New Serrow

[Tim Kingham]

I suppose with Euro 4 its impossible to buy a new Serrow (XT225) now?
Are they still sold somewhere in Europe?

[Paul K]

Doesn't look like it. If you look at the current Yamaha off-road range https://www.yamaha-motor.eu/uk/products/offroad-motorcycles/index.aspx .  Nearest Yamaha you'll get is the WR250.  But, having thrashed about on those heavy old Vincents, I'm sure you'll be able to manage the XT1200Z Super Tenere 

[Tim Kingham]

Yes I see the super tenere is 560 lbs thats 100 lbs heavier than a Black Shadow! and the WR250F is only 40lbs lighter than my Triumph twin in a standard frame I got a gold with 30 years ago. There is a Spanish job with a Yamaha engine Reiju Tango that has a Trailie for around £3-1/2K and weighs 240 lbs not a lot of feed back on that will have to see where I can get a test ride

[Tony Bishop]

I am using a Serow at the moment but might fancy a change sometime and like the look of the AJP. The PR4 appeals because of the simple air cooled engine which apparently is a Taiwanese version of a Honda lump. I also like the idea of the fuel tank being below the seat, although at 7 litres the capacity might be a bit tight on the Lands End.
My main concern might be the seat height as I am not the leggiest person in the world but until I get a chance to sit on one that will have to remain a question mark. However the fuelled weight of 253 lbs sounds very attractive.
Pity the importer and main agent is based in Bridgend as that is one heck of a schlep from East Anglia. I might have to arrange a few days break in Wales to go and have a look.
A friend who has ridden one on several occasions really rated it but I would be interested to hear any other comments.

[rick howell]

How about a Beta Alp 200?

There's a discussion on Adventure Riders forum about the Beta and the Derbi 125 Adventure...

http://adventurebikerider.com/forum/23-bikes/130740-beta-alp-200-4t.html

And West Coast Imports at Minehead have a nice looking low miles (but pricey) Serow for sale

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/192081573997

[Tim Kingham]

I have a beta Alp at the moment its good but there was something indefinably better in the serrow

[Tony Bishop]

After I decided to give up riding my MZ special I bought a Beta Alp thinking it was the answer to my prayers.
I can't be specific about why but I just did not get on with it at all. So I decided to replace it with a Serow and it was like chalk and cheese.
Still haven't managed an award on the Serow mind you but I find it so much nicer to ride.

[Tim Kingham]

Yes It is strange what seems to work. I got a silver on the Beta in Edingbug 15 (first one in thirty odd years) and I never did get an award with Serrow but I have learnt over the forty odd years on these trials that there is an element of luck involved certainly I found the Serrow better on the sections until it was worn out The Beta stooped dead at first check point in Edinbug 16 (embarrassment I was travelling Marsha :-( ) I will have to look at look at alternatives.

[Tim Kingham]

Digging around I came across the Rieju Tango https://www.rieju.es/m/22/451/tango-250 a spanish maker with a jap engine has anyone got any knowledge of this machine?
You can do a lot on the web but buying a bike for the mcc trials is not one of them

[Paul K]

You can do a lot on the web but buying a bike for the mcc trials is not one of them

That's when building your own becomes a viable option, or modifying what's available. Your Triumph twin seems like a good starting point to me.

[Stephen Bailey]

AJP do a one inch lowering kit for the PR3 & PR4...

If you can get an AJP now.....

[Tim Kingham]

I think that link is wrong (you tube is hardly the place anyway)
I do think AJB is an option, I looked at
 http://www.biketechuk.co.uk/ajp.htm and it gives details, next time I go for a run west I will call in.
thor motorcycles    http://www.thormotorcycles.co.uk do quote a long distance trial model the  Ultrapassar.  but their web site disintegrates into a shambles when you try and get details

At the moment I am faced with a £200 for a new ECU for my Serrow before I can move on - pity I have just sorted an electronic speedo as the standard cable kept breaking and improved the lights and route card system
                                         

[Jason Potts]

That Thor motorcycles are selling those SWM RS650's for £5600 brand new. They do look like a real weapon. Not sure how useful they'd be for LDT duties but they do look like a fun commuter and Sunday lanes bike.

[Jason Potts]

I've been looking at buying a new bike to do the lands end on. My CZ won't be ready in time as working away from home during the week doesn't give me any time for messing anymore.

I was looking at a crf250l at dk motorcycles over Christmas. They are prety cheap brand new and some are offering 0% finance. They've got to be good if they are honda haven't they?

Anyone tried one of these?

[Paul K]

Looks like a CRF250L will let you win class B.  The engine is a detuned version of the CBR250R so that and being a Honda means reliability.

There's a guy called Ben King, taking a 2017 model on a trip round the world; here's the links to the relevant websites:
https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-views/features/travel/ben-king-round-world-motorcycle-honda-crf250l
https://www.thekingontheroad.com/our-impact/

One of the reasons Ben gives for choosing this bike is 'Because I'm super-skinny and weedy I wanted something that was super-light-weight and great on fuel' and '...  I could pick it up on my own'. 

There's a brief review of a 2012 model by MCN and owner's comments at http://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/honda/crf250l/2012/

Sounds ideal for an MCC trial