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Opinions on 99 Gas Gas TXT 321
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Posted by: FlyinRyan---------------------
Just picked up an 1999 TXT 321 and am going to give trials a try. Just trying to get some info on this bike and any thoughts about. I traded my 2000 KTM 250EXC for it and am dying to go ride it as soon as the ground thaws out.
Thanks for you responses.
Posted by: wayneg---------------------
Personally I think it would be too big for me!! Having never ridden one its hard to say - the people in our club that 321's them seem to be very happy with them. They seem to suit trail riding a bit better than the smaller bikes, and have very smooth power with a slower larger flywheel sort of feel to them. Two of the people that I know who ride the 321's use mainly first gear just about all of the time (intermediate grade riders), while the top riders always seem to use third gear most of the time. I guess gear selection is not that critical with the amount of power and flexibility of delivery available.
One good tip if you are just starting out is to buy the Ryan Young training video. It is really good, and starts right from the basics with lots of repeats of each technique. Concentrate on the real basics first like balance, stance, turns and the double blip, before trying anthing too radical. If you get these basics right then the harder obstacles will be easier as you will have the right line to get the best run up, and not be completely out of shape before an obstacle. These skills will help with normal trail riding or off road racing anyway, so its not a complete waste of time.
The other thing is to join a local club and enter some trials - you will learn a lot from this by watching the other riders, asking people to watch you and give advice, and getting some practice on real sections. The sections used in a trial are usually a bit of an eye opener for the very first time because even really easy looking obstacles are harder to get over when you have a 180 degree turn right before them and no run up. Its best to get plenty of practice and a trial is usually a good place to do it for the first few times as everything will be set out for you - at a good level for you to learn the techniques until you can set up your own practice sections that will be at a similar level to the actual trials grade you will be riding in. Theres no point in practicing stuff that is too hard or too easy. The idea with the lower grades is to give people a challenge for their level of skills, and also not be too dangerous that they will only be able to ride every six months because of injuries.
Good luck and enjoy your new bike!!
Posted by: modphd---------------------
Ryan--
I see that you are in Rockton, IL. My hometown is Rockford and I still get down there a few times a year to visit my Mom & sister. You might want to try out your 321 at Motobyron. Maybe you've ridden there before. It's mainly an MX facility but the owner (Aaron -- great guy) has some trails for riding and there is an area down by the creek that's great for trials riding. In fact the IL trials club holds some events there, unfortunately never when I'm there visiting. My wife and I have ridden our trials bikes there a couple of times in the past and had a great time. Some steep creek banks, rocky creek bed, mud -- you know what I mean. Anyway, it's a great place for practice riding and is open on weekdays. Weekends are race days and the trails are usually not open. Give it a try and good luck with the 321. I rode one just a little once -- it was actually easier to kick start than a 280.
MIke OD
Roseville, MN
'01 TXT280
'00 XR250
'01 SV650S
Posted by: FlyinRyan---------------------
Modphd,
I grew up in Loves Park and just bought a house in Rockton. I currently race AA in enduros and come to MN for the whole enduro series. I know Aaron very well as my club (Forest City Riders) put on Hare Scrambles there for the past couple of years. I already have a couple of spots picked out at the MX park to pratice at as soon as the weather turns good done here. Most of my club are Trials riders and we put on 2 trials a year, one at out club grounds and one at a club members house. I have been dying to try one and was going to borrow a bike from one of the guys but this bike came along so I got it.
I figure I have to unlearn some habits I have from Enduro riding to ride Trials at a decent level.
Thanks for your responses.
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