dirtrider

I was observing on Sunday at a Pre 65 classic trial as the bike isnt finished yet got nothing to ride so thought i would help out by observing.

So what are the best mudguards for the Seeley and where can I get a pair from? I suppose anything would look better than the white universals on at the moment, but it would be nice to get something close to the originals. Keep those Honda pics coming!

I might not have made myself clear. What I mean is will a bicycle type speedo and bulb horn do? I assume the rear number plate has got to be black numbers on yellow background.

Does anyone know what the MOT regs are regarding speedo, horn, and number plates for a 1974 TY 250? The bike doesn't have lights but I want to get a daytime MOT like I have on my (1961)B40, however I'm not sure if the regs are different for a later bike.

No it's not me. I don't ride trials in August since I'm usually on holiday with the family, although if I can I will try to slip in the odd sramble! I am interested to know whose it is though.

The sprockets on my Seeley, which has the 250 conversion are 12 gearbox and 53 rear. This seems to work well.

Unless your cub is really something special such as Mick Grant's then basically you are going to be ok. There was a very nice one competing in the last trial : 250cc, Serco gears , Alan Whitton bits etc and this is fine (if you can afford it). There are also plenty of much more original ones. Midland Classic trials are generally easier than Yorkshire Classic ones, and are enjoyable laid back affairs with a good mix of interesting bikes.

Before you contemplate Peak Classic trials have a look at the cricket scores from their last trial. You'll also find plenty of Gas Gas's etc to ride around with. The difference between Midland Classic and Peak Classic is that the former is for pre 72 and pre 65 bikes whilst the latter is for twinshocks (oh and don't forget all the monos). Peak classic have run some excellent trials ( I will be competing at Dudwood next weekend) but they sometimes overdo the big rock steps, impossible (for me) hills etc. Don't forget that Midland Classic also organise some excellent speed hill climbs (on grass) and enduros if you fancy a bit more excitement. And Midland Classic are not really that fussy. There are some of Mr Whitton's tricked up James and Cubs competing.

Very nice bike indeed. Is it one of the new otter frames with the revised steering head angle? Mine is one of the earlier Faber frames and I find it a bit lacking in tight turns. It has a tendency to push out the front wheel. So I don't like the nadgery stuff! I would be interested to hear if anyone has tried one of the new frames since I've considered steepening the head angle on mine. ps It'll look even better when you've thrown it over the Derbyshire rocks a few times!

I would be interested to see your bikes next year. Will you be riding any Midland Classic or Peak Classic trials?

Does anyone have the phone number for Craig Mawlam, the Majesty man? I've tried 01249 890990 but the line was dead.

What do you ride at the moment Old Trials Fanatic?

Which spark plug is best for my Seeley, which has the 250 Kondo conversion? NGK D6ES or D5ES is recommended for the 200 Seeley. D7ES is recommended for the 250TLR. The bike starts easily but then sometimes cuts out when hot and it is then difficult to start.Someone told me that he had the same problem with his 250TLR and he fitted a different plug and that cured it. At the moment I am trying a D6ES. Am I right in thinking that this is a softer plug than the D7ES? Any advice appreciated.

I rode in the pre 65 inter centre team trial on Sunday and there was a rider on an Otter framed Cub. Unfortunately I can't remember his name or where he is from. Looked a nice bike though.

Tell me about it, those rocks hurt when you fall off. I've got the bruises to show for it. Dave Thorpe had a great ride. Only 6 marks lost! East Midland Centre were the pre trial favourites.

I've followed the engine conversion thread with some interest since I've been told that my Seeley has a 250 conversion. Until reading this I knew nothing of the Kondo conversion, and assumed that what I'd got was some one-off possible bodge job special. However, looking at the pic that RS posted I can see that my engine looks exactly the same and might therefore be a Kondo converted engine. It certainly has plenty of grunt But, who are or were Kondo? Any further info would be very much appreciated. And who is Phillipe Delwiche?

Tried all the fancy waxes, sprays and God knows what (on the bike that is) and paid the fancy prices. Now gone back to the oil can.

Talk to someone like Mick Ransome who I think won the 250 class in 1963 on his 250 Francis Barnett, which he still rides today in pretty much the same trim as it was back then. This is surely the true spirit of pre 65 or am I being naive? Nobody has mentioned the word CHEATING but surely that's what it is if you 'infringe or bend' the rules deliberately by fitting components that are not allowed. The Scottish should surely stand for all that is good about pre 65 and competitors should enter in the true spirit. Even elementary scrutineering can spot obvious cheats as RS has pointed out. Either tighten up or open it up!

Very good point RS. My otter framed B40 with pretty standard mechanicals is excluded, but I know of a Cub that is being prepared at the moment that has every trick component imaginable being fitted. Obviously these are well disguised eg fork internals etc. However. it comes at a price, reputedly

I know of at least one C15 that is fitted with a Triumph piston, but I'm not sure which one. I seem to remember from talking to the owner that it took the capacity to about 280. It is a very competitive bike and according to the owner provides better grip than the bigger B40. I should see him next weekend. Will let you know if you're still interested.

What does Mick use on his pre 65 James? Plenty of rocks at Bracken Rocks eh!

Of course!! Aren't they all!!

Would you like to buy it, vintagecota?!!

Thanks for the advice Vintagecota. The 349 is a MontesaHonda. Does that make any difference? What year would yhat make it?

Thanks for the advice lads. Looks like the 349 is coming out tops. I agree that the 247 is a very pretty bike, but the main thing I want is the best/most enjoyable bike to ride. Are there any known problem areas or things to look for when buying?