big john

Aha, manager of the 'Palais De Dance'?? Or was it 'Queens', whatever... Sure you were not the original owners' eldest son (Jim & Jean MacLeod) maybe? In that case you must be 'Norman', elder brother of Alastair then? The ground you mention was probably that of Dan Reid at Ballencrieff??? Ho-yes I know who you are then Norrimac! Bet you'll be surprised when you find out who Big John is then? You knew both my Mum & Dad. Best wishes, Big John

West Lothian?? I probably know you then? Have a good time at the Scottish. Big John

The SSDT uses vast tranches of private ground, there is no roving commission for the use of motorcycles, it is strictly at the behest of the landowners and in some cases their tenants. The trial organisers go to a lot of trouble to get the permission for the use of the competitors who pay a fair bit of money to ride the trial. Spectators pay? Yes you've guessed it, nothing! The right to roam legislation does not apply to motorcycles either! That is why spectators are welcome on foot and should park their vehicles considerately or where directed to by Northern Constabulary during the week. By venturing on to private ground with a motorcycle endangers the SSDT greatly, just read Highland Lassie's post about Leanachen Forest, that is Forestry Commission property, as is a heck of a lot of the course during the week. The Forestry have imposed a speed restriction on that section of the course and they are entitled to do so, it is their property! It cannot be stressed enough that following the SSDT on a bike, unless it's on the public highway, is an absolute no-no situation! Big John

Norriemac, The short answer is a resounding no. By riding off road at SSDT time could seriously jeopardise the event. And I mean seriously! Most of the land around Fort William is either owned by companies who have factors or large landowners. It takes a heck of a lot of work to ensure that the trial and it's officials are allowed to pass through and it certainly doesn't extend to spectators on motorcycles. You are welcome to walk to the sections, but certainly not by bike. Big John

Alvie Highland Classic entries are coming out very soon! Big John

Well done Mick, nice to see you at Kinloch! Big John

There are three adult SACU championship classes. Red Route - Premier Trials Championship (open to all adults status riders) Blue Route - Sportsman Trials Championship (open to experts over 35 years of age, Non-Experts, Novice riders) Green Route - Clubman Trials Championship (open to Non-Experts and Novice riders, championship can only be won by a rider once) Then you have Youth Classes, Pre65/twinshock and Over 40 classes. Big John

The road frame is really too long and too low for trials use. Try Andy Bamford, he used to make replica comp frames at one time. Most riders have put on 18 inch rear rims to get modern tyres for grip. Central Alloy oil tank is a good idea, keeps weight lower down and central and allows the use of a high level exhaust pipe and silencer set up. 1 1/8 front forks with the alloy top yolk is usual trials set up too, of course many have put in modern internals like Betor or Marzocchi. Amal Mark 1 carb suitably jetted, get a 24mm carb and use a pilot jet not a bushed pilot, My 350 runs fine on the folowing set up: Main 170; Needle 105; 2 1/2 slide; with a 30 pilot jet (no bush). Hope this helps. Big John

Is that burn fuel (black in colour) or petroil mix? If its petrol mix then it could well be a sticking float needle. This can happen if the fuel tap is left in the open position and the crankcase fills with petrol until it finds its way out thorough the exhaust port. Syphon effect if you like. If its burnt fuel, sounds like an exhaust gasket has given up the ghost. Have you whipped the exhaust off recently? What was the last thing you did to the machine before this symptom occurred? Big John

Ross, believe me 'Bigwig' is a very knowledgeable fellow, sincerely if he told me to do something, I wouldn't hesitate in taking his advice! I had a similar problem with the Matchless in 2004 during the Pre65, I went through heaps of spark plugs (I reckon I kept NGK going that year!) Turned out the carb had completely worn itself out (Amal 624) but having said that, the NGK 4 grade plug lasted longer than any of the other ones I had in my tool belt that weekend. A new carb was fitted up another Amal 24mm job and I doubt if I have changed a plug since! (except as a treat for the bike anyway!) Cheers, Big John

All I know is that they had different geometry for a start. They were also usually made a bit more beefy than standard production yokes to compensate for the additional weight of the chair. If you look at most of the photos of sidecar yokes you will see they were different from standard items. However if you want the technical lowdown, you would have to ask Robin Morewood or Mike Rapley on here as they rode the things! Big John

Barry Kefford Sidecar yolks! Probably best suited to a trials bike with a third wheel added! Big John

That Eddie Renham looks suspiciously like Dave Renham, presume they are related? Big John

Martin, try: http://www.sparkplugs.co.uk they will have what you need! Big John

To answer your question: All SACU trial events require that competitors are in possession of either a current ACU registration card; MCUI or SACU licence. Big John

Indeed Mr C. ! Big John

Strewth! Slow Talkin' Big John

God you are so passionate Munch! Sorry - no confusion at all! Big John

Problem being that the UK Importers, Sandifords stopped importing the brand. Pidcocks have taken over UK distribution but still a few unanswered questions ongoing. Sandifords are in liquidation, all their stock and fixed assets are on an auction site at the moment. Caroline Sandiford is in the middle of setting up a Montesa spares business (Jim Sandiford), see elsewhere on these threads. So a lot of confusion for several months. Big John

I think Tiger Cub shoes are the same size and fit! Big John

Charlie, PM me and I'll give you Colin's phone number. Big John

Can't agree, 669NHO was a development/experimental machine and production versions were not available until 1965. That is why the class is called Pre-65! The Sherpa N was basically a trail bike which was converted to trials by Dan Shorey. I also know that a Bultaco machine was indeed ridden in the SSDT well before 1965, I know Tommy Ollerton rode one in particular but certainly not a Model 10 (Sammy Miller). Big John

So I see! Birkett = Ossa Moto UK That's the original name used first by Peter Fletcher, then Cliff & Roger Holden back in the days of Mick Andrews. Big John

You were indeed a lucky lad Peter! I could only dream of the bikes passing my school! Big John

Aye right, you were trying to chat her up you mean... Arithmetic and Physics, that'll be right! Big John