telecat

Does the battery last the whole ride or does he change it or the bike at some stage?

A thick sump guard is pretty much guaranteed. Given the size of the Rubber bung between the guard and engine I think it will be well protected from underneath. Protecting the other bits could be problematic.

Or a Scorpa Racing.

Latest is that Gas Gas will not be producing anything soon. Looking like a lean summer on New bikes front.

Current rumours are that Vertigo will produce the 2016 Model in September-ish. TRS will start in September if all goes well. Gas Gas to produce the Factory/Raga Rep in June with plans to re commence production soon after that. Ossa are dependant on Gas Gas so expect a few bikes to appear if the Gasser's do. JGas are in production but have no UK importer. You could probably get one if you can find a Spanish dealer and a truck. No news yet on the importer although they say they are in talks with interested parties. All the above apart from JGas are just Rumours though so we just have to wait.

Economics and as James says they are limited in the amount of Bikes they can produce. Best to keep Jack riding in their major market, Spain, and also run in the SSDT as many Spanish riders follow it.

He is riding the SSDT and not doing badly at the moment.

SHERco, scorPA. Yep a few people have them. Talking to one he was not impressed with the quality of some of the gearbox/engine parts. Worrying as its supposed to be the same engine as the Sherco.

Shame really Only Montesa, Beta and Sher-pa Available at the Moment. Normally the Gas Gas Factory bikes would out around now. It's a bit like purgatory at the moment unable to plan on spending your cash.

I have looked at the cost and thankfully Chris does not feel the need to do it. Let's face it the Entry fee is off putting enough. Follow that with the Accommodation, Spares, Petrol chase vehicle etc and I think it's a practical non starter. Aside from that How many Trials riders actually have a Road licence these days? Those Younger riders that do have it usually get it to do the SSDT and do not actually road ride. Then there is the thorny question of the bike's road legality. If the sections are getting tougher then that goes back to the days when the SSDT was dying and riders didn't turn up in the numbers needed. Much as some blamed that on Stop Allowed and timing making it too hard is the number one reason many riders do not turn up to Trials. Ironic considering the popularity of Hard Enduros!!!

The SSDT is an "event". To be honest it has little to do with Modern Trials barring using Modern Bikes. Given the weather and location it's remarkable it's survived. Having said that it has a Hard core of riders/Masochists who keep going back to maintain it.

Personally the problem is the consequences of not making a obstacle. Having said that Moto-X has a lot more injuries/deaths and that is still very popular. Chris likes the spectacular stuff but at times he wonders why they expect you to be "balls out" with a nasty drop or collision if it isn't right. We do need the spectacular but perhaps the CofC needs to be mindful of safety.

It's possible to develop and build a bike in the UK. For example Hope could do a pretty good job of designing the frame and other bits, Brakes and Suspension seem easy enough to Source. Al Melling could develop the engine and box. The problem is finding someone with the money and enthusiasm. In the UK most companies are setup in order to be sold. You will never see a startup with money from speculator's as there isn't a big enough market to carry it. look at Triumph. The guy had to start it up using his own money.

What like the hugely successful Gas Gas? Personally I hope they make it but the future of the Industry is to be More cottage than large scale. Lets face facts aside from Montesa nobody has the money to burn and a small operation making a profit stands a better chance these days given the nature of the Trials market and the fickle ambitions of the FIM.

The Michelin X11 is quite stiff when new but you could follow the advice we got off Graham Jarvis which was to drop it to 1 psi and just run up and down the road a few times. Then raise it to 3.5 or 4psi It "breaks" the side wall in if you aren't a "spalt" type rider and allows it to follow the ground better. X-lites would be better about 4 psi as they seem to have a thinner sidewall. It could also be that you are lighter than expected. I'd be trying 3 to 4 in that case.

Not Ours! Chris just off roads. Perversely neither of us like getting wet and muddy!

Not seen much on them but Sandifords off road seem to do them. Not sure how well that goes with Caroline Sandiford and the Mecatechno electric bikes she imports!! As regards an OSET there are a few around and a community that supports them so they are a safe choice that happens to be a good one as well.

One Saturday a month Parkwood Off road open Tong Woods near Bradford. The next is this Saturday. Open all day for £15 and a butty wagon on site. Also on the Burnley to Todmorden road there is a site near Cliviger. You'll need to check Spen Valley's Site to get the location and also check that the Land owner is still allowing use of the area.

TRS has been ridden. Still under wraps but sounds as if it rides well! https://www.facebook.com/MecatecnoTrial/photos/a.231803793604031.50192.221378834646527/746877078763364/?type=1

Chris has the Hebo Carbon as the Airoh he had was leaving him rather sweaty. He reckons it has good ventilation.

Rear sprocket on seemed to work ok yesterday.

Off to buy some new bolts

The Kit is Buzzin too.

Buzzing into our next Trial.

Looking at the last round the guy marking was very sharp when he considered a bash plate to be grounding. I thought the rule was using it to balance. It seemed they just needed to slide it at this round.