Scare you off? Hell no, but I think we're trying to {HINT HINT} you, to check the timing, so it wont happen to you. I just recall we tried the "advance the timing" tricks back in the day, had results like that...
i started the rl250 thread, and have learned a few things since then - i realized that i like the rl because it rides and does most everything else closer to how my enduro bikes do. it is what i am used to. i now see what you have all been saying. i have no trials experience, so i assume this just means that i am more comfortable on the suzuki. so far, i must say (and agree) that the bike seems bulletproof (now that i've replaced the leaking shocks, and soon to seal the leaking tank). for that reason, i truly appreciate the bike. the sherpa, is a true classic. my emotions are strirred just seeing it! the suzuki seems to be a tool, but the bultaco is a thoroughbred. although, i was more comfortable on the rl, i now realize how much better i can ride the sherpa. i can make much tighter turns and balance far better. the motor on the bultaco has a smoother power surge. the suzuki, being 76cc smaller, and lighter flywheel takes a bit more rev (not that i mind, my ktm is a 200xc). brakes are a toss up, they both could use some improvement. unrelated to the bikes themselves, i much prefer the dunlop tires i put on the suzuki to the vee rubber i have on the bul. in closing, i decided to show the sherpa some love and send the entire motor, carb and electrics up to hugh's in new york for a complete check up. i know, i know - i'll never learn my bike without working on it, but i wanted to know that it is "factory" correct from the beginning, so that when i do open it myself for the first time, i will know what it SHOULD look like. i have the mso, however, internally, i don't know who or what has been inside the motor before me. i really am excited to get the bike back together and get out on it. i'm going to give my son the rl and hopefully hit some trials together. he's already a GREAT harescrambles partner.
I find it takes me a couple days of riding no other bikes to get the feel for my Bultaco, then it works very well. Then it takes a couple of days riding modern bikes to re-train myself to them. I can switch back forth between different modern bikes or trials and Enduro bikes but when i get on or off the Bultaco I need re-training time. I have recently aquired a TY250 with the thought that it probably won't be as effective as the Bultaco but may be easier to mix riding with modern bikes, we'll see. I'm hoping the TY will be adequate for vintage lines, which are usually pretty easy. There are times I'd like to ride modern and vintage events on the same weekend, wish me luck.
Yep Sherpas are different to ride. Most twinshock bikes need some time to get used too. I have the same "issues" with the Sherpa and the SWM TL.NW to switch between them is no problem, but switching to a new bike or vica versa is a task ...
All trials bikes are exactly the same. Made for the same purpose and need the same rider input new or old. I`ve been fortunate to just grab a bike and go. Actually I start riding a modern bike better after riding an outdated bike for awhile and switching back to a new bike! Switching bikes is all mental. I ride vintage in the AM, and modern in the PM.
I too find that riding vintage bikes makes me a better modern rider. I started riding Trials on modern bikes and then worked backwards to vintage bikes. I suspect that made learning to ride vintage a little more challenging. Or maybe it is just me!
My first real trials bike was a `70 cota 247 in 1973. So when I get on 70`s vintage bike it`s like coming home, something very familiar.
excited to be getting the motor back on wed (16 jan 13) from hughs. according to tim, the piston looked fine, just honed cylinder and replaced rings, replaced clutch plates with barnett (only as an upgrade over stock, originals were fine), split cases and replaced all seals, gaskets, bearings, washers, etc. i had fuel in the clutch oil, so the culprit was easy to spot. kept the original amal carb, but "sanded" the slide a touch as it was sticking, and replaced gaskets, replaced points, and sent me out new clutch and throttle cables. when i originally posted this thread, i mentioned that the bike had 300mi on the odo, and i had no reason not to believe that. tim also felt that the motor appeared to confirm that. at this point i'm a real happy guy, now i cant wait to get the motor back in the bike and get some much needed seat time. i gave the bike, minus the motor a detailed washing in preparation for wednesday. i considered attempting my first restoration of a bike while i had the bike apart, but after my inspiration from pshrauber, i was afraid that i would uncover a new project "around every corner," . unlike pshrauber, who says he put away $$$ over years for his restoration, i am already into my next years harescramble series budget, and looking around the garage to see what i can sell to recoup some funds. possibly the best news of all, and the one that i am most happy about is that my 14 year old son seems to be enjoying the suzuki rl, admitted that old bikes have "style," and will be my trials partner at 2 events in the next couple months!!! i think i won the best son lottery!
Wait ... Äh ... Yes I did spend some €€€ for the bike. But my bike was technical and in wear in a much more worse condition when I compare it to yours. And then just for record it's a two in one bike as I have now 2 set up's one in completly original and one in contemporary racing outfit and used original parts even for the modifications this is something comletly different. You can probably compare the rebuild I did to the bike like some of these Jay Leno does with his cars but certaily on a much lower level and I would never ever do any "customizing" that would be not contemporary or not detachable as you never know what's "fashion" for a classic trials bike today can be outclassed tomorrow so to have the possibily to go back to 100% original is in my view a necessity. Looking forward to the completion of your Bultaco!
yes, i can't wait to get it back together either. patrick, just to keep me busy until i get my shipment mid-week, do you have a website where i can look at more of the stunning bikes you sometimes post. if i remember correctly, i thought i saw the title "puma racing" on more than a few, but when i search, i come up empty. thanks in advance. just something to keep my mind occupied.
Not a real web site but a picture stack which is online, you need the main www adress to look at the pictures online, I will send the adresses through PM.