Berkshire question

[farmer58za]

Hi Guys
How pipey is a stock 100cc Berkshire? Suitable for a novice rider?

Regards
David


Regards

David
'75 KTM GS250
'75 KTM GS400

[Tony Price]

Oh, you said Stock..........[]

David, you have to keep it revved up and shift, shift, shift.  Geared properly though, you can find some lower end.

Is this for Nicole by chance?

Tony

[farmer58za]

Yes, for Nicole
If it's that pipey, it's not suitable (well not right now, anyway)

Regards

David
'75 KTM GS250
'75 KTM GS400

[thrownchain]

Are you looking for a starter bike or does Nicole have some saddle time already?? I've got a couple of small jap bikes that may work. If I remember they have a lower seat height also, in case she's altitude challenged. But if she's got some riding experience, give the Berky a try, you might be surprised.[^]

[farmer58za]

She has some saddle time already but I'd like her to concentrate on riding without having to worry about staying on the pipe.
Thanks

Regards

David
'75 KTM GS250
'75 KTM GS400

[rob w]

Hi David,
It's my opinion that a stock 100 cc Sachs engine is easily rideable for a beginner.
When talking Penton Berkshires, the word "pipey" does'nt enter my mind - mild mannered does.
It certainly won't pull stumps. But I believe the power band is smooth, and they have decent throttle response and torque for a 100, through out it's rpm range.
When riding one, you should'nt't have to fan the clutch to keep it on the gas, or worry about the engine loading-up if lugged around to low.
In '73 I rode one everyday, from bushwack'n straight through the woods, to playing observed trials, to racing MX and Hare Scrambles.
I think a Berkshire would make a good beginners bike. ($.02)

Bob W

Did you ever get that Mikuni jetted for your 400?

[socalmx]

A stock 100B motor is fairly mild and not too difficult to ride. My personal suggestion is to switch out the Bing for a Mikuni carb. This will help it on the bottom end of the power curve.

[farmer58za]

Thanks all who replied

Bob, I got the Mikuni 7/8 right. It was a real pleasure down low, especially on the rocky stuff, a bit of a rough spot in the mid range and then winding out on top.

Unfortunately, The carb was borrowed from a Husky which was subsequently sold and I had to stop there.

I'm going to be re-building the 400 motor this Christmas. Just might treat it to a new Mikuni.



Regards

David
'75 KTM GS250
'75 KTM GS400

[Dwight Rudder]

quote:Originally posted by socalmx

A stock 100B motor is fairly mild and not too difficult to ride. My personal suggestion is to switch out the Bing for a Mikuni carb. This will help it on the bottom end of the power curve.

Yes, A 26mm Mikuni would be a big help on low end.
IMO,
Dwight

Dwight Rudder
7 time ISDT / E medalist
8 time National Enduro Class Champion.