Unofficial Royal Enfield Community Forum

Royal Enfield Motorcycles => Bullet Iron Barrel => Topic started by: darmst6829 on March 23, 2009, 04:16:22 am

Title: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on March 23, 2009, 04:16:22 am
Hello all,

I am thinking of building a new AHRMA premier heavyweight trials bike from a Royal Enfield. I know the non-electric start bikes are legal but has anyone actually built one and competed on it in AHRMA trials? If so I would like to read about your experience.
thanks,

Dave.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: ace.cafe on March 23, 2009, 01:00:21 pm
I don't know of anyone specifically who is doing that, but I'll bet that there are some people doing it here in the US.

The Bullet was very successful as a Trials bike during the 1950s.
Johnny Brittain competed for 15 consecutive years in the ISDT, and won 13 Gold Medals on his Bullet.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Leonard on March 23, 2009, 11:21:22 pm
Here is a blog that will be of interest to you:  http://www.blackcatvintagetrials.com/
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on March 25, 2009, 03:31:32 am
Hi,

Tony Down is a cool guy. I met him at the "farm" in Chehalis  WA the AHRMA Classic a few years ago. His Enfield (as seen on his web-site) is the genisis for me wanting to build a heavyweight trials bike.
I am running a 1966 Bultaco Matador in the Classic class and want to move up to the Premier (pre 65) class. No one is running an Indian built Royal Enfield at this time as far as I can tell in AHRMA. 

Dave.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Leonard on March 25, 2009, 04:05:42 am
I thought the Indian made REs were accepted by the AHRMA.  Shouldn't be too hard to find out and it would sure be an interesting project, good luck.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: ace.cafe on March 25, 2009, 01:57:20 pm
I thought the Indian made REs were accepted by the AHRMA.  Shouldn't be too hard to find out and it would sure be an interesting project, good luck.

Yes, the Indian made Bullets are accepted in AHRMA.
The AHRMA road racing classes have Indian made Bullets racing there.
I think if they allow it for the road racers, they'll allow it for the trials too.

From what I've heard, it has to have the 4-speed gearbox, and not the 5-speed.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on May 24, 2012, 05:34:06 am
Hello all,

I am thinking of building a new AHRMA premier heavyweight trials bike from a Royal Enfield. I know the non-electric start bikes are legal but has anyone actually built one and competed on it in AHRMA trials? If so I would like to read about your experience.
thanks,

Dave.
OK, I spoke with Dick Mann at the Steel Stampede in Terrebonne OR the other weekend and he mentioned that he has an Indian 350cc Royal Enfield that he is going to build into a trials bike. I asked him lots of questions specifically about the frame and his opinion was that the stock frame Indian Enfield frame is the same as the factory trials bike. With that information I pulled the trigger on a 1978 home market 350cc Enfield to build into an AHRMA Premier Heavyweight trials bike. The bike has done 720 miles since new and looks to be in good shape. I plan on getting the bike running and evaluate the condition of the motor and transmission before striping the bike down.  This should be fun!

Dave

Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Ice on May 24, 2012, 08:05:43 am
 Video of the only known surviving 1948 RE factory works trials bike
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3dzCtnBzHY&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3dzCtnBzHY&feature=related)

 Link to article about the bike.
http://www.royalenfield.org.uk/index.php?PageName=why_jim (http://www.royalenfield.org.uk/index.php?PageName=why_jim)

Video of a Bullet trials in action.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vhrIgy6jFE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vhrIgy6jFE)

This one is an absolute beast of a trail bike.
(http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/gallery/1723_03_05_12_5_13_59.jpg)
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Lwt Big Cheese on May 24, 2012, 08:43:17 am
I see that one uses a linear induction motor for the rear wheel instead of the traditional spokes.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on June 21, 2012, 06:33:10 pm
OK, I spoke with Dick Mann at the Steel Stampede in Terrebonne OR the other weekend and he mentioned that he has an Indian 350cc Royal Enfield that he is going to build into a trials bike.
Dave

I need a battery, does anyone know if the bike is 6 or 12 volt? Its a 1977 or 78 350cc

Dave
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Arizoni on June 22, 2012, 11:41:25 pm
The book "Royal Enfield, The Postwar Models" by Roy Bacon says the1977-1982 Indian made 350's were 6 volt.

There is always the possibility that someone has upgraded it to a 12 volt system in the past 34 years so it might be a good idea to look at the headlight and tail light bulbs.  If they and possibly the igntion coil are marked 12 volt then that is the one to go with. :)
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on June 26, 2012, 06:01:57 am
Thanks, 6volt it is.
I spent a fair amount of time taking the fenders etc off the bike and I have to say the bike is impressive. Not a fan of star washers though. The factory seems to think they are neat-o.

Dave
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on September 30, 2012, 05:11:50 am
Well from what Steve at European Motorcycles, Inc. says, the bike is 12 volt. I had Steve get the bike running for me and also remove the battery from the system. A capacitor and a regulator were installed and everything else from the wire harness has been removed. The bike starts right up and has a rock solid idle. Amazing.  I got a 1954 frame from a friend in Canada that has been modified for use as a trials bike but man is it a mess! I am not sure if I will use it or the stock frame.  The big problem with using the stock frame is that there is so much crap like brackets and hangers and stuff all over that it will take days with an angle grinder to take all the shit off.  I also need to decide whether to use the stock ½ width hubs or find another set of wheels to use. And how front forks? Do I use the stock set or do I find something more suitable like Ceriani or Bator? I won a fuel tank off an early Enfield trials bike and it fit straight on with no mods. Very cool. At this point I feel like using stock hubs with good quality Sun rims and stainless spokes. I plan on drilling holes in through the brake drums for water to escape. This is something I have only seen once on a Hodaka race bike and the owner swore up and down that it worked great for keeping the brakes working in wet conditions.

Dave
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on October 07, 2012, 02:10:15 am
So I have been disassembling the Enfield and found something interesting. Bent front forks! I don’t think it matters and I don’t see any other damage so I can only assume the previous owner hit something solid or are the forks tubes made of butter? Anyone know how to take off the nacelle? I have every fastener out and the fork tubes are removed. I found the hex head bolt behind the handlebars. No joy.

Dave
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on October 09, 2012, 03:30:19 pm
With lots of heat from a heat gun the nacelle came loose. Luckily for me the grease is viscous and still held the loose balls in place as the assembly came apart! I made an executive decision to use stock hubs and forks so to that end I bought a pair of brand new forks from India. The other decision that has to be made is gearing. The rear hub and sprocket are one piece so any gearing changes back there will be difficult. I can buy a 13 tooth counter shaft sprocket and Royal Enfield offers a scrambler/trials gears set that lowers the gear ratio in the first 3 gears.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Ice on October 09, 2012, 08:00:09 pm
Call CMW.
I believe they carry a rear drum set up that uses changeable sprockets.

 The webstore depicts only a small portion of whats listed in their paper catalog and only a fraction of the warehouse inventory.
 
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on October 10, 2012, 06:02:46 am
"I believe they carry a rear drum set up that uses changeable sprockets."

Neat. Good to know.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: ace.cafe on October 10, 2012, 12:41:25 pm
There are also various sizes of crankshaft gears in the primary drive which can be used to alter the gear ratios.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on October 15, 2012, 04:42:56 am
Today I took the front wheel apart by unscrewing all the spokes then I disassembled the axle and bearings. A heat gun is your best ally when taking pressed together assemblies apart. I will do the rear wheel and send the hubs off to Matt at Speed and Sport for new Sun rims and spokes. Why not send it straight to Buchanan wheel and spoke? Well Matt does a great job and he will refinish the hubs to my specification. Besides Matt sponsors the AHRMA trials series on the west coast and he is a great guy. 
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: ace.cafe on October 15, 2012, 08:58:42 am
Pay close attention to the wheel bearings and the spacers. And the bearing in the rear brake drum.
The inner spacers are often not correct length, and often are not cut square on the ends, which leads to the bearings being partly askew when installed.
Also, we have found that the ceramic bearings available at fairly low cost are great in this wheel bearing application. I think they are 6203, if I remember correctly. Reduces rolling resistance tremendously. It has worked out very well for us.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on October 15, 2012, 03:34:29 pm
I will definitely look the spacers over. The biggest problem for a trials bike is that moisture tends to kill wheel bearings and brake shoes. Generally after a trials it’s a good idea to disassemble the wheels and clean out the hubs of dirt and moisture but that’s not always possible. Do the ceramic bearings come sealed on both sides?
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: ace.cafe on October 15, 2012, 04:08:40 pm
I will definitely look the spacers over. The biggest problem for a trials bike is that moisture tends to kill wheel bearings and brake shoes. Generally after a trials it’s a good idea to disassemble the wheels and clean out the hubs of dirt and moisture but that’s not always possible. Do the ceramic bearings come sealed on both sides?

You can get them sealed or unsealed, or just one side sealed. And the shields/seals are typically rubber, and can be removed or re-fitted at will.
Normally the affordable ceramic bearings just have ceramic balls, and the races are still steel, so the races can still rust. But the balls won't. I guess that's half the battle, anyway.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: barenekd on October 15, 2012, 05:33:43 pm
Nfield Gear has a brake drum with the fixed sprocket milled off and has a variety of changeable rear sprockets from 38T to 50T. P/N Z91266 and the part name
Bare
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on October 20, 2012, 05:29:04 am
UPS arrived today with a package from Speed and Sport. It contained a set of weld on foot pegs, new trials bend handlebars and a side stand kit. The side stand is a major pain in the ass and having built one from scratch I know how hard it is to make the thing work correctly and so to me well worth the $130 for the kit. It mounts to the right hand side of the swing arm (or swinging arm) and comes with instructions on how to weld the thing together. The foot pegs look slightly short. I will have to offer them up to the frame and see.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on October 23, 2012, 05:36:50 am
Beautifully made English chromed steel control levers, an English built Wassell trials seat and new Enfield front forks from India arrived today. Also I cut out the spokes and disassembled the rear wheel down to the hub. Whoever greased the wheel bearings used enough grease for 10 or 12 sets of wheel bearings and I am not kidding! Both hubs were completely filled with grease. What a mess! The grease had contaminated the rear brake shoes and fortunately I have a new set in the box of stuff I got with the bike. The hubs are going to Speed and Sport hopefully tomorrow.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Ice on October 23, 2012, 06:04:11 am
You can get them sealed or unsealed, or just one side sealed. And the shields/seals are typically rubber, and can be removed or re-fitted at will.
Normally the affordable ceramic bearings just have ceramic balls, and the races are still steel, so the races can still rust. But the balls won't. I guess that's half the battle, anyway.

 This I do with all sealed bearings.
Gently wiggle a tiny flat tool tip in and pop the seals out, flush away the sneeze of shipping grease the factory's are so fond of putting in and re pack the bearing almost completely full with a grease more suited to the environment the bearing will be operating in and then with only thump pressure reinstall the seal.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on October 23, 2012, 02:13:17 pm
This I do with all sealed bearings.
Gently wiggle a tiny flat tool tip in and pop the seals out, flush away the sneeze of shipping grease the factory's are so fond of putting in and re pack the bearing almost completely full with a grease more suited to the environment the bearing will be operating in and then with only thump pressure reinstall the seal.
Hi Ice,
Are you sure more grease is better? I would be interested to know from an engineering standpoint.
Dave
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on October 25, 2012, 03:11:27 pm
Oh ah before cutting the spokes out and removing wheel bearings spacers etc. measure the offset of the rim.......darn it all the Hell!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on October 26, 2012, 04:15:27 am
Well after reinstalling all the spacers and bearings axles etc. back into bare hubs then  installing forks into the lower triple clamp and carefully lining everything up it became readily apparent the offset of the rims is the inner edge of the brake drum for both the front and the rear.  A pain in the ass. The bearings are a bitch. I am sure there is a special tool to reinstall bearings and I don’t have it. After talking with Matt at Speed and Sport I am going to send the swing arm with the hubs as it needs to be modified so the bigger trials tire will fit. This involves cutting out the inside walls of the round swing arm and welding in flat plates creating more room.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Ice on October 26, 2012, 06:04:42 am
Hi Ice,
Are you sure more grease is better? I would be interested to know from an engineering standpoint.
Dave

 Sorry mate, no engineering degree here.  Am I sure more grease is better? for road racing no, for year round riding and jeeping in western WA. and industrial food machinery in sanitizer wash down environments, oh yah  ;)  It might be overkill for most folks in America but it sure does rain a lot around Puget Sound.
 I think boaters are in agreement with the principal as they have those nifty spring and plunger loaded axle hub caps on their trailers that keep the bearings full of grease.

 Your forks are bent ? I have a pair of  Yamaha forks and triple clamps that have been modded to fit a Bullet. If you want 'em you can have 'em for the cost of shipping. PM me an e mail address or phone number that I can send pics to so you can take a look before deciding.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on October 27, 2012, 01:17:10 am
Thanks Ice, but I got a new set of forks out of India.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on November 10, 2012, 12:51:55 am
After a grueling last couple of weeks at work I finally have Saturday blocked out for garage time! I plan on offering the Enfield motor up to the frame and see if it fits. I know it will. Its not a Royal Enfield as at the time the motorcycle was manufactured they did not have rights to the Royal part. Also planning on getting serious with my Bultaco Metralla project. I travel locally in my truck for work and I am so happy not to get back into that stinker any time soon.

Dave
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on November 14, 2012, 03:56:16 am
Good lord, no garage time. I did manage to pick up $50 worth of nuts and bolts for my Metralla and that’s about all. Sometimes I feel like a rag doll being shaken by a rat terrier! I did get caught up on paperwork at the office though…..
 
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on November 20, 2012, 05:00:59 am
I am waiting for Matthew at Speed and Sport to finish up my wheels. When they come back I hope to start mocking up my Enfield trials bike. Mount the forks, install the motor, fit all the ancillary items before doing up any finish’s like paint to the frame. I may even ride the thing for a while until its sorted out. This patients thing is a hard lesson to learn. I have had to weld things onto powder coated frames and refit finished (painted) parts with a rat tail file because I didn’t put a bike all together and try it out before painting or plating in the past and it sucks.

Dave
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on November 30, 2012, 08:10:47 am
My wife and I have been in Palm Springs for a few days. It was time for a get away. I am hopefull that when I get back into town UPS will have left a few parts on the doorstep? The plane we flew in on was a total piece of crap. I hope we fly out on a better plane!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: LarsBloodbeard on November 30, 2012, 05:32:54 pm
I'm enjoying this thread.  Needs more pictures though!

I was just in Palm Springs on Sunday for a quick hike.  I've never particularly been fond of the city itself,   but there's some nice wilderness areas around there.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on December 01, 2012, 02:33:46 am
Hi Larsbloodbeard we are stuck at the airport. San Francisco is underwater? Anyway we came down and hooked up with some friends from the VME who hang out down here in the winter. We hiked up to the waterfall and took the tram up the hill and hiked all over up on top. Cool tram ride. I enjoy riding trials and always try to encourage others to try it out and being the President of the VME its my responsibility to promote vintage motorcycling and the early Enfields fit that bill. Looks like we may have to stay another day here.....
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on December 05, 2012, 03:49:59 am
Actually any Enfield fit’s the bill. We made it back to Seattle at 3AM. I was slightly upset by the poor communications skills of the United personnel but what can I expect from them as they do break Taylor guitars.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YGc4zOqozo F--- them. Anywho still waiting on my wheels
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: LarsBloodbeard on December 05, 2012, 06:47:45 am
Any 2 wheels is better than 4!

Glad you made it back in one piece, finally.  I do a ton of flying, and United is one of the worst carriers.  Whenever I fly along the west coast I either go Southwest or Alaska Air.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on December 07, 2012, 03:37:49 pm
I called Matt at Speed and Sport and he just got my hubs back from the powder coater. The spokes, stainless rims, tires etc. are waiting to be assembled. The swinging arm is being clearanced so a full size trials tire will have room for mud. Matt is doing this by removing part of the inner wall of tubing then welding in a flat plate to close the tube.  I have rebuilt Bultaco wheels in the past and I found the process fairly simple because I was starting with an old rusty but completely assembled wheel. The Enfield wheels are something else because I wanted to use the original conical hubs with 18” rear and 21” front rims. The motorcycle wheels stock are 19” front and back and rather then reinvent the wheel I decided to have Matt figure it out.

Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on December 18, 2012, 04:54:55 am
Earlier this year I sold my Chinook camper van. It was a good old rig with a loud stereo, good AC and everything worked but my wife didn’t like that it had no bathroom and you had to take the bed apart everyday. We tend to travel a lot during the year for races and general vacation stuff but now its time for something different. I am thinking of getting a normal ¾ ton or 1 ton van and towing a travel trailer. My thought is that a van can haul the bikes and gear then at the race track my wife can go visit a friend or fabric store. Also we like to ride bicycles and  hauling them is a pain in the ass. A van would make it easy just throw them in the back. Also having them inside a van they are harder to steal. Same with a motorcycle or two.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on December 24, 2012, 02:06:24 am
Forgive me Father for I have sinned.  It was Harbor Freight. I swore that I would never to do it again but as I drove past it sucked me in with the promise of  “Quality Tools at a Discount Price“. Like the house in New Orleans (they call the Rising Sun) It left me a broken man “with crap tools“.  I am so ashamed.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Merrill on December 24, 2012, 03:24:43 am
Harbor Freight has its place.  Many of their hand tools work just fine,  their blast cabinets are a great starting point to build from, and a few of their larger Chicago Electric items are worth bringing home.  Like most things you need to be educated going in.  I would not buy their paint guns, but they make great hammers. 
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Arizoni on December 24, 2012, 10:14:08 pm
"...I would not buy their paint guns, but they make great hammers. "
-------------------------------------
The paint guns? 
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on December 25, 2012, 05:32:37 am
I have no real problem with Harbor Freight products, I just HATE communism and China is a communist country. I made a promise to myself to never go back to that store again and I broke it. Yes you do have educate yourself before going to Harbor Freight.

Dave
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Merrill on December 25, 2012, 06:31:15 pm
"It left me a broken man with crap tools"
"I have no real problem with Harbor Freight products"

sorry,  thought the discussion was about their merchandise.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on December 25, 2012, 07:04:17 pm
Hi Merrill

Your right. It was not necessary for me to interject my political views into the conversation and my poor response came off harshly. Sorry.
Merry Christmas.
Dave
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Merrill on December 25, 2012, 09:04:44 pm
Merry Christmas David
Yes, considering global affairs we have much to be thankful for.
    Where else can one justify pounding nails with a discount paint gun? :)
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on December 28, 2012, 04:19:12 am
So I have my Enfield motor (motor or engine?) sitting in the original frame on the floor of my garage and I would like to know if I need to separate the gearbox, primary and motor before removing from the frame.

Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: baird4444 on December 28, 2012, 07:37:32 pm
you can leave the gearbox on. I pulled the primary when I did mine;
used the kickstart lever for a handle and just swung it up and out...
have a look at       http://tiny.cc/wN6lw
if you'd like, they are reverse order though....
             - Mike
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: ace.cafe on December 28, 2012, 07:54:01 pm
I always leave the gearbox on, and like Baird444, I remove the primary chaincase before removing it. I also take off the head and barrel, so that I have maneuvering room, and to make it all lighter to handle.

On the bottom of the gearbox are 2 slots/hooks which drop on to the cross-bolt that goes across the frame under the gearbox. You have to remove the top triangular gearbox plates, and then you have to lift the gearbox up enough to get the hooks off the crossbolt. Then you can rock the engine out by lifting it up and out the primary side.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on December 31, 2012, 02:46:00 am
Hello I thought I would show a couple video I shot last year a Terrebonne OR. I didn’t ride because I was recovering from shoulder surgery so I wandered around and took the video. The first video is of Dick Mann and a new trials motorcycle he built using a Triumph 500cc “generator motor” if you look behind Dick you will see another bike he built a BSA Gold Star trials bike. The second video shows the same BSA thrown down onto the rocks breaking the crankcase! Ouch!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vOgzdOoKws

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsE9cnaJRGM

Various Premier bikes racing, lots of VME members.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBI54AITkT8

Dave
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on December 31, 2012, 05:26:02 am
Or how about some TT?

Dino Daze.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAHrBQ3Zbc4
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on January 02, 2013, 04:55:24 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2iDFQLwvRQ

Rider 311 is my buddy Frosty. He is 68 years old riding a 250cc Greeves. I had a Greeves just like it but only got two or three rides out of it the entire time I owned it. The bike hated water and would die any time you rode it in the rain or around puddles! Also the bike spit me off going up hill at about 40mph when it seized. Screw that!

Dave
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on January 07, 2013, 05:15:26 am

A quick tour of my garage with Enfield content at the end.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q00VKQduKtA&list=HL1357534645&feature=mh_lolz
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on January 11, 2013, 05:35:39 am
I have to say my little Campera has been used and abused. I have done several 200 mile days and trips lasting 500 to 700 miles on several occasions. I find it interesting to note that other then one needs really good ear plugs to ride the bike it is an easy handler and none fatiguing other than the noise. See Puyallup Convoy http://www.jhmand.com/hodaka/2008/2008-4.html The Matador has been my trials bike for AHRMA trials for the last 6 or 7 years and once done up properly it has been incredibly reliable. I have not changed the points on the bike and only changed the spark plug just because it seemed like the thing to do. My Sherpa S being a race bike has seen several changes and one solid rebuild.  The Metralla is the culmination of my Jr, High sighting of an instructors Metralla race bike and it just stuck in my head that I must have a Metralla in my lifetime. I actually rode my Suzuki 500 (in 1976) up to Bellingham to look at a Metralla that Steve Baker had for sale in his store when I was in High School. The bike was a peach but at $700 it was out of my range.  The Enfield is to become a Heavyweight trials bike like many of my peers are ridding now and that is my direction for trials.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on January 12, 2013, 05:26:41 am
The awards banquet for the VME is Saturday night and then Sunday morning is this:

http://www.pugetsoundtrialers.com/PSTJanuary13th.PDF

If I can keep my act together I plan on riding the Matador in the vintage class. It would be really good for me to participate as my life lately has been way to stressful and a good thrash on an old bike would do wonders for my head.

Dave
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on January 14, 2013, 04:12:09 am
I made it down to the Purple Penguin trial today and it was so cold everything was frozen. Frozen solid and icy everywhere. I fell off more today then in my entire career of trials riding. I understand that I was a visitor and chose to go and participate in a PST trials but I have to say that stopping in a trials section is stupid. I watched rider after rider get hung up on a log or stump and fiddle and push (with one foot) for 20 or 30 seconds and finally get the bike free and the PST only calls that a one? Anyway they can have rules to suit them. Not my game. I have a big Gumby on my chin from a face plant not that that’s PST fault. Ice sucks!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsPFPE-Ct-k&feature=youtu.be

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDwOivVYDEY&feature=youtu.be

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLlWIn7eGSo&feature=youtu.be



Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: ace.cafe on January 14, 2013, 12:26:32 pm
Looks like fun.

Here's a video of a trials Bullet that I thought was cool.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vhrIgy6jFE
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on January 14, 2013, 01:57:04 pm
Hi ACE, all I could find out about Hans Greiner is in German. The bike is apparently a 1958 works replica. Thanks for the video. I don't think I would have wanted to ride a heavyweight at the Purple Penguin Trial! I spent way to much time picking the bike up off the ground!

Dave
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on January 24, 2013, 04:05:48 am
Some parts are trickling in from Matt at Speed and Sport. I opened a package today and in it was my widened swing arm (swinging arm "pommy") with room for a big tire and a much bigger rear chain ring. Nice welding and finish work on the parts. When I get the wheels back things will happen.

Dave
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on January 25, 2013, 04:36:41 am

I got my wheels back from Speed and Sport and they are freaking awesome! Powder coated gloss black hubs, stainless wheel rims with stainless spokes. New Dunlop D803's mounted. Very classy looking. The swinging arm looks terrific with excellent welding and fabrication work done for extra tire and chain ring clearance.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on January 27, 2013, 05:36:03 am
As the president of the Vintage Motorcycle Enthusiast I am also on the board of the Pacific Northwest Museum of Motorcycling and last night we had the opening of an exhibit held in conjunction with the WA State History Museum in Tacoma WA. On display are rare machines from the Pacific Northwest and paraphernalia associated with the early days of motorcycling. Its hard to describe how good it felt to see the displays knowing how much hard work went into them. I know or new several of the people shown in the displays and it was great fun to see them represented. http://www.thenewstribune.com/2013/01/25/2448844/story-of-state-bikes-entwine.html
Tammy Sessions still races occasionally and she is a very nice lady.
Fred Pazaski raced with my father in law and was an extremely nice guy. He died before he could build me a Harley Davidson 45. Something I really wanted to have.
 http://www.gvmps.org/inductees/fred_pazaski.htm
I figure that somewhere along the way I will have a 45 but it would have been sweet to have Fred put one together for me. I toured Fred’s workshop one time and he had every  part imaginable for Harley Davidson’s with literally shelf’s full of things like complete “Pea Shooter” motors to electrical components for any Harley you could name. Anyway if you live in the Puget Sound area I would recommend that you go to the museum and check it out.
Washington State History Museum
1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma WA 98402

Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on January 29, 2013, 05:22:02 am
I was able to mount the wheels on the Enfield frame and they look great. The next step is to remove the engine (motor?) from the frame and start cutting crap off it. All the unnecessary mounting tabs have to go and new ones for the seat and electronics, kickstand, foot pegs and whatever else have to be added.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on January 30, 2013, 04:40:31 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TxoVTJxcbg
Progress?
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on January 31, 2013, 04:29:54 am
Here is one more from the Plastered Purple Penguin trial. It shows me absolutely failing an icy section completely.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGJJ3R-L3EM
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: GreenMachine on January 31, 2013, 03:33:26 pm
The stainless rim/spoke job turned out great. How much weight are you figuring on eliminating when it's all said and done? ..I thought u were gonna make it on that tight left uphill turn but lost your grip on the throttle and it died.. The ballast on that light may have kaput or a shot fluorescent...GM
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on February 01, 2013, 04:41:25 am
Hi GM, my goal is to simply get the bike into competition form. They were heavy as hell back in the day and mine will probably be heavy as hell. At least in the its initial form! My Matador comes in at 196 pounds I guess the Enfield would be less then 300 and hopefully closer to 275 pounds. The thing about the big British singles is that they have massive flywheels and that helps them on the off camber hill sides and such. And from what I have been told they are easy to ride the classic sections but when confronted with modern sections they become almost impossible.
As far as the Purple Penguin last video I had no idea what to do with that section. It was frozen solid with zero traction and I had mostly given up. After the event analysis I should have gone much wider at the bottom and planted my foot and horsed the front end around. The thing I couldn’t get my head around is that in modern trials you can stop as long as the bike is running and then continue. Classic trials would have you get a fat ass 5! I know that if I had been thinking more about modern rules I would have decreased my score by a good margin.

Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on February 14, 2013, 03:45:56 am
In my normal dorky don’t read the manual way I managed to get the engine out of the Enfield frame. Of course it was a near disaster as the rear engine mount is part of the center stand. What a wibbly wobbly wagon full of water melons! On reflection it became obvious that only a few bolts need to be removed and the engine drops out. Live and learn. Now the angle grinder gets to earn its keep….
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on February 18, 2013, 04:16:08 am
Today I trimmed over 1.5 pounds off the Enfield Frame. I used 6 sawsall blades and surprisingly only one flapper angle grinder disk. They are wonderful. Also I took all the engine mounting plates and put them in a bucket of carburetor cleaner. The frame is turning out to be much less of a problem then I thought it would be. My concern was the bracket removal would wreck the frame tubes and I would have to buy something else.  Fortunately that was not the case and the unnecessary brackets ground off with little issue other than to much noise for the neighbors. Screw them their dogs recently killed two of my hen's..
The 58 of so English frame is not worthy of my time. So I will go with the stock Indian frame.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on February 19, 2013, 05:15:32 am
I took the day off today and made huge progress on many levels I got the engine cleaned up with newly painted engine plates installed, I bought tons of stainless bolts for reassembly and made some decisions for direction of this Enfield project. I decided that the engine, suspension and fuel tank, need to be reinstalled. Then I can mock up the seat mounting and foot peg location.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on February 24, 2013, 05:49:41 am
No Enfield content but I have another trials to ride on March 3rd. it’s a PST event on Whidbey Island. I am going to think about how to lower my score and go for the win with modern rules. As it is written you can stop and think about stuff before committing so that’s what I intend to do. Also as long as the bike is running and you don’t have both feet off on the same side of the bike you can paddle out of a section for a 3. Easy peasy? I intend to spend my Sunday (tomorrow) prepping my 1966 Matador for the event. New fluids everywhere and I intend to clean out the brakes. Brakes are so important in trials and with good ones I think you can lower your score. With bad brakes well you are in trouble. 

Dave
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: GreenMachine on February 24, 2013, 03:44:50 pm
Good luck at the trials..I checked out some pics of the island and it's beautiful with a bit of history to it...Hope the weather holds up for ya as I'm sure that a big variable associated with this type of event and the terrain. ..Let us know how you scored...GM
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on March 04, 2013, 04:00:09 am
I scored 14 points with my closest competitor scoring 24. There were 6 riders in the vintage class and I won. I am stoked.

Dave
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: High On Octane on March 04, 2013, 01:08:26 pm
Awesome Dave!  Good for you!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: ace.cafe on March 04, 2013, 06:08:56 pm
Congratulations!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on March 17, 2013, 03:54:57 pm
FIM has reintroduced a non stop rule into trials. It is highly controversial and many are upset about it. The stopping and setting up for obstacles is still OK in stadium trials but definitely not for outdoor trials. I think the new rule will help the sport. Of course this is all for modern riding but I think the well done video demonstrates how no stop trials works. AHRMA has always been no stop.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YT-RCNFDLtc&feature=player_embedded
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on April 04, 2013, 06:47:27 am


I got side tracked off the Enfield project by a couple of things: first with the AHRMA season fast approaching I needed a vehicle to haul my dirt bikes so after much consideration I decided the best vehicle would be a van. Lots of room, I don’t have to haul a trailer and if I need to I can sleep in the thing. I wanted a ¾ ton 2006 or later and had a budget of around 10,000. What I found out is that people who own ¾ ton vans put huge miles on them in a hurry and everything in my price range had over 100,000 miles on them! So after consideration I figured that if I take a chance on a high miler why spend so much money on a late model van? I found a 2002 Ford E250 with a big 5.4 liter motor, air conditioning and a trailer hitch for cheap. So I bought it. This left me a bit of extra dough and needing a touring motorcycle to replace my Kawasaki I bought a 1985 Harley Davidson FLHTC Electra Glide. Its cool as shit. A Harley wasn’t on my radar but this one called to me. The motorcycle has the first year Evolution motor, a 5 speed transmission and belt drive. Christina and I needed another touring motorcycle and this one popped up on Craiglist for easy money so we took a chance. The foot boards and controls in general are odd but after ridding it for the last couple of days its becoming more natural. I like the neutral handling and calm air behind the batwing fairing. You need a big hand and a firm pull on the lever to activate the reasonably powerful front brake and the rear brake is fine. The bike shudders at idle and with all the rubber mounted parts jiggling in unison it makes for quit a show!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Ice on April 05, 2013, 01:05:08 am
 Congrats darmst6829, you done good and IMHO your EVO is the pinnacle of H-D engine development.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on April 05, 2013, 05:00:15 am
Thanks Ice, the bike is in super condition with only a couple little things that need to be addressed. Steve at European Motorcycles Inc. gave it his approval and that says something as he can be a curmudgeon! I am going to change the front tire and give the bike a thorough going over in preparation for this summers adventures. On the Enfield front I have the bike back together and need to fabricate a skid plate, seat mount, foot peg mounting and fender mounts. I may simply buy the fender stays and fenders from Enfield. Not sure. When I get all that done then I need to ride the thing and see how far off the gearing is.  Dave
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on May 03, 2013, 05:57:26 am
http://blip.tv/peckhammertv/trials-first-trials-last-2075760
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on May 09, 2013, 05:13:42 am
So I rode at the Crooked River Steel Stampede and it was an absolute hoot. I placed 2nd in the Classic class trials and won both moto’s in the Classic 250cc class. My big ass plans of playing golf and running two classes at motocross were thrown out the window after arriving worn out and tired. I figured it would be better for me to simply run the two events and enjoy the time off. Lots of really hard crashes this year at Terrebonne. My buddy Tadd Dean got a handlebar in the chest breaking a few ribs and wrecking his weekend. Reese Dengler (of the AHRMA NW) hit a downed rider and took a massive spill eventually sending him to the hospital. I witnessed at least 6 hard get offs. I guess everyone was wound up and ready to party? Anyway I have never won an AHRMA race before and feel it was my best ride on the Sherpa S ever. I really need to pull the barrel and have it rebored. Also both motorcycles are running shabby after the event and I must do some ignition maintenance on both machines. My legs still hurt!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on May 26, 2013, 07:33:35 am
I spent all day at my buddy Larry's shop creating foot peg mounts for the Enfield. A shocking amount of time was spent fabricating and mounting such simple parts. I did get to try out his new plasma cutter and Tig welder. I also learned how to set up a proper jig to hold everything in alignment while welding.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on May 28, 2013, 04:47:23 am
The right hand foot peg is done. I spent today (yes today as in all day) finishing the right hand foot peg. I needed to be able to move the peg if it didn't work out so to reiterate I went up to my buddies house on Saturday and fabricated both left and right foot peg mounts and today fabricating a removable foot peg mounting for the previously fabricated mount. Confused? So am I. No way should I be confused with mister fabrication man as most of the time the stuff I make turns out slightly out of true or worse but today was magic. I am really happy with my work and have a solid idea of how to build the left foot peg.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on May 29, 2013, 02:10:05 pm
Picture added. I mounted the foot peg in the modern way that is almost level with the bottom of the frame and nearly even with the tire. If I don't like it a change can be made without to much trouble.

http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=4232
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on June 07, 2013, 01:56:47 pm
I spoke with the good folks at Royal Enfield USA and asked about different size primary chain sprockets and was told they don’t supply anything but the standard size. Specifically I am looking for a smaller crankshaft sprocket to gear the bike down. I did order the smallest counter shaft sprocket available a thirteen tooth but I would still like to gear the bike down more at the primary to hopefully avoid a giant rear final drive sprocket. Anyone have an idea who to call?
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: ace.cafe on June 07, 2013, 02:17:21 pm
I spoke with the good folks at Royal Enfield USA and asked about different size primary chain sprockets and was told they don’t supply anything but the standard size. Specifically I am looking for a smaller crankshaft sprocket to gear the bike down. I did order the smallest counter shaft sprocket available a thirteen tooth but I would still like to gear the bike down more at the primary to hopefully avoid a giant rear final drive sprocket. Anyone have an idea who to call?

They are listed on this page as "Engine sprockets".
http://www.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/accessory-engine-crankshaft (http://www.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/accessory-engine-crankshaft)

You will probably need to specify year/model, and whether it is for a KS or ES model crankshaft spline.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on June 10, 2013, 03:03:30 pm
Thanks, I will call Hitchcocks today!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on June 15, 2013, 05:41:18 am
Hello, we sell a set of trials gears. These are two “compensation gears” that fit into the standard gearbox which lowers 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears whilst maintaining the standard ration for 4th. Most people buy this option as it allows a more practical gear when riding on the road between sections etc.

 

Part number 90024 at £85 plus VAT and P&P

 

Regards,

Hitchcock's Motorcycles Ltd.

I think this is the same stuff Enfield USA sells?
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: ace.cafe on June 15, 2013, 11:44:23 am
Hello, we sell a set of trials gears. These are two “compensation gears” that fit into the standard gearbox which lowers 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears whilst maintaining the standard ration for 4th. Most people buy this option as it allows a more practical gear when riding on the road between sections etc.

 

Part number 90024 at £85 plus VAT and P&P

 

Regards,

Hitchcock's Motorcycles Ltd.

I think this is the same stuff Enfield USA sells?
Yes, NField Gear has an agreement with Hitchcock to sell that stuff here in the US.
That gear set is only for the 4-speed box.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on July 15, 2013, 05:44:12 am
I won my class at the AHRMA Hannagen trials but placed poorly in the Classic 250cc class. Dana put on a hell of a difficult trials but dang it was fun. Lots of up and down off camber sections all in amongst the trees of the Pacific NW. My Bultaco MX bike ran perfectly all day but after being passed by a BSA and two horrible Greeves motorcycles I have say my Sherpa S was out gunned on the terrifically fast Hannagen track. Wide open in top gear on the back section of the track. Outrageous fun!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: High On Octane on July 15, 2013, 04:22:02 pm
Awesome!  Now where are the pics?   ???   ;)

Scottie
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on July 16, 2013, 06:10:57 am
I didn't take any pics but here is a
Barry Cramton video of the 2 line at Hannagen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTvLgtAA7Hg
Hopefully AHRMA NW will have a few pics from the MX before to long.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: High On Octane on July 16, 2013, 03:09:36 pm
Very cool!  Looks like Barry did a really awesome job navigating those trails.  I'm not real familiar with how the scoring goes but to me it looked like he may have gotten a perfect score on that run?  Thanks for sharing!

Scottie
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on July 17, 2013, 01:18:26 am

Sean Fromhold video from Hannegan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtUtIfzUrXA&feature=player_embedded#at=130
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on July 17, 2013, 03:50:46 am
Very cool!  Looks like Barry did a really awesome job navigating those trails.  I'm not real familiar with how the scoring goes but to me it looked like he may have gotten a perfect score on that run?  Thanks for sharing!

Scottie
I think he did zero except for one 5. He is riding a Yamaha TY175cc. I hate them. The little TY is highly regarded but dang they are little tiny motorcycles designed for small people and they sound worn out even when new. Nasty! 
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on July 19, 2013, 03:32:23 pm
Enfield is back on the work bench, left foot peg fabricated and new 13” rear shocks fitted. Getting the motorcycle off the ground and on the work bench was a major motivator for me as its so much easier to work on. My body revolts if I spend to much time on my haunches or sitting on the hard concrete floor.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on September 03, 2013, 01:43:47 am
Slow progress but I have the rear brake figured out and the seat mount is almost done. After the Isle of Vashon TT we are taking off for Charlotte NC and riding the blue ridge parkway area for 10 days.
Dave
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on September 24, 2013, 06:13:42 am
So after the most motorcycle filled month of my adult life I am back home and glad to be here. A VME ride from Eatonville to Stevenson of over 300 miles (on my 175 Bultaco), then the VME held the 31st annual Isle of Vashon TT and had over 900 riders enter the poker run then my wife and I hopped on a jet airplane and flew to Charlotte NC and rented a 2013 Harley Davidson Electra Glide and roared up and down the Blue Ridge Parkway for 10 days and now we are home. I had a few days of free time after North Carolina and devoted about 8 hours to the Enfield trials motorcycle. I guess only another 1000 hours or so until the thing is complete! OK so I am exaggerating. The Motorcycle is really close to having all the fabrication done then it all comes apart for paint.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on September 27, 2013, 03:04:26 am
Oh my 6000 views! I am enjoying working on my Enfield and cant wait until I have it ready for competition. I have also been admiring the new Royal Enfield Café Racer. The 360 view shot at the ACE is world class photography check it out.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on September 30, 2013, 05:22:38 am
I am extremely anxious to get the Enfield project completed as the 2014 season is fast approaching. Its amazing how much free time it takes to do up a project like this.  I wish I had enough dough to retire and ride full time. Its my fondest desire....
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: boggy on October 01, 2013, 12:07:40 am
I wish I had enough dough to retire and ride full time. Its my fondest desire....

Sing it sister.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on October 01, 2013, 05:50:11 am
 Who you calling sister? I gotta bucket full of balls, a yard fulla cock and enough hair on my ass to weave an indian blanket! Shite...
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: boggy on October 01, 2013, 03:45:40 pm
 ;D  It's just a saying!  Too funny.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on October 02, 2013, 05:32:47 am
 
;D  It's just a saying!  Too funny.
:) Just saying!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on October 05, 2013, 05:47:14 am
So I have done some bad welding. What ever. I refilled an OXY Acetylene set my brother gave me before retiring to Kauai (bastard) so I went over some of my crappier welds with bronze braze.
Dave
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on October 10, 2013, 04:39:25 am
I had to redo the Indian exhaust system. They did a lousy job that simply did not fit. I didn't get this from Enfield USA so shame on me. I am digging the gas welder I got from my brother. Brazing is so tidy and easy. The chrome is taking a pounding and looking rather ratty from my fitting and I will have to decide if re-chroming is worth it or if I should just order something else.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on November 30, 2013, 02:51:09 am
Well today I spent building a bash plate out of 3/16 inch aluminum. The tig welding thing is interesting in that you spend more time cleaning parts then actually welding them. I am almost ready to take the thing apart for paint. Slow progress but at least something is happening.
 
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on December 20, 2013, 02:54:14 pm
I built a kickstand for my Bultaco from scratch and it was a bitch to make it work correctly so for the Enfield I bought a kit from Speed and Sport.  http://www.speedandsport.com/index.php/parts/frame-parts/sidestand-kit-universal-weld-on/
The instructions are clear and the parts are satisfyingly well made. 
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on January 10, 2014, 05:23:03 am
Puget Sound Trialers Plastered Purple penguin Trial
9AM signup
8111 31st Ave NE
Tulalip WA 98271
close to Marysville WA
They have a vintage class so while I don't have my Enfield ready in time I will be riding my 1966 Bultaco. Wish me luck!

Dave
http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=4333
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on January 13, 2014, 02:51:37 am
So today I rode the PST Plastered Purple Penguin trial and had a good run. My attitude was in the dumps on the first round when we couldn’t find section 7 and it took one hour and fifteen minutes to find the damn thing. I really was ready to throw in the towel but 3 other vintage riders shamed me into carrying on and I am glad that I did. The rain never let up and the mud became incredibly slippery but I rode well and 2 of the vintage riders dropped out. The other rider Allen was on a 1978 Sherpa T 350cc and that bike and rider found grip everywhere and he bested me in a couple of sections and in doing so won the event. I earned 2nd and also won the raffle and a new Dunlap rear tire.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: sven trials on January 13, 2014, 03:04:44 am
The wife and I used to ride with the PST in the mid 90's.  Great bunch of people and always helpful with technique or bike set up.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on January 13, 2014, 05:05:00 am
I concur Sven, great group.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: High On Octane on January 13, 2014, 02:20:14 pm
Congrats on 2nd place!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on January 22, 2014, 04:37:00 am
Just so you know if you get drum brakes wet they wont ever work again until you take them completely apart, clean everything and reassemble them with new grease. Just saying...
My Bultaco trials bike has never looked so shabby as after the last trial. I have been busy cleaning and changing oils etc.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on February 03, 2014, 05:27:01 am
I bit the bullet and bought the Changeable Rear Wheel Sprockets from Royal Enfield USA. I searched through the piles of overlay sprockets at our local motorcycle salvage yard and couldn't come up with anything usable.
http://nfieldgear.com/enfield-store/changeable-rear-wheel-sprockets.html
I just guessed at the gearing and ordered a 46 tooth sprocket. With the 13 tooth countershaft sprocket and 8 teeth more on the rear I think the overall gearing will be close.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: ace.cafe on February 03, 2014, 07:52:52 pm
Yes, that should be a very significant change.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on February 04, 2014, 11:00:20 pm
Yes, that should be a very significant change.

I agree. I hope its not going down to much. A trials bike is easier to ride over geared then under geared in my opinion.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on February 21, 2014, 04:19:17 am
I literally just finished cleaning up my old trials bike. Rode it around the neighborhood and its ready for the next event. Either the PST March 2nd Trial on the Isle or Bohnet Motorcycle park vintage weekend March 29 & 30th. Both? Waiting for changeable rear sprocket from Enfield USA for Enfield project bike.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on March 02, 2014, 06:07:26 am
Getting serious. Got the frame bare naked and getting ready for paint. Rattle can all the way for a competition motorcycle. Powder is for posers.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: High On Octane on March 02, 2014, 01:15:02 pm
If you lived in Denver I'd say buy the paint and I'll shoot it for you!  But I'm pretty sure you don't live anywhere near here.

Scottie J
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on March 02, 2014, 03:22:03 pm
If you lived in Denver I'd say buy the paint and I'll shoot it for you!  But I'm pretty sure you don't live anywhere near here.

Thanks for the offer but I live in WA state.

Scottie J
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on March 14, 2014, 04:21:23 am
Well that didn’t turn out like I planed. The changeable rear wheel sprocket from Enfield has 4 webs for the cush hub and my hub has three. The local motorcycle restoration shop did a nice job machining my hub to fit the new sprocket and Enfield USA took the hub back without hassle. http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=4391
http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=4392
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on March 24, 2014, 02:42:47 am
Fresh paint.

http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=4401
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on March 27, 2014, 04:10:17 am
Spent some garage time in preparation for this weekends Trials, Cross Country and MX at the Bohnet motorcycle park.
https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/s403x403/1779297_608464249221863_1168445630_n.jpg
My Bultaco Scrambles and Trials motorcycles are running perfectly and my only concern is of my physical condition! Lots of potential handle bar time.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: High On Octane on March 27, 2014, 11:16:05 am
That sounds like fun!  I'm REALLY hoping my clutch parts show up today.  The Flat Track Association here is having an open practice this Saturday and I really want to get out and run it in the dirt.  The problem is, anytime you order from Hitchcock's, guessing what day your package is going to arrive is like trying to guess the numbers for this weeks Power Ball.

Scottie J
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on March 27, 2014, 02:21:46 pm
That sounds like fun!  I'm REALLY hoping my clutch parts show up today.  The Flat Track Association here is having an open practice this Saturday and I really want to get out and run it in the dirt.  The problem is, anytime you order from Hitchcock's, guessing what day your package is going to arrive is like trying to guess the numbers for this weeks Power Ball.

Scottie J

Lets hope your package shows up in time. Have you ridden on a dirt track before?
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: High On Octane on March 27, 2014, 02:50:34 pm
Lets hope your package shows up in time. Have you ridden on a dirt track before?

I haven't but is something I've always wanted to.  The local circuit has a Hooligans bracket where anyone can race their street as long as there are at least 3 bikes that want to run.  There are several guys here in Denver that run their choppers in the Hooligans and this year there is a Hooligans race almost every weekend all summer and fall.  A few of the guys are excited to see me get the Blackhawk on the dirt track, including myself.  :D

Scottie J
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on March 28, 2014, 04:23:28 am
I haven't but is something I've always wanted to.  The local circuit has a Hooligans bracket where anyone can race their street as long as there are at least 3 bikes that want to run.  There are several guys here in Denver that run their choppers in the Hooligans and this year there is a Hooligans race almost every weekend all summer and fall.  A few of the guys are excited to see me get the Blackhawk on the dirt track, including myself.  :D

Scottie J
Well heck yah I want to see it also! My brother and I rode an open traction tt a few years ago and the flat track portion of it was outrageous. Just watch out for the "high side"!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: High On Octane on March 28, 2014, 11:39:37 am
Well heck yah I want to see it also! My brother and I rode an open traction tt a few years ago and the flat track portion of it was outrageous. Just watch out for the "high side"!

The one thing I have going for me is that I absolutely love riding in the dirt.  And when I do ride in the dirt, I take about half of the turns sideways.  Ever since I started riding as a kid I've been a "loose" rider.  It seems like the only time I'm not trying to spin the rear tire in the dirt is when I'm trying to do a wheelie!  ;D  Well, except on group rides, I try to be courteous of the riders behind me.  ;)

Regardless, I feel like I might do ok at the flat track.  The only thing I can think of that might cause an issue is that the rear brake will be to the inside of the turns (right side shift).  Which means A: I really won't be able to use the brake unless I brake early which screws up your entry into the turn and B: If I come into a turn too hot my only option is to slip n blip and take the turn completely sideways like the expert racers.  I've only had to use option B on a full size bike a few times in my life.  Like last year on the short adventure ride with a couple of friends.  I'm on my buddies GS650F BMW, he was riding his GS1200R BMW and the other friend a Triumph Tiger with his girl friend on back.  We're riding densely wooded dirt roads up in the Rocky Mountains having a blast, the GS1200R in front, me in the middle and the Tiger in the back.  We approach a straight stretch of road and Paul on the GS1200R guns it and I followed suit, the Tiger just kept putting along.  We're flying along (I glanced at 58mph on the speedo) and I see Paul hit his brakes for a hairpin right.  I followed suit.....  Except I forgot to turn off the ABS brakes!    :o   Realizing I wasn't going to make the turn in a traditional fashion I aborted the brakes at the entrance of the curve leaned the bike over hard and gunned it WOT in 3rd gear.  By the time I exited the turn I was even up with Paul who looked over and gave me the "where the hell did you come from?" look.  ;D  I believe I had elevated blood pressure for a couple miles after that.

Scottie J
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on March 31, 2014, 04:56:12 am
Well after all the planning for a fun filled weekend and everything ready my weekend ended abruptly.
We left my house at 3:30AM and arrived at the Bohnet farm just  before 8AM Saturday morning after driving over Snoqualmie Pass in the poring rain and suffocating fog. The farm is a working farm with the Bohnets only holding motorcycle events 2 times a year. The trial was held for the first time this year and they had 9 sections and ran the trial with modern rules. The owner Tom Bohnet hates no stop trials and made it clear that AHRMA can keep that tradition to themselves. The sections were purposefully set to the hard side and we were dutifully warned. I started off with a lousy two points on section one. Then a 1 on 2 and a failure on 3 for missing the 2 line split. Great. Then it got even better when I arrived a section 4 that was simply a telephone pole laid on its side with a graduation marked on the side. 5,3, 2 and 1. The farther you could ride the pole the lower the score. Well I made it to the 1 mark and had to bail off the left side where I caught my left foot weird on the uneven ground and twisted my left knee severely. Shit! I laid on the ground in pain and wondered if I had ended my motorcycle year before it had even started. The rest of the weekend was spent lounging in a chair with a bag of ice on my knee and a tasty beverage in hand. I enjoyed watching the cross country as the riders came into view and also the MX racers as they came over the first jump and out onto the twisty tight perfect for me MX track. Just not quite the same as ridding I am afraid.
Home now and going to take Monday off to try and recover. I may even go to the dreaded Doctors office. Probably not.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on April 04, 2014, 03:55:00 am
Oh shit, just got back from my orthopedic Dr. and my ACL is gone like the summer wind....
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: High On Octane on April 04, 2014, 05:11:10 am
That's not good.   :(
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on May 01, 2014, 05:38:12 am
So my knee is screwed. I have no pain and can do almost everything without an ACL but race. I have elected to wait until the weather turns to shit before having it repaired. This gives me time to ride my Harley, finish the Enfield and Metralla and have a decent summer. The Enfield trials is going together with lock tight and attention to detail. Who knows if its going to be a good trials bike.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: ace.cafe on May 02, 2014, 12:09:57 am
Sorry to hear of your injury. Hope it heals up as quickly as possible!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on August 17, 2014, 06:13:05 am
I have a new (to me) anterior cruciate ligament a freshly stitched up lateral meniscus and medial meniscus. Thank you Dr. Sailer and Mr. donor.
http://www.knee.in/ACL.htm
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: ace.cafe on August 17, 2014, 12:24:48 pm
Congrats on the new knee!

Take your time getting healed up, and do your physical therapy.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: High On Octane on August 17, 2014, 01:01:40 pm
When I saw this thread pop back up I had to look to see how you've been doing.  Glad you got your knee fixed!  Like Tom said, take your time healing and follow your doctors orders and rehab schedule.  :)

Scottie J
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on August 17, 2014, 03:27:21 pm
I plan on riding next season for sure and in spite of how much I hate going physical therapy is high on my list of things to do to get ready for it.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on August 22, 2014, 02:25:51 am
Just renewed my AHRMA membership so I need to get healthy and also finish my Enfield!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on September 04, 2014, 08:24:03 pm
Just signed up to show my Enfield at:
http://www.motorcycleshows.com/seattle
It will be displayed with other VME member motorcycles.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on September 09, 2014, 03:16:33 pm
I posted a couple pictures in the modifications photo section.
Before:
http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=4629
And after:
http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=4628
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: ace.cafe on September 09, 2014, 03:50:14 pm
I didn't realize that your Bullet was a 350 until now.
Cool!
 8)
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: boggy on September 09, 2014, 05:36:25 pm
The bike looks awesome - I really like the light and lean look without the nacelle and I like the look of the bars right over the forks.  Makes for a great stance.  Did you buy thunderbird forks + clamps from India?  Was it any trouble setting that up?
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Bill Harris on September 09, 2014, 05:55:21 pm
Looks very nice, Good job.  Setup the way I would setup a Royal Enfield Observe Trials bike.

Royal Enfield people are good people

Cheers,
Bill 
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: sven trials on September 12, 2014, 05:22:48 am
Did you have your knee done at Overlake?  My wife is a scrub there and works with Dr. Sailer on occasion.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on September 12, 2014, 05:29:24 am
Yep, Overlake. My wife works there also. I have made huge progress with very little pain at all. I actually went to work and answered phones 3 days after surgery with no pain meds. I feel great about the future.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: sven trials on September 12, 2014, 05:33:03 am
Nice!!
My wife speaks highly of Dr. Sailer.  Hope you are up and running on all cylinders!!
Or one in your case...

Is your wife a scrub also??
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on September 12, 2014, 03:17:34 pm
Nope, she's the director of med-surg. Dr. Sailer is great, he fixed my horribly damaged shoulder a couple years ago and its perfect now.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: sven trials on September 12, 2014, 06:48:41 pm
When you and the bike are up and running, post if you are doing a trial with the PST.  It's been a long time since I have been to one.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on September 13, 2014, 05:45:00 am
Hey Sven, I will let you know.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on October 09, 2014, 04:35:46 am
I weighed the completed motorcycle with a gallon of fuel and it weighs in at a porky 302 lbs. I have a few ideas to trim weight but it will have to wait until after the: http://www.motorcycleshows.com/seattle
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on November 20, 2014, 06:41:15 am
My Royal Enfield 350cc trials motorcycle will be at the Seattle motorcycle show this weekend.
http://www.motorcycleshows.com/seattle
Its not ready for competition but looks neat non the less....
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on November 24, 2014, 02:56:04 pm
We had a great time at the show.

http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=4686
http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=4687
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: boggy on November 24, 2014, 03:51:23 pm
I thought it looked familiar when someone posted a pic of it in the campfire talk section.  Looks great - I dig red frame.

http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php/topic,20753.msg230701.html#msg230701

What is that interesting looking 1956 cycle to the right? http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=4686
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on December 29, 2014, 02:39:39 am
So I have joined a gym and am committed to getting healthy enough to ride competition trials and MX. My scrambles future is cast in stone with a Matchless 500 lined up. AHRMA Heavyweight here I come!

12373
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: sven trials on December 30, 2014, 03:23:50 am
The PST calendar is up!  Are you going to make Plastered  Penguin or Steamboat Island?
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on January 04, 2015, 05:44:35 am
The PST calendar is up!  Are you going to make Plastered  Penguin or Steamboat Island?

Hey Sven,
we have been dealing with the loss of my father in law and my own father so no I wont be making it to either event.
Dave
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: sven trials on January 04, 2015, 05:00:08 pm
Sorry to hear about the old folks passing, especially a double header with the inlaw.
Take care Dave.  Hope to see you in action this spring and summer.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: High On Octane on January 04, 2015, 05:33:13 pm
Hey Sven,
we have been dealing with the loss of my father in law and my own father so no I wont be making it to either event.
Dave

Sorry to hear of the passings.  My condolences.    :(
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on January 24, 2015, 08:48:19 pm
After waiting for like for ever....Matt from Speed and Sport sent me an email.

My shipment arrived yesterday, and one of the trick, alloy-body carbs is headed your way by Priority Mail, it went out yesterday. It's almost unreal how lightweight the thing is.

 Tracking is XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

 Thanks for you patience with me!
 Matt
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on March 07, 2015, 06:19:22 am
Between my older brother and sister we managed to get my mom to move from Spokane to Woodinville WA and settled into a comfy retirement home 5 minutes from my house. My mother in law is in a rehab facility and will be moving to the same retirement home in the next few days. This all has taken a heavy toll on my wife and I and we are ready to catch our breath and relax from all the stress of dealing with little old lady's. there needs are endless! Anyway I have fitted the new carburetor and new points and condenser to the Enfield and its still runs like crap. Going to dump the fuel and try fresh. Hopefully its something simple.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: High On Octane on March 07, 2015, 12:23:19 pm
It's it possible that the new carb isn't tuned quite right?  Have you replaced the spark plug any time recently, loose plug cap?  Have you tested the coil?  Just throwing out ideas for easy stuff to check.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on March 08, 2015, 04:42:42 am
It's it possible that the new carb isn't tuned quite right?  Have you replaced the spark plug any time recently, loose plug cap?  Have you tested the coil?  Just throwing out ideas for easy stuff to check.
Hey anything is possible at this point...I just haven't had much time to fiddle with the motorcycle. I suspect a problem with the fuel system and so will make sure the petcock flows enough and the carburetor is coming apart for a look see.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: sven trials on March 30, 2015, 02:42:04 pm
http://www.lemaymarymount.org/marymount-motorcycle-week/

Hey Dave,
going to make this?  The trials events looks awesome!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Adrian II on March 31, 2015, 12:33:59 am
I see the BSA B40 Enduro in the poster picture seems to have lost some of its fork leg... Perhaps it's endemic:

(http://www.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/pictures/partsbooks/1955_500CC_INDIAN_WOODSMAN.jpg)

A.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Arizoni on April 01, 2015, 01:45:20 am
I believe that particular motorcycle was the only one ever built by the Official Royal Enfield Weight Reduction Committee. (OREWRC)
It was intended to be fostered off to the "Bloody Yanks" who were always demanding greater performance out of their machines.

Of course, the Yanks were not to be fooled and they demanded a return of the omitted fork leg and suggested that the fuel tank should be reduced in size from 1/2 gallon to a pint and a half.

This was the beginning of the end for the Indian in the USA.   ;D
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Adrian II on April 01, 2015, 02:46:24 am
Beginning of the end? RE had only just started, that was a '55 catalog picture! but it's comforting to know that a descendant of that original misguided photo-retouching artist moved to the USA and is carrying on the family tradition.  :P
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on April 02, 2015, 06:00:12 am
Yep, I went last year on my Harley and watched a few sections and yes this is a neat event. Tom Samuelsen and Jack Mackey with the Pacific North West Museum of Motorcycling (PNWMOM) put on a terrific display of Vintage motorcycles and memorabilia from the NW. Dana Salsman with the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) did a terrific job designing trials sections at the new venue and I am excited to give this event a go. My first event will be at Terrebonne: http://www.ahrmanw.org/schedule/trials/crooked-river-ranch/
http://www.ahrmanw.org/schedule/event/crooked-river-ranch/
I have my motel reservations and the time off work.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on April 08, 2015, 05:15:58 am
Hey anything is possible at this point...I just haven't had much time to fiddle with the motorcycle. I suspect a problem with the fuel system and so will make sure the petcock flows enough and the carburetor is coming apart for a look see.

OK I got it figured out. The machine wasn't getting enough spark so I took out the stator, capacitor and voltage regulator and installed a simple battery. It runs great! I will have to dink around with it and make sure I have enough juice to run for three hours. about the max at a time at a trial. The bike started on the first kick and idled away without drama. Unreal. the little battery I picked up is rated at 6v and 4.5 amp hours. Should be enough.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: High On Octane on April 09, 2015, 12:08:16 pm
Perhaps, being that it is such a small battery and only 6volt, you could get a solar charger to put on the bike in between stages.  Otherwise, maybe just buy a 2nd and/or 3rd battery and keep them all fully charged.  then, when you are at the races just check the voltage quick after every stage and switch the batteries out when they get close to 12 volts flat.  Glad you got her running good again.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on April 09, 2015, 03:40:59 pm
Perhaps, being that it is such a small battery and only 6volt, you could get a solar charger to put on the bike in between stages.  Otherwise, maybe just buy a 2nd and/or 3rd battery and keep them all fully charged.  then, when you are at the races just check the voltage quick after every stage and switch the batteries out when they get close to 12 volts flat.  Glad you got her running good again.

I suppose there is a scientific way to determine run time but I will just make sure and have an extra battery with me. I ran the bike for an hour last night with no problem.  The power characteristics are very different from a two stroke the torque is fantastic, the engine braking is sort of scary It will take some time to get used to.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: ace.cafe on April 09, 2015, 08:30:27 pm
It is very common on various types of racing bikes to have a "total loss" electric system that uses only the battery.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on April 12, 2015, 05:16:32 am
It is very common on various types of racing bikes to have a "total loss" electric system that uses only the battery.

Hey Ace, I wish I had confidence in a total loss ignition a few years ago as I would have never given up on a Greeves scrambler. the bike had a lousy ignition system that would cough (or die) at the sight of water. A modern ignition system was out of my wallet range and a simple battery ignition could have saved the experience. Live and learn.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on April 14, 2015, 05:36:52 am
I installed the largest rear sprocket available from Enfield, a 50 tooth pie plate and with the 13 tooth front sprocket, its still not low enough. it will have to do for now. Overall I am pleased with the motorcycle except the gearing and the spit I sometimes get when whacking open the throttle from just off idle. I am assuming that a bit more slide cutaway would cure that and to that need for resolution will break out my round file and mill off a bit and try it again.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: High On Octane on April 14, 2015, 11:51:29 am
Sounds like your next step should be to under-drive the motor with a smaller crank sprocket.  H's sells all different sizes of crank sprockets too, and they list the recommended primary chain length for each sprocket too.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on April 14, 2015, 01:12:15 pm
Sounds like your next step should be to under-drive the motor with a smaller crank sprocket.  H's sells all different sizes of crank sprockets too, and they list the recommended primary chain length for each sprocket too.
Yep, I wish I had started with that from the beginning.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on April 17, 2015, 04:27:21 am
Parts on order. My guess is the bike will be so slow with all the gear reduction that I will end up gearing the final drive back up to compensate! Smashed the front fender mount into the front tire so will have to reengineer the mounts. Bike runs rock solid now.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on April 21, 2015, 03:26:43 pm
Ready to go!

http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=4784
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on April 25, 2015, 05:03:20 am
Oh crap I just read the AHRMA rules book again and I will have to ride expert line on the Enfield. shit! The new sprocket and chain arrived from Hitchcocks and as I predicted (in my negative thinking head) the chain will have to be adjusted for length. I might just send the new chain back to jolly old blighty. I could save the bugger if I can find a longer adjuster bolt for the primary chain adjuster. Dang that 17 tooth sprocket is little!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: High On Octane on April 25, 2015, 11:56:39 am
Holy crap!  A 17 tooth engine sprocket?!  You should be able to idle straight up a wall now!  ;D  What is the determining factor that says you must take the expert lines?
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on April 25, 2015, 03:07:59 pm
In AHRMA you don't get to drop down a class without approval. Its called sandbagging. My concern is I haven't ridden in a year and its a new bike so I was hoping to ride the PI (intermediate line) for a couple of events. No big I wont be ridding for points anyway I just don't want to get hurt or embarrass myself on the knarlier sections. I have lots of options for gearing now and will have to mix and match sprockets until I get it right.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: High On Octane on April 25, 2015, 03:27:03 pm
With the new gearing, you should be able to idle thru most of the technical stuff I'd think.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on April 25, 2015, 06:24:00 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSabQRgs-Bk&feature=youtu.be
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: ace.cafe on April 25, 2015, 07:10:11 pm
Pretty cool!
Bike's looking really nice too!
 8)
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on May 01, 2015, 05:14:58 am
All loaded for Terrebonne. I will let you know how it goes....
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: High On Octane on May 01, 2015, 11:44:16 am
Cool, and good luck out there.   :)
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Bill Harris on May 01, 2015, 04:21:48 pm
Very, very nice!  ;)

Royal Enfield people are good people

Cheers, from an old Trials rider and Royal Enfield people, Bill
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: sven trials on May 02, 2015, 02:31:00 am
Are ya going to the next PST trial? 
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on May 05, 2015, 06:06:39 am
Hey Sven trials I am looking at the calendar carefully.. Goldendale looks awesome.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on May 05, 2015, 06:08:54 am
70 + riders signed  up for the trial at Terrebonne! That's a healthy turn out. The whole town gets involved and they are appreciative of the revenue generated by the motorcyclist's whirlwind circus. The high desert in Oregon is full of volcanic rock and Terrebonne has its share making careful riding the order of the day. Several section sounded out a solid “clang” as the giant skid plate on my Enfield made contact with volcanic rock. Clang! I rode well and had my share of cleans and yes I won the Premier Heavyweight class and earned a medallion for my trophy room. The Enfield climbs better then anything I have ever ridden, its heavy as Hell and has an awful clutch. Also the stupid changeable rear sprocket bolts all backed out and I was lucky to finish the event. I will red lock tite them in and if they come loose again I will weld the fu—ing sprocket to the hub and be done with it. The only – of an Royal Enfield trials bike is the weight. In the rough one has to hang onto the handlegrips as though life depended on it or else you would be on the ground. I love it. The battery worry was nothing and I changed it after the second loop just to be safe. I ran every section in first gear and no doubt many sections could have been easier if I had selected second but first is always a safer bet in classic trials. I hate the Enfield clutch and will be working on it until its good.  I didn't get a head count for the Scrambles but 14 moto's indicates a lot of riders.  Unfortunately most of  Team VME was a no show and only a few members were in attendance. Normally we own the Premier Heavyweight scrambles but only three of the big bikes were on the line in my moto's on the Matchless. I got 2nd in both moto's and arm pump was a big problem. Both races had a mix of other classes so it was confusing to know were you were in your race. I got the hole shot in my first race and could have won the moto but missed a shift and had old time racer Ron Predmore power past and just to make a point he banged into me and nearly pushed me off the track. Ron is plus 70 so I just let it go and really he will get his eventually. I really like Ron though...
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: High On Octane on May 05, 2015, 11:51:51 am
Nice work and Congrats on the finishes!    :D
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Bill Harris on May 05, 2015, 06:57:10 pm
Congratulations on your Trials win and good job in the Scrambles .  Do you have some photos or video of you in the events that you can share with us?  I would love to see some.

Cheers,
Bill

Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on May 05, 2015, 10:15:02 pm
Hey Bill Harris, I found a Barry Cramton video of the trials.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhmVu7fkz5I
Thanks Barry!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Bill Harris on May 06, 2015, 12:04:02 am
Thanks, good video.  Back in the day I belonged to the Rocky Mountain Trials Association and competed in Observed Trials in Colorado.  I also did a little Scrambling with the Ridgerunners, a local club out of Boulder, Colorado.  That video brings back some great memories.

Cheers,
Bill   
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: High On Octane on May 06, 2015, 03:43:13 am
Cool video!  Looks like all those sharp rocks necessitate some careful line choices.  :)
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on May 06, 2015, 06:03:48 pm
Scrambles Pics from Ducatisti. my race # is D5
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ducatisti/sets/72157652386667091/
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on May 06, 2015, 11:41:11 pm
trials pics from Ducatisti:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ducatisti/sets/72157652410090855/
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on May 14, 2015, 04:06:53 am
So I have been riding the Enfield every night after work for about 1/2 an hour since the Steel Stampede. Its on the same battery I changed to after the 2nd round with no problem. Other then normal cleaning of the motorcycle and air filter I had to tighten a few spoke on the front wheel. The oil looks nasty and I suppose that's because the engine is still braking in? It only had 750 kilometers on it when I bought it. Normal? Also it will wet sump every now and then. Is it OK to let it smoke, or should I drain the sump?
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Arizoni on May 14, 2015, 11:10:39 pm
When you shut it off, try cranking it with the kickstarter to get the piston to TDC before walking away from it.

That sometimes prevents or greatly reduces wet sumping.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: High On Octane on May 15, 2015, 12:44:54 am
+1
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on May 20, 2015, 05:48:44 am
TDC works great on the Enfield. Not so much on my Matchless. Hey on another note, the Enfield front forks flex madly. What can I do about that? Fork brace er something? Worst fork flex I have ever seen. Applying the (weak) front brake has the wheel pointing off slightly to the left.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: tarn on May 21, 2015, 03:09:16 pm
hi dave,

congratulations with your result at terrebonne.

check for excessive play between the inner and outer leg.
is the brake plate centerd on the hub.
maybe to much play on the steering bearings, soft/hard spots in the movement.

as a brace there is this part (http://www.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/search?function=search&searchterm=92637&x=22&y=15//part).

the easiest solution would be this
(http://i60.tinypic.com/2who8bo.jpg)
if im correct this should be a fork from a honda xl/xr model

but the basic problem is the frame itself is made from a material closer to rubber than mild steel.
just remove the head steady above the carb, and go for a ride. :o

this type of frame is of better quality(no head steady needed).
(http://i59.tinypic.com/11hbccj.jpg)

the skid plate is almost done ;)
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on May 22, 2015, 06:23:14 am
hi dave,

congratulations with your result at terrebonne.

check for excessive play between the inner and outer leg.
is the brake plate centerd on the hub.
maybe to much play on the steering bearings, soft/hard spots in the movement.

as a brace there is this part (http://www.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/search?function=search&searchterm=92637&x=22&y=15//part).

the easiest solution would be this
(http://i60.tinypic.com/2who8bo.jpg)
if im correct this should be a fork from a honda xl/xr model

but the basic problem is the frame itself is made from a material closer to rubber than mild steel.
just remove the head steady above the carb, and go for a ride. :o

this type of frame is of better quality(no head steady needed).
(http://i59.tinypic.com/11hbccj.jpg)

the skid plate is almost done ;)

Thanks, tarn.
I will check the suggested adjustment. Show a pic of your skid plate what done please.
Dave
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: 1 Thump on May 22, 2015, 07:31:53 pm
TDC works great on the Enfield. Not so much on my Matchless. Hey on another note, the Enfield front forks flex madly. What can I do about that? Fork brace er something? Worst fork flex I have ever seen. Applying the (weak) front brake has the wheel pointing off slightly to the left.

Hitchcocks sells a fork brace for the bullet forks. Its expensive. Fast form the past also has a brace that can be adapted for the bullet forks: http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php/topic,12334.msg238190.html#msg238190
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on May 29, 2015, 06:02:47 am
After the trial at the Steel Stampede I sat with Tommy McFarland and chatted about clutch's. Tommy told me that “the clutch from a Greeve's Challenger is a direct bolt on and that if I were to get one of them and mix and match clutch spring to get an even lift all would be OK”.  Tommy is good Irishman racer and knows his stuff.  I quizzed him some more about changing springs and he said that with the primary cover off and pulling the clutch lever then kicking the starter slowly you shouldn’t see any wobble of the outer most plate. Hmm. So knowing that the outer clutch plate should run true sounded reasonable to me but a Greeve's clutch did not so I ordered a brand new complete (stock 350cc) Enfield clutch assembly and thought that with parts from the new and the old I should be able to come up with a working clutch. I had to distance the push rod with a couple of ball bearing and made several adjustments to the actuator arm and cable. Kicking the bike through with the clutch in the outer most plate wobbled horribly so after changing springs around (a time consuming process) I ended up using 3 of the old spring on the “low side” and 3 of the new on the high bit. No more wobble. I didn’t use a dial indicator like Tommy said but got it eyeball close and put it all back together. It works great, I can start out in 4th gear from a dead stop and pull cleanly away with no slip and neutral is doable even when standing. Incidentally I am still using the battery as is from Terrebonne just as an experiment. Still has enough charge to run the bike fine. I still need to sort out the front forks..
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: ace.cafe on May 29, 2015, 02:38:50 pm
The greeves has the same clutch as the Bullet. They even use the same plates.

The major issue with Bullet clutches is that the steel plates warp from heat. Keep flat ones in there, don't hold the clutch in with the lever for any more than a few seconds at a time, and it will do fine.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on May 29, 2015, 05:26:26 pm
The greeves has the same clutch as the Bullet. They even use the same plates.

The major issue with Bullet clutches is that the steel plates warp from heat. Keep flat ones in there, don't hold the clutch in with the lever for any more than a few seconds at a time, and it will do fine.
Wow ace.cafe, you are a true anorak!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on June 14, 2015, 05:05:26 pm
Looking at the calendar I see next weekend is:

http://www.ahrmanw.org/schedule/trials/marymount-motorcycle-week-trial/

Hurray!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on June 21, 2015, 06:09:43 am
So a kid on a stock Matchless GC3 kicked my ass. Man he rode well. Apparently a "Master Class" rider who decided to try out the Heavyweight AHRMA expert class and he could and I wish! Any way I had trouble with three sections two of which I simply couldn't navigate and one where I refused.  So out of 10 sections I failed 3 every time. 45 points. Gosh I still had a great ride!
Loose dirt, off caber stuff and every possible obstacle you can imagine.  The section I refused was simple but had a log at an angle with a drop off to the left and with my left knee still in recovery I elected to not even try. The Enfield ran fine with the exception that at the end of the trial the idle speed became erratic and I think it has to do with low fuel level.   Bill Harris showed up and we had a nice chit chat. His Enfield looks the shit with a correct fuel tank and polished bits. Steve helped out all day by manning a tough section (that I never got through): Screw you Steve! No really, what a nice guy. Thanks for the help! No kidding this was the toughest set trial that I have ever tried!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on June 29, 2015, 02:15:46 pm
Barry Crampton video of the Marymount trial.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQgWFXZ9kBQ
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on July 03, 2015, 04:48:54 am
Paul Neff is the guy who bested me at Lemay. Apparently an accomplished rider!
 http://surfdirtdaily.com/content/paul-neff-scottish-six-day-trial
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on July 08, 2015, 05:55:22 am
Next weekend:

http://www.ahrmanw.org/schedule/trials/hannegan-speedway/

Cant wait!

Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on July 17, 2015, 05:46:10 am
I rode the AHRMA trial at Hannegan Speedway and in spite of “winning” the AHRMA Heavyweight class I have to say that even a trials motorcycle needs to be a real motorcycle. A real is a motorcycle capable of riding in a spirited manner over rough terrain. The Enfield is not up to snuff. I rode the trial then a poker run afterwords and had a good time but with the front suspension clanging off the top and bottom of the stroke and the rear is way over damped. That ain’t gonna cut it. In the meantime my Matchless G80cs bent a push-rod in the first moto. Shit! My friends in the VME motorcycle club have a replacement push-rod for me so no big (except the DNF for two classes) and the loss of fun-ness. In the mean time we refurbished my mother in laws house and got it ready for resale. Boxing up 70 years of stuff, cleaning, replacing light fixtures, paint and carpeting. Then on sale for $415,000 with 9 bidders bidding it up to $462,000 and a sale. Busy, busy, busy.

Barry Crampton video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baFWvo6SQVo
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: tarn on July 17, 2015, 06:04:00 pm
its weird that the front fork bottoms out.

did you put 200ml of SAE20W in each leg?

are the spring still good(length wise)?

for the rear shocks hagon, betor and so on won’t cut it.
these are road shocks, if you won’t something that tracks decently you will have to look to makes like
rock shocks, falcons or maxton.
these are more expensive than betor and the likes, but are of aluminium build and fully rebuildable.
and you buy these from people who know what there on about.
they come adjusted to your weight and use.

take note if you would decid to order any of these, it could take a while.

hagon or betor are not rebuildable so ones the go there trow aways.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on July 18, 2015, 03:08:47 pm
Hey tarn, the forks top and bottom out when ridden hard. I would like to switch the whole front end over to early Bultaco (if it will fit) and the rear shocks are just a phone call away. Here is some photo's from the Lemay trial earlier this year by ducatisti

https://www.flickr.com/photos/ducatisti/sets/72157655252523471/with/19280699212/
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on August 21, 2015, 05:17:09 am
Spent some time fiddling with the Enfield and found that the swinging arm nuts were loose, the giant skid plate I built is smashed and cracked and the motor oil is dirty beyond belief. I also changed the primary oil and don't think it will ever need to be changed again maybe just topped off in the future. I have a new aluminum cylinder, piston assembly, new rockers and valves to install this winter. My Matchless is questionable with very low compression. I installed the replacement pushrod and adjusted to the suggested "nil". Hopefully after starting it will heal itself...if not well I will throw in the towel and either sell it off or seek professional help. Next up is:
http://www.ahrmanw.org/schedule/event/rattlers-run/
I am hopeful the fires are under control by then...Eastern WA is in serious trouble due to the fires burning out of control.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: tarn on August 21, 2015, 07:01:15 pm
changing that iron lung for a aluminum one, thats an easy 4kilos gained there 8)

right in the middle you'll feel that. ;)
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Ice on August 21, 2015, 07:16:03 pm
 Bullet forks bottoming out had to have been solved before.

 The man himself Johnny Brittain
(https://forum.classicmotorworks.com/gallery/medium_583-110615121745.jpeg)
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on August 25, 2015, 04:36:12 am
changing that iron lung for a aluminum one, thats an easy 4kilos gained there 8)

right in the middle you'll feel that. ;)
Yes, I am excited to dump some weight off this motorcycle. I am thinking of some other "heavy duty" mods for this winter....
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on August 25, 2015, 04:38:30 am
Bullet forks bottoming out had to have been solved before.

 The man himself Johnny Brittain
(https://forum.classicmotorworks.com/gallery/medium_583-110615121745.jpeg)
I have bought a complete front end off a Bultaco and from what I understand the lowers off the Enfield can be made to fit up with the Bultaco uppers....to be determined.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on August 25, 2015, 04:46:57 am
I Readjusted the valve on the Matchless and guess what? Compression! Now I just need to fix both front and rear flat tires and clean it up. Royal Enfield is serviced and only the skid plate cracks need to be addressed oh and a chain tensioner is needed. Rode the Harley down to the Lemay museum and participated in the VME ride. Met some good people and had a nice ride, hate the heavy freeway traffic on 167 and 405.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on October 13, 2015, 05:54:40 am
So if I had my 1977 Enfield 350 I in old Blighty What class would it be eligible to ride in?
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Ice on October 13, 2015, 07:58:28 pm
 Dave, if the Bultaco mod doesn't work out, I gave my Yamaha converted to Bullet trials front end to ballroom dancer for free. You might could contact him and maybe determine what model Yammy it came from.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on October 20, 2015, 06:21:35 am
Enfield weight reduction underway:

https://davidarmstrong.smugmug.com/Enfield-reduction/
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Ice on October 21, 2015, 01:22:00 am
  Very nice  ;)
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: tarn on October 21, 2015, 10:14:56 am
i can’t make it out in the picture, if theres a threaded bush in there.

(http://i62.tinypic.com/2dm6yxd.png)

if not its not a bad idea to ad one, the thread tends to strip.

(http://i57.tinypic.com/nvceu0.png)
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on October 23, 2015, 02:14:28 pm
No threaded bushing on mine, I did red lock-tight the stud in place. Fingers crossed.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on October 28, 2015, 04:39:44 am
I was able to run the 350 Enfield around my yard today and it runs great. Slightly disappointed that the newly installed Samrat rockers did nothing to quite down the valve noise and if anything the machine is slightly noisier with the aluminum cylinder. I am going to heat cycle the engine a few times and then re-torque the cylinder head.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: ace.cafe on October 28, 2015, 02:04:51 pm
I was able to run the 350 Enfield around my yard today and it runs great. Slightly disappointed that the newly installed Samrat rockers did nothing to quite down the valve noise and if anything the machine is slightly noisier with the aluminum cylinder. I am going to heat cycle the engine a few times and then re-torque the cylinder head.
The rockers will not quiet noise. The alloy cylinder rings. It's all okay.
Don't over-torque that stuff.
5 ft-lbs on the rocker nuts, and 20 ft-lbs on the head stud nuts. The tq figures in the manual are too high. The threads in the alloy head pull out easily.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on October 28, 2015, 11:25:31 pm
Thanks ACE, I will be mindful of the torque values. What's the deal with Samrat rockers? I put them in because I read somewhere that they better. True?
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on November 05, 2015, 04:43:44 am
I changed the upper triple tree to an aluminum Enfield trials set up. It changed the feel of the bike and stiffened up the front. I think the "tiller" effect of moving the handle bars closer to the rider will help the handling. Also I weighed the bike and its now 296lbs. More pics:
https://davidarmstrong.smugmug.com/Enfield-reduction/
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: ace.cafe on November 05, 2015, 01:09:38 pm
Thanks ACE, I will be mindful of the torque values. What's the deal with Samrat rockers? I put them in because I read somewhere that they better. True?
Yes, slightly better.
The arms are a little bit lighter, and the alloy blocks cool better.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on December 19, 2015, 05:48:09 am
I am super excited to return to the Plastered Purple Penguin trial: http://www.pugetsoundtrialers.com/UpNext/2016/PPPTrial2016.pdf
Not going to do anything stupid and will ride what I can...
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on January 04, 2016, 03:20:59 am
https://davidarmstrong.smugmug.com/Plastered-Purple-Penguin-Trial/
I rode the Plastered Purple Penguin trial and as always the ground was frozen.

After driving most of the way I realized my new Wolf helmet was still on the dresser. So I headed back home to fetch it. I generally I start out early for events and even after going home I had plenty of time to make the sign up. They had a huge fire burning and it was good because it was 26 degrees out. I had layered my clothes carefully and even so I was shivering until after the first couple of sections and then of course I had to many layers.

My Enfield entry was the only “Vintage” bike to show up and Frank the local Beta and Sherco dealer partnered up with me for the event. He eyed the bike and asked me how much it weighed I told him and he just shook his head, Franks Sherco is ½ the weight. Frank turned out to be a real gentleman and it was fun to see him ride the same sections as I did. I mostly had him ride them first so I could see and then get input on how the section rode.

The event is a modern trial and as such runs on modern trials rules. You can stop with your foot down and fiddle around and only be penalized for a single dab. That's what I did in two of the sections as no way the Enfield going through clean, I had to man handle the big bike. I only failed one section and that was because I ran out of bounds. My overall score was 28, I had a great time, didn’t fall off and nothing broke.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Ice on January 04, 2016, 05:46:00 am
 Good stuff Dave !
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on January 17, 2016, 02:42:20 am
Today at CJ's show in Renton WA
https://davidarmstrong.smugmug.com/CJ-show/i-Rpmjg32
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Ice on January 17, 2016, 06:26:17 pm
 Dave, PM inbound  ;)
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on January 18, 2016, 02:38:22 am
At CJ's show I spent some quality time lying on the carpet showing some details of the Enfield and noticed just how bad the skid plate is. The damage is so severe that I am amazed it still is attached to the motorcycle!
I think welding up the cracks then remounting the skid plate using steel rather then aluminum will go a long way to a happy trials motorcycle.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on February 03, 2016, 04:31:39 am
I fitted new NJB trial master rear shocks today, 13.4” long and this changed the turning for the better and of course some added ground clearance is a bonus. With the shocks I had before the bike would plow when doing full lock turns, now it just goes around. I did full lock figure eights in my gravel driveway with no problem. Also addressed is a new front brake cable built from scratch with a mixture of new and a couple of old parts. Its easy to do and Flanders (http://www.flandershandlebars.com/Products.html) has all the stuff to build your own. The only tricky thing is using the correct clean parts. Silver soldering is a piece of cake to do. Still need to fix the broken skid plate.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on March 26, 2016, 04:41:46 am
http://www.ahrmanw.org/schedule/trials/crooked-river-ranch/

Been working like mad on the Matchless G80cs and the Enfield trials. Very fun event at the Steel stamped.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Ice on March 26, 2016, 05:27:31 am
 Have to work that weekend.  >:(
 
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on April 24, 2016, 05:50:16 am
fer cryin out loud I fought for the last couple of days trying to get the Enfield to run clean. It would pop and almost spit me over the handlebars. finally after changing everything on the ignition, battery, spark plug, high tension cable, coil, points, condenser and battery. Then I drained the expensive "race gas" and refilled with fresh and after cleaning the carb 4 times got the F'er to run correctly.  Now I am fighting the mighty Matchless and dang I am tired of modern fuel. Never had problems like this as a kid. Sucks.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Ice on April 24, 2016, 06:49:53 am
PM inbound
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on June 20, 2016, 02:17:37 pm
Didn't make Crooked River but had a fun ride at the Lemay family museum:

https://davidarmstrong.smugmug.com/Lemay/i-xBqKn3C

A casual atmosphere perfect sections and it didn't rain until I handed in my last card! Won my class (of two) with a score of 21. Ran my foot into a log after almost missing a split and stalled the bike for a 5 also failed another section when the bike died at low rpm for no reason. Other then that I had as good a ride on the Enfield as I ever have. I did notice a mist out of the duck bill about 1/2 way through the trial something I have never seen before.
Dave
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on June 22, 2016, 05:25:54 am
Any idea on the "duckbill" mist? I ran the bike hard between sections because just its fun! The bike uses almost no fuel or oil and I bet one could run the entire season on a single tank of fuel. Including practice!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on June 30, 2016, 05:12:39 am
My neighbor and friend owns European Motorcycles Inc. Talking with Steve I described the random Enfield misfire just off idle. He suggested that the ignition advance bob weight springs aren't strong enough on most British motorcycles and that I should look at them as a possible cause of misfire. Makes sense to me. I am going to take the springs into Steve to look at.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on July 08, 2016, 05:29:08 am
Steve had a stiffer set of advance springs and said that there is another stiffer set after that and to try these first. So I installed them today and what a difference. Rock steady idle and much better throttle response. Fantastic. I only rode the bike for a few minutes until the sky opened up and started to rain. It only makes sense in that if the advance springs are randomly opening up it would make the low speed idle and just off idle erratic. To much retard on the ignition will eventually overheat the engine to I need to ride the motorcycle more before going to stiffer springs.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on August 09, 2016, 03:37:44 am
http://www.ahrmanw.org/schedule/trials/hannegan-speedway/
Going to be great!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Ice on August 09, 2016, 05:25:56 am
 Dave I follow these posts.  :) 

 Someday God willing I would love to ride the trials course ARMHA had at the farm outside Chehalis.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on August 09, 2016, 11:47:59 pm
Dave I follow these posts.  :) 

 Someday God willing I would love to ride the trials course ARMHA had at the farm outside Chehalis.

Too late. No more Chehalis event, the owner flaked out. Hannagen is a first cabin venue and the trials master Dana has been doing an excellent job catering to the heavyweight bikes. 
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Ice on August 10, 2016, 05:54:38 am
 Then Hannagen it will be.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on August 16, 2016, 12:27:20 am
https://davidarmstrong.smugmug.com/Hannegan/i-2579HLd
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on January 07, 2017, 09:36:47 pm
Hopefully the rain will hold off:
http://pugetsoundtrialers.com/UpNext/2017/PPP2017.pdf
I make a point of doing this event every year just for fun and off season practice.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on January 30, 2018, 01:06:49 am
Well the time has come for me to sell my Bullet. No doubt this has been the most joyful project for me ever. I am grateful to have done it but now its time to do something else. Thank you for watching this forum.
Dave
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1977-Royal-Enfield-Bullet/282824917067?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on February 02, 2018, 05:58:26 am
24 bids 1450 views. Its getting interesting! Will it make it?
Ends on Saturday morning.

Dave
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on February 11, 2018, 05:55:15 am
Sold. $3000.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: High On Octane on February 25, 2018, 03:35:59 pm
Do you still plan on racing?  If so, with what machine?  I'm thinking of the running a Colorado hare scramble circuit called CORCS this year.  I would be running the C class as I've never raced before.  But, my 2005 YZ450F is pretty raunchy and I've been riding trails for a long time, so I think I'd fair pretty well.  Plus, I've always wanted to run at least 1 season of motorcycle racing.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on March 09, 2018, 03:43:08 pm
Do you still plan on racing?  If so, with what machine?  I'm thinking of the running a Colorado hare scramble circuit called CORCS this year.  I would be running the C class as I've never raced before.  But, my 2005 YZ450F is pretty raunchy and I've been riding trails for a long time, so I think I'd fair pretty well.  Plus, I've always wanted to run at least 1 season of motorcycle racing.

Hey High On Octane, no racing or trials this year. My Brother and I have been riding dual sport stuff and plan on the WABDR this year.
https://davidarmstrong.smugmug.com/Chelan/i-6nX6xfS
https://ridebdr.com/WABDR
Should be lots of fun as my Brother and I are bad for one another other but were good at having fun! Good luck with the racing, practice your starts.
Dave
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on July 23, 2018, 05:47:42 am
https://davidarmstrong.smugmug.com/Washington-discovery-route-2018/i-hH5NXJZ
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: mattsz on July 23, 2018, 11:22:12 am
At least when your bike tips over, all you have to do is pick it up again!  :o
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on January 23, 2022, 03:35:12 am
Sold. $3000.
[/quote   I was feeling nestalgic about the old Enfield so I contacted the owner of my old bike and....I bought it back.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: nonfiction on January 23, 2022, 08:40:15 pm
Would love to connect and do some riding, Dave.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on January 24, 2022, 01:39:08 am
Would love to connect and do some riding, Dave.
Maybe, I am in Yuma Arizona until mid March, than home to Ocean Shores WA.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on January 30, 2022, 02:36:06 am
Maybe, I am in Yuma Arizona until mid March, than home to Ocean Shores WA.


https://photos.app.goo.gl/KXmLRW8kGceJRKsJ6
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on February 06, 2022, 07:35:46 pm
https://photos.app.goo.gl/KXmLRW8kGceJRKsJ6


I found 00 grease at Tractor Supply. SKU# 1056828 Super S cotton picker spindle grease.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on February 17, 2022, 03:24:40 am

I found 00 grease at Tractor Supply. SKU# 1056828 Super S cotton picker spindle grease.


Hi David,

350 Bullet B/185004/8LX was manufactured by Enfield India Ltd at their Madras factory in December 1978.

Regards,

Graham
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on March 17, 2022, 05:02:39 am

Hi David,

350 Bullet B/185004/8LX was manufactured by Enfield India Ltd at their Madras factory in December 1978.

Regards,

Graham

I literally have the motorcycle running better than I ever had. I cleaned the fuel tank and carburetor and set the ignition timing by "ear". No poping or backfire through the carburetor. In fact I dumped the clutch at idle trying to
 kill it and it just kept going.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on March 21, 2022, 11:03:34 pm
I literally have the motorcycle running better than I ever had. I cleaned the fuel tank and carburetor and set the ignition timing by "ear". No poping or backfire through the carburetor. In fact I dumped the clutch at idle trying to
 kill it and it just kept going.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on April 11, 2022, 07:06:50 am
Apr 30   Crooked River, Crooked River, OR   *Regional Trials      
May 1   Crooked River, Crooked River, OR   *Regional VMX

Going. Very good event.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on April 29, 2022, 05:20:03 am
We are all loaded up and heading out in the morning.
https://www.visitredmondoregon.com/event/crooked-river-ranch-steel-stampede/
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on May 06, 2022, 12:11:04 am
The Steel Stampede was terrific fun, I won the Premier Heavyweight class. I tied with my friend Sean Fromhold but since I am older I got the win. I also will note that the section 3 PI line got changed from the 2 line to the 3 line and I didn't notice it so even though I cleared the section I took a 5. I also picked up 2 additional points from checker mistakes on section 10.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on May 06, 2022, 12:13:45 am
My buddy Sean on his Matchless 350 (410?) special.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Karl Childers on May 06, 2022, 01:08:52 am
That looks like so much fun, I wish my state trials association offered a true vintage class / course, I'd gear my bike down and give it try!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: nonfiction on May 06, 2022, 06:01:45 pm
Very much wish I could have made this event. Congrats Dave on the win. Team VME is looking pretty solid this year!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on May 07, 2022, 04:44:41 am
That looks like so much fun, I wish my state trials association offered a true vintage class / course, I'd gear my bike down and give it try!

Most trials clubs will let you ride the beginner line. Go for it.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on May 07, 2022, 04:49:19 am
Very much wish I could have made this event. Congrats Dave on the win. Team VME is looking pretty solid this year!

It was a bit of a drive down. Team VME has some good riders. So much fun to be had at an AHRMA event.

https://www.ahrma.org/regions/ahrmanw/Flyers/2022/2022%20Regional%20Bodnar%20Ranch%20Flyer.pdf

Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on May 14, 2022, 03:30:12 am
The Steel Stampede was terrific fun, I won the Premier Heavyweight class. I tied with my friend Sean Fromhold but since I am older I got the win. I also will note that the section 3 PI line got changed from the 2 line to the 3 line and I didn't notice it so even though I cleared the section I took a 5. I also picked up 2 additional points from checker mistakes on section 10.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on June 17, 2022, 05:51:57 am
One of the better AHRMA events is this weekend:

https://www.facebook.com/events/552057419707969

I am hoping for a good turn out, the weather looks OK and i have been practicing!



Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on August 17, 2022, 02:55:33 am
La May turned out great. Good to see all the VME guys again and checked out the Pacific Museum of Motorcycling display. I rode well. The trials master Dana did his best but really most of the sections were set to tight. I did the best I could, won my class and really enjoyed the event. After the event I pulled the top end apart and had a look see. The bike was making a weird  clattering noise when hot that would go away soon after starting. The bore and piston looked perfect so I just removed carbon off the top of the piston and installed a new base gasket. I disassembled the cylinder head completely and found the the intake and exhaust castings were horrible, so with a rat tail file I removed all kinds off flashing and reshaped or ported the head. I lapped in the decompression valve and the intake and exhaust valves. I found nothing that would make a clatter so with new gaskets I just put it all back together. Maybe the noise is something loose in the muffler?
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Karl Childers on August 17, 2022, 04:06:47 am
Mine had developed a weird noise lately pull in the clutch the revs would drop off and the noise went away. It took me awhile to figure out it was the gas tank vibrating, when I clamped my knees on it the noise stopped. I don't know what the odds are your noise has the same origin but it's worth a look.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on August 21, 2022, 12:24:46 am
Thanks Karl I will take a look.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on September 06, 2022, 05:09:02 am
I am signed up for a PST event called a gate trial. Not so confusing after reading the info about it. September 10th. Wish me luck!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Mr_84 on September 06, 2022, 07:19:53 am
Good luck with your event mate , ride smooth and if in doubt rev it out !

Just out of curiosity as I’m from New Zealand what’s a PST gate trial event involve from your part of the world?
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on September 06, 2022, 09:25:09 pm

Here is the flyer for the event



https://www.pugetsoundtrialers.org/_files/ugd/93ff3b_3780d3800c9947c7b060b408472962d2.pdf
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on September 07, 2022, 05:59:24 am
Good luck with your event mate , ride smooth and if in doubt rev it out !

Just out of curiosity as I’m from New Zealand what’s a PST gate trial event involve from your part of the world?
Puget Sound Trialers club. Not sure on Gate trials. To be determined!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Mr_84 on September 07, 2022, 07:12:49 am
No worries mate , I’m sure you will report back on this Gate Trial business, I was just unfamiliar with the term , looking forward to what you have to say afterwards and remember,   rubber side down and shiny side up .
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on September 13, 2022, 05:12:41 am
The gate trial format was simple. If you could ride the base section clean you would get a five. If you dabbed once it was a zero. You had options in each section to gain more points by riding challenge sections 1,2 or 3 within the section. So a clean base run with a clean on each challenge section would become 11 points total. I chose to ride only the base section's. My weak strategy paid off as the sections were set for modern trials. I cleaned 24 sections and failed 12 and in doing so I got 2nd in a class of 4. I am satisfied and glad I was able to participate as next month I am scheduled for knee replacement surgery.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on September 26, 2022, 01:05:03 am
I going to try and squeeze in another event. its a normal modern trial before my surgery.

https://www.pugetsoundtrialers.org/_files/ugd/93ff3b_144ace67d0c24da1a250b149594b3ecb.pdf
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Karl Childers on September 27, 2022, 12:03:14 am
I going to try and squeeze in another event. its a normal modern trial before my surgery.

https://www.pugetsoundtrialers.org/_files/ugd/93ff3b_144ace67d0c24da1a250b149594b3ecb.pdf

Best of luck with both!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on October 02, 2022, 04:37:02 am
So I rode today with the PST club. It was a fun event cut short by me as I was worried that I would hurt myself before the upcoming surgery. The bike also vapor locked several times and I will need to do something about that. It was warm with temperatures in the 80's The sections were all cleanable but with lots of log crossings and steep climbs and descents I didn't think I should continue. I did blow some minds by cleaning sections (that many couldn't) on my Enfield. my bike weighs twice what the modern bike's do.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: stinkwheel on October 02, 2022, 10:23:08 am
You do right. There is such a thing as walking away and living to fight another day, it's no fun if you finish up with you or the bike broken. I remember sitting at the start of a section on my first trial, looking at a near vertical 20 foot drop-off into an abandoned quarry  and thinking "It's pure luck if it's me or the bike that arrives at the bottom of that first. I've got work on Monday." I took the 6 points and moved on. After the trial, I noticed 6 other entrants had done exactly the same, most of whom were on drum-braked Brit-iron.

It constantly amazes me what my Bullet will drag itself up and across, especially if it is stony or gravelly. I find my main difficulty is on sections of deep mud or wet, soggy grass where I can find absolutely no traction. I've failed to even get moving off the line on a few sections like that. My last trial re-ran a couple of slithery, muddy woodland sections later in the day (after 60 bikes and 40 cars had been over them in the morning leaving it as about 6 inches of watery loose mud on top of slippery clay) and I simply couldn't get the bike moving, even after dropping the tyres to 5psi. In fact I struggled to walk it back off the section.

Any tips for riding a bullet in slithery mud? I think tyres don't help because I'm pretty much limited to 19 x 3.50 Heidenau K67s on the rear unless I want to fabricate a new swingarm. You can't really use super-sticky rubber on long distance trials because there's usually 80-150 miles of road navigation between sections. That said, a guy on a ridgid matchless 500 cleaned both the sections I never got off the line on so technique is definately the main factor.

The best thing about completing a trial on an Enfield bullet is even if you're last, you still win.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on October 02, 2022, 03:43:41 pm
You do right. There is such a thing as walking away and living to fight another day, it's no fun if you finish up with you or the bike broken. I remember sitting at the start of a section on my first trial, looking at a near vertical 20 foot drop-off into an abandoned quarry  and thinking "It's pure luck if it's me or the bike that arrives at the bottom of that first. I've got work on Monday." I took the 6 points and moved on. After the trial, I noticed 6 other entrants had done exactly the same, most of whom were on drum-braked Brit-iron.

It constantly amazes me what my Bullet will drag itself up and across, especially if it is stony or gravelly. I find my main difficulty is on sections of deep mud or wet, soggy grass where I can find absolutely no traction. I've failed to even get moving off the line on a few sections like that. My last trial re-ran a couple of slithery, muddy woodland sections later in the day (after 60 bikes and 40 cars had been over them in the morning leaving it as about 6 inches of watery loose mud on top of slippery clay) and I simply couldn't get the bike moving, even after dropping the tyres to 5psi. In fact I struggled to walk it back off the section.

Any tips for riding a bullet in slithery mud? I think tyres don't help because I'm pretty much limited to 19 x 3.50 Heidenau K67s on the rear unless I want to fabricate a new swingarm. You can't really use super-sticky rubber on long distance trials because there's usually 80-150 miles of road navigation between sections. That said, a guy on a ridgid matchless 500 cleaned both the sections I never got off the line on so technique is definately the main factor.

The best thing about completing a trial on an Enfield bullet is even if you're last, you still win.

  I have no tips for slithery mud and you are correct tire (tyre) choice makes little difference. I would love to ride a long distance trial. We don't have anything like that here.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on October 04, 2022, 05:01:00 pm
So I would like to delete the neutral finder. Can I just remove the lever or is there more to it?
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: stinkwheel on October 04, 2022, 06:05:21 pm
From memory, it does have a slight role in pushing down on the outer selector plate. Mr H sells a blanking kit for them which is effectively a trim cap with a bolt and a longer spring that goes under it. https://accessories.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/19254?cont_page=4-speed

You'd probably want the trim on it anyway to stop dust and yak going into the outer gearbox compartment through the hole. The square end of the selector shaft does stick out through the casing slightly even with the lever removed. I suspect you might be able to use the original cap if you can find a longer spring the same diameter. Or potentially if you found a piece of alloy tube the correct diameter, you could file a notch in it and retain the gear indicator "arrow" without the lever.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AL9nZEXtExhdUwhawB0HlKZpmUNmHEaZepwoqW0gAwNMhJVnfopbXl-bXCfP33ncPYx9Wo4SyI2emoynNd-GFO5ixHOoew-3EfdhZq-sb72ycPmk_a2yv-vCz9-Kqu7bSjGC9fNND8B1zdznwlaVj5HUtjcW=w1576-h886-no)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AL9nZEXfjcVquBzfO3aJMwzy_dDO34RkZnvvl1bPqf1QuLYPQSg2_GtYaDfZ1j4SUJZlLgUmsGwuvXlW4Rr0ax9urridzj1XqEv90cfI1EJxozr13N5QxNdqvsB_AXpWCKP2oyhi2jPfRaOimHOas2NqrNDt=w1576-h886-no)
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on October 04, 2022, 06:37:34 pm
Perfect, thank you.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on October 19, 2022, 03:43:22 am
My knee surgery went well today, surprisingly I can walk around and my wife (an RN) is impressed with how well I have been getting along. Tomorrow could be more challenging. The surgeon said I had a significant case of arthritis, a good sized tear and a worn out meniscus. With all new surfaces installed it is expected that I will make a complete recovery. Before surgery I cleaned the Enfield and did an inspection. No problems found, no loose spokes or bolts. However at the last event the bike suffered from vapor lock so I built a stainless steel heat shield and installed it to the exhaust. Apparently the pipe is to close to the carburator float bowl. Stainless steel is expensive but I found a small kitchen tray that I cut up to make the part for $6. A small sheet of stainless at our local hardware is $25. Screw that.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on October 29, 2022, 05:51:29 am
So without trying to bore or whatever I have found that after surgery Its extreamly easy to over due it up to and including having to take naps! I took a nap when i was about 5 years old and also coming home from Hannigan speed way after riding trials, TT and Scrambles the next day. So while my new bearing shells in my knee are not as intense as I thought it would be the PT sucks and walking more then 10 blocks will almost have you in tears like a little chica and all you want to do is get home and take a nap. All and all though things are good and I am really excited to be healthy again.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: stinkwheel on October 29, 2022, 10:55:40 am
Building/repairing muscle really takes it out of you so have a mind to nutrition. When athletes train, they are doing the same thing, breaking muscle fibres and rebuilding them stronger. One thing they do is have a protein snack ready for the end of training. While it seems like you are napping, what you are actually doing is building muscle. Give your body the materials to do it with.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Karl Childers on October 29, 2022, 01:46:57 pm
PT is tough but step by step you'll get there, glad to hear you're on the mend! Good advice by Stinkwheel, nutrition plays a big part in most anything we do including the healing process. Before you know it you'll be out there cleaning sections again.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Paul W on October 29, 2022, 03:00:44 pm
Be very careful if your new knee is the right side. A good friend had to have his right knee joint replaced. When his 500 Bullet kicked back at him he bust a blood vessel in his leg and it caused him a lot of trouble (the whole leg turned purple). As it was not an ES bike he eventually had no option but to sell it. It was a lovely bike, too.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Paul W on October 29, 2022, 04:56:46 pm
I should emphasise that my friend had already had his knee joint replaced when he damaged his blood vessel kicking up his bike.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: stinkwheel on October 29, 2022, 05:59:06 pm
Be very careful if your new knee is the right side. A good friend had to have his right knee joint replaced. When his 500 Bullet kicked back at him he bust a blood vessel in his leg and it caused him a lot of trouble (the whole leg turned purple). As it was not an ES bike he eventually had no option but to sell it. It was a lovely bike, too.

Time to buy a jawa (left hand kickstart).
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: AzCal Retred on October 29, 2022, 07:57:32 pm
Didn't JC Whitney at one time offer "Inflatable Hills" for the HD crowd?  ::)

Too bad about that KS bike. It would have made a nice project to get the ES cases and convert over, or just get an ES engine & swap it out. These Bullets are pretty "Erector Set-ish", if you like to tinker it's all accessible.

Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Paul W on October 29, 2022, 09:11:03 pm
The bike had been restored to show standard (in street scrambler style). It would have been a shame to spoil the looks with those ugly ES parts. I’d have snapped it up myself if I had room in the garage.

Anyway, long gone to a new owner who kept it in his dining room!

My friend’s other bike is a more modern Triumph Bonneville which he’s similarly turned into a show standard bike. Sadly, due to his other health issues he’s now thinking it’s probably time to hang up his helmet and concentrate on his vintage MG style home built car.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on October 30, 2022, 02:43:21 pm
Be very careful if your new knee is the right side. A good friend had to have his right knee joint replaced. When his 500 Bullet kicked back at him he bust a blood vessel in his leg and it caused him a lot of trouble (the whole leg turned purple). As it was not an ES bike he eventually had no option but to sell it. It was a lovely bike, too.

Well thanks for that but its my left knee that got fixed up.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Paul W on October 30, 2022, 06:58:03 pm
Lucky. In that case don’t buy the Jawa!  ;)
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on October 31, 2022, 04:51:40 am
Lucky. In that case don’t buy the Jawa!  ;)

Funny, I rode Bultacos for years and alway started them with my right foot. I'm not sure I ever started one with my left leg, don't think I could like ever.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Paul W on October 31, 2022, 12:01:06 pm
I had a CZ 250 488.2 Enduro bike and could start it with either leg....eventually, if it decided it was going to start at all....

In fact I still have a scar inside my left calf from when my foot slipped off the kickstart lever and it jagged against the serrated footrest after it cut on me in the hills one very hot summer day. I pushed the bike up the very steep track for a mile then coasted down the other side trying to bump start it for about another three miles. When I got tot the bottom of the hill I gave it one last kick (boot sock was wet with blood by then). It started and idled perfectly.  ::)
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on November 07, 2022, 09:39:06 pm
I had a CZ 250 488.2 Enduro bike and could start it with either leg....eventually, if it decided it was going to start at all....

In fact I still have a scar inside my left calf from when my foot slipped off the kickstart lever and it jagged against the serrated footrest after it cut on me in the hills one very hot summer day. I pushed the bike up the very steep track for a mile then coasted down the other side trying to bump start it for about another three miles. When I got tot the bottom of the hill I gave it one last kick (boot sock was wet with blood by then). It started and idled perfectly.  ::)
Finicky two strokes. Ouch!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on November 24, 2022, 05:00:34 am
So I am riding my bicycle, taking our dog King Tubby around the neighborhood daily, and (begrudgingly) doing stupid PT and everything else prescribed but dang I wear out quick. Ice after almost any activity and Arnica cream kind of work. I never take opioids and since I like a beer or two I don't take any over-the-counter pain meds. Poor Dave.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: stinkwheel on November 24, 2022, 09:19:34 am
One tip I was given by a physio for cycling post knee surgery recovery is to make sure you do low gear, high cadence to keep the load down but movement high. Also if you use clip-in pedals, make sure they have a lot of sideways float because your knee to foot angle may not be the same as it was before.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Karl Childers on November 24, 2022, 12:06:14 pm
Maybe an herbal approach might help?


(http://)
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on November 27, 2022, 02:12:30 am
Some random pics from my Gmail photos.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: stinkwheel on November 27, 2022, 02:03:16 pm
One day I'll do a trial with that much grip! Oh to have a surface where the gaps in the tyres aren't immediately packed full of mud turning them into a slick.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AL9nZEUnxdTirNO6s-hUOqvnK_BLogHGbqXnHkC6k5u5ebMlgCoBWubMvsJSWCqfXUUYJ5ioxFzqnkDK4gwzcKwSndHeLtbQG0tL0xlz8ZdwCTfxZvFUWVxBpku2TUiv_-jXqHGC45BogEYlr-DJ3dxD58sl=w591-h886-no)
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on November 27, 2022, 02:49:23 pm
One day I'll do a trial with that much grip!

It looks like fun! No long-distance trials around here...
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: stinkwheel on November 27, 2022, 03:12:41 pm
It looks like fun! No long-distance trials around here...

Sometimes type 2 fun with a bike as heavy as a bullet though. On the trial in the picture, they made one section a "walk through" for the pre 65 Brit class. There were three Enfields at the back struggling to walk the bikes through in first (stood next to them!) while Ossas and Montessas were riding by feet-up. I sweated some that day, despite the temperature hovering around freezing.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: AzCal Retred on November 27, 2022, 06:02:58 pm
What I've noticed from videos of old school 1950's era heavy iron trials was that the courses back then were a lot like what we were casual trail riding with our 2-stroke dirt bikes in the 1980's. The few actual trials I attempted in the early 80's with my trusty 1974(ish) 350 Sherpa-T were even then getting into "lift & carry" territory for old school 2-strokes like the MAR, Cota & Sherpa. The young tigers on 150 pound Italian specialty equipment were bouncing blithely from rock to rock, and then there were the rest of us footing along & scraping cases. I'm thinking that maybe a fun trail ride is a good place to keep your Bullet off roading focused on. Most of us are pretty old & brittle by now, bench pressing near 400 pounds mostly enriches the Chiropractic community... ;D ;D ;D

Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Paul W on November 27, 2022, 09:43:13 pm
I’d definitely agree that a Bullet is, especially by modern standards, a heavy lump for off roading. I soon realised that when I was waiting to have my 350 scrutineered for the Edinburgh Trial in 2019. I got talking to another, younger competitor on a modern trail bike. He asked me what my bike weighed. He told me his was 80kg lighter and said there was no way he would want to try off roading mine because it would be like carrying a passenger! I looked it up, he’s right - he had a Montesa 4Ride. The declared weight is 82kg. My 350 weighs almost exactly twice that!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on November 28, 2022, 04:31:50 am
You just gotta throw yourself into the "void"! F-ck it like.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: AzCal Retred on November 28, 2022, 06:28:40 am
I've been to the orthopedics ward, no desire to go back. The spinal injuries center looked even a whole lot less fun than that. Real life does not have a reset button. There's fun and then there's f-'in stupid.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on November 28, 2022, 06:45:11 am
I've been to the orthopedics ward, no desire to go back. The spinal injuries center looked even a whole lot less fun than that. Real life does not have a reset button. There's fun and then there's f-'in stupid.
well of course. I was just expressing a certain bravado and matchoism as a representative of my current f-ck up condition. A joke.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Mr_84 on November 28, 2022, 07:00:35 am
Ride to survive always come to mind , survive and ride again next week.

Everything is relative, if your riding a 150kg bike of say 60s tech and think your going to compete against a bike of 2023 tech weighing 100kg and the rider is 20 maybe 30 years younger it’s going to be a tough ask , but if you enjoy the ride in your class against similar bikes it can very satisfying and in some cases more fun than the new bikes , friendships are made and friendly competition is healthy, somehow with all the new flash Harry bikes ,everyone finds themselves looking at , talking about and watching the good ol boys and there vintage bikes taking on amazing challenges
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Paul W on November 28, 2022, 07:49:00 am
You just gotta throw yourself into the "void"! F-ck it like.

I get the joke. But at my age, past the half way mark of my seventh decade, the void acts like a magnet. I try to keep a little further away from the edge.  ;)
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on November 28, 2022, 08:01:24 am
 :) :)
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: stinkwheel on November 28, 2022, 08:02:36 am
The way I see it, if I was riding a really good bike, I wouldn't have anything to blame for poor performance other than the rider.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: AzCal Retred on November 28, 2022, 11:37:07 pm
A "Really Good Bike" for current trials use might be the 160 pound "GasGas 280":
https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2022/07/13/2023-gasgas-txt-trial-lineup-first-look-11-fast-facts-61-photos/

For trail use the Honda CRF300L at 300 pounds might be considered a "Really Good Bike", or for over $$$ double the money $$$ the 350cc Husqvarnas & KTMs will drop another 60 pounds (240!) & add HP.

But if you are out & about and need to explore a dry Forest Service road by yourself on your Bullet, it'll do it well enough at plonking speeds. That ginormous flywheel, long stroke and passenger pegs can be used to advantage to a remarkable degree. But when riding with others, unless everyone has a Bullet, that'll make the advances in hardware over the last 60 years really stand out. 100 pounds (or way more) less weight, proper off road suspension and geometry, very wide range gearing, all of that really shows the age of the Bullet. When it was all there was in 1935, it was the best there was.

If everyone rides the same machine, results largely depend on rider skill. When the hardware is mixed purpose, generally the best suited hardware for the task at hand will become obvious. On any kind of performance-related venue, only the best suited hardware will be found first at the finish line. The rider skill level obviously makes a huge difference, but there is a limit to how much hardware deficit a given rider can overcome.

The Bullet reminds me of the Hodaka Ace 100B, a great general purpose platform that was successfully adapted into many venues. Eventually the sports grew, became more specialized, and the specialized equipment forced out the generalized equipment. The Bullet and Ace 100B are still fun to ride, but there is better equipment out there for specific applications. But both of these dinosaurs will still bring a smile to your face.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on December 05, 2022, 01:03:27 am
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Uu1cBbLxdeYqJWMf8
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Karl Childers on December 05, 2022, 01:28:56 am
Nice mod! I'll have to take a look at mine to see how close to the float bowl my pipe comes.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: AzCal Retred on December 05, 2022, 03:09:49 am
Is that aluminum tubing? Maybe stainless? Was there a float-bowl boiling issue from the pipe proximity?
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on December 05, 2022, 05:20:17 am
Is that aluminum tubing? Maybe stainless? Was there a float-bowl boiling issue from the pipe proximity?
Yes I had a problem at the last event. The temperature was in the 80s and the bike would die randomly. I made the part out of stainless. It all came about because I had moved the exhaust over slightly for better leg clearance.  Not had a chance to try it out....soon.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: stinkwheel on December 05, 2022, 06:40:31 pm
Carbon fibre makes a really good heat-shield. A really poor conductor of heat. You can touch a carbon fibre sports bike end-can with your bare hands after a motorway run.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on December 06, 2022, 02:28:23 am
Beer budget, Courvoisier dreams.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: stinkwheel on December 06, 2022, 12:54:24 pm
Beer budget, Courvoisier dreams.

Aye, but now you know you're on the look out for a bit of carbon fibre, you can keep your eye out for one of these young lads with loads of money who crash their expensive bike and smash bits of CF bodywork.

I made my own CF heat shield for my VFR rear brake master cylinder (which is about 10mm from one of the rear header pipes) using a layup mould from the original rusty metal one and a few layers of CF cloth laid up with high temp epoxy. The cloth itself isn't all that expensive.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: AzCal Retred on December 06, 2022, 07:54:51 pm
There's always this from Wally World:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Metal-Heat-Shield-Sleeve-Cover-Hose-Wire-Wrap-Loom-1m-Insulated-12mm-UK/746297768?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=101090747&&adid=22222222227746297768_101090747_141989961998_18286110951&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=620766111987&wl4=aud-1651068665266:pla-1742198101839&wl5=9031799&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=466096157&wl11=online&wl12=746297768_101090747&veh=sem&gclid=Cj0KCQiA7bucBhCeARIsAIOwr-9wBNSKWMJIi6jifSdiOiQuLQgRAFzYGL5vWNE1wq-Ve54D_P0Dy5kaAjA5EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Just $10, cut into appropriate shapes, stack as needed for thickness.

Lots of heat wrap/exhaust wrap ceramic fiber material out there. You just need a scrap end.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on December 07, 2022, 05:39:47 am
Or let's try what I have and see how it goes.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on December 09, 2022, 02:06:59 am
Today was a Catholic day of obligation, so in deference to my beloved wife I attend mass with her. After mass I spoke with the priest father Navy and asked him if he liked motorbikes. I told him that I have a Royal Enfield 350 Bullet. His eyes went wide and he told me how he had scrimped and saved to get an Enfield and that one had almost fallen into his lap as an acquaintance had to leave the country and couldn't take his Bullet. He went on to explain how big of a deal it was for him (as a man) to finally get the object of his desires a Royal Enfield 350 Bullet.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Paul W on December 09, 2022, 08:15:14 am
As a 350 Bullet owner I’m very pleased to know that it has approval from the top office!  ;)
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on December 30, 2022, 05:32:05 am
I am kind of in shock, two months ago my favorite brother-in-law died. My wife was on her way to spend a few days with girlfriends when she got a call from Hospital that my brother-in-law was in ICU. She had medical power of attorney and please come to the hospital. She (my wife) called me and I immediately drove the 4 hours to meet her and help out any way I could. Her plans were dashed and now we were making medical decisions for a dying family member.

My Brother-in-law had gone sepsis and was only alive through obscene and inhumane measures. My wife had been a critical care nurse at one point in her career and had actually run the department that was keeping our dear brother-in-law artificially alive. We pulled the plug and said goodbye. Horribly upset by this unexpected tragedy and 4 hours (or more) away from our home we decided to go to his house and look for the will that he told us years ago was there. We were shocked on the entry that the house was in chaos and that poor brother-in-law had lived in a state of mental illness. So a few weeks later we learned that the will had been found brother-in-law's estate was to go entirely to my wife. We hired a crew to clean up the house and to get it ready for resale but as life goes, we had a huge ice storm that came and knocked two trees down, one smashing through the roof of our brothe-in-laws house and the other going through the neighbor's greenhouse and knocking down two fence lines.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Karl Childers on December 30, 2022, 07:12:43 pm
My condolences regarding the loss of your brother in law. It is always difficult to deal with the loss of someone close to you. Time heals all wounds as the saying goes but sometimes that is not the reality. If after a given time if you find this still hard to deal with you might want to seek out grief and loss counseling. Talking to a qualified person in these maters can make a difference.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: stinkwheel on December 30, 2022, 08:47:45 pm
Don't let the logistics get on top of you, you don't have to deal with it all.

I perhaps have an overly rational approach to this kind of thing but looking at it rationally, your brother in law is past caring about it, you weren't expecting to have all this stuff to deal with and weren't expecting to be coming into anything. If the estate wipes its feet in terms of cost, problems solved.

It helps to think of this as an estate, so you send your crew in, you put everything through an auction house who are set up to deal with this kind of thing. If there's any particularly sentimental or personal stuff, you take that away. Everything else goes to auction, charity or landfill. If there's insurance on the house, put the damage in their hands. If there's a lot of damage and it's not insured, get a local builder to make it stable/watertight and you can sell it as-is, there's always someone looking for a property they can put a bit of work into then flip it for a profit.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on December 31, 2022, 04:29:06 am
My condolences regarding the loss of your brother in law. It is always difficult to deal with the loss of someone close to you. Time heals all wounds as the saying goes but sometimes that is not the reality. If after a given time if you find this still hard to deal with you might want to seek out grief and loss counseling. Talking to a qualified person in these maters can make a difference.
Thank you.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on December 31, 2022, 04:29:36 am
Don't let the logistics get on top of you, you don't have to deal with it all.

I perhaps have an overly rational approach to this kind of thing but looking at it rationally, your brother in law is past caring about it, you weren't expecting to have all this stuff to deal with and weren't expecting to be coming into anything. If the estate wipes its feet in terms of cost, problems solved.

It helps to think of this as an estate, so you send your crew in, you put everything through an auction house who are set up to deal with this kind of thing. If there's any particularly sentimental or personal stuff, you take that away. Everything else goes to auction, charity or landfill. If there's insurance on the house, put the damage in their hands. If there's a lot of damage and it's not insured, get a local builder to make it stable/watertight and you can sell it as-is, there's always someone looking for a property they can put a bit of work into then flip it for a profit.

Thank you.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on January 06, 2023, 12:55:34 am
I met Paul Neff a few years ago and followed him around at the LeMay AHRMA trials on my Enfield. He was riding a stock Matchless G3 trials bike lights and all, and he rides forcefully.  I was amazed at his performance and later I looked him up online. Now I see that he is riding this year's Dakar Rally and is doing well in the Malle Moto class!

https://www.dakar.com/en/competitor/102

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNsnbx8sw0c



Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on January 31, 2023, 07:27:05 pm
I have never used the Enfield for anything other than trials competition and it has never been registered for the street so no title no nothing. Just the original sales receipt and some other paperwork from Tom's Cycle center. Riding ORV parks would allow me more bar time but you can't get an ORV sticker in WA without a title. I thought about doing the Vermont title thing but that's hokey and costs a bunch of money upfront and a bunch more when you eventually have to convert the title to WA state. So why not just go see what the license place has to say? OK. So I stopped into Hoquiam Licensing and Transportation Agency and spoke with the owner Kathy, she told me that she can do an inspection and issue a provisional title and get me ORV stickers with no problem! I made an appointment she looked at the VIN numbers and $62 later I walked out with a provisional title and ORV stickers! Anyway, I now have ORV stickers installed, and liability insurance and my knee is doing good. Time to start riding again.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: AzCal Retred on January 31, 2023, 08:09:10 pm
It's amazing what happens when you get to ask the right people! That's great news about your ORV sticker, it'll add a lot of utility to your mount.

When I went to title my paperless ex-pat Orygun ES350 in Fresno I received the "That's not possible" speech. I was then going to title it in Arizona thru a friend, but he said the Needles DMV was pretty user friendly and would save a lot of flailing if it worked out. I toted it over there, and 45 minutes later I had a new plate & good paper. The personnel make all the difference; lots of things are possible when you find the folks willing to do their job. The smaller DMV had less politics and their Supervisor encouraged them to solve problems, unlike Fresno.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: stinkwheel on January 31, 2023, 08:38:08 pm
Funny how you have little local offices and actual human beings, no matter how curmdgeonly, that you can speak to. In the UK we have the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency which is an impenetrable monolithic entity localed in Cardiff, Wales who have alimited online functionality for routine stuff but and everything else is done by post. It seems to me that it's used as a job creation scheme for the otherwise unemployable. They are generally slow and incompetant and given the chance to apply creative misunderstanding to a situation in order to not actually do any work, they will take it after a suitable delay. They specialise in delay.

A good example is they mis-spelled my surname on my driving licence for a period of 12 years, during which I'd passed tests and moved house enough to have had seven different licences issued. I'm absolutely certain I spelled it correctly on each form (and it's one of those forms with a box for each letter, they added one). The first one was accompanied by my original birth certificate. The first photocard one was accompanied by my passport. Each time I included a note pointing out the error. Each time it was returned, still mis-spelled and with a pre-printed note saying they have checked the details and they are all correct. It wasn't corrected until i had to raise it as an official complaint on account of me being due in court for a speeding charge.

Another example is there is a legal requirement to inform them of a change of colour and a copper who is having a bad day could fine you for not having done so if he can't find something else to trump up. When I painted my Jawa green, I filled in the appropriate form and sent it off. Three weeks later the registration came back still showing it as black. I did this three times before giving up.

Anyway. My current problem is I have a motorbike (a Bellarussian Minsk) for which the registration number has been lost. It's registered and has a VIN number but they claim to be unable to search the VIN on their database to find the registration number. However, if i try to re-register it, they'll tell me that VIN is already registered so they can't issue a new one, which gives a lie to their claimed inability to search for a VIN. I've optimistically sent off the form for a new registration document. Apparently you sometimes get lucky and they put the registration number on the letter they send back telling you they can't issue one because you didn't put the registration number on the form...

So if you think you have it bad, remember Britain invented red tape.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: AzCal Retred on February 01, 2023, 12:34:19 am
Sounds like the DVLA had its manuals written by Kafka!   :o ;D ;D ;D

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_Kafka
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on February 01, 2023, 05:21:32 am
It's amazing what happens when you get to ask the right people! That's great news about your ORV sticker, it'll add a lot of utility to your mount.

 The smaller DMV had less politics and their Supervisor encouraged them to solve problems, unlike Fresno.

I don't think it would have been this easy in King County!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Raymond on February 01, 2023, 09:16:18 am
I have had similar experiences to Stinkwheel. When I bought my XS650, I wanted a new V5 (ownership document) with my name and address, the new colour I have put on the bike and a change of registration class to historic. The particular Kafkaesque play DVLA elected for was to change only one thing at a time. So the form had to go to-and-fro to Swansea three times to achieve what I had requested right from the start. All good fun as long as you don't weaken before they do . . .
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Paul W on February 02, 2023, 10:38:16 am
I changed the engine in my little sports car to a different type and size (Reliant 850 to Suzuki 993). I sent off supporting receipts and a covering letter. I asked that they returned the receipts.

A new V5C (registration document) arrived in due course, showing the new engine serial number but the receipts were not included and never came back.

It wasn’t until some time later that I realised that they had not changed the CC from 850 to 993. I sent the document back with another covering letter, pointing out their mistake. It was returned a couple of weeks later saying that the change could not be made without supporting documentation….which of course, they had kept and engineers and insurance  reports to say that the conversion had been correctly carried out. I eventually managed to get through on the phone and after some “discussion” spoke to a supervisor who confirmed they had made a mistake, found scanned copies of my previous correspondence and sent a new, corrected V5C. However, they had applied the old exhaust emissions limits, which was to my advantage.

My wife makes clothing and sells at craft fairs. She needed a bigger van, so she could travel to Christmas fairs, her busiest time of the year. We bought a used van at the end of November, from a dealer thirty miles away. It was converted with three individual, extra rear seats to carry passengers and had been fitted with an extra floor with a track to secure belts for a wheel chair. No structural mods were made because it had a simple, removable ramp fitted at the back to get the wheelchair in and out. It was ideal for her because she sometimes needs to carry family passengers. I went online to put vehicle “road” tax on it. The system wouldn’t allow me to do it and told me it had to be done at a post office. No joy!

To cut a long story short, after three visits to two different post offices I was party to a conference call at the post office after they couldn’t do it either, between the senior post master, the post office computer helpline supervisor, and the DVLA. DVLA blamed the post office’s computer system but the post office blamed DVLA. The van dealer got involved and tried to sort it, but he couldn’t, DVLA wouldn’t accept what he said.

I rang DVLA again. They told me because it had been classified as a disability vehicle it had free road tax. I explained that it was no longer owned by a disabled person and so needed to be taxed. They then wanted information on the structural mods and the company who had carried out the work, which I didn’t have details of. A supervisor eventually told me to send photos of inside, outside and underneath to show what work had been carried out so they could assess whether or not it could retain its free tax status….I had to remind them that I actually wanted to pay tax, to make it legal because we weren’t disabled, in accordance with their own rules, not to retain its free status! I sent photos off, signed for postage, with the application form and a cheque.

They told me that in the meantime, if the vehicle was driven on public roads it remained untaxed so we would be liable to prosecution.

The cheque was cashed within a couple of days, but the van still kept coming up as untaxed, right up until the middle of January.

My wife had to hire a van over the Christmas period so she could get her job done, while her own van sat unused on the driveway. Cost us quite a bit and knocked out a lot of her profit.

Seven weeks after the initial application was made, a new V5C arrived in the post. I checked online and confirmed the van was now taxed and legal. Relief all round until we discovered that the “bar stewards” had back taxed it to the day my wife had bought it!  >:(
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on March 29, 2023, 12:41:56 am
So I ordered new cush drive rubbers to replace the old flaccid ones. I will be damned if I can get them installed. Mine is the old-style three-vane cush hub. Any input would be welcomed!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on April 20, 2023, 06:22:41 pm
So eventually I got the rear cush drive reinstalled. Turns out the shop manual was in a box on the shelf so after reading the assembly instructions it all went back together.

Next up:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1neNtUz00c

Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on May 04, 2023, 06:42:10 am
Enfield has been running great. I took a long tour (for a trial bike) around Capitol Forest and am pleased with how well the bike runs. I rode just over 40 miles of trails and logging roads with my older brother Don. He rode his Yamaha IT175 and we had a blast. I am loading up for this weekend's trial at the Crooked River Ranch and the Steel Stampede.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: stinkwheel on May 04, 2023, 09:55:54 am
Looks like it'll be a challenge. The guy on your video must be one hell of a rider, I've been watching some videos a mate of mine took at the Scottish Six days last week and man that's some extreme riding!

I'm looking forwards to my next long distance trial next month. Got the gearing lowered significantly (second is now where first was). It'll be my first trial where there's a chance of it being dry. I've never ridden one where it was dry enough to kick up dust so hopefully I'll have fewer issues with grip.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on May 05, 2023, 05:19:59 am
Good luck!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on May 11, 2023, 04:25:34 am
https://ahrmanorthwest.smugmug.com/Crooked-River-OR/Crooked-River-2023/Crooked-River-2023-Photos-by-Kelly-Shane/?fbclid=IwAR1aRSP7dM2yzBgIszkHQDfnMY5ZuzEtJigq5bsRw4to1iIN8sV6saPK5fg

Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on May 11, 2023, 05:38:02 am
https://www.facebook.com/groups/223269847749338/?multi_permalinks=6135986599810937&notif_id=1683734887431892&notif_t=feedback_reaction_generic&ref=notif
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: stinkwheel on May 11, 2023, 07:34:25 am
The FB link is a private group.

How did you get on? From the pictures, those sections look like they were a challenge even for the Jap twinshock stuff.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on May 11, 2023, 08:12:28 pm
The FB link is a private group.

How did you get on? From the pictures, those sections look like they were a challenge even for the Jap twinshock stuff.

I had such a good time. The conditions were perfect I rode well but my buddy Sean Fromhold beat me soundly. I scored a poor 35 points because I crashed on the rocks twice and footed when the bike miss fired. I would put pictures directly but haven't had a chance to figure out how to do it.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on May 16, 2023, 02:05:46 am
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7qZoEmLWfFk
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on May 16, 2023, 02:17:02 am
https://ahrmanorthwest.smugmug.com/Crooked-River-OR/Crooked-River-2023/Crooked-River-2023-Photos-by-Mark-Hector
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on May 16, 2023, 02:24:51 am
https://ahrmanorthwest.smugmug.com/Crooked-River-OR/Crooked-River-2023/Crooked-River-2023-Photos-by-Kelly-Shane
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on May 17, 2023, 12:36:54 am
https://ahrmanorthwest.smugmug.com/Crooked-River-OR/Crooked-River-2023/Crooked-River-2023-Trials-Photos-by-Sharon-Coad/

Crash pictures!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: stinkwheel on May 17, 2023, 07:41:05 am
I always think that both the rider and bike landing up on the ground demonstrates sufficient determination and commitment to the obstacle.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: Paul W on May 17, 2023, 08:54:32 am
In my experience, gravity always wins!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on May 17, 2023, 03:51:17 pm
In my experience, gravity always wins!


Very true.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on May 17, 2023, 06:16:30 pm
I always think that both the rider and bike landing up on the ground demonstrates sufficient determination and commitment to the obstacle.

Or a poor line choice!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on June 09, 2023, 03:29:16 am
(http://)
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on June 10, 2023, 02:50:53 pm
I took the bike up to Capitol Forest for a run. It's almost 100000 acres of dirt roads and ORV trails. It is easy to get turned around up there and you must be mindful of logging trucks. I was alone so I mostly headed uphill in case the bike failed so I could roll it back to the truck!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: AzCal Retred on June 10, 2023, 03:49:42 pm
+1!!!   ;D ;D ;D  Dirt Lesson #1: "Push Downhill = GOOD, Push Uphill = BAD!"

"I was alone so I mostly headed uphill in case the bike failed so I could roll it back to the truck!"
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: stinkwheel on June 10, 2023, 07:22:02 pm
+1!!!   ;D ;D ;D  Dirt Lesson #1: "Push Downhill = GOOD, Push Uphill = BAD!"

"I was alone so I mostly headed uphill in case the bike failed so I could roll it back to the truck!"

Of course, that also depends which direction you are facing and how steep the hill is. As I found out twice today when I failed to make it all the way up a hill on a trial.

Also finding one major disadvantage of kick-start bullets which is not being able to start them in gear. Had to roll/skid it backwards down one of said hills, which in fairness, if I could have got it restarted, I would have been able to ride back up. My usual tactic for a hill fail is to drag it round so it's facing more or less back down the hill then get back on it and use the decompressor as a brake or let it bump-start but this time I was in a really deep rut (waist high) it couldn't be turned round in and had snapped the decompressor lever when I fell off. Turns out kick starting this bike on a 40 degree gradient, in a rut, while holding the brake on, with no decompressor is beyond my abilities!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: AzCal Retred on June 11, 2023, 02:57:07 pm
Yuppers - lots was learned in the dirt arena between 1935 and even the 1970's. These machines were piloted by some true "Iron Men" in the wayback. Old Skool trials films show courses way less challenging than today's trials. As the hardware evolved, the courses evolved. Desert racing was the same, big twins, smooth fire & mine roads gave way to more rough country, 2-stroke WR Husqvarnas, DKWs and sandwash. An old design on a modern course involves a lot of lift & carry. The pre-unit transmission system not allowing for restart in gear is one good example of that. I am really impressed you are out there with the 2-strokes at all - that demonstrates real grit.
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: AndyMcP on June 12, 2023, 10:23:39 am
I watched an old military training film on YouTube recently about off road riding techniques.  They demonstrated laying the bike over and digging the footrest into the dirt, if stalled on a steep incline, to arrest the slide and facilitate turning around or re-starting.  Of course, you need fixed footrests and it helps if it's not your bike!  Never having ridden off road I couldn't comment on the benefits... :D
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: AzCal Retred on June 12, 2023, 07:32:10 pm
It was the best there was when it was all there was...

Weight is not your friend off road. Solid pegs are a good way to get skewered by your machine in a tumble.
I HAVE been flat amazed at the amount of traction a long-stroke heavy flywheel 4-stroke machine can deliver as compared to a 2-stroke. My 500 dragged me back up a hill despite way-too-tall gearing, a street-universal tire and marginal ground traction. (a sand & gravel layer over hard dirt) I was lucky to get out, now I leave Forest Service mountain fire roads to real trail bikes.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Despatch_rider

I've heard that the ARMY Despatch Rider attrition rate was fairly high, but I've found no supporting data as of yet.



Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on June 15, 2023, 05:33:11 am
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0M61AYbGF9fGVgdKHuQTD4S9pb21Ctxv2PTSzFupswwpGkt8J6i9jtLSpjRVQSGa1l&id=100001398695829&mibextid=CDWPTG
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on June 16, 2023, 05:12:49 am
Walker Valley ORV has some incredibly rough trails. Rocky and steep, rooted and muddy. I was sure the clutch was going to fail on my Enfield but it just took the abuse with no complaint. I on the other hand am almost crippled by the effort!
Title: Re: AHRMA trials
Post by: darmst6829 on June 16, 2023, 05:16:43 am
https://photos.app.goo.gl/uwADuYySHuSyV8b1A