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I think its a 'feature' with that model as Steve Forrest lost about three in one day in France one year. I cant remember the eventual solution, but give him a call as he will know. I seem to remember we tried different makes, cable ties, chewing gum etc etc! Otherwise, go back to the Beta ;-)

Barfy, Have mailed you.....

Just wanted to thank Mick Marshall and team for laying out a great trial yesterday at Steep Marsh, even though they were then not able to be there themselves to enjoy it. It was appreciated and everyone I spoke to enjoyed it. Thanks guys for putting something back into the sport. Even the heavy downpour just after the start didn't affect things too badly, although it did 'cool' down the poor observers! Section severity looked pretty good for all routes too, although I didn't have to try the whites! Thats experience for you...

Maxbikes - I am intrigued by your reply as the original manual says 0.9 litres. What makes you say that 0.8 litres is correct? Is that through trial and error? I am asking as I dont want to be putting too much oil in my own bike and thus grateful for your input - and also the recommendation on the oil that you use. Presumably this is for an 86 model too?

According to page 1-9 of the manual is says '0.9 liters' which presumably means 0.9 litres! As an aside it states that the recommended oil is 'Honda 4-Stroke oil or equivalent BP CORSE 30/Corse 40' - whatever that means! Good luck.

I would add that I had my 2009 for around 18 months and never had a problem with either the frame or the swingarm. Admittedly I don't ride World Round type sections, but it got regular Centre/Group action. I dont know what proportion of the frames failed, but if its looking good now then I would only worry when you have something to worry about

X-Ray vision Seriously, you can see from both ends where the internal pipes and baffle plate run, and he has experience of silencer fabriaction. However, this is to be a copy to save the original and as long as its close to the real thing then I shall be happy.

Hi All, I am in speaking to an exhaust fabricator in the South of the Country about making up a replacement rear silencer for my RTL250 (1986 model) as the original is unmarked and I dont want to risk damaging it by riding the bike (which I want to do....). The guy is prepared to make a copy of the silencer, which will be of the same style and proportions as the original, but not an exact replica, in that it wont have the HRC stamp etc as that would be too expensive to produce. Is anyone else out there interested in having one of these copies if the guy makes more than one? Obviously, this will make it cheaper for me as the cost will depend on how many are made. This is not an advert for his services, so hopefully doesn't flout any of the forum rules. I am not going to be selling these copies, I am just trying to gauge interest from others so that the fabricator will know if its worth making more than one. All I will do is pass on the details to him of how many to produce. If anyone is interested please let me know and I will let the fabricator know how many people might be interested. The fabricator is well know in pre-65 circles for his exhaust and other similar products, which are of a high quality. His work has been recommended to me by several people who have bought his stuff. Cheers, Eric

Many thanks Big John.... Any idea on the frame colour?

Hi All, Does anyone happen to know the specifications / RAL numbers for the RTL250 (1986) Red paintwork on the frame? Also, does anyone know the same for the gold coloured engine cases, or a suitable paint colour/supplier. I think that PJ1 used to do one but that appears to be discontinued now. Cheers for any advice or help,

It wasn't much considering the work he had to do to test the stator, amend, change wiring and restest. It was over a year ago now and I can't really remember if I'm honest. In any case it depends on whats broken and what you want changing - mine was less than £100 and more than £50 if I remember correctly. Bill has been around for ages and supplied me with lots of bits - he wont rip you off - you can be sure of that.

Hi, You don't say where in the world you are located? I had the same problems with my 240 and as you suspect it was due to one of the stator coils/insulation failing when it got hot. I sent mine to Bill Pye and he checked the stator first, confirming the issue and then rebuilt it and returned. He does a great service and in fact gave me the option of removing the lighting coils and rewiring the stator at the same time. Give Bill a ring if you are in the uk, he is 'old school' and what he doesn't know about Fantics.....

Thanks for the info guys. I will contact the Honda owners club. Trial_007 - I have already tried contacting Honda UK but they couldn't help....

Hi, I am now the proud owner of a very tidy and little used Honda RTL250SF which I would like to register. I have the original invoice from Paul Smart Motorcycles in Maidstone when it was purchased new in 1986, however I don't think that this will suffice as proof of age with the DVLC? I have contacted Honda and sent a copy of this original invoice to them (along with my payment) but they were unable to help - without saying why. Does anyone know of any other organisation or recognised individual that might be able to help in this regard? Also, if anyone knows where I can purchase a manual (I know - as rare as rocking horse ****) - or even a copy? Mine has black side cases on the engine and I wondered when the gold ones were introduced? Thanks in advance and sorry for so many questions, Eric

A team of helpers from RRND were at the Ockley last night, clearing undergrowth and fallen trees from this pleasant wooded venue, which features a stream running throughout its length. There is more water in the stream than we normally see at this time of the year, and as all the sections are in and around the stream it is probably worth wearing waterproof socks this Sunday if you are planning to ride! The team managed to clear numerous fallen trees, debris and undergrowth from the stream and some new sections were uncovered as a result. We have have pencilled in 12 sections which should be different to those used last year and the plan is to run the sections over the lower part of the course in the reverse order. The normal South Coast routes will be laid out but with no Yellow (beginner/wobbler) route as it is not possible to have sections in the lower part of the stream, steep sided gullies, which would be suitable for that route. The venue is in prime condition and with lots of parking we are hoping for a good entry on Sunday at this popular venue. As always any offers to observe would be most welcome, please contact me directly if you can assist in any way. Cheers, Eric

I would echo the response from 0007. Condition is far more important at that end of the market and this stage in your riding career. I am a great fan of the Beta 200 as I think its a great allround bike for the majority of riders, especially when starting out. (John Lampkin used to ride one - so that shows they are not just for the lower echelons of the sport!) In fact there is a Beta 200 in the classfieds at the moment (nothing to do with me - I just noticed it in there this morning) - that is the sort of thing that would do you well. Ideally you want something that has been looked after, not thrashed and preferably with a bit of known history. What can seem like a 'cheap' can soon rack up bills if it needs tyres/chain/sprockets - or worse still some engine work. Get along to a club trial and have a look around, people are always willing to chat.

I had similar hot starting issues with my 240 when I first got her. As previously mentioned it was one of the coils behind the flywheel that was breaking down as it got hot. I sent the back plate - with coils and wiring to Bill Pye who tested them and replaced the faulty coil. All has been good ever since. Bill has a lot of knowledge (and parts) for all things Fantic - so a great source of help and information.

Hope you enjoyed the trial! Looks like the club stalwart Mr Jenkins having a bit of trouble with that bank. Nice bike though ;-)

Thanks Guys, and to all the observers who braved the freezing cold. The scores were a little higher than we would have hoped - so sorry if the Blues (especially) were a tad on the difficult side...although Mr Farrell made things look easy! Very difficult to judge in that sort of weather if things will freeze and polish or thaw and churn up. I think we encountered both - with freezing early on and then a slight thaw later! Mr Blackman made light work of everything on the Experts route though, and looked very composed on the Ossa. Great ride! Non-stop sections and marking helped keep things moving, but I was still amazed that one youngster was trying to hop everywhere - and got himself into a right pickle!! EC

The three intrepid musketeers - namely Steve Forrest, Marcus Faulkner and yours truly have just returned from setting out the South Coast Group trial at Blacklands Farm. There is a fair bit of snow on the ground at the venue but the surrounding roads are clear so we should be all systems go for tomorrow. Those familiar with this venue will know that it features a rocky bedded stream and all the sections are plotted in and around the stream. There is snow and ice on the ground, so the sections have been laid out to take account of this and also the No-stop rules which are in place for this year. There will be no need for stopping and hopping tomorrow! 12 sections have been laid out with three routes (White / Blue and Red) with additional routes for Inters (50:50 White/Blue) and Clubman A (50:50 Blue/Red) also catered for. Please note that there is no yellow/green route for clubman/beginners as this was not possible with the ground conditions. It is planned to start riders at two sections in the morning, to get things moving - as it will be a long cold day as it is. There is also planned to be a time limit to ensure that everyone keeps moving and to minimise the risk of exposure for the observers! Any potential observers would be very appreciated - please see Tony Martin in the morning. Waterproof socks are recommended, as is a change of clothing - and if your name is Charles - please bring 3 sets of clothing this year ;-) Cheers, Eric

Perce, you have the essence of the problem in a nutshell there! It is very easy to sit at a computer/phone/whatever and spout comment on all manner of things trials related (and not) in these forums, but ask people to actually raise a finger and do something....Well thats a bit much!

I too rode the South Coast Group Trial at Faygate on Sunday and, like Jamie, I must admit that its not my favourite venue - especially in the wet. I rode the middle (Blue) route and thought that Steve and his band did an excellent job. It was the best trial that I have ridden there for a long time, and certainly in the wet. The sections were all 'do-able' and you certainly didn't need to stop and hop. I haven't seen the scores yet (luckily in my case!) but I can say that myself and all the guys who I rode around with and spoke to afterwards thought that it was an excellent trial. I must admit that I am (well) Over-40 and do prefer the non-stop type sections but this trial highlighted that it all depends on the experience of the Clerk of the Course to set out suitable and sensible routes. As was posted earlier, there is nothing to stop those that want non-stop trials to stand up and offer to run them / lay them out. Why not start their own 'Stop Permitted' clubs and see how many volunteers they get to help?

RRND are running the August round of the South Coast Group Championshipts at Beare Green, Surrey on Sunday 14th August. Unfortunately this coincides with the 'London-Surrey Cycle Classic' event which is going to cause road closures and severe disruption around Dorking. These closures will not impact the trial venue directly, but if any riders are intending to travel from north of Dorking, or via the A25 then they should plan an alternative route. We have been warned that traffic is likely to be very heavy on all surrounding roads from early on Sunday morning. Just as a reminder the venue is at Beare Green, near Ockley and will be signposted from the A29. Directions: If coming from the south on the A24 turn left onto the A29 (Bognor Road) at Beare Green roundabout. After approximately 1 mile heading west on the A29 there is a severe left hand bend with a road junction to the right in the middle of the bend. Turn right here into Henhurst Cross Lane (careful as it is a blind bend) and the venue is approximately 1 mile along this road on the LHS. There has been a working party at the venue this week and we have cleared a lot more sections further down the stream where the banks are much bigger! All riders are welcome, as would be any volunteers to observe. Cheers, Eric Clarke.

Another good tip is to pack a whistle (football referee type). These are ideal if you can't quite see the start of the section, and save you a lot of shouting when you are ready for people to ride. As others have said - consistency is the main thing - and enjoy it. Any hassle - threaten them with a 5 - they will soon shut up!

...and there are some people who have enjoyed several Beta's and never had a problem? As mentioned before - keeping things dry after riding / washing does appear to help. I can only echo the earlier points, buy on condition rather than age. Build quality on Beta is very good - especially when comparing with other makes from that period. I loved mine and now enjoy a 250 Evo....says it all really.