New Bike Nightmare.

[fastbelly]

Hi all, new here.

I have ridden trials on and off for 30 odd years. I am a a capable rider that rides clubman or 50/50.

I have ridden my trusty 05 Scorpa SY250 since I got it new in 05 and I loved it. Recently I decided to treat myself to a new bike and I got an as new TXTR 250. I got it in a drier period a few weeks back (6) and instantly loved it. However, I have ridden it many times in trials and my results are disasterous to the point of being embarassing! I just spin it up and stop all the time. I have fitted a slow throttle which has helped but I am still crap on it. I am down to about 3pounds in the rear.

I during the last lap at Stokenchurch on Sunday (muddy) I resorted to using first gear everywhere which semed to help. I was using second as I have done on my Scorpa for years but to no avail.

I am thinking of using a low comp head insert and or flywheel weight.

Any ideas?

My mate has a mint 05 SY250 which has hardly ever been used and I am seriously considering buying it off him and selling the Gasser, Is it just me? I know the Scorpa is known for amazing levels of low end grip and torque. Bust surely the Gasser should be fine for me...

This thing has shattered my confidence. I was 8th out or 9 clubmen on Sunday and thats not what I am used to!!

Edited November 18, 2014 by fastbelly

[micm]

The Gasser will be much more sensitive to almost any input you care to mention.

Try other makes.

[betatwo]

I was in the same situation when I bought mine, have put on flywheel weight and now love it.

[sirdabalot]

Hello my Gas Gas 250 Racing has a slow action throttle, flywheel weight and standard gearing. Riding mud or slippy rocks I use 2nd gear and this works for me but I am bottom end finisher clubman. When I first got the bike I tried what most others advised and fitted front a sprocket with a tooth less, I couldn't get the hang of it though. I like the flywheel but this may be as I was riding Betas before. I had an 05 scorpa sy 250 but the suspension was dreadfull and the carburation was poor, otherwise it was a good tool.

[baldilocks]

I wouldn't spend too much yet you will take time to adjust to it. I had an 06 scorpa after riding gas gas and beta previously. The scorpa is a very different bike to ride. I found I had to try and weight the rear on the scorpa as compared to other brands its very heavy on the front and has a longer swinging arm.

Id think you are probably too keen with the throttle. The gas gas will be much quicker off the mark and lighter on the front end. Think about your position on the bike when it spins, are you leaning forward to try and keep the front down ?

Edited November 18, 2014 by baldilocks

[lineaway]

You are correct. The Gassser is the best bike in the parking lot. Honestly it does some things very well, but track is not one of them. Unless you are trying to be a top rider, ride something else that will give you a better score. That`s been the case since the first Pro.

[fastbelly]

Hmm. Not what I wanted to hear. This bike is a minter and I would love to sort the problem rather than just punt it. Any more input?

I may take my Scorpa and the gas gas to this sundays trial and ride em back to back. See what happens and compare lap score.

[fastbelly]

OK, thanks for all your input. I have had a poke around the tinterweb and spoke to JohnLee Motorcycles and decided to go for a flywheel weight as my first option. And got a new lowpressure gauge for the tires. I will pop it on and see how i go on Sunday. Cant get any worse!

Maybe it's just me getting old.

[baldilocks]

Not being cheeky how much do you weigh ? Have you changed suspension at all ?

[eddie_lejeune]

id say your goinna have to practice practice practice but when you get the hang of the gasser id say your results will improve.

[steve]

Hi Fastbelly, I ride a 250 Gas Gas Pro in South Midland Centre (perhaps you know me, Steve Bird). I can honestly say that I don't struggle for grip on the Gas Gas it is an excellent bike but does need some finesse with the throttle, please don't despair, you have made an good choice.

You may just need a couple of little adjustments - to bike and your riding technique.

I personally don't like a slow throttle, nor a flywheel weight. I find the slow throttles difficult when I need to give it full beans, you almost have to take your hand of the grip to wind it full rotation.

Firstly, basics. What tyre do you use and how old is it? you mention 3psi - good for straightline grip but too low for cambers etc.. the tyre will squab over and you'll also find yourself struggling to hold a line on certain sections, especially rocks.

Secondly set your suspension up to suit your weight. Leave the gearing alone, second is good in the mud on most of the sections you'll ride, even third. Low comp heads are also good - I had one on my bike when I bought it but took it off once I'd got used to the Gas Gas and needed a little extra zip for an OTC.

Last bit of advice - go and see a nice man called Chris Koch for a coaching session at Bayford woods in the wet - listen very carefully to his advice and practice, practice. Btw - ignore him if he tells you to buy a 4stroke beta though!!!

I would be happy to have a look at you and advise if you were riding up my way, if you spot me at an event then come and say hi.

[baldilocks]

There you go fastbelly spend a bit if time with Steve and he can help you out. Great offer Steve

[the addict]

Reminds me of my first few weeks on the 4rt as I'm sure it will do for many others. I couldn't get it to grip at all, even on the flat, any whiff of anything remotely slippy and I was f&^%$%. I loved the bike though in the dry and persevered with it for weeks and can honestly say I can get the Mont to grip better than any two stroke I've ever owned, there is nothing quite like practice and seeing out a job to the end.

[nigel dabster]

Some sound advice, our conditions in the south midland centre do need careful throttle control, take up steves advice, get to mount farm and have a practice with the clubman lads there i'm sure subtle technique changes will reap rewards.

[fastbelly]

Hi Steve, and all. I also ride in the Southmidland center as a menber of Berco. I was a center expert in the eighties riding with Martin Greeves and Julian Wigg etc. I do know Chris. I didn't ride trials again untill 05 when I backed off racing enduro, I was south midland expert champ in enduro. So I am no mug on a bike which is why I am so baffled by my inability to ride this thing. I was ok on my scorpa even with it's crap suspension.

I did find the sport had completely changed when I started trialing again, from my twinshock days. However I do ok for a 49year old. I was thinking the otherday that maybe I need to go back to basics so a coaching session is probably a good idea.

Oh and I am 6'2" and a heafty 15stone7

The bike is TXTR 250 2013. Still on its original `X11 tyre. Bike was as new with three club trials on when I picked it up so it was an as new bike. The rear tyre is still very nice.

The bars are along way forward which is comfy for me but I am going to set them back to a more standard position too.

How can I get hold of Chris for a training session?

Many thanks to you all.