Johneyt Posted June 7, 2020 Report Share Posted June 7, 2020 Hello, i'm new to trials ideally want a 250, but 290's and 300's are a lot better value and cheaper second hand, can you reduce the power any way to make them easier for a beginner. I'm looking at a beta evo 290 2011. I have road bike experience, I know this is totally different to trials but i do know how to ride a bike. Thanks for help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
totty79 Posted June 7, 2020 Report Share Posted June 7, 2020 Fitting a low compression head would take the edge off it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gasserguy Posted June 7, 2020 Report Share Posted June 7, 2020 (edited) Slow action throttle, Extra cyclinder base gasket, Flywheel weight, Low comp head are 4 ways.......... Edited June 7, 2020 by gasserguy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misscrabstick Posted June 7, 2020 Report Share Posted June 7, 2020 maybe fit the head and ignition box from a SS? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisCH Posted June 7, 2020 Report Share Posted June 7, 2020 By the time you have spent all this extra on turning it into something it was not designed to be would it not make more sense just to buy what you want in the first place? 2011 is an old bike and so probably needs a few things doing. Add up the cost of that plus your softening modifications and I don't see what you are gaining if price is the issue. After a while you will have gained some experience and start thinking about taking the modifications off. More faff and expense. I bought an old bike to start off and the first thing you realise is the previous 23 owners did not know a spanner from a gerbil. You tidy up this bit, that bit and the other bit. Now it is half decent. But the cost of the tidy up is probably not very far from the difference between a better bike and the cheaper one, unless the one you are looking at is super cheap. If it is a mate doing you a favour great, otherwise it is cheap for a reason. Just my way of looking at things. There are other perspectives. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johneyt Posted June 7, 2020 Author Report Share Posted June 7, 2020 That's what I'm thinking as not an easy fix. Thanks for reply. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pindie Posted June 8, 2020 Report Share Posted June 8, 2020 If you’ve not ridden off road before or done any trials, do not overlook a 125. It’ll teach you plenty and not punish you for mistakes. Being a 125 doesn’t mean it’s rubbish. Leave the ego at home and learn some basics quicker and easier.....then get what you’d really like after a bit more experience? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huski Posted June 8, 2020 Report Share Posted June 8, 2020 22 hours ago, Johneyt said: Hello, i'm new to trials ideally want a 250, but 290's and 300's are a lot better value and cheaper second hand, can you reduce the power any way to make them easier for a beginner. I'm looking at a beta evo 290 2011. I have road bike experience, I know this is totally different to trials but i do know how to ride a bike. Thanks for help. What's your budget?Wouldnt recommend a 290 Beta as a first bike,unless it's cheap and in good condition If you're anything of a mechanic you could calm it down with the suggested methods,not so good if you have to pay someone to sort it out.Youd be better off with the best condition 250 you can afford,Beta or Gas gas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
on it Posted June 8, 2020 Report Share Posted June 8, 2020 Cheep way to drop power get some gaffa tape and tape the air filter inlet opening smaller experiment to what power you want Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retromlc Posted June 8, 2020 Report Share Posted June 8, 2020 I bought a 250 4t, fantastic starter bike that is so capable, as I improve the bike is still delivering plenty, if you can find one consider it or .200, buy a good bike not a cheap bike, £££save in the long run Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbrandt Posted June 9, 2020 Report Share Posted June 9, 2020 If you are like me, you don't really have a lot to choose from when looking at used bikes. I recently bought a 2000 Beta 270 as my first trials bike. Would I have liked maybe a newer 4 stroke with a smaller engine? Sure, but there weren't any that were anywhere near my price range. If I would have seen a 125 for sale in my area in my price range, I probably would have taken a look at it, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johneyt Posted June 9, 2020 Author Report Share Posted June 9, 2020 Yes, sounds like my problem, anything reasonably priced in the £1500-2000 bracket that is in good condition goes really quickly or is 200+ miles away, and that bargain everyone else gets is never there when you are looking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huski Posted June 9, 2020 Report Share Posted June 9, 2020 Prices seem to have risen since lockdown,looks like you need £3k to get something that doesn't need work doing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisCH Posted June 10, 2020 Report Share Posted June 10, 2020 I have been watching the bikes market on ebay for some time. There are no "cheap" bikes and have not been for a very long while. When I bought the TRS (John Lee) the sales guy said the "middle market" did not exist any more. What was old rubbish is now the bottom end and it is £1,500 upwards. I have not noticed any price hike since the lockdown if I am honest, but there are fewer bikes advertised (sensible as you are not allowed to go look). Personally I think you have to realistically look at three grand as a start point. If you buy something cheaper it probably will end up near that when you have fixed it. Just how it is. On the upside whatever you end up selling benefits from the situation. So a three grand bike is still worth two grand after a few years of being beaten up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johneyt Posted June 10, 2020 Author Report Share Posted June 10, 2020 Thats looking true, i might have to up my budget, I will still tell the wife it was £1500. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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