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TVTR Website -> Tamar Valley Trail Riders -> Technical Advice -> Mechanics / tyre fitting around Plymouth
Post Info TOPIC: Mechanics / tyre fitting around Plymouth
Mossy


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Mechanics / tyre fitting around Plymouth
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Hi guys.

I'm a newcomer to the muddy riding world. Currently preparing my DRZ over the winter and getting some kit to hit the trails in the spring. My question is where is recommended around Plymouth for off road tyre supply/fitting and general mechanics works on bikes of this type?

Currently I use KTM saltash for my road bike tyre fitting (as they'll give you a courtesy bike smile) but what are your thoughts? I've heard of a guy in Saltash apparently called Swampy but don't know him or where he is.??

Items that need attention soon....

1. Tyres, tubes + fitting needed for off road rims. 2. New chain and sprockets needed. 3. May need to get someone to fit front and rear wheels bearings + seals for me.

Any help much appreciated.

Cheers

Mossy

 

 



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2005 DRZ400 SM / S - depending on my mood :D
Mike


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Hi Mossy

Good to hear of another newcomer  Im sure some of the local guys can advise on garages.

Group D in Tavistock have always done a good job. Tyremarks in Tavi are good on price too.

Best bit of advice I can give you is to learn  to do as much of the servicing and repairs yourself.

Riding on the dirt causes a lot of wear and tear to the bikes. They need fixing alot.  ( Chains sprockets bearings brakes oil filters tyres electrics etc etc). If you are reliant on garages for everything life can become a bit expensive. Also the more you know your bike the more you are likely to be able to solve the little issues when you are out in the lanes.

By the way- winter is probably the best time to be out on the lanes- helps you stay cool and provides the best conditions - plenty of mud and water and not too much dust.

Cheers

Mike

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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Mossy


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Thanks for your reply mike. Didn't really want to mess with joining chains etc myself as knowing my luck it'll only break when i'm out :( Minor servicing i'm fine with but haven't yet put the time in to learn how to do bearings etc.

As for laning over the winter..i'd love to but my off road riding wardrobe at the moment consists of an MX style helmet :D ... all my other kit is road riding gear. Want to get some body armour, boots and knee pads before I even consider it.

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2005 DRZ400 SM / S - depending on my mood :D
ktmsrace


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Hi Mossy

I use Justin Gibbs - Gibbs Performance (07792 098278). I've used him for years, definitely recommend him.

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Kwaka Geoff


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Hi Mossy and welcome.

So, what knowledge can I impart? Here goes...............

Firstly, do what Mike says!!! aww, learn to fix things yourself otherwise you'll find Green Laning will become expensive!! When you see what a hammering these bikes get you'll appreciate his comment about the level of maintenance req! Mucho TLC req or you'll have a bag 'o' nails on your hands in not too long hmm

Tyres: Changing them yourself can be a bit of a ball ache but you need to do it to learn the knack, after all, you may need to do it whilst out on a ride. Get yourself a set of 8" levers. That said, in order to prevent the liklihood of punctures I run heavy duty inner tubes filled with 'slime' (which is available from places like halfords. One small bottle per wheel).

Chains: You neednt worry about joining them, most dirtbikes (Green Laners) use a split link - unlike a road bike chain - so simples!!! smile Buy one off the net for a good deal. Be sure to get the right grade (H/duty most prob for a 250 - 450cc. D.I.D 520 VM for EG) with the correct No. of links!

To buy tyres locally: I've got them from Pro Tyre Gupa-P in Cattedown recently. Not too badly priced and you get TRF discount if you're a member. Suggest a road legal MX knobbly on the front (Pirelli Scorpion / Bridgestone Gritty / Michelin Enduro Comp IV) and DEFINETELY a Pirelli MT43 on the rear!! (life will be hard[er] riding Devon green lanes if you choose anything but!)

Mechanics: Swampy is based behind LIDL in Saltash. His business is called 'Marsh Performance'. Not sure of the Tel No. Maybe Google it?

I too use Justin Gibbs, AKA Gibbs Performance. Tel No. as previously posted. He's in Moorlands Trading. Est. Google him too.

Gear: Start with second hand stuff unless you can afford decent nearly new or new gear. Keep your eyes peeled on this and the Devon TRF forum as there's often stuff for sale. I did as I recommend and over time have upgraded by either buying new or scouring ebay.

(My) Kit, as an EG for you: MX helmet and MX Goggles (all year round although I'm considering an Airoh S4 for the winter with a fog city to aid visibility), Alpinestars Bionic 2 body armour, 661 Kyle Strait knee pads (I prefer them to hard, articulated plastic versions), waterproof socks (a must!!! £10 from Goulds Army surplus on Ebrington Street, Plymouth), Cheapie waterproof cordura trousers, a decent Enduro waterproof jacket (mine's RST I think? been so long since i've worn it!) Boots: Alpinestars Tech 'something-or-others??? 8's I think???? Worth buying decent branded boots (IMHO) Had, and seen others, with cheaper varients but they dont seem to last.

Also check out this link

http://tvtr.activeboard.com/t45069531/winter-equipment-please-suggest-items/

So, that's about it really. There's enough there for you to be getting on with i'd hope?

Hope to see you out soon. Until then, happy prepping and kit hunting.

Geoff

 



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Mossy


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Thank KTMsrace and Geoff, v helpful. I'll check out Mr Gibbs next time I need something doing.

On the basis that you make chain installation sound pretty simple I may seek out a decent O-Ring chain and some sort of chain tool and do it myself. All I want to do on the bike at this stage is change the chain and sprocket and fit a sump guard!

As for kit...i'll have a look around and see what I can find.

Thanks for all your comments, especially. Hope to meet some of you soon, prob just after Christmas I reckon.

Mossy.

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2005 DRZ400 SM / S - depending on my mood :D
Chris M


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Hi Mossy,

What size are you, I have some old kit 32-34 inch waist 5'10" height trousers(which are on the big size of 34") and jacket if you can squeeze into these! There just gathering dust in my garage and i aint gonna wear them again, but they have some life left in them.

Chris

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Mossy


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Hi Chris

Thanks for the offer mate. I'm a little ahem.... vertically challenged so your trousers would be too long. I'm about 5'5" with 34" waist. Top man for offer though. What size/sort of jacket have you got? I'm after quite a light weight jacket. I'm prob a 40" chest. If it'll fit i'll be glad to bung a bit of cash your way.

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2005 DRZ400 SM / S - depending on my mood :D
Chris M


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Hi Mossy,

Trousers will be just fine, they are a bit ripped down the bottom where the exhaust burnt through them - a few bits of duct tape wrapped round and they'll be just fine. Most us have duct tape on our kit anyway. The jacket will I am sure fit, it has some armour built into into it (a road jacket really but is superb for off road also, I used it for a couple of seasons).

I can bring to next meeting if you like or I am in Tavistock if you would like to see it sooner.

Chris

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arryprovic


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Mossy,try Paul at Kennards m/c in St judes,all mx and greenlane riders in there,do lots on drz/ crf/ wrs, dont charge the earth and can supply all offroad bits also does m.o.t.s

                                  H



-- Edited by arryprovic on Wednesday 16th of November 2011 02:39:54 PM

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karR1e


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ditto Arry's post! Kennards!

PS How you doing Arry? Long time no see :(



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