grahamjayzee

OK guys, this is not a recommendation, but might make you laugh: I do a fair few trackdays and a few years ago my patience ran out buying tyres trackside because I was unable to fit them myself. I could save

I'm with you there! Nothing suits my style like a Beta and as such I'm willing to forgive many things!

Sorry if we're hijacking this chap's thread, but it's a good discussion on the merits of both bikes! Yes, Beta do seem to have an Italian attitude to repetetive issues! My old 1992 Zero leaked fuel too! It was only a problem when I kept it in the lounge so I could look at it. Certainly, there are some recurring issues that seem to crop up, but I think the general advice is good; buy the best looked after bike you can find. They are all good bikes, and all can have problems.

Shnaft, can I comment on that, even though I don't got my new Beta yet? I'm in the electronics trade, so from that point of view my thoughts: Electronic components rarely 'just fail'. It is some change that causes failure. Now, those changes may be small and crucially, within the normal operating conditions. However, changes they are. In the case of a stator plate these changes may include water (a common substance in trials!) and earthing issues. It's fair to say that is possible to minimise the impact of both of these with scrupulous maintenance. I'm not suggesting for a moment that 'it's all our fault' or that it's OK for Beta's to suffer these more than others (it may be that Beta do not have enough safe margin in this area), but I would trust a very well looked after bike to be less prone to electrical failure than one less so. In particular, with regard the earthing of any part of the electrical system. This is all from a theoretical point of view, but hey! Graham

I think the 201 (156cc) has a conventional kickstart as well. From here it looks like either a 241 or 301, but yes, counting the studs and looking for the cc stamp will clear that up. I had a 241 a number of years back. I loved it. It spoilt the then ubiquitous Yamahas for me as I loved it's snappy power delivery. TYs seemed too soft for me after that. It was totally reliable although mine was a very early 241 and had a drum front brake, which was woeful. You also need to keep on top of the suspension linkages as they seemed to need a lot of looking after to prevent them seizing. Happy days though. Looks like you've got your work cut out there though! Graham

Yes, I'd better clear that up! I don't ADVISE DMs! I was impoverished at the time and it's all I had! I was kindly offered some second hand (foot) alpinestars at the trial by someone who took pity! Good protection is definitely wise, but like B40RT says, don't feel self conscious and don't think you need the latest tackle and a lycra suit in order to give it a go!

Hi Blanc, So have I! I pick mine up next week. I'm so excited... Let me know if you find a manual (or you get 2 replies), I'm sure there will be info we can share. Graham

I don't think it matters! I bought the Fantic because it was all I could afford! Certainly, modern bikes are easier to ride, but for the easier route, anything will be fine. Certainly aircooled monos are more than adequate if you're on a budget. I've just bought a 2001 Beta and expect it will be far better than me in the sections. Mind you, a wheelie bin will almost certainly be better than me...

Hi Liam, and welcome! I'm fairly new here, but it's a cracking forum. I'm getting back into it after a break but can still remember getting into it the first time. You certainly don't need a lot of money, that's for sure. The best thing is to simply get out and have a go. My advice is to look in the what's on and go and watch a trial. You'll find it very low key. Make sure you don't get obsessed by watching the superstars (!) on the hard route, but pay attention to the clubmen and novices on the easier route. Talk to people too. They'll have lots to say and good advice. Then, when you've had time to absorb it, join your local club. It's usually cheap (less than

I never really clicked with the TY, but I accept that there were so many mods that it would almost certainly have been possible to get one to ride how I would have liked. However, I love the idea of an AC mono category! All those great bikes from the late 80s like the Fantics and the wonderful TR34 Beta. Trouble is, it would push the price up of these old stagers and I would miss out!

Thanks Rabie, I did mail the ACU and they couldn't help. I just mailed the 'trials@' email address. I'll pursue it further though. Otherwise I'll have to really practice and win them all over again. <ahem>

Hi Nathan, I can't offer direct advice, but I'm in a similar boat to yourself, but coming back after a long break. I used to ride a 1992 260 Zero and loved it. I went straight for a Beta on my return and have just agreed to buy a 2001 Rev3 250 from a splendid chap on this site. I got lots of good advice from people on here and also from John Lampkin. That was good enough to keep me on a Beta! I'm sure Jim Sandiford will be able to offer advice with things to look out for on a Montesa as well. Back in the day (I stopped around 1997), I found gasgas to have slightly dubious finish and Montesas (the 315R of the time) didn't really suit me. I found the front a bit vague. I just clicked with the Zero (I won my first trial first time out on it; that was good enough for me!). I'm sure any criticisms are long buried now though. Back then, I used to ponce rides on other people's bikes at trials. There is no better way to find out if you 'fit' with a bike. If you can, that's definitely a good route. I'll let you know how I get on with my Rev3 though. Graham

Had you taken them off first? Much the same with the cat... How hard is it to get the shampoo out? A lot harder than getting the dirt in! In fact the 20 minutes is 1 minute washing and 19 rinsing and swearing. Oh hold on, we're talking about something else again...

Zippy, No one should have to tolerate a stinky helmet. (I'm sure I overheard my wife use that line in conversation the other day. Funny, she's never expressed any interest in motorbikes before...). Being a multi-modal motorcyclist, I ride tracks too and man, does your bonce sweat in a full facer after 20 minutes of near-death experiences! On advice from Shoei, it is easy to clean a helmet to the point where it smells sweet. Use a shower head and mild shampoo and spend 20 minutes squirting and rubbing <ahem>. You will probably go pale when you see what comes out, but it really does freshen up well. It's quite possible your 3-year old hat is a bit far gone, but if you give this a go once or twice a year, it will stay pleasant. Don't dry it in the tumble drier though...

Hi All, I'm returning to the sport after a number of years away. So far, this wonderful forum has provided invaluable advice and crucially, abuse. It's what I'm here for! One thing though, back in my pomp, I was becoming a half decent novice. In my last (nearly) full season which I think may have been either 1995 or 1996, I won a few Peterborough MCC trials and had 1st class awards in those I didn't. I'm not a glory hunter, but I would like to know how I did in the championship and if I got the nod that I could no longer compete as a novice! You know the old adage; the older I get, the better I was! I have asked Steve at Peterborough, but he only has information back to the early noughties. I suspect the wonderful Rushbrookes may know more, but haven't tracked them down yet. Does anyone have any information from back then? If not, will the ACU? Any ideas as to who to ask would be much appreciated. Graham

Thanks fella, Mains replacing? You make this sound like routine maintenance! I never replaced them on my 1992 zero in 3 years of solid action! Seriously, should I expect this, or are they a known early-life failure that once done is OK unless you don't look after the bike? Is it a function of the very lean fuel:oil mix of modern bikes? Graham

Hi all, I'm looking at a 2001 Rev3 250. Is there anything from this age that I should keep an eye for? The usual stuff is going to be linkages, bearings and top end wear. My old Zero's clutch used to bind engaged unless I put a tie wrap around the clutch lever when I stored it. Are there any things like this that fall into 'they all do that' category? I want to be sure when a vendor says 'it will ride up with wear' that he's being straight! Graham

It wasn't the climb that scarred me, it was the falling back down again... My mate nearly got up one of the other big climbs on my old TY250 twinshock. He clattered from top to bottom and had to find the right hand handlebar so he could close the screaming throttle! What a top place that was

Aaaahh, the gentle sound of abuse. THIS is what I came here for

I got locked in one time. I parked the wrong side of the gates and when I loaded the van up, I couldn't get out! I managed to clear an area of waste ground near one of the gates and ease round the side! I loved the place, but spending the night there? Maybe not... It was indeed awesome, although sooner or later bad things were bound to happen. Either someone getting hurt or the crims hurting themselves. I met Steve Sunders there one day. He could clean that massive climb up the cliff face... Happy days <sigh>

Maybe, but he's going to have a 50% limb advantage!

Thanks fella, I'll check it out as soon as I get a bike. Which will be soon... I used to practice at Sundon pits near dunstable. Is that still there?

Hi Bikespace, I didn't make that very clear did I? I think I'll leave it at that though, it sounds best... Also, it's quite possible that you guys will meet me at a trial, and my bluff will be well and truly called when I turn out to be an 18 stone monopod! Graham

Thanks Max I might need a bike first! Having said that, it may not make much difference to my score at this stage... I've ridden Cranford before; good trial. When I get up and running I will be riding NV trials. does John Lee still run them? Cambridge MMC have their Ken Wood trial at Dickersons on the A10 this sunday too. I'm going to drop by and say hello.

Thanks Jordan, That's not too far. I think I rode a Berkhampstead trial a few years ago and it may have been the muddiest I ever rode. It were great! It's a good option, I'll see what else pops up but practice for a tenner a year and a club membership is pretty good. Graham