zippy

This thread and forum is in my opinion conclusive proof that observed trials is exceedingly more popular in Europe than in the States. Here is my reasoning: Theives in Europe actually know what a trials bike is and therefore steal it (nick it). Theives in the States stand there for 20 mins looking at said trials machine trying to figure out if it is worth stealing a bike that is being repaired. (Hey man, the seats gone. yea man this bike must be broke, the guy must be rebuilding it. besides what the heck is a _________ (insert manufacturer of choice) **** it let's get the Harley down the block.) All joking aside it does sound as though there is a rash of bike theft over there that we don't see in the States. Not sure if this is the same for all motorcycle disciplines or just trials bikes. Besides the Missus would never let me put a bike in the house, I even told her that it makes great decoration.

Biff, You are always welcome to camp out here. I don't know if the missus will make lasagna again but I could always give it a go. I got the grill all warmed up. The 2000 parts book is a bit confusing to me.

Thanks

I have a 2000 Sherco 2.9 with Paoli forks. I am changing fork seals, while doing the left fork (this one has the brake caliper mounted to it.) I noticed that the rod that goes up and down in the fork is loose. I turned the fork tube upside down and the rod came falling out. There are 2 plastic (possible teflon) collar-type things inside the fork tube. The rod has a collar at the top. is this rod collar supposed to be between the 2 plastic collars or is this normal. One other thing if the spring is reinstalled the rod pushes directly against the spring and everything stays together, also the rod has some scratches on it.

Here in the states you can't get anything that screams quality more than a highly sticky and thick gray colored Duct Tape!!! Why I have even seen a car whose entire front fender was Duct Tape. Very versatile stuff, gray seat tape, gray boot tape, gray body filler tape....the list is endless Duct Tape the handyman's secret weapon. (borrowed that one from the Canadians' Red Green Show)

Look on the bright side, The new bikes only use 4 bolt holes you could just say its a 2007. It don't matter if the bolts are evenly distrubuted right? Just being a goofball as usual

I see Mr R2W is the instigator, we all need guys like him when we ride. I go riding with Biff and he says "You can do it, more gas" as he sits waiting with a smile. I gotta say thank you to a guy named Pat, he has played "catch" more than once for me when practicing, and has agreed to be my minder for the National in Ohio. I gonna ride the easiest class I could sign up for. What would the advertising cost be for the underside of the Sump Guard? A years worth of levers, fenders, and rims would get mighty expensive.

I will have to check out the R2W Trials site more often in order to keep up on the goings on. Barry, That bike is definately standing on its head. You may not want people to think you are a good rider but you are not a horrible rider either. There is just something about a guy that obviously enjoys the sport very much and looks at an obstacle and says "I can do that" and sometimes he does and sometimes he doesn't, but he laughs it off when he doesn't and gets right back up and does it again (the man just don't quit). Also he is not afraid to tell the whole world and provide pictures when he doesn't make it. It just makes for an enjoyable read. Thank you Barry for the smiles you have provided.

I really enjoyed reading about the adventures of Barry (well except for the finger one). Have you been back on the trials bike? Is your confidence returning? I saw in the "anything goes" section that you are doing a peddle bike something, so that means your not just sitting around. Come on help out those of us that live vicariously through others. Pathetic as we may be.

Copemech, Yep would take a bit of work, I tend to think of mine as more of a novelty, fun to ride, kinda oddball machine, plus mine has the previously mentioned sentimental value.

I have an 86 Reflex that my dad used for parades and shows to show what trials is. Unfortunately knee injuries have retired him from riding. I like the Reflex, true the stock form is poor for trials and poor for street, a few mods and you can have a decent bike for either. But they do make a nice trail bike in stock form. Biff rode this Reflex in a TI event in Ohio last November. All we did was remove the mirrors. Full lights, original tires, and about 80 miles to a tank of gas. He did very well in the Sportsman class with it and was able to do some kick turns and such. Definately a fun machine.

That is absolutely Priceless!!!!! I have heard the phrase uttered many times, in many different states of mind. Unfortunately for me I usually say it when I am sober (I must just be a little off center) But never knew it was a grave stone anywhere. oh yea if anybody cares 5foot 9inches tall and 230 pounds. (trying to get back down to at least 220.)

There are quite a few of us "Larger" fellas around the trials scene. Me included only not as tall.

I've seen a few do it during the trial. Really loosened them up a bit.

Something I found very helpfull when trying larger stuff is to ride with a buddy or two and have them "catch". Having somebody up there to catch is a real comfort. A little known side effect of this though is that they can also call you a "sissy" for looking at the step and then "chickening out". This is great motivation to prove them wrong. Unfortunately this can lead to "Hey ya'll watch this.." syndrome. Which is usually hilarious..............to your riding buddies.

OK slightly different spin on the question. How long since a US rider on the podium in WTC that was held outside the US? Message to Pat and his support crew: Fabulous Job, Excellent showing for a first time out. Good luck in the future hopefully many more World Rounds.

Paul, I think we agree here on the money thing, or pretty close to agreeing. Very good point about current level of difficulty. I just personally think that limiting the number of minders, whether it be total or in the section, would cut down on some of the "cheating" type of activity. Don't the minders only catch the bike and the rider has to figure out where to land. I also just got to thinking that here I am sitting on my behind in front of a computer and I also have difficulty with a 4 ft step and I am trying to criticize a world round level rider's number of minders. I guess that is kinda silly. But we all have our opinions.

My own 2 cents Minders are great for morale of the rider, keeps them up beat and ready to go. They carry tools and beverages for the rider. They also catch the bike when necessary. I think this can be done with just one individual. A rider at the world level does not get that far in the sport and not know where his back tire is. Example "Half tire right!!" etc.. These riders should not need to be toldwhere they are. I also believe that only having one minder will cut down on the amount of "gardening" and rock washing. I imagine it is difficult for volunteer observers and such to watch every person's movement. Easing up the sections may not be a bad idea, but I don't know. As far as the team with the most money usually wins........well it's like that in every sport like it or not, if you can afford the best talent than you will have the best team. Or so the logic goes. If a more level playing field is desired, put a cap on how much can be spent on minder, rider, bike, development, etc..... I think that would do more harm to the sport than good.

I like what Taff decided to do. Look in this thread. http://www.trialscentral.com/forums/index....mp;#entry122459

Pat? I didn't know that our Pat M. from WGASA and MOTA was entered into the World Round. LOL OK I know it is Pat Smage from the US I don't know what class he is riding, I would assume the Junior? Excellent rider and this can only be a positive thing for Pat and US trials in general. GOOD LUCK!!!

John.B you seem to have edited the "(again)" out of my original post when you quoted me. Obviously this means that I know the 290's are not the exact same every year. It is nice to hear about the differences in engines from year to year as I do not have experience with the more recent machines. on edit: Atomant- Yep there are alot more 290's out there than 250's maybe it is because deep down we are all power hungry.......that is another discussion altogether. But you bring up a good point about resale value. It is good to know that an idividual would get maximum return when finished with the bike, but is this worth it for time that this individual is riding the bike that the bike does not suit that individual or is difficult to control. Just one of the many silly things that run through my head. I gotta get out and ride more.....

That would explain the butter smell and the sudden urge I have to go see a movie when I get done riding. Maybe I want an '03. Copemech I definately agree that power without control is useless. But you mentioned a 2.5 bike, this is just off the top of my head but maybe some of those that buy the 2.9 and need to alter the bike dramatically in order to ride it should have bought a 2.5 instead. I have always thought that the main reason to buy one of the bigger bikes (Sherco 2.9 or GG 280 or 300) was to have HUGE power. Again I must mention that I was just curious if anybody liked the bike stock because it did not seem that anybody was mentioning it, if there is this huge base of customers that must alter the bike in order to make it ridable than it would seem a design change is in order. (again)

OK this may get me blasted, I realize that we are all individuals and require different things from our bikes. I have noticed there are ALOT of threads about "taming the sherco 290" or "easing the power delivery" or similiar type of things. My question is two fold, first is there anybody out there that likes their sherco 290 as stock right outa the crate so to speak? Secondly, is there anybody that likes the power to be "snappy", instant, right there right now? disclaimer: I have a 2000 290 that I bought used and I believe it is stock. I know this makes me look a bit silly not knowing for sure if there is 1 base gasket or 2 or if the ignition is retarded or if there were any carb changes, and it probably could use a new set of rings. But the previous questions are mostly "acedemic" any way, just curious.

Was that color red or alot of pink? Actually looked like a bit of good riding, that last section appeared to be some pretty loose sandy type stuff.