it's the need for legislation to accomodate this "lowest common denominator" that results in accusations of a nanny state. Fundamentally I agree with Ishy, but it's a very difficult balancing act for any government.

Well, I guess that it depends on how you look at it. From a purely logical, pragmatic standpoint then I'd have to say yes, the tobacco sponsorship was good because it enabled the organisers to provide the big screens, interval entertainment and a decent PA in previous years. Morally and ethically it's a different matter of course. But based on who's standards of morality? Blatant trolling - who'll bite?

Sorry mate, that wasn't what I meant at all and sorry if I've offended. All I was saying is that the influx of newcomers to offroad motorcycle sport is driving the cost of secondhand bikes up. The fact that more people are getting into trials can only be good for the sport and will hopefully raise its profile in the perception of the general public (which in turn might attact more money). I seem to be p***ing a few people off 'round here lately - I think it's time for a posting haitus.

FWIW, my tuppen'worth: If you concentrated really hard you could make out the odd word in the commentary from where we were sat. The rest was lost in a fuzzy mush. Martin and Wayne were obviously trying hard but I got to the point where I'd given up trying to understand what they were saying and just wished they'd shut up so I could at least hear the bikes and minders. Shame really 'cos last year the sound was brilliant and Martin's expert commentary was very useful and enjoyable. No doubt Dougie's failure to qualify for the final was the main reason for the very flat atmosphere later on, but the crap sound system certainly didn't help (and as an ex-professional musician and part-time sound engineer myself I know that with the right equipment configuration and operators it is possible to make a PA system comprehensible to practically everyone in an arena the size of Sheffield). IMHO the Montesa riders were definitely having to work a lot harder than the others on sections where large amounts of snappy power was required. Dougie in particular wasn't "on it" at all for some reason. Hopefully things will improve once the factory parts come along. More than one person mentioned that the Montesa sounds more like a 2-stroke with a broken exhaust than a "proper" thumper and I tend to agree. Maybe it was the ambience of the arena but it didn't sound as nice as it does on the vidoes I've seen (I've yet to hear one running outside "in the flesh"). Functionally that's completely irrelevant of course, but I'm just sayin'... Given the limited amount of time that he's had to get familiar with the bike, Cabestany looked awesome on the Sherco and I think he'll be Raga's main competition in the indoor series this year. It was weird how once Dougie had gone, everyone (around me at least) seemed to immediately jump on the Cabestany bandwagon. I stayed firmly in the Fujigas camp since my son is a huge fan! The sections were great. No lap scores of 3,4 or 5 like you see at some of the other rounds here!

At the risk of stepping on the toes of the great all-knowing oracle M4RT (ahem), I had this exact same problem on my '03 Rev3 and solved it by simply going up one size on the pilot jet from 30 to 32.5. As HondaRS mentioned, using a higher octane fuel helps (but didn't cure it completely for me). Good luck!