smarty156

The problem I have with the no stop rule is that it can be very harsh. Someone can ride a section well and clean it but because they stopped briefly at noe point they should get a 5. There's nothing in between. I think, therefore, observers tend to be more lenient. The trouble is then that the better riders then take advantage of that, knowing the observer can't give them a 5 for a brief stop as they just let a lesser rider off. I actually like the concept of no stop trials but I think a 5 for stopping is way too harsh. You end up with widely differing scores and not much in between, especially on easier trials. I for one wouldn't want to go back to the days of riders taking 5 minutes to get through a section balancing and hopping forwards, backwards and sideways. I think they need to stick with no stop but instead of 5 for stopping it should be a 1. No other changes required. Then you can stick rigidly to the rules and people wouldn't get upset. I observed yesterday for the first time in years (normally ride) and I had a section with a tricky tight bit between trees where people were getting their footrests stuck. If I had applied the rules strictly, virtually everyone would have got a 5 apart from a couple that cleaned it. I ended up telling people that if they stopped momentarily as their footrests got stuck but then heaved the bike out straightaway they'd be fine. If they sat there struggling and spinning they'd get a 5. Seemed to work ok and everyone agreed but I shouldn't have to make up my own rules so everyone can have an enjoyable day.

Quick update - tried MSM Insurance but they wanted £235 and it needs to be road registered adding to the cost. Spoke to DVLA about registering as an off road vehicle and you will only get a Q plate - there's no option of getting an age related plate even for a new bike. Will stick with Carole Nash and not registering (other than with DNA+).

Finally managed to get a quote from Carole Nash based on the reduced price of £4,700 for the new Gas Gas Pro 300 Standard (although they couldn't find the exact bike on the system!). They want £199 with a £100xs. From what others say that seems about right. Also get £250 tool cover and a DNA+ marking kit for free. I think registering as an off road bike is also a good idea, even if it just helps identify the bike on the insurance database. I can then etch the reg number on parts of the bike. Along with a ground anchor, chains, alarmed garage and cctv camera not sure there's much else I can do. To be honest, I'm happy with my security (as much as you can be) whilst I'm just at work/home. It's when I go on holiday for a couple of weeks that worries me. Due to the value of the bike I'm going to go with the insurance. Thanks everyone for your help.

Anyone use DataTag?

Telecast - perhaps I'll try again. How much did they charge you? Dadof2 - how do you register it for off road only? Who do I insure it with then? Thanks for the replies.

What did you put down as the value? I just phoned CN re the same bike but they wouldn't insure anything over £5k at all.

Been looking to insure my new Gas Gas (not yet picked up) for fire & theft from home as it will be worth £5k+. I tried Carole Nash off road insurance and they won't insure anything over £5k at all. I can't find anyone else. MSM only cover road registered bikes but I don't need to register it on the road and doing that will also make it more expensive as I'll have to tax it as well as register and insure it. Anyone else do off road theft insurance?

Today: http://www.trialscentral.com/headline-stories/15828-gas-gas-goes-retro

I see the 2014 Factory Replica was announced today, about 2 weeks earlier than last year. On that basis, the 2015 Racing will probably be announced early June. I'm thinking I may be better off waiting to either see what the 2015 bike is like or possibly get a bigger discount on a 2014 bike. I guess the risk is they sell out of the 2014 Racing and there will be no discounts initially on the 2015 bikes. Hmmm. Decisions, decisions.... Mind you, I've got a road bike to sell first. Anyone in the South East want a mint 2007 ZX6R? :-)

Thanks for the PM. I've had a go on a 280 & 300 Jotagas, a 2013 300 Racing, a 2014 300 Racing and a 2014 250 Racing Gas Gas. They're all nice but I've been a Gas Gas man for years. I was actually very impressed by the 250 Racing. Couldn't actually tell much difference between that and the 300, although I wasn't trying to do much as they were other peoples bikes. I suspect in the mud and bigger stuff the 300 would have the edge with being easier to pull bigger gears and use the torque, which is how I like to ride ("old school" as I was told recently!).

I'm in the market for a new Gas Gas 300 Racing. I see they've just dropped the price of the Standard version and now I'm just wondering whether I should hold off buying the Racing. When does the new model traditionally come out? Presumably they may drop the price of the current 2014 model in the run up to the 2015 coming out? Also, any news on what they might change and if/when a Factory Replica is coming out? Another thought - with the price drop the Standard bike is now around £900 cheaper than the Racing. I see you can buy a Keihin carb with Raga reed block/inlet manifold for around £265. Other than the rear shock, are there any other differences (particularly engine wise)? I know the discs, front caliper and rear wheel adjusters are different but frankly I don't really care about that. Buying a Standard plus a Keihin would still save around £600 and I doubt the rear shock would make much difference to me (was an expert rider but tend to do mostly Over 40 route these days for fun). Any thoughts greatly appreciated.