Messages

1

Tech Talk / Re: Spluttering When Rich - What's Actually Happening in There?

« on: January 10, 2025, 11:01:26 am »

My guess:

It’s too rich to ignite/burn reliably. Possibly momentarily fouling the plug (bridging the gap with liquid)?
So the spluttering is a stroke where it didn’t light off?
Or potentially the mixture is burning more like a liquid than a gas?

2

Tech Talk / Re: PVL Timing

« on: January 07, 2025, 09:30:22 am »

I love this Forum. 

3

General Discussion / Re: motorcycle sport in oz to cease

« on: December 25, 2024, 11:00:24 am »

From what I’ve seen so far.

It’s an argument/disagreement/fight between MA, and some of the state based “Authorities”.

Unfortunately, it’s the Classic “we said/they said” useless information that seems to be circulating.

Hard to pin down facts. Except the long suffering racers are likely to suffer/pay more. And according to some claims: not be able to race.

4

KTM / Re: Dark clouds hanging over Mattighofen

« on: December 07, 2024, 01:37:40 pm »

Pokey, I agree. The world has changed.

Watch a car advertisement. It’s all about “colours that suit your lifestyle” and “connectivity”.
At the end of the advertisement, you would have no clue as to: power/number of cylinders/seating capacity/transmission options (but extremely unlikely that a manual option exists)/towing ability or even fuel type (petrol or diesel. Or range if it was electric.)

So, I would assume this indicates the priority for the average buyer.
Anecdotally, one of the younger pilots at work bought a brand new car. I asked him about it, and he didn’t appear to know if it was a 4 or 6 cylinder model. I was gob smacked.

In the 1969 Honda 750 owner’s manual: It contained instructions for adjusting the valve clearances. In the 2024 manual it doesn’t. But it does caution you against drinking the contents of the battery. Is this advancement, or indictment?

In the case of KTM, they seemed successful partially on their slogan “Ready to Race”. They might have been a bit more expensive, but had top quality components (Brembo, WP, Pankal for eg). Also quite innovative and often upgraded more frequently than the competition. Eg they upgraded the “too stiff” MX frames without waiting for the four year cycle.

I believe they started using Chinese cranks and other parts in some models. Failures started to affect their reputation poorly.

Buying Husky and Gas Gas seemed crazy - what advantages to competing with themselves just to be able to sell a red version and a white version?

The current situation is disappointing and sad, but almost predictable.

5

KTM / Re: Dark clouds hanging over Mattighofen

« on: November 27, 2024, 11:22:20 pm »

Can’t read that, due only English education.

But the story has been doing the rounds.

I heard “Gas Gas” has gone, and they are trying to sell Husky?
Is this correct?

Not looking great. In hindsight expanding too fast?
And “quality issues” associated with Indian production of some parts.

I have five KTMs, two of them branded “Husqvarna”.

6

For Sale / Re: Pre 70 Yam 250 for sale.

« on: October 24, 2024, 11:46:36 am »

Very cool bike!

7

General Discussion / Moto Des Nations

« on: October 09, 2024, 02:43:11 pm »

Not VMX, but arguably the pinnacle of MX.

An event run, for the best 3 riders from every country to compete.

For the first time ever, in the 77 years it’s been run, Australia are victorious!

Congratulations to Kyle Webster, Hunter Lawrence and Jet Lawrence.

(Many will know all about it, but of course: largely ignored by the mainstream media. (Less important than coming last at “Breakdancing” for eg)

8

General Discussion / Re: Beautiful Girls in your town - Authentic Damsels

« on: September 28, 2024, 08:49:13 am »

I saw the replies, and had to look!
Not the link obviously. Just the VMX jokers

9

Tech Talk / Re: Twostroke VM jetting, just want to think out loud.

« on: August 26, 2024, 10:37:43 am »

And I couldn’t ask you for tips on the internet 50years ago.

I found some extensive info on modifying a YZ80F, 44 years too late.

10

General Discussion / Welcome back. Log in issues.

« on: August 10, 2024, 08:44:47 pm »

I’ve been unable to log in for a month or so.
Either the website, device settings (iPhone/iPad) or ineptitude.
I got a message about “checking cookie settings”.

Just me?

11

General Discussion / Re: Any old boys still here ?

« on: June 22, 2024, 09:05:24 am »

There is still lots of interest in VMX, and the bikes.
The recent event at Conondale sold out weeks in advance (500 riders I believe.)

12

Tech Talk / Re: 1980 RM 400 fouling plugs

« on: June 13, 2024, 08:52:49 am »

My question would be:Has this bike previously been running well, and not fouling plugs? (Or is it, the bike, new, to you?)

13

Competition / Classic Weekend - Conondale QLD

« on: June 07, 2024, 07:55:04 am »

This weekend apparently.
The ride spots sold out ages ago, but worth a look if you’re in the area.
I think there is an associated swap meet.

14

General Discussion / Re: Testing yz465 ignition system who to send to?

« on: March 12, 2024, 12:59:26 pm »

So the message for all us is not to retire, we need to promote and pass on our skills to the next generations.

That would be ideal.
But it seems most young people (but not all) would rather be “influencers” than trades people.
I’m told by my friends still working in the trades, that the newbies think they should be “off the tools” and into management as soon as they finish their apprenticeship.

15

General Discussion / Re: Testing yz465 ignition system who to send to?

« on: March 10, 2024, 12:13:42 pm »

This forum is such a useful resource.

The info reinforces that the old school, “we can fix it” people are retiring, and not being replaced.


A few years ago it was difficult to find someone who could repair an alternator on my old Mercedes van.
Found an “old guy”, probably retired or dead by now, who could do it - he was mildly surprised that I was only bringing in the alternator after he advised that the large van wouldn’t fit in his workshop.