jontribe Posted July 16, 2015 Report Share Posted July 16, 2015 Hi Chaps Nice looking community here! This is my first post, so please bear with me if my questions have been done before.... I'm thinking of getting back into trials competition again. I used to be really in to it 25 odd years ago! I think I'd be starting out again as a beginner as I literally haven't ridden off road since about 1994... I was riding the middle 'intermediate' route when riding, last trials bike was a Montesa 311. I have the chance to buy a 1999 250 Bultaco/Sherco, there are 2 for sale not too far away from me for right around $1800 pre-haggle. I have not seen either in person yet, but they are both owned by older guys who assure me their bike is in excellent condition. What I'd like to ask from you knowledgeable types is, what's the Sherco reputation like? How do the early ones ride? Stable and easy for novices? Are they reliable? Being 16 odd years old, are the engines prone to failure? Also I'm fairly big guy at 6'2" and 210, what's the power delivery like on these 250 size machines? Am I going to regret not going to a 290 or 300cc bike? Lastly, what sort of price range should I be finding for these bikes, as they are asking about the 1800 mark I was hoping to possibly end up paying around 1500ish... Hope I haven't rambled on too long. Any help/advice would be very gratefully received! As always TIA Regards Trials nooby Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
collyolly Posted July 16, 2015 Report Share Posted July 16, 2015 Were you riding 'pre trick' ie did you hop the front or did you rely on old fashioned steering ? If you are into steering I would try before you buy as in my experience the steering lock on these bikes is not as good as a GasGas or Beta. As far as power is concerned there will be plenty while you get re acquainted with the sport, better to not have enough than be put off with the bike riding you ! Can't help with pricing as you are in $ and I am in £ Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jontribe Posted July 16, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 16, 2015 Hi Collyolly I was deffinately pre-trick, no hopping unless you count the falling off bit... Thanks for the imput, this guy is in Ohio (about 5 hrs from me) I have just joined my local club so I'll see if a can blag a ride from someone at a practice day... Thnx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huski Posted July 16, 2015 Report Share Posted July 16, 2015 If you can afford it get something newer.The early 250 Sherco wasn't that good,certainly not the best of the time I would look for a Montesa 315 if that's the price you're restricted to.Old trials bikes can be expensive to put right even doing the work yourself and are often a poor buy,unless you can find one that's been properly maintained,which is rare at that age A good one sells for a little more than a poor one,so it's not cost effective unless you don't mind the cost and enjoy the work.The ride of something of that era and something'a decade newer is huge and not a massive amount more to buy with far better spares availability Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
micm Posted July 16, 2015 Report Share Posted July 16, 2015 I rode a 250 Bultaco 1999 model recently. To my surprise it was OK and would not be underpowered to re start on but...I agree with Huski it is pretty old for a 'modern' bike and the steering lock is not as good as some others. 1800 bucks is about £1150 Stirling. In the UK that model would fetch maybe £600 tops. I think there was a copyright issue over the name hence the change. Standard advice is...try as many as you can and get a good clean and original one as new as you can afford, 250 is plenty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slicktop Posted July 17, 2015 Report Share Posted July 17, 2015 Unless you are committed to the brand and want a twin shock, I would maybe look for a TY. The parts will be accessible and it's a solid steed. Prices are not bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jontribe Posted July 17, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 17, 2015 Hi Slicktop, the 1999 Bultaco/Sherco is in fact a badged first year of production Sherco, so it is in the fairly modern setup, liquid cooled monoshock. Although, I'm sort of having second thoughts now, as some people have said here, for the sake of an extra $1500 I could get something 2006 or 7ish Beta/GasGas/Sherco which I'm told would be lighter, easier to ride and more reliable... I think I just have to look a bit harder this side of the pond as trials not as prolific as in UK, and, it would seem more pricey!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tony27 Posted July 17, 2015 Report Share Posted July 17, 2015 (edited) I owned a 99 for a couple of years after stepping off a gas gas that was a few years old, probably dropped between 5 & 10kgs in 1 go which was very noticeable. Some very early ones were reputed to have problems with main bearings spinning although I never saw 1 in this part of the worldThe basic engine didn't change for another 8-9 years so you can fit top ends from later models or turn it into a 290 by changing barrel, piston & head, carb & exhaust are same for both engine sizesThe plastics are not available new anymore & unfortunately only fit 99 & 2000 models as they changed frame & exhaust/airbox design in 2001My understanding of the bike situation in the states is less to choose from so secondhand prices are generally higher, total bikes sold in a year could be less than sold by a dealer in the UKI think try both if possible & pick the better bike, use it to get used to the sport again & chances are it will last you for quite a few years Edited July 17, 2015 by tony27 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huski Posted July 17, 2015 Report Share Posted July 17, 2015 If you decide to spend more the 250 beta would be my choice,best steering lock,best build quality,easy to ride and good spares availablity Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slicktop Posted July 18, 2015 Report Share Posted July 18, 2015 Hi Slicktop, the 1999 Bultaco/Sherco is in fact a badged first year of production Sherco, so it is in the fairly modern setup, liquid cooled monoshock. Although, I'm sort of having second thoughts now, as some people have said here, for the sake of an extra $1500 I could get something 2006 or 7ish Beta/GasGas/Sherco which I'm told would be lighter, easier to ride and more reliable... I think I just have to look a bit harder this side of the pond as trials not as prolific as in UK, and, it would seem more pricey!! Yea When heard Bultaco I thought twin shock. I would agree to get the lightest bike you can. I am partial to Beta because besides being a good ride, their customer service is above par. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jontribe Posted July 21, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 21, 2015 I just found out to my cost, how much shipping is! I'm getting quotes of $600+ to ship a crated bike from Ne to me in MD.... Puts a bit of a downer on my budget. I had seen a nice looking 06 GasGas TXT 280 at just over 3k, was very very nice shape, but with shipping at this level, blows out my budget... So now thinking of hanging on for something I don't have to ship, close enough so I can drive to pick up. Anyone know of a GasGas/Beta/Sherco 07 or later, max of 8 hrs from 21136. My budget is $3500 max... TIA Chaps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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