handmadematt

It's the Mikuni. Once I'm more familiar with the bike I'll decide whether it's still a problem and might go down this route. Fair point. Thanks. I really do appreciate the advice. Cheers mate. You're right about preserving the bike, parts aren't so cheap but I went to visit the chaps at "In Motion" (I live locally) Who supply lots of twinshock parts. Nice guys with a good set up. They have plenty, shelves and shelves of Montesa parts and the 247's are easier to source parts for than say the 123cc. Dave said that as long as my bike is mostly complete they have enough to keep me running. Before I bought it the bike's just had new piston and rings with a rebore. New clutch plates and cable, new brake shoes, crank seals, sprockets, wheel bearings, coil, points and condensor (and now plug.) So I'm in good stead!

What do you mean "gas up?" This might well be my problem then... It's funny that it would be out of whack though. I'll see how I get on with giving lots of air on start up. When running I'm getting a nice biscuit colour plug so I don't think my mixture is to rich.

This was free and operated nicely but having the the float bowl overfill wouldn't result in running problems would it? Just petrol on the garage floor... There's an "overfill drain" on carbs, just like your bath to fuel out if the float sticks. I thought the needle valve was the thin aluminium "pin" or "needle" that threads down into the carb body from the throttle air slide, it's hight controls the richness of the mix. Thanks anyway though, brainstorming is what it's all about. I think the carb's working OK though, the engine runs really sweet. I was keeping the bike ticking over to warm it up and keep it warm having just ridden it around my drive for a few mins from cold. I experienced the problem earlier whilst I was out on a run and all my troubleshooting to try and solve my problem was done hours later in the garage. I felt it was important to have the bike at running temperature especially considering that my problem had been hot starts... If well maintained, adjusted and cared for these bikes will work perfectly nicely.

UPDATE. I've cleaned the carb out, I didn't notice and blocked jets but you never really know do you? I put a new plug in as well. Started her and let her tick over until she warmed up. Stopped her and then the same problem, I couldn't start her again. I removed the plug and it was harder to see if it was wet being all new and shinny but I burned off the fuel in the cylinder anyway and cooked the plug a big with the blow torch and put it back in. This time I kicked her with the throttle wide open... plenty of air. Instant results! Nice. I then let her continue ticking over whilst I put the fibre glass back on and then hit the kill switch again. Gave her a kick again with the throttle wide open, again instand results! I then let her run for 30seconds (which is a long time when your standing next to a loud bike tapping your foot) and tried again - she started great, and again, and again. Every time she fired up from hot with the throttle wide open. I think that's the knack with this particular old girl, she like lots of air to get her going again from hot. I'm used to my Enfield's where it's a cardinal sin to touch the throttle during starting, all these machines are different personalities and it takes time to forge relationships with them hey? I'll re-post to update how I get on over the next few outings.

Thanks mate. The needle valve is on the throttle slide yes? I think it closes fully, it certainly snaps closed when the engine's not running. It is still on points. The spark is good so I don't think it's the condensor or plug.

Thanks Charlie. I don't know how that could be the cause? (I'm no expert though.) Either way, the previous owner said that it's had new crank seals. There's no receipts for this but he was a lovely chap and everything else about the bike and the sale checks out and is/ feels genuine so I have no reason to doubt him.

Hello everyone. In the welcome area I was helped greatly with my decision to buy this bike - thank you. I am super happy with it and am thrilled to begin this trials journey. I took the bike out for a proper run for the first time today down the local byways and across a private estate, it rides brilliantly and I am amazed with how capable it is! I'm used to my Royal Enfield which is such a pig! Here are pictures from todays run: I am however having a few problems. I've never owned a two stroke before and I undersand the fine line between the intake and exhaust function, so is flooding a two stroke easier than a four stroke? So the problem: From cold I turn on the fuel, operate the choke (enriching lever) and kick it, it starts beautifully on the first kick. I then run it for half a min and turn the "choke" off. Then off I go. Once warm she ticks over lovely. HOWEVER, if and when she does falter or I stall her I just can't get her started again! I kick and kick and nothing. So the first time this happened I removed the plug and found it was very wet. I held a windproof lighter to the plug hole and it burned all the fuel out the cylinder with a squeaky pop. I then used the blue flame of the lighter to dry and heat the plug. I put it back in and it started first kick.. So I assumed I had flooded it somehow? (I hadn't re-engaged the "choke" or anything, I double checked incase it had flicked on on it's own.) Off I went. (I took the lighter and plug spanner with me.) When it happened again I thought OK, it's flooded so I opened the throttle fully and kicked it a few times to get plenty of air through but no joy. This time the plug was dry (it's a lovely biscuit colour by the way,) there was no popping of fuel in the cylinder with the lighter either. So I put it back together and continued kicking... nothing. Eventually I thought if it's dry maybe I should flick on the "choke" (enricher) so I did and still no joy until I thought, OK I've given it more fuel how about more air... So I held the throttle fully open with the "choke" on and she fired up first kick. (This was after about 15mins of trying on a cold windy day so she had cooled down considerably.) I then enjoyed the rest of my ride not daring to enter "tick over territory." Once I got home I tried and she ticked over beautifully. I left her running whilst I took my kit off and then killed it with the kill switch on the handle bars. Then I thought I'll see if I can start her again and I couldn't... not at all. Even after plug out, pre heat, plug in and every combination of throttle open, throttle closed, choke on and choke off. So dismayed I have wheeled her back in the garage that's that. I've checked the plug and I'm getting a really nice snappy blue spark. What gap should it be? Maybe that'd help? Basically I've experienced a flooding of my engine and also the opposite (I think.) She runs great when she does so I think rather than mechanical error it could be user error. Like I say, I've never owned a two stroke before. Advice welcome please. Many thanks.

Cheers guys, I'm super chuffed. I've noticed though that she is very loud. Much louder than I thought it would be. I didn't notice when I test rode it because I was wearing a helmet. I'm talking about the exhaust volume, not the engine noise. It has the two standard exhaust boxes fitted and I'm wondering if they've been adapted to be straight through and fee flowing making it much louder? The previous owner has cut a hole in the middle box because he said he "re-packed" it. It not has a patch that it riveted on with some high temp sealant. It's a neat job. What's the status quo?

I bought the Montesa. It's lovely. Thanks for all the advice. I'm really chuffed with it. I had a spin around a car park and then again around my drive way. It feels great. Shifting gears is a bit tricky but I will get the hang of it. The previous owner has shortened the lever (less leverage then I guess.) I was having to us my heel even to change up instead of my toes... If you can picture that? Anyway. She's a beaut. Here she is in my garage:

I think you're right which is why I reckon I'm going to go for the Montesa. It's fully "tricked" out and ready for competition.

So, the crux. The Montesa or the Bultaco? What will hold it's value better? The chance to buy a mint restored Montesa with lots of work already done and plenty of sensible clever improvements seems to good to waste..? I think with limited parts availability a restored one like this will not only be very useable but it will be a worthy investment. (I've been saving £1,500 to "repay" a savings account that I "borrowed" money from myself over the summer, instead of putting it back into the bank I'm thinking of tying it up in something I will actually enjoy. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MONTESA-COTA-247-TWINSHOCK-TRIALS-BIKE-1975-ROAD-REGISTERED-COMPETITIVE-BIKE-/121028319694?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item1c2dd999ce&_uhb=1 Anyone care to share an opinion?

Thanks, they are only 20mins drive from home as well... That Montesa is nice though and it looks like it's all been done! Have you had a read of the repairs/ refurbs and upgrades???! Wowzers. It must've cost more than the asking price to do all that?! I have read though that parts are discontinued.

He's got back to me now and has said he's looking £850 so I guess I could get it for £750. What do you think? Worth while? It's difficult because if I spend twice that I can get something really tidy and probably much better like this Montesa which has been all tricked out in a really good way: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121028319694?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 It's a more functional competitive machine in beautiful condition. However, that might be a problem though for me learning. I might be scared to damage it and it would be more of a tradgedy if I did drop it badly (which is inevitable to be honest! Ha.)

I understand you fully and I would like to get involved with a club and ride private land. I'm not so interested in competing, I never have been but I'm sure loads of people ride the classic twin shocks just for fun hey? Who knows though, it might bring out my competitive side! Ha. Some of the lanes near have some pretty technical parts though, I would like opportunity to practice on my own as well. I've actually already built a few obstacles. Portable stuff. I've got a box trailer that can take three bikes so I figure a skinny little trials number and a few bit and pieces like this would make for a nice little portable course. I'm thinking that I might even make some ramps to incorporate the trailer into part of a course. It's a strong one. I've also planned to get a 13foot scaffolding board to bolt onto one of these turned upside down to make a rocker/ seesaw. I have a largish in/ out drive way where I can play with these a little bit but not to much for the neighbours sake. With portable stuff like this I can take them down a quiet lane somewhere... Using my head and common sense of course I think it'll be acceptable to play around a little bit. Having a road worthy bike would be essential because I could do this and even go and set up a little something on an industrial estate on a Sunday etc. (I'd be prepared to leave politely if anyone had any objections obviously.) I've also been thinking about a Honda TL125 because it's not so noisy being 4stroke and my brother can have a go on his CBT. Any thoughts?

There is a disc conversion kit but if adjusted right the twin leading drum is great, it just needs (fairly but not to often) regular adjustment. I've heard some people say that the disc is as good as when the drum is adjested to it's best but it just stays like that all the time. There a great article with some good tips to get the drum working well with a small easy modification... I've done it and mine feel great. Here it is: http://www.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/pictures/content19/front_brake_overhaul.pdf I realise that I could shed lots of weight but like I said "When I'm a few miles down the byways I feel happy having the tool boxes filled with tools and spares, from cables to ignition bits and a pump and puncture repair kit!" She's a trail bike more than a trials bike. Bigger tank and great for whole days out in the country down the lanes with a picnic on your back. Exactly, I've thought about all of this and have just decided to get a more suited machine. The Enfield will never be what I want now. I'm happy with how she is. Both are 18inch.

I thought this would be the case, but in honesty I'm not so interested in competing, just ridding for fun. Who knows though, and it is best to keep my options open... I think road worthy'ness is more important for me and ridding for fun, it would mean I would get a lot more use out of the bike to be honest. There are plenty of trails and lanes on my door step. I think I'll own the Enfield until I die. The total project cost was only £700 and with all the fun I've had and will have she owes me nothing! When I'm a few miles down the byways though I feel happy having the tool boxes filled with spares, from cables to ignition bits and a pump and puncture repair kit! So to make a more capable bike I'd have to sacrifice at least that peace of mind to be honest, it would certainly shed a few kilos! What mods would you suggest? A sump guard? (Which would require a new high level exhaust because the current pipe runs lower than the sump.) A thinner and lighter 21inch front wheel perhaps? Anything else?

Hi guys, having introduced myself in the introductions area I thought I'd bring my questions on down here (repeated a bit from my intro.) Have a look in there to see pics and a video of me on my Enfield Trail bike that has introduced me to technical ridding. You can get to that thread here: http://www.trialscen...vid-of-enfield/ I want to get something that is preferably road legal so I can take it down the lanes and is lighter and more capable than my Enfield. I like old school and wouldn't mind something that would hold it's value so I've been looking around and have seen a Bultaco Sherpa 350 for sale which has caught my eye. It's on eBay here: http://www.ebay.co.u...984.m1423.l2648 What do you guys think? From what I can tell the frame should be silver and the rear mud guard is all wrong. The headlamp's awful and overall it's scruffy. But that is good, scruffy is cheap and it means I don't have to worry so much when I'm falling off. In the future a restoration could then in fact create some value in this bike, something which I really enjoy doing. There's a couple of nice ones on eBay going for over a grand (A couple at £1200 and one at £1500) so this shouldn't command anywhere near that price seeing as it's not 100% original and it's tatty. I've emailed him to ask about a viewing and the potential of a cash sale outside of the auction. I'd love to buy it for around £700 but I've got no idea really if that's good for me and good for him?? Anyone else out there who know's a thing or two? I have alternatively been thinking about something like this. A 1986 Fantic 241 http://www.ebay.co.u...984.m1423.l2649 It still has potential as an investment and would be more practical and better to ride? Not road registered though... It seems that only the older twin shocks are regularly available with a V5 registration document, am I right? Would it be hard for me to do this from scratch on a "daylight MOT" do you think? Or am I best buying a bike that's already registered? So, thanks for reading and I look forward to getting stuck in chatting on the forum. All the best.

A Thanks. I have a lot of fun with it. I have alternatively been thinking about something like this. A 1986 Fantic 241 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251196123232?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 It still has potential as an investment and would be more practical and better? Advice would be awesome.

Hi, thanks for the welcome. There's a couple of nice ones on eBay going for over a grand (A couple at £1200 and one at £1500) so this shouldn't command anywhere near that price seeing as it's not 100% original and it's tatty. I've emailed him to ask about a viewing and the potential of a cash sale outside of the auction. I'd love to buy it for around £700 but I've got no idea really if that's good for me and good for him?? Anyone else out there who know's a thing or two? Thanks again.

Hi. So I bought a doggy old stock Royal Enfield Bullet 350cc some months ago and got it running, bought a few new parts and turned it into a different animal! Here she is: (I have since fitted a smaller trials seat.) I've had so much fun ridding this bike all over the trails around where I live. A big heavy beast like this makes even the most gentle routes technical! HaHa. This technical approach to ridding has really got me thinking about trials ridding. Here's a video I made if you want to see: I want to get something that is road legal so I can take it down these lanes. I like old school and wouldn't mind something that would hold it's value so I've been looking around and have seen a Bultaco Sherpa 350 for sale which has caught my eye. It's on eBay here: http://www.ebay.co.u...984.m1423.l2648 What do you guys think? From what I can tell the frame should be silver and the rear mud guard is all wrong. The headlamp's awful and it's scruffy. But that is good, scruffy is cheap and it means I don't have to worry so much when I'm falling off. In the future a restoration could then in fact create some value in this bike, something which I really enjoy doing. Anyway, I look forward to meeting you all. It seems like a great forum. Many people on here from the UK? Cheers and all the best.