Trials Guru’s John Moffat interviews Scott Trial 2016 winner, James Dabill at the finish. Dabill values a win at both the SSDT and the Scott highly – Photo – John Hulme/Trial Magazine
The trials world was shocked with the announcement by the reigning and seven times British Trials Champion, James Dabill that he has withdrawn his entry from the 2017 Scottish Six Days Trial in May.
Dabill broke the news via his own social media account today, 1st February. He recently changed camps from Vertigo to Gas Gas and is contracted to compete in the Spanish National Trials Championship plus the World series.
James broke the news as follows: “So this was a very long and tough decision of mine and after speaking with some of my close friends, family and Team Manager, I have decided to withdraw from taking part in this years’ SSDT. It was not an easy decision as it’s one of my favourite events but I feel it’s the best way for me to really concentrate on having a good year at world championship. With the first TrialGP being only a week after the SSDT, I don’t want to lose precious time training and preparing myself and my bike at the highest level possible. I would like to thank everybody who respects my decision and I will see you up in Fort William for the first weekend and I would like to take this opportunity to wish all competitors a great and enjoyable week, Cheers Dibs”.
Dabill’s announcement once again brings into question the tactics of the manufacturers who were always keen to win the prestigeous Scottish Six Days Trial, seen by many to have an impact on sales, in the UK at least, of trials machines. However, the World Championship does carry an equally prestigeous tag, that of World Champion.
James Dabill does value highly a win at the SSDT, he has achieved this twice in his career, 2007 and 2011, so this was clearly not a decision he wanted to have to take. However, he is a professional rider and his job is to satify his contractual obligations first and foremost.
Trials Guru’s John Moffat commented: “This must have been a very tough decision for James to take. I have interviewed him up at Fort William on the local Nevis Radio and been on stage at the presentation of awards when he picked up his wins in 2007 and 2011. He is always quite relaxed in the mornings before the off and really enjoys riding the SSDT. While it’s a great shame for SSDT fans that James will not be riding in 2017, but we wish him well in his World series, TrialGP endeavours and hope that he will return to ride the SSDT in the very near future.”
James Dabill (Vertigo) – FIM TRIAL 2016 Cal Rosal, Spain – Photo: Mario Candellone
Thanks to Trial Magazine UK, we bring you the report on last year’s Scott Trial to whet your appetite for this year’s gruelling event! (Reproduced with permission)
The 2015 Scott Trial – A Grand National event
Words: Jonny – Pictures: Trials Media & Eric Kitchen
You can compare the Grand National horse race very much with the traditional Scott Motorcycle Trial, as both have a very long sporting heritage and both are about runners and riders. Many questions are similar, such as looking at the form of the competitors and the day’s conditions as both play a big part in the event’s results, but what competitors in both need to excel on the day is a little piece of good fortune. This year’s Scott conditions were very dry despite the overcast weather at the start, and the talk was that we could see a new winner with a host of young riders coming through the ranks having served their Scott apprenticeships. Some of the more experienced Scott Trial pundits were not sure about the younger riders and, as we shall see, they were proved correct at the end of a long hard day’s motorcycling.
Alexz Wigg (JST Gas Gas)
With the start-field commentary in the experienced hands of Scotsman, John Moffat it was his friend from Richmond Councillor John Blackie who flagged the first man away, Robert Hunter, who gave the crowd a traditional wave of the hand at exactly 09.00am.
Dougie Lampkin (Vertigo)
The overcast conditions would soon clear as the remainder of the 200 riders left the start field at Feldom Range near Marske to set out on the course, which was over 70 miles long and contained 76 hazards.
Jonathan Richardson (Beta) – Fourth overall, fastest rider setting standard time.
Racing
By the time the riders reach the exposed rock outcrop at ‘Reals Head 1’ they have passed through other aptly named hazards such as ‘Cold Knuckles’ and ‘Underbanks’, and it’s quite a good early indicator of the riders on form. The first rider to arrive was number 14, Andrew Woodward at 10.18.08, who looked relaxed and fresh. From this point on the bedlam begins as rider after rider arrives. The first of the fast riders to arrive was Billy Bolt at 10.56.58 followed by Sam Haslam, Alexz Wigg with Ladies’ World Champion Emma Bristow on his tail, Jonathan Richardson, Ian Austermuhle, John Sunter, Richard Sadler and then, in tandem, last year’s winner James Dabill followed by his Vertigo team-mate Dougie Lampkin who was looking for another victory.
Ross Danby (SXS) – Fifth overall
Tales of problems even before the first hazard were coming through, such as Dan Thorpe’s front wheel puncture before the first hazard had even been reached, and Iwan Roberts who had crashed and broken his front mudguard.
Who’s Hot?
The mass exodus of the hundreds of spectators from the ‘Reals Head’ hazards and ‘Underbanks’, which is close by, sees them travel to the next vantage points at around the halfway point, such as ‘By-Pass’ where the river had three hazards on offer with the middle one the most testing. The lead rider was now number 37 Gareth Palmer, who arrived at 12.09.04 as more riders arrived with some looking very hot and bothered from the physical exertion that they had just been through over the ‘Grouse Moor’ crossing that they had just made. The third rider through and looking very much on a mission was lady rider Chloe Richardson, with John Sunter arriving a few minutes later and obviously in a rush as he knew the chasing pack of front runners was coming fast. Sixteen seconds later was Bolt and at the change of the minute Haslam, Richardson and Wigg, and then a couple of minutes down was Austermuhle, Guy Kendrew and then Lampkin, who had moved in front of Dabill, and Ross Danby who had certainly picked up the pace as he pushed towards the front.
Richard Sadler (Beta)
Bridge End
Yes it was case of ‘Bridge End’ for both Lampkin and Dabill as the new Vertigo machines they were riding hit trouble with electrical problems. Lampkin managed to rectify his machine pretty quickly but for Dabill it was game over as it was quite a while before his machine would burst back into life, and he knew he would not be repeating his victory of 2014. On the return journey the competitors pick up the course they used in the morning and also take in the hazards once again at Reels Head where two hazards were waiting.
Sam Haslam (Gas Gas UK)
The crowd tension was pretty high as they waited for the first rider to arrive, who was Sunter at 13.52.08 followed by eventual fastest rider Richardson at 13.54.23, and then Bolt at 13.54.56, Haslam who crashed taking five marks with it and then ‘Wiggy’ who also fived it, and then Austermuhle at 13.59.05 who remained feet-up, as did Danby and Lampkin who would eventually provide the best observation score of the day with 24 marks lost. It’s now time for the fast riders to push as much as they can to be the first rider back to the finish and set the ‘Standard Time’.
Jack Price (Gas Gas)
Chequered Flag
The first rider back was Richardson at 14.48.03 followed by a fresh looking eventual winner Austermuhle at 14.50.24, who had really put the hammer down in the closing stages passing Billy Bolt whose motor had expired and John Sunter who’d punctured his front tyre. It was then ‘Wiggy’ at 14.51.27 who looked very happy with his day’s work which would be rewarded with a very strong second position overall. His Southern team-mate Haslam was next followed by Sunter and local Game Keeper, Will Reynolds. Ben Hemingway was next and then the young James Stones and his mate Richard Sadler, and Ross Danby who looked very fresh. There was still no sign of Lampkin as Guy Kendrew and the first of the young stars Jack Price, and a couple of minutes later Iwan Roberts, appeared. It was then the turn of a disappointed Lampkin, who was not sure he had done enough for the victory eventually finishing third overall. The Scott had once again lived up to its reputation as the toughest one-day trial in the world as the last official finisher in time, Paul Marwood, arrived back having been on the course for seven hours, eleven minutes and fifty-one seconds – well done that man.
John Lampkin (Beta-UK); Beth Austermuhle; Ian Austermuhle with his parents.
Scott Trial 2015 Abbreviated Results:
Gold Spoons
1: Ian Austermuhle (Beta-UK) 42; 2: Alexz Wigg (JST Gas Gas) 46; 3: Dougie Lampkin (Vertigo) 49; 4: Jonathan Richardson (Beta-UK) 61; 5: Ross Danby (SXS) 62; 6: Richard Sadler (Acklams Beta) 65.
Silver Spoons
7: Sam Haslam (JST Gas Gas) 69; 8: Jack Price (Gas Gas) 70; 9: Iwan Roberts (Beta-UK) 84; 10: Guy Kendrew (Beta-UK) 84; 11: James Stones (AGB Sherco) 84; 12: Dan Thorpe (JST Gas Gas) 93; 13: James Dabill (Vertigo) 97; 14: Chris Pearson (Splat Sherco) 108; 15: Rob Waite (Acklams Beta) 110; 16: James Fry (Sherco) 111; 17: John Sunter (Appleyard’s Montesa) 112; 18: Ben Hemingway (Beta-UK) 114; 19: William Reynolds (Montesa) 119; 20: Luke Walker (Sherco) 125; 21: James Lampkin (Beta-UK) 127; 22: Dec Bullock (Team Roundhouse Beta-UK) 132; 23: Thomas Hick (Acklams Beta) 149; 24: Stephen Dixon (BMS Scorpa) 153; 25: Jack Stones (Acklams Beta) 154; 26: Andy Cripps (DCR Sherco) 169.
Standard Time: Jonathan Richardson (Beta-UK) 4.42.22
The Last Official Finisher: Paul Marwood (Sherco) 7.11.51
Best on Observation: Dougie Lampkin (Vertigo) 25
Manufactures Team Award: Beta
Club Team Award: Richmond MC
Best Under 21 Rider: Jack Price (Gas Gas) 70
Best Lady Rider: Emma Bristow (Sherco) 172
Best First Time Rider: Thomas Housecroft (Beta) 254
Best Over 40 Rider: Chris Shorey (Sherco) 373
Top 26 Machines: Beta: 11; Sherco: 5; Gas Gas 4; Montesa/Honda 2; Vertigo 2; SXS 1; Scorpa 1.
The Scottish Six Days Trial is one of those events that every trials rider not only wants to take part in at least once in their lifetime, but to win it, well that is something really special.
Motorcycle manufacturers have entered works machines to the event with the sole aim of achieving victory, pure and simple.
Tommy Sandham, who has written four books on the subject, has asked me to undertake a tricky task – to find out how many SSDT winning machines still exist!
SSDT Centenary 2011 – Two of the most famous trials machines, of all time – 187BLF (350 AJS) which won the 1961 SSDT ridden by Gordon Jackson losing only one mark. GOV132 (500 Ariel) Sammy Miller’s famous machine that won the SSDT (1962 & 1964) – Photo: Iain Lawrie, Kinlochleven
We know of a few that are still around, these are as follows:
1946/47/48 – HughViney’s 350 AJS (HXF641)
Hugh Viney’s AJS with some details painted on the front plate of HXF641 as it is to this day – Photo: David Lewis, London
…
Hugh Viney’s factory AJS HXF641 on which he won three successive SSDTs post-war – Photo: David Lewis, London
1957 – Johnny Brittain’s 500 Royal Enfield Bullet (HNP331) – National Motorcycle Museum.
Nikita Smith is 19 year of age and comes from a family with trials connections.
“My Dad and his brothers rode a few trials back in their day.” says Nikita.
“The Middlesbrough & District MCC national Cleveland Trial runs just above our farm. When I was around two years of age, I heard the sound of trials bikes and was pointing, so my Mum and Dad took me up to have a look. It all really started from that moment, I just wouldn’t shut up about bikes. My Nan and Grandad bought me a battery bike that I could ride around the farm, but I wanted to go faster so at four, my parents bought my a Honda QR 50. I then progressed on to a Yamaha TY 80 and started to ride trials at the age of six”.
Nikita on the Yamaha TY80
“I just moved through the classes, my parents were always supporting me and I can’t thank them enough! When I was ready to move to B class, I joined ‘Ace Trials Team’ run and financed by the Kilhams family. For me this was a dream come true at such a young age. They gave me brilliant support and they introduced me to the European and World trials scene. They showed me how everything worked, as it’s a bit different than entering a club trial! Unfortunately the Ace Trials Team didn’t continue, so I joined up with John Shirt at Gas Gas UK which was fantastic help as I progressed in my riding career.
Nikita’s FIM Women’s Trial GP of Andorra riding bib from 2013 – Photo: Sallyann Smith
“My cousins also rode a few trials we all live quite close so we would go practising together”.
Nikita shows her all action style on the Gas Gas – Photo: Kacey Smith
“Unfortunately, I suffered a road traffic accident which involved head, chest and leg injuries. This has been a big set-back to me, but my goals still remain the same to ride at the top level. I am currently undergoing physio with my leg and working hard to get where I want to be, on a trials motorcycle”.
Nikita Smith doing what she likes best, riding trials
…
Mark Kilhams, Owner of the Ace Trial Team commented: “I approached the Smith family at the final ladies round in the Isle Of Wight as I saw great potential that was not being fully accessed. I knew that Joanne Coles would be the best mentor for Nikita and would make a great team mate. Thankfully the family agreed to compete abroad if supported in the world and European paddocks by Ace Trials Team. This was a very successful arrangement for all involved and Nikita’s achievements and potential brought in a lot of new interest and sponsorship to the team. We have kept in constant contact with the Smith family since Nikita’s terrible accident and I know that the strong-will and single mindedness that bought her so many top podium finishes, will get her back to the top of ladies trials again”.
Nikita getting back in the groove on her Gas Gas in July 2016 – Photo: Sallyann Smith
2017 Update:
Now fully recovered from her horrific road accident, and at the ripe old age of twenty years, Nikita Smith makes a comeback on the world stage with her first appearance since 2013 when she was fifteen.
Nikita will take part on a Gas Gas machine and compete in the newly launched ‘Trial2 Women’ class in the World trial series in Kingman, USA in August 2017.
…
Article Text Copyright: Trials Guru / Moffat Racing – John Moffat 2017
Gas Gas UK has received their first consignment of new machines following the recent purchase by Torrot, the Spanish electric motorcycle manufacturer of the Salt, Gerona made motorcycle brand.
The GGUK crew unpack a shiny 2017 Gas Gas at their Derbyshire HQ – Photo courtesy of Judith Mellor/Gas Gas UK
GGUK’s Kevin ‘Factory Kev’ Hipwell is seen here ‘unloading’ the first batch of crated machines at their Derbyshire headquarters.
GGUK has continued trading successfully as UK distributors of spare parts for the Spanish marque which has a very strong brand loyalty.
The return to market is welcome news for the UK trials buying public.
Torrot became the main and eventual successful bidder for the stricken Gas Gas concern after several bids collapsed early in 2016.
Gas Gas UK will be supporting the 2016 SSDT
The arrival of machines also co-incides with the announcement that Gas Gas UK will again be represented at the annual Scottish Six Days Trial (Monday 2nd – Saturday 7th May 2016) at Fort William where the usual support will be available to private Gas Gas owners as in previous years.
Kevin Hipwell unloads new crated GasGas machines at their UK headquarters
Sandra Gomez Cantero joins Gas Gas Trials Team 2016
World Women’s SuperEnduro champion Sandra Gómez joins the Gas Gas trial team
The newly proclaimed world champion of Women’s SuperEnduro joins the Gas Gas Factory FG Trial Team to fight for the World and National Championships and long distance trial events on the new Gas Gas TXT 300 Racing. This marks a firm commitment by the Spanish brand to female competition.
Gas Gas announces the signing of Sandra Gómez. The current world champion of SuperEnduro and AMA of Enducross joins the Gas Gas Factory FG Trial Team, where she is going to fight for the national and world trial titles. The rider from Madrid is also to participate in long distance races such as the Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) or the Dos Dies d’Arinsal, (The Arinsal Two Days event in Andorra).
Sandra Gómez joining the Gas Gas family means yet another step in the right direction by the Spanish manufacturer in its commitment to trial and its support of women’s competition, something which has been in a state of growth lately. The rider from Madrid gets back on track after a successful story in trial after the 2015 season when she concentrated all her efforts into winning the two most prestigious titles in enduro: the World SuperEnduro, in Europe, and the AMA Enducross Championship, on the other side of the Atlantic, in the USA.
But written down on the next pages of her agenda is her entry for the SSDT 2016, from 2nd to 7th May in Fort William (Scotland), where the rider from Madrid is to have her first taste of competition with Gas Gas. Meanwhile, from July, Sandra Gómez will also be participating in the National and World Trial Championships.
The rider from Cercedilla is set to fight for the crown of the Trial World Championship this coming July in Tong, UK, and which this year has three double events: the first in Tong, a second in Valchiampo, in Italy, and the last in Isola 2000, France. As well as all these races, the new Gas Gas rider will also be taking part in the events left in the Women’s Spanish Trial Championship: Pobladura de Regueras (León), Vall de Lord (Lleida), Carnota (A Coruña), Valdemanco (Madrid) and Antas (Almería).
Sandra Gómez: “I’m just so excited to be back with Gas Gas, the brand that I started off with in trial. And the truth is that I’m really motivated and looking forward to beginning my training and fighting to get my first world title in trial. My first race is going to be the ‘Scottish’ in just 2 weeks. So I’m going to be using this time to get used to the new Gas Gas TXT 300 Racing, which I’ve heard so many good things about. I’m absolutely thrilled at the thought of competing”
SANDRA GÓMEZ CANTERO ( born:23rd March 1993, Cercedilla – Madrid)
Personal Achievement
2015
World SuperEnduro Champion
AMA Enducross Champion
7th Trial World Championship
World runner-up in the Trial de Nations
2014
X Games Silver medallist
3rd World SuperEnduro Championship
3rd Trial World Championship
Spanish Trial Champion
World runner-up in the Trial de Nations
2013
Barcelona X Games Bronze medallist
Munich X Games Bronze medallist
2nd Trial World Championship
Runner-up Spanish Trial
World runner-up in the Trial de Nations
2012
3rd Trial World Championship
Runner-up Spanish Trial
World Champion in the Trial de Nations
2011
5th Trial World Championship
5th Trial European Championship
Spanish Trial Champion
World Champion in the Trial de Nations
2010
5th Trial World Championship
Runner-up Spanish Trial
Champion of the “Comunidad de Madrid de Trial”
2009
8th Trial World Championship
5th Trial European Championship
Runner-up Spanish Trial
World runner-up in the Trial de Nations
2008
13th Trial World Championship
3rd Spanish Trial Championship
World Champion in the Trial de Nations
A popular brand even although it has suffered financial hardship, Gas Gas are set for a return. The new Gas Gas TXT 300 Racing, the model most awaited by the fans of Trial and two-stroke engines. The new models of the Gas Gas TXT 300 Racing will begin production in March in the renovated facilities in Salt under strict quality standards of both manufacturing and of components, as the Girona factory emerges with this strong commitment in the manufacturing of all products.
2016 Gas Gas Racing 300 – Photo: Gas Gas Motos
Highlighted by a sincere commitment to quality and for constant improvement of its TXT 300 Racing model, next week, we will reveal this new flagship of our brand in the sport of Trial, at which point full details will be available with specifications of this new model in which Gas Gas has devoted a special dedication of attention to every detail.
Also Marc Colomer has joined the Development Team at Gas Gas Motos.
Gas Gas relaunch in Gerona 2016 – Photo: John Hulme/Trial Magazine UK
Multiple World Trials Champion, Adam Raga has signed for TRS, the trials machine developed by former World Champion, Jordi Tarres. Photo: TRS Motorcycles
TRS Motorcycles UK have released the following information 14th September 2015 –
“TRS Motorcycles UK are delighted with the news from the TRS Factory and Jordi Tarres that Adam Raga has signed a contract to join the team as their number 1 rider.
Adam needs no introduction as former multiple World Champion, and recently confirmed 2015 World number two, he is a brilliant rider and ambassador for trials and the brands he represents.
Adam’s first UK appearance on the TRS One is likely to be at Sheffield indoor on January 9th.
All of us at TRS Motorcycles UK wish the team a successful 2016 season”.
Trials Guru: This is exciting news as Adam Raga was the protege of Jordi Tarres back in the late 1990’s. The 33 year old six times World Champion from Ulldecona, Catalonia, Spain will be a force to reckon with given his performances in the 2015 world series on a private Gas Gas machine, finishing runner up to Montesa/Honda rider Toni Bou. The UK importer for TRS is 11 times British Trials Champion, Steve Saunders.
The annual Scottish Six Days Trial starts on Monday 4th May until Saturday 9th May in Fort William and surrounding Lochaber and down into Perthshire.
The event which has been organised by the Edinburgh & District Motor Club Ltd since 1911 is always over-subscribed and covers some 600 miles during the week long excursion.
Dubbed many years ago as the ‘Sporting holiday in the Highlands’ it is far from being a holiday for most of the riders as it is still regarded as a fairly hard event to compete in.
The clerk of course is Jeff Horne from Perth and he has found some interesting new hazards for 2015.
Jeff Horne is the SSDT Clerk of the Course 2015
There is a new event secretary, Mieke De Vos, a Dutch born mathematics teacher who lives not far from Edinburgh. Mieke has been around the SSDT for a few years now and was the finish marshal at last year’s event.
Mieke De Vos is the new SSDT Secretary for 2015
Nevis Radio will once again be covering the SSDT live every morning from the Parc Ferme situated in Fort William’s West End. Nevis Radio is the only media group covering the event. You can listen live on your mobile device or home computer. Coverage begins every morning at 07.00 GMT.
The presenters will be Station Manager David Ogg, Si Abberley and The Moffster (aka Trials Guru – or John Moffat if you prefer!). Security will be covered by ‘Big’ John Weller another of the regular Nevis Radio weekly presenters drafted in for SSDT week!
The Nevis Radio Crazy Outside Broadcast Team for the SSDT – From left: David Ogg (The Oggster); John Moffat (The Moffster) & ‘Big John’ Weller – The Security Man!
The coverage will once again be sponsored by Michelin Competition and Trial Magazine, Britain’s foremost trials only full-colour magazine.
The Moffster (Left) interviews 12 times World Trials Champion Dougie Lampkin on Nevis Radio.
Keep tuned to NEVIS RADIO during Scottish week, whether you are in attendance or at home working!
ALL GAS GAS RIDERS MUST REGISTER WITH GGUK BEFORE THE EVENT. Please phone Andy Hipwell on 01298 766814 or email him .. andy@gasgasuk.com
Andy will need all your details…..name, address, riding number and credit card details.
1. Check spokes in both front & rear wheels for tightness as they may have worked loose since first being checked.
If you have the normal type rear wheel (pre 2011) with the sealing band make sure the sealing band is sealed properly BEFORE the event. Please don’t come to our mechanics on ‘way-in’ day with a leaking rim-tape. GET IT SORTED beforehand.
The latest type rear wheels fitted to 2010 RAGA, and all 2011-2015 bikes have the new band-less rear wheel which prevents the tyre leaking air. You must make sure that the spokes are also in good condition on these wheels.
2. Fit new MICHELIN tyres on the front and back. The heat generated on the road destroys tyres and only Michelins stand the abuse. It’s probably better to use the ‘normal’ X11 rear tyres because the new X-light is very thin on the carcass (crown) so there’s more risk of a puncture.
You can get the whole week out of one rear tyre but we recommend using two.
We also recommend using a thicker Enduro inner tube in the front.
We also recommend fitting new wheel bearings…..particularly the front.
3. Repack your silencer with some good quality packing wool. (We recommend SILENTSPORT). It’s a messy job but is well worth doing.
Even if your bike is relatively new we still recommend repacking it before the SSDT. Make sure you re-fit the plastic end can with silicone sealer. And use loctite on the 5mm screws.
Try and not sit on the rear mudguard / silencer because this can make the plastic end can come away from the silencer. You can strengthen this by adding rivets…see pic.
Also a GOOD idea is to add a rivet to the very end of the silencer to help strengthen the fixing of the small stainless outlet.
Fit both front pipe & silencer with new o-rings and silicone sealer.
Also check that the middle-box brackets have no cracks….re-weld / repair if necessary.
1. Check suspension linkage for excessive play & damaged seals, replace as necessary.
Check your ‘bump-stop’ rubber is intact.
2. Clean air filter box & make sure it is completely water tight, clean filter & refit after applying some (decent) filter oil.
On the Pros, it’s a good idea to split the two halves of the air box and seat and re-apply some decent silicone sealant before re-fixing the screws. We use WURTH RTV silicone.
3. Also a good idea (but not a must) is to drill a small 4mm drain hole in the bottom of the plastic flywheel cover & put PVC tape around where wires go into casing. Things can be very wet in Scotland and this will help drain any water that may enter your ignition/stator.Whilst the case is off check the flywheel nut.
4. Make sure all wiring connections are free from dirt & fitted together properly with silicone grease. If your thermostat switch is working fine then leave it alone. Its a good idea to make yourself a small link wire to bypass the switch and wire the fan direct if the switch fails. Only do this in an emergency because having the fan running all the time eventually destroys the small bearings in the fan motor.
5. It’s a good idea also to renew your head o-rings, especially on the two piece S3 cylinder heads. Its also a good idea to carry some head orings in case you cook your bike. If u empty the rad the next thing that fries are the head orings so because they weigh and cost very little, it’s a good idea to carry some.
6. Fit new front & rear brake pads.
Tighten ALL the brake banjo bolts especially the rear brake one because they tend to work loose sometimes. Also check the clutch banjo bolt on top of the cover.
9. Fit new chain & sprockets and the chain is correctly adjusted & it’s not too low-geared. The standard Pro gearing of 11×41/42 is ok but you may want to gear the bike up a little to help on the road sections. (check those sprocket bolts!)
DO NOT FIT A 12T front sprox on a GG PRO!
Remember —- one tooth on the front is the equivalent to four on the back.
When changing the front sprocket make sure the cir-clip is fitted properly.
10. The standard IRIS chains are no good for Scotland. Spend your money on a good quality heavy duty chain like Regina or Renthal for example. (there’s a lot of road work in Scotland). DO NOT USE AN O-RING CHAIN! Also renew the chain tensioner pad.
11. Check the coolant is topped up, condition of the hoses & clips are O.K.
12. Remove carburettor & the float bowl, blow all jets out with airline & refit. Usually, the standard jetting is fine for Scotland. A good idea is to change the ‘float jet’ from the std. 200 to say a 300 to allow more fuel when you’re abusing the bike on the road. Sometimes the bigger float jet can affect the performance in the sections running rich and sometimes a smaller pilot jet (33) is needed. Also keep your filter clean and try and stay away from deep water because you’re engine wont like it.
13. If you use a Keihin Carb (standard on Racing models) we recommend using the richer slide #3 to make the jetting richer mid range and safter on the road. The #3.5 makes the bike nice and clean in the sections but makes it very weak on the road.
14. If you want piece of mine regarding fuel tanks then we do the large capacity ones which all the Team use. http://www.trialendurodirect.com/products/BIG_TANKS_FOR_PROS_53.html This is not just so we can make money either! Its peace of mind for you. You may get stuck on the moors, get lost or your bike might fall over whilst viewing a section. If you use a Keihin carb then these use even more petrol on the road.
If you have a 2013 PRO RACING/REPLICA FACTORY/STD or RACING 2014 model then you must ask for the tank that fits that model because the coil is mounted in a different place and so needs a modified tank.
If you can’t afford a tank then Id advise carrying at least half a litre in your rucksack….which is not actually allowed….oops.
The petrol stops are perfectly situated nowadays thanks to the army and many GG riders manage on the standard tanks.
15. YOU MUST USE THE CHOKE ON THE ROAD. Keep easing off to the ‘rich’ spot is the best technique. Tip; vary your speed and throttle when you are on the road. Holding the throttle in a constant place on any 2 stroke is fatal. The engine will run very weak, detonate and easily seize up.
Always ride a long with a finger hovering the clutch lever. If you feel the engine tighten or if the piston ‘nips’, pull that clutch lever fast ! If you seize the piston, don’t panic. Let the engine cool down a little and try and push the kickstart down. If the kickstart is absolutely solid, you are in trouble ! The cylinder needs to be removed and renewed with a new piston. If the kickstart will push down, you’ve been lucky. Start the bike and carry on, steadily for a while. The engine will rattle but usually quietens down after a few miles.
16. Fit new handlebar grips with glue and also wire them on.
There are many grips on the market and we love both the Renthal and S3 Brands.
I would use either Renthal mediums or the new S3 ‘6 Days’ grips
From 2011 model onwards we fit a larger rubber ring around the rear shock absorber to help stop water entering the airbox, we have these in stock at GGUK.
DON’T forget a front mudguard flap and wider the mudguard with Duct-tape !
19. If you normally use a cylinder head spacer kit, then we recommend you remove it for the Scottish. Sometimes these can leak when the cylinder reaches high temperatures for along time (road/moors)
If you are used to riding with a head spacer and want that nice soft power for the Scottish we HIGHLY recommend the new S3 ‘low compression’ head inserts.
YOU MUST PREPARE YOUR BIKE FULLY BEFORE YOU GO UP TO THE TRIAL
EACH YEAR WE EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS FROM RIDERS WHO DO NOT BOTHER TO DO THE JOBS LISTED ABOVE.
SOME THINGS MAY SEEM UN-IMPORTANT BUT THEY ARE ALL THERE FOR A REASON.
The SSDT committee are quite strict in the paddock regards to anyone else working on your bike so make sure you are able to carry out the work yourself.
Our SSDT service that you register to enables you to use our facilities, buy spare parts and get advice. It does not get you your own personal mechanic for the week.
GGUK services / shop in the paddock open at 9am on Sunday May 3rd.
Our staff will not be there and no parts/service is available on Saturday May 2nd.
The GGUK squad March 2015 – here to look after you!
Many thanks to John Shirt Jnr and his team at GasGasUK for providing Trials Guru with this information.
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