gandalf

Stone, Try to get on a Raga with the Reiger shock- very nice and worth both the wait and $$. My 280 Raga was delayed last year, but no regrets.

Wire spools make a good, movable obstacle. They can usually be found for free- just cut them off center to miss all the steel. These are about 48" in diameter . You can see the long board to the left(above)- it is three 10' 2x6s with hinges so I can fold it up and move it. Great practice! \\

This from 'Leanin' on US Thumpertlk- he rode the importers at the PA NATS- Gandalf, I test rode Dale's new 300 Raga at the PA national. Of course, I didn't ride anything big. But, was VERY impressed with the suspension on the rocks I rode. It was very smooth and soaked up rocks that my '10 GG 300 would've been bouncing over. I was much more impressed with the suspension than I expected. I was happy with my '10 GG until riding the new Raga. I expect you'll be very happy with the new Raga. I think Dale said he'd made a minor clicker adjustment to get the bike so smooth. But, I don't recall the exact details of the adjustment. If I was getting a new Raga, I'd find out and use Dale's settings since I'm not much of a tinkerer. Sounded fairly positive- maybe in a month I can tell you more about how they ride....

I know what you mean about looking similar to the Beta- If you get on it and the kick starter is missing- you accidently got on the Beta next to it! I believe the 2012 info may have come from a respected dealer that had this on his site- The Raga for this year will be referred to as a 2012 model and not a 2011 one. The 2011 will be skipped over for the 2012 instead. Since the factory

I have a 2012 280 Raga on order and it does make it interesting not knowing what its going to be- new rear suspension is all I know for sure. Beyond that I dont have a clue. The mention of color changes by Camberman was the first I heard. I am expecting mine in July. Keep those rumors coming!!!!!

Man- you must really hate working around the house! I'm no expert, but I'm guessing you will find the problem to be outside the engine case, Reeds or carb. I know I would have hesitate splitting that case unless I knew I had to. Good luck and keep us posted!

Does age matter? I am an aged novice(54)- started riding trials a few years ago after a 30 year break in any motorcycling. I try not to ride below 20F so much of the Alaskan winter I practice balance, no engine, in my garage. Balance is something that diminishes with age so I like that I am reversing that trend with this practice. Balancing indoors is not close to real riding, but ANY time on pegs is better than nothing. This is what I have learned- Drop the pressure in you tires when you first start, add air as you improve. Dont get into the habit of staring at the front wheel. Pay attention to your posture- as a newbie I am stiff on a bike- I work on stance, keeping shoulders 90 degrees from tire balance points, move around on the pegs. By doing this I have increased the time I can spend on the bike without getting a sore back! After you get the nack, add challanges like no hands, locking legs, elevating either wheel, extending legs for correction. Stabbing pegs to learn how bike reacts. After twenty minutes of balancing start exertion like hopping the suspension- good workout- good base for hopping. 'No engine' balance may sound like a waste of time, but I dont have much choice and it has allowed me a way to exercise and trials has become a major motivation for me to get in better shape. Hard to get too much practice at the basics!