Dirt Products
Do you make, import or otherwise supply bits and pieces, clothing or other things that the classic and vintage off- road riding community use? If so, then your product could be on these pages. Contact Helen in advertising on 01507 529574 or editor Tim Bri
Got something to help the off-road world go faster, keep their feet up longer or remain more on time in an enduro? Tell us, we’ll put it in this bit.
1. How to... Restore Classic Off-road Motorcycles
A book focusing on the nuances of restoring dirt bikes as opposed to roadsters is a welcome addition to an enthusiast's bookshelf and even after just an initial flick through it is clear author Ricky Burns has made a decent job of the book.
Okay, in order to show various tasks Ricky has used a Montesa Cota 349 trials bike and you Mxers or enduroistas will just have to look past that and study the detail packed into the 144 pages of this 270 x 207mm soft back book. There are loads of colour pics, 488 of them according to the cheat sheet supplied and they show all aspects of restoration and rebuilding from choosing a project, to stripping it, sourcing information and bits, plus sections on workshop equipment, specialist services and all sorts of other useful tips too. A nice touch at the end is where to ride your rebuilt bike with some action shots taken at various events throughout the classic year.
WHAT IS IT? A book about sorting our type of bikes WHO PUBLISHES IT? Veloce Publishing Ltd WHAT’S THE ISBN NUMBER? 978-1-845849-50-4 WHAT’S THE COST? £35 in the UK HOW DO I GET IT? Ring Veloce on 01305 260068 and tell them you saw it in CDB.
2. Fancy pants
There’s no doubt competition clothing has moved on a bit since the days when no self-respecting trials rider would wear anything other than waxed cotton. These days, thanks to modern materials, trials riding is a much more colourful and comfortable affair and these trousers are certainly colourful. They’re made in Italy by Gtraction – a Sardinian company – whose boss Giovanni is a trials rider and was moved to produce a high quality ensemble for the feet-up rider. There has been a lot of attention to detail based on his personal experience and as well as the trousers, Giovanni has tops and gloves in the range too. The colour shown is grey but there is also red for you Fantic and Montesa owners, smart green if Kawasaki is your thing and a stylish blue for Bultaco enthusiasts. You’re not restricted in your colour choice, they are just our suggestions. The trousers are available in small, medium, large and extra large, we don’t know if Gtraction have a UK stockist yet but contact them on their website.
WHAT ARE THEY? Trials trousers from Italy WHAT’S THE COST? Listed at €79 in Italy and there’ll likely be postage to consider. WHERE DO YOU GET THEM? Gtraction www.gtraction.it
3. On the tube
Though the pre ’65 world is often viewed in black and white because of the photography in those days, it was actually quite colourful and once the glossy magazines got in on the act then everyone wanted colour. In recognition of this and after more than the odd request, we understand Gary Fleckney at Rockshocks has recently introduced colour co-ordination to his range. Imagine it, superb shocks in a range of six colours… yes we know there are only five bodies in the pic but we reckon you know what the standard alloy finish is like. The anodised bodies are available at the time of ordering your shocks – all you do is just specify what colour you need and Gary will do the rest.
WHAT ARE THEY? Anodized bodies for Rockshocks WHAT’S THE COST? Depends on which spec of shock you go for. WHERE DO YOU GET THEM? From Rockshocks www.rockshocks.co.uk tel 01234 741800
4. Team 6t9
Let’s face it, our bikes get dirtier than road bikes because of the conditions we ride in. That’s not going to change, so the alternative is to find a product range that will deal with those conditions and help bring your bike back to pristine condition. In the range is a water displacer, a chain lube especially for off-road use, a dirt bike wash concentrate, a lubricating oil and a foam degreaser.
The water displacement contains all sorts of additives that love to keep water out of those bits on a bike that don’t like water, such as electrical parts. It comes in a 500ml spray can and costs £9.69.
Next up is the off-road chain lube, which flows on thin and then thickens up to cling to the chain and sprockets, though it still offers low friction so as not to impede progress. The can on view will cost £11.69.
After the event and just before pointing the power hose, squirt on some of the dirt bike wash and then watch the muck drop off as you rinse it with water. This particular product is a concentrate, so it is the equivalent of five litres squeezed into a one litre bottle for £14.69.
Once washed maybe it is time for some lubricating oil to be applied to those pivoting points such as the kickstart, control levers and twistgrip. Well, Team 6t9 have a clear light lube oil for the job. It’s a 500ml tin and costs £9.69.
Silicone spray polish is ideal for keeping the plastic parts of bikes in pristine condition and also stops suspension squeaks. Just spray on and wipe over… job done, 500ml for £10.69.
The final product is a foam degreaser designed to remove such stuff as super sticky chain lube from those bits of your bike that don’t need chain lube. It will also clean sprockets and chains before adding more lube. It’s in a 500ml tin and costs £9.69.
Each of the containers has a clever 360-degree valve so the can works at any angle. Team 6t9 offer free delivery on orders over £25 so go check their website, if you can’t wait for delivery there are dealer stockists listed on the web too.
WHAT ARE THEY? A range of lubes, cleaners, degreasers and bike wash. WHAT’S THE COST? Depends on the product. WHERE DO YOU GET THEM? Go to www.team6t9.com to find your local stockist or buy direct.