Probably a question I'll get beat up on, but I'm a new owner to a very custom TRL200 trials bike.  The bike rides Extremely well, but I've always rode 2-stroke bikes (Bultacos, TY's, SWM, COTA's) and just don't like the engine braking (after throttle is shut off), as it's quite noticeable and "jerky".  This is not clutch related on clutch engagement, as I already have the anit-jutter kit installed (which makes a tremendous difference).   I assume lower gearing would help some, but it's already been geared down.  Does anybody have any tips/tricks (besides "get used to it") or engine/head modifications? My bike has a ATC 200X head on it.  

p.s. I rode the TLR back-to-back against my modified Bul 199A in an intermediate to difficult vintage rolly rock section and the Bul turned it into a novice section. Thanks.       

2 hours ago, jimg said:

 I assume lower gearing would help some, but it's already been geared down.

I think taller gearing would be better than shorter gearing.  Prove this to yourself by putting the bike on a stand in 1st gear.  Attempt to turn the engine over by turning the rear wheel.  Pretty difficult, right?  Now, try the same thing in top gear.  MUCH easier.

Another thing would be to set the idle speed higher.

What he said 👍 Not having seen you ride, we think you need to shift up a gear and pull in the clutch more to coast on deceleration.

Does this bike have higher compression?  

Yes, bike has higher compression than standard TLR head/piston.  My bike has an ATC 200X upper and should be at 9.6:1.  For what it's worth, I ride at a high level for being on a vintage bike.  Have several National titles on vintage bikes (USA)... it's all relative, but in general, I'm competitive at an advance level (vintage).  I ride with the clutch probably way more than I need to/should.  Thanks for the input!  I think with more time on the bike, I'll overcome some of these initial challenges I have.       

50 minutes ago, jimg said:

I ride with the clutch probably way more than I need to/should.

Seems like that should solve the problem.  I did not suggest that as a solution because it seems most vintage riders would prefer to clutch as little as possible.

When I transitioned from a 2T to a 4T, I basically pulled in the clutch whenever beginning to decelerate.  Then I'd slip the clutch until I got the "correct" amount of engine braking for the situation.  Now with an electric trials bike, it's exactly the opposite problem.  So I have engineered-in a small amount of automatic regeneration on closed throttle.

I have lots of years riding vintage as I started riding in 1972. The TLR beauty queens are very tempting to own, But at the end of the day they are not a true trials bike. If you actually have a real TLR and not the reflex model they are barely a little better. All our vintage events seem to be dominated by ty 175`s or tricked out TLR200`s. Neither of which were competitive back in the day.  I would go back to riding the Sherpa T. I have a good friend that bounces back and forth between his Honda and the Bul. He wants to ride the Honda, but it is very limited in the real sections. I actually loved a Montesa 200 for vintage, but got tired of keeping it running. Good luck.

Lineaway.... I agree!  I want to ride more of my tricked out TRL200, but at the end of the day, my Bul or SWM Jumbo are the better choice if I'm concerned about competition.  Heck, my 1977 TY250 that has modern updates isn't far behind my Bul and SWM for rideability.  I have a Cota 349 (white wonder), with some decent mods, and I'd say that's down my list for riding, but it's a well-designed bike and I still can figure out why it doesn't ride better than it does.  Thanks for the input.  

I did have a "real" TRL250 (1986) that I restored, and I didn't like it, and sold it.  The way my TRL200 is set up, it's much better than the relatively stock TRL250 I had.   I rode a buddy's Mostesa 200 a few years ago and wanted to buy it from him... they do ride very nice.         

Jimmy Z rode our last event on his new 301 Montesa and had quite a fun day. The 301 is the only 4 stroke that does not have alot of engine brake  Good luck figuring out what you want to do  I gave up on the vintage, but I do love it!

How's your throttle freeplay? Having too much always makes engine braking feel abrupt to me on any bike.

bigboi, I'll check my throttle freeplay.  Thanks.  

Decompressor defeats engine braking, at least it did on a BB34 Goldstar 😎 that was the only bike I rode with a manual decompressor.

On 10/8/2024 at 6:12 PM, konrad said:

Now with an electric trials bike, it's exactly the opposite problem.  So I have engineered-in a small amount of automatic regeneration on closed throttle.

How did you do that?

20 hours ago, trapezeartist said:

How did you do that?

https://www.electricmotiontech.com/home/em-epure-race/regen-experiments#h.7lz2uhjj7x3c