There are overwhelming reasons why riding in a higher gear is better on traditional no stop SSDT style sections. It is the equivalent of short shifting in racing cars or MX on slippery tracks to gain to improve traction and stability
From experience of watching (and riding) the SSDT in the 70s and spectating recently, I believe there are few sections remaining of the traditional, straightforward "blast up a rocky path" type which I think Dadof2 means. Most sections now are more brutal, involving launching over huge rocks or up severe waterfalls or steps. You'll still be riding over the traditional going, but between sections rather than in them.
Wow, VF guards. I 've still got a pair in the garage, along with a genuine Bultaco bum bag and a TT Leathers waxed trials jacket. Just waiting for 1975 to come back.
Yes, Richie Sunter did ride a works supported Kawasaki, in 1974/5 from memory, as did Nigel Birkett, in an arrangement through Don Smith with the importers. I think Alec Wright was involved. Kawasaki slashed their trials budget shortly after, meaning both riders were dropped, though both moved to bikes which one would think they regarded as more competitive at the level they were riding (Montesa in Sunter's case and Ossa in Birkett's).
Interestingly, Kawasaki then adopted a policy which in their words made every private owner a works rider, undertaking to pay a cash sum to any KT250 rider making the major awards in national or, I think, centre trials. Such was the relative competitiveness of the bike, I don't think they had to pay anyone!
I do agree with trapezeartist. If I observe I do it because I want to, not for thanks. Seeing others enjoy the event in their own way is thanks enough. I accept that some members of the human race aren't disposed towards offering thanks or even smiling. I'd rather they be themselves than blurt an unfeeling "thanks for observing" just because they've been programmed to do it.
...and that's certainly Aly Cameron tending to it in the photo.
If memory serves he won the 150cc award in the Scottish, the bike being prepared by Greeves specifically for that purpose. Thereafter he would have been riding a 250 through the year, which would explain the bike now having a 250 motor.
I have modern and twinshock bikes and from time to time ride a twinshock in modern trials, on the easier route. This gives a moderately challenging ride, certainly harder than the videos you refer to. So with a well set up twinshock you needn't feel restricted to riding twinshock-only trials to have a decent day out.
Have you tried deliberately relaxing the muscles at the back of the neck while riding? Riding with these over-tensed can lead to the pain you describe. Do the other riders in your trials suffer from similar pain while wearing similar helmets? No?
If this is what's happening, the agony would occur with any helmet or none.
I know from experience that on the Cota 247, the slot in the selector mechanism which carries the spring loaded pawls is not quite central, though it appears to be. As such it's possib!e to refit that part upside down which results in being unable to select all the gears. Could be similar on your bike?
I think, from personal experience, that within the range available the weight of trials helmets is of moot importance in that you put a helmet on, get accustomed to it and get on with the job of riding the bike without thinking about it. It is, however, one of those marketing points which can skilfully be used to prise money from your wallet. Money which could otherwise be used on essentials like tyres with a decent edge or gloves with colour accents to match your bike, depending on your priorities.
Gas Girlings were the hot tip around the late 70s, they were never fitted as standard on Bultos, or any bike from memory with possible exception of some Beamish Suzukis?
A lot could depend on the trials you will be entering: if they have a class for twinshocks/Pre 65s then you would be assured of suitable sections. If not, some sections could be a bit of a stretch on a twinshock, even on the easiest route.
Modern seems a wise choice if only because there is such a greater choice of bikes for sale so the chances of picking up a good one, rather than settling for something needing work, are relatively good.
I understand the importance of the BTC but wonder if this is an opportunity for Vertigo to do things differently. Instead of putting all of their eggs in one rider's basket, they could sponsor one or two top line riders in each centre with a deal on a bike (say, loan of bike for a year with payment for results). This would bring the bike directly into the vision of the buying public, who would see it winning in the trials they ride as opposed to the BTC which is a different world for them. That might sell me a bike. Dabill's win in the BTC hasn't.
Can't go wrong with Rockshocks. When I bought mine they made them up to suit my bike and weight. Believe the company is in differtent hands since then but guess they will still do this.
In those days it was not unheard of for someone to turn up to ride a scramble (not, please note, a motocross event - nobody had heard of that term) on a trials bike.
Correct. And, according to the current MOT regulations, a bulb horn is still acceptable on a pre-73 bike as long as it can be heard above the noise of the engine.
SSDT sections
in Trials Training And Technique
Posted
From experience of watching (and riding) the SSDT in the 70s and spectating recently, I believe there are few sections remaining of the traditional, straightforward "blast up a rocky path" type which I think Dadof2 means. Most sections now are more brutal, involving launching over huge rocks or up severe waterfalls or steps. You'll still be riding over the traditional going, but between sections rather than in them.