jon v8

My opinion is that the Yamaha will always be a better bike in terms of getting results. But its not always about that - And I do own both... I like both for different reasons, the Yamaha for its ability and honesty, Yamaha and Mick Andrews knew exactly what they were doing and the bike in standard form is very good. Honda and SHM also knew what they were doing, but the weight of that engine is always against you. But the soundtrack from the Honda is in a different County ! And its a great feeling to do well with the Honda, the same as my rigid AJS when you clean a section that others on modern bikes sometimes don't. Its all about the rider and their personal choice, I went for both...

Sorry Neil, my situation is such that I cannot take on any work. I am overloaded with my normal work of repairing Landrovers, and I am having to spend more and more time looking after my parents. My own projects with bikes are just gathering dust, I don't want to make promises I know I cannot keep. I hope you understand,life isn't always how we would like it to be.

I use chainsaw chain oil, its cheap, non fling and veggie...

Hi Neil, yes I still have the jig. Sadly it has been slightly damaged, not beyond repair but its way down my list of things that need doing. If you could wait till next year, maybe Feb/March I could do it for you. I don't really have much in the way of measurements as I just built the jig around the Majesty frame I had in for repair. Cheers Jon.

Try this; https://goo.gl/photos/KQUEskM3Hb1eL19g8

Had you thought beyond a Bantam ? I was observing for a bit of a change at that GV trial. Amongst the entry there were some lovely smokers, Cottons,James and Francis Barnett. Then of course there are also Dot's and Sprites.(Among others) These often have the later 250 Villiers motors in them. These can be absolutely cracking bikes. But like the Bantams, not cheap if you spec them up.

I am very aware of the situation of what happened with the old setup at BVM when Kempy was in charge, I have been a customer of BVM since about 1985, but I am referring to the current situation with BVM, we are very lucky to have such great service from them, and from John and Matt at SW trials. It is up to you to ask the question of them if there is a problem where the bike needs to be returned.

SW trials are enthusiasts just like BVM who are more local to me. Trials is a very small world so there is no point in them selling rubbish or ripping people off, word would go around in no time. John who runs it is a nice bloke, always got time for a natter and a laugh.

Yep, I wouldn't buy one without a visor now,especially for long distance trials with road work.

Electric trials toys are irrelevant really in terms of the world, it really doesn't matter if they are petrol or electric. They are first world toys. The bigger concern is in places like India and Africa where motorcycles are basic transport and ridden / worked to death every day as basic transport. Is the world going to go over to electric instead of a petrol Honda Cub or CG125 ? Then you have a bigger set of questions to address... I've ridden a couple of electric trials bikes, they are not for me. I found them difficult to judge how much power to apply and getting grip on very slippery turns the last time I rode one was difficult for me. To the extent that I was dabbing on tight uphill turns where I could repeatedly clean on my C15. So to me the note and feel of a petrol engine and finding grip in slippery conditions is what trials is all about to me. Take my petrol bikes away and I'll stop riding trials. Probably be different if I had never been enjoying what I have known for the last 45 years. My youngest trials bike is 46 years old and the oldest is 73. None of them are even close to being worn out, so very unlikely I'll need an electric bike to replace them...

I would say the exact opposite, I've yet to see one of those Mikuni carbs worn out. All of mine have been extremely reliable and easy to tune. People do swop them for Dellorto and OKO, but I can't really see the point. The TK carbs don't seem to be as good.

Or you could try Terry Weedy - https://www.terryweedy.com/tanks.html

The other thought is a Mitas. https://bvm-moto.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=529

The main thing after the bike being in good shape is to make sure you and the bike have plenty to drink. Running out of fuel is my main worry in LDT's. I rode the fantastic South Devon Woo Hoo on Saturday and got through nearly 3 tanks of fuel in my old banger TY250. Every opportunity to refuel myself and the bike are taken. Knowing that the bike is all up together so you can just ride it without worrying is a big thing too. My TY looks like an old garden shed, but mechanically it is spot on, this is important with a 45 year old bike. Even more important when I ride the Arbuthnot on a 73 year old bike this year.

Several clubs around the West country, including my own Ashwicke Classic club - Offer a Gentlemans route, this is where you ride into the section then ride anyway you like to get out through the ends cards.(As long as you don't cross your own path) We encourage novice riders to use this class as it gives them complete freedom of choice as to how hard they make their ride. If they wish to follow the clubman route thats fine, or if they are finding it all too easy they can ride the expert route. They can do exactly as they please to work out where their skill level or nerves will take them to.