brightmix

Great work, Sir. I've really enjoyed reading about the build and, after seeing the final shots, I have to say you've done a brilliant job.

Hi all. Not sure if I am posting this in the right section but I could use some help from the more knowledgable amongst you. I bought a Gas Gas TXT 250 Pro (2008) from my local dealer recently and found out that the chap who owned it before me was around (I'm guessing) 11 or 12 stone - (154 to 168 pounds, or 70 to 77 kilos). I am a fair bit heavier at 16.5 stone - 231 lbs or 105kilos. Given that I am so much heavier and nowhere near as talented as the previous owner, should I change the stiffness of the rear and front suspension, assuming that it was either set up for the previous rider or was unchanged from the factory settings? Of course, I have been riding the bike and have got use the whatever settings the bike has, but I wonder if changing things to suit my weight would improve the feel of the bike and potentially my overall ability and enjoyment. If the answer is yes, I should change the settings, I'd be grateful if someone would talk me through how to go about doing it. I have read on this forum that the suspension should drop 1/3 when I stand on the bike. Can this be confirmed please. Many thanks in advance. Mike

Hi all. Unfortunately, my left wrist is in plaster after breaking my scaphoid bone a few weeks ago. I am unable to ride until mid October at the earliest and I am wondering if anyone knows of a suitable wrist protector that will allow me some movement but will protect the wrist from sudden jolts. Something that is protective, but resonably unrestrictive. Any suggestions/recommendations?

Any recommendations on what kind or make of wax?

Hi I am just wondering how best to look after my Gaerne boots. I wash them after every outing but just leave them to dry naturally. Should I be applying wax or dubbin to the boots to prelong their life or is that likely to screw up the waterproofing? Any advice welcomed! Mike

Hi Kluson. You may recall I asked a similar question a few weeks ago. Well, after a good look round I got myself fixed up with a 2008 model Gas Gas TXT 250 Pro. It cost more than I wanted to spend but having tried a few bikes it seemed to be the one most suited to me (it had one or two tweeks done to it to smooth out the power). I didn't like the Beta as it seemed to give me back ache very quickly due to the rake of the bike and the only Sherco's around were 290's and a little too much grunt for my needs. The 4 stroke bikes seem to be in a league of their own but were well out of my price range. I am amazed at the change in today's bikes. I rode a Fantic 300 last time out (this was 1988) and a Beamish Suzuki before that (1986). 20 odd years on and the only similarities is that today's bikes have 2 wheels and an engine!

Thanks for the reply and the welcome, Steve. I think with the Gasser it was me rather than the bike. I'm sure it's just a mixture of age, confidence, experience and comparison. My last bike was a Fantic 300 and a Suzuki Beamish prior to that. In compariosn, the Gas Gas seemed half as heavy and twice as powerful. The guy who it belonged to made it look very easy - and very smooth. That all changed when I got on it. I rode it - in a manner of speaking - but it just felt touchy and my jerky use of the throttle made the bike jittery. Give me a few days on it and I'm sure I would have been fine. I understand that by comparison the Betas are a little heavier and arguably smoother, albeit a different ride. Can anyone confirm or deny? As for the Scorpa, Steve, I have to say I would be worried about the availability of parts now that Scorpa have effectively gone. I do have my eye on a couple of Shercos. a 250 and a 290 (although, as you can imagine, the 290 does worry me having experienced the sheer power of the 250 Gasser). @ 16000 - I'll have a look into that. The choice is pretty vast!

Well, It's only courteous to say hi before I leap into forum land. So hi! I'm Mike. 42 from Leeds. I have been away from bikes of any kind for 20 years and feel like having a go again. I am probably worse than beginner, but have had my appetite whetted by the trial I attended today at Home Farm in Tong (West Yorkshire, UK). I'm sure you'll become sick to death of me asking too many questions to which you will all know the answer. Forgive me for knowing nothing, but I am a quick learner and keen to know. Cheers all. Mike

Hi guys. I'm brand new to the forum (so hello everyone) and would like a bit of advice before I spend my total budget of