I want a trials bike but I don't want a trials bike.

[Wacky Racer]

Let me explain.

I'm fancying getting a motorbike for doing a bit of green laning, but something that can tackle a fairly steep track, I don't really want one of the new generation of trials bikes where you have to stand up all the time, plus I don't like the looks.

Many years ago I had a Suzuki SP370 and later a SP400, they were great, but pigs to start.



My mate on mine in 1978



I might consider a new Royal Enfield bullet trials, but I don't know how capable they are when the going gets rough.

It would have to be road legal with lights anything 200cc upwards.

New or second hand budget around 2-5k

Cheers.

[MrOrange]

Sounds like an enduro bike, such as Suzuki DRZ400 would fit the bill. And kinda in keeping with your childhood fantasies.

[xstian]

I always fancied a Suzuki TS250 or one of those Husqvarna twin shocks.

Ultimately they will be rubbish compared to something more modern. Heavy and not very agile. Have you ridden trail bikes before.

Standing up is all about better bike control, so something you are going to want to do regardless of the age of bike.

[Wacky Racer]

Thanks. I appreciate you have to stand up to tackle the challenging stuff, but I definitely want a comfortable seat, I once had a Beta 200 but the seat was like rock and about 10mm thick

I guess what I'm after is something that looks like an 80's bike but new, not covered with bits of plastic all over the place.

[gareth h]

KTM freeride or similar (I think Beta do something) is the closest to a trials bike that you can sit on.

[xstian]

Sorry I didn't mean to sound patronising.

What I was getting at was it's going to be harder to learn on a older heavier bike.

[Brads67]

KTM or Husqvarna 125 enduro bikes.

I have an FE 350 and it is utterly brilliant.

[Wacky Racer]

gareth h said:

KTM freeride or similar (I think Beta do something) is the closest to a trials bike that you can sit on.

That looks more like it, cheers

[Kawasicki]

Wacky Racer said:

gareth h said:

KTM freeride or similar (I think Beta do something) is the closest to a trials bike that you can sit on.

That looks more like it, cheers

They have an electric one too... must admit I’ve a hankering for one.

[Wacky Racer]

xstian said:

Sorry I didn't mean to sound patronising.

What I was getting at was it's going to be harder to learn on a older heavier bike.

It's OK, I passed my test in 1969 and have owned around thirty odd bikes, including 1000cc sportsbikes so I'm not new to this.

I've virtually given up riding on the road, lost interest tbh, but fancy doing a bit of off road stuff, so don't mind riding five/ten miles or so to get there. That's why lights would be a bonus.

[zzrman]

Yamaha 250 WRF will get you up steep stuff, and has electric start and will be within your budget. I had one. Cracking little bike.

[Andybow]

If you want a modern bike look at beta xtrainer, Honda 4 ride (montesa) or Ktm freeride
Or just get a enduro bike if you want to do less technical stuff, 350 4t or 250 2T would be perfect

[TbirdX]

TTR250, XR400, although no electric leg

[Pat H]

Would a Suzuki RV200 work?

[Blackpuddin]

Another vote for the WR250 Yam, you can try one out for a day at one of Yamahas enduro experiences in mid Wales, they practically ride themselves. Not cheap mind especially as you'd probably prefer one of the later alloy framed models.
Failing that a KTM EXCF350, four stroke single.

Edited by Blackpuddin on Monday 13th April 22:19

[ReverendCounter]

I'm pretty sure there's a crossover trails/enduro bike with a deep seat. I'll see if I can find it.

As Andybow says, Montesa Cota 4Ride (Honda)

https://www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles/range/off-road...

Edited by ReverendCounter on Monday 13th April 22:29

[Wacky Racer]

Cheers for all the replies so far, very much appreciated.

I promise I'll check everything out, many I'd never thought of.

[Steve Bass]

Honda 4 Ride.. more to the Trials end of the Trail bike spectrum 4T
Beta Xtrainer.. more to the Enduro end of the Trail bike spectrum 2T but tuned for linear delivery, not peaky MX type delivery

A trials bike, even with long range seat& tank unit won't be nice on the road.

Yamaha TTR 250/WRF 250... WRF is enduro focussed whereas the TTR is very soft but still the same size as the WRF

Otherwise, I'd look at a KTM 300 2T a couple of years old. Rekluse clutch and a few mods and they're stupendous bikes. Just use good oil, fit a 5 quid hour counter and it'll do everything you want plus more. You can even swap out the power valve springs to soften the power.
Much lighter than a 4T and easy to get spares and parts for...
And I say 300 because they're muchnmore torquey than a 250 so easier to ride slowly with good pick up. 250's are more peaky and the same BHP

As for the KTM Freeride, I'd steer well clear personally. The 350 is truly gutless and both the 250 & 350 have somewhat low rent cycle parts....

Edited by Steve Bass on Monday 13th April 22:48

[CAPP0]

xstian said:

I always fancied a Suzuki TS250 or one of those Husqvarna twin shocks.

Ultimately they will be rubbish compared to something more modern. Heavy and not very agile.

I successfully completed the Beamish Trophy Trial a couple of years ago on my 1976 TS250B, which is in the sort of condition you would expect a 40+ year old bike to be in, not some spangly resto. The Beamish is a long-distance trial, not a Dougie Lampkin/Tony Bou type of thing but a mix of roads and trails with observed sections. I was fairly successful too, cleared several sections and out-scored the mates I was riding with. There are pics and videos of me on the bike out there but I haven't got the links handy.

My overall point being, no, it's not a KTM Freeride, but on decent tyres it's still pretty capable.

Edited by CAPP0 on Monday 13th April 22:45

[Wacky Racer]

I think I'll need to get a bit of practice in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRfG-ZVuMsE