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94 Gas Gas JT25 -- Opinions?
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Posted by: Magellan---------------------
I am thinking of getting into Trials.
I plan to take a trining course this fall, but in the meantime, I have come across a used 94 JT25.
Would this be a ogod bike to start with. The price isn't bad...at least it's affordable.
Any opinions on this bike, things to look out for (i.e., coomon problems, etc) appreaciated.
Also, does anyone know if the plastic from other years will fit. Can't say I like the orange/red color it is now.
Thanks,
Mag
Posted by: Bogwheeler---------------------
Mag,
The JT 250's were a very reliable bike, With reasonably good maintenance, they will run a long time. Can't think of any problems that stand out from any of the other trials bikes from that era. All parts (including plastic) are available through any Gas Gas dealer. Sun fade is what turned the nice red plastic to an orange color. I would'nt buy new plastic until after you take the training course and spend some time getting used to the bike. You will crash from time to time, It's part of the learning process. I saw a rider on a 94 finish in the top 3 this summer in the Advanced class at a local event.
Feet up,
Bogwheeler
Posted by: wayneg---------------------
I would think about getting something a bit newer as that bike was made for hop and stop sort of trials, so the frame geometry is not really made for turning. I made the mistake of orginally buying something cheap (in my case a '94 Beta Techno) and then spending lots of money making it go properly. In hindsight it probably wasnt the best idea as the bike just made learning harder than it should have been, plus it probably wasn't that much cheaper than if I had bought a better bike to start with. The newer bikes are just another step easier to use and learn on. Mainly because of the various rule changes we have had over the past few years the bike development has changed to cope with a greater emphasis on turning. This is great when you are learning as turning and balance are two of the most fundamental skills of trials. The newer bikes are also much lighter and a focus for the past few years is to get their centre of gravity lower too - this makes them easier to balance on and should mean that you can learn new skills at a faster pace.
Then reality bites in and you realise that you are on a budget and can't afford a brand new bike every 20 minutes................... :-(
If you do decide to go ahead with the '94 it is important to make sure that the wheel bearings, swingarm bushes, and steering head bearings are in good condition. A little bit of minor slop works out to make balancing a lot harder than it has to be. I would also make sure that all the controls work smoothly and properly and pay attention to the footpegs and all the general stuff like chain and sprockets, motor etc.
You may also want to go out and buy the Ryan Young training video tape to learn the real basics before your training course, this will mean that you get the maximum value form the course, and hopefully improve your techniques even further.
Posted by: Bogwheeler---------------------
A newer bike may get you a lower score,
but it does'nt make you a better rider.
Practice practice practice!!
Posted by: Magellan---------------------
Well, as luck (or lack of it) would ahve it, I can't even afford this bike. Just did my monthly budget, and need to use a good chunk of the money I had hoped to spend on this to pay off the new tires (unexpected purchase) I put on my visa.
But, it sounds like I may benefit from putting this purchase off until I can afford something a bit newer.
I'm still on for traingin, and will look into the Ryan Young materials.
Thanks,
Mag
Posted by: Patman---------------------
You can still experiement with trials techniques even though you don't have a full on trials bike. That TTR250 makes reasonable power at low RPMs. Go out and practice some slow feet up figure 8's! If you want to feel a little more proper pop the seat off and even the front fender.
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