mick

I can hardly wait! The pictures look great - so far.

Hi Ian You coming down to Hook Woods this Sunday, Twickenham's TVTC trial is on there. Mick (TVTC)

I have just put some decals on my sherco from express-signs try a search on ebay they do Beta ones as well and cheaper than the factory ones I'm not anything to do with them just a happy customer! Mick

Does the noise go when you pull the clutch in? If it does, its the clutch basket and plates, mine does it, it sounds bad but does not effect the running of the engine.

Normandy's TVTC trial which was planned for Sunday 10th at Reel Hall Farm, Shamley Green has had to be cancelled due to the bad weather, according to the landowner there is a foot of snow on the access route.

No problem, hope your lad enjoys the bike Mick

Hi Kluson I run this site: Thames Valley Trials Which consists of Normandy, Witley, Leatherhead, Surrey Youth and Twickenham clubs, we have trials around the Guildford area sometimes further as weel. Not sure if its too far for you? Mick

It has been said before, but if you can get to have a go on a few bikes first that may help. I think all of the bikes are pretty good nowadays. I've had an old Year 2000 Sherco 290 for 7 years now, and it still runs fine, its better that I am! Mick

I've been using a Dave Cooper rack with my Ford Fiesta for a few years now, without a problem. Sure you know its there but it works fine, in fact I think the shorter overhang between the wheels and the back of the car helps I think. One thing I do is add a strap from the rear seat belt mount to the handlebars or top of the forks, it stops the bike rocking back and forth as much. Mick

Hi Steve, I think I have a scanned copy of a spec sheet for the Fantic 80, if I can find it I'll send you a PM with it attached Mick

The trial is behind the small business park off Cattershall Lane, Godalming post code GU7 1LG. If you use Google Maps you might see it a bit better. When you first see it you'll think there is not enough room for a trial there but the land opens up a bit. Not the biggest area for a trial but enough for a club trial. We'll be setting up in the morning and the trial starts at 12:30pm, no observers, riders mark themselves. Dan, Peter come along and see what you think Mick

Hi Lingo, If you want to come along and ride no problem. The Sportsmans ride the red route same as the novices but just prefer to ride an easier route than the Blue (If that make sense!) So there is a Novice and Sportsman class but they both ride the same route. Mick

Yea i do the red/novice route myself but would not have come close to those sections. If you are ever looking for a ride in the general area then always check Normandy www.normandymcc.co.uk we have a club trial this Saturday or the Thames Valley combine www.thamesvalleytrials.co.uk (I do the website), they are at an easier level. Mick

Lingo how did you get on? I was punching cards on Sections 5 and 6. It looked a difficult trial to me, but there again most do!

I did changed the main bearings on my Y2K Sherco 290 a couple of years back, you'll need an extractor for the stator but the rest is pretty easy. Have a a look on the Shero website for Wayne's excellent manuals which descibe the whole job step by step with colour photos etc. I would check the wear on the piston as I only changed the rings as the piston was fine, and it still hurts to kick the thing over, loads of compression! That and new gaskets all round and it'll serve you well for many years to come. One thing I probaby could have done at the time but did not was change the clutch basket (I did the plates) as that is quite noisy when the clutch is out. Mick

We use newspaper delivery bags, ask at your friendly newsagent if they have any spare.

Very nice Marky, whats the exhaust covered in? Did you make it from carbon fibre sheet? Mick

May want to have a look at the clubs in the Thames Valley Trials combine, Normandy(Guildford), Witley, Leatherhead, Surrey Schoolboys, Crowthorne Youth, a bit further afield from you normally but we are down your way this Sunday near Henfield. There are maps and details on here: http://www.thamesvalleytrials.co.uk Mick

I am restoring a Fantic 80 for my son managed to get swingarm bushes from ebay. Anyone got any ideas where I can get Fantic 80 fork bushes? ID 32, OD 35 length 20 although the length is not that critical. I have tried Bob Wright. Mick

I got some from Sainsbury's Home Base! They stock a small amount of metal angle etc and some sheet and with that is assorted mesh Mick

The link to the manual is below Fantic 80 manual Enjoy

Thanks, again Dan If any one else needs a copy of the manual then I can post a link to it. Mick

Thinking about it I have some webspace so I could copy the manual to it and provide a link on here so anyone could get a copy. Is that OK with you Andy, any copyright issues? Mick

Thanks mcman a copy of the manual would be great, I have sent you a mail with my email address. I've cleaned out the carb and the airfilter and ran it up to warm it up seems to run a treat. I've drained the old oil and will top it up tonight and bleed the brakes then its ready for a first outing on Saturday. Thanks again Mick

Just got an early 90's Fantic 80 for my son. Its not been looked after that well but the engine sounds nice no rattles etc. I want to change the oil and before I remove the wrong thing wanted to check if the item arrowed below in red is the oil filler/dipstick? Any other info that people have would be very welcome. Mick