Modern trials bikes
Discussion
Right, I've made up my mind to get back in to trials after a break of over 20 years 
Now modern bikes have obviously change a LOT. They look as if they weigh as much as a BMX did 'back in the day', yet I'd bet the power is more like an old 500 'crosser (well, ish
I'd want something that's perhaps not banzai mad, but pretty tough/powerful and able to take my 6' solid frame with relative ease.
I'd be interested in opinions on the current crop of makes, 2-stroke vs. 4-strokes etc.
I've set myself a budget of £2k max, so obviously looking at a used bike. But looking at eBay, that can easily get you an '06 bike - maybe even road registered.
Any advice?
Now modern bikes have obviously change a LOT. They look as if they weigh as much as a BMX did 'back in the day', yet I'd bet the power is more like an old 500 'crosser (well, ish
I'd want something that's perhaps not banzai mad, but pretty tough/powerful and able to take my 6' solid frame with relative ease.
I'd be interested in opinions on the current crop of makes, 2-stroke vs. 4-strokes etc.
I've set myself a budget of £2k max, so obviously looking at a used bike. But looking at eBay, that can easily get you an '06 bike - maybe even road registered.
Any advice?
Hi Stig, I'm Telecat on TC as well so feel able to give you a few pointers. New bikes are from Beta, Gas Gas, Montesa, Scorpa and Sherco. Most riders prefer 2t bikes as apart from the Montesa 4RT the remaining 4t bikes are still "developing". Generally The Beta is a solid bike, has low end grunt with a good back end giving good grip. Gripes in previous years cntre on the Mikuni carb which leaked because of float problems but 2008 bikes will have a Kehin. The back brake link is a bit exposed as well leading to loss of a bolt and no rear brakes. Gas Gas developed the "Pro" series as a flick bike capable of being "bounced" around. The gearbox is pretty different and the bike is lightweight in feel. Needs caring for to get the best out of it but if you suit it you'll find it out of this world. Sherco's fall between the two in regards feel and build but some feel that the Main bearings in the engine need watching. We had one and had no troubles. Just use a good synthetic oil in the pre mix. Scorpa's use developed TY250Z engines with a well built and spec'ed frame. They do have a good reputation as a good club bike. Loads of traction maybe lacking top end??? The swing arm wount of the Shock can collect mud as well. Now the 4t's
Montesa's 4RT is the most developed and popular. They are Fuel injected and can be mapped for different riding characteristics. Very well built but noisy depending on how many restrictors are in place! Some riders cannot get on with the instant shut off but ridden well they can seem to find grip in some ungrippy spots. Also very expensive! £3500 gets you a new 2t the Montesa is £4500.
Sherco's 320 had some initial problems with Hot starting but the latest model seems to have been fixed. The ones we have seen have done well and Graham Jarvis has won most of the National rounds this year on one.
Scorpa's 250-f is a great looking bike but still a bit raw. Needs work.
Beta's 4t seemd to have been good out of the box. I do know of a dealer that feels the clutch is too fierce and he has softened it off. (more oil on the plates I believe.
At Your Budget check out 05 and 06 Bikes and buy on condition not age. A rough looking bike that has been in the hands of an experienced rider who looked after things like bearings, gear oil changes and air filters etc could well be a better bet than one that looks new and hasn't had much use.
200CC bikes have a good reputation Beta and Gas Gas being most numerous. They have just enough power to get you though a section without throwing you off. Most 250's are set for clubman so can be a good bet as well. The bigger bikes can be too much, loads of grunt that needs an experienced hand to get the best out of them. Scorpa do a 125/175 4T that also can be a good starter bike.
Kit Wise we still see those Purple and Dayglo kits but Hebo, On and Off, Clice, Jitsie and X-cting are big at the moment. Airoh, Nau and Hebo produce some very light helmets and such as Alpinestars, Hebo, Novogar, Gaerne etc good boot's.
Most dealers specialise in off road, some are pure Trials and parts are available mail order.
Club's usually run 10 sections 4 laps, you need to join a club and fill out the ACU form for Trials affliation (£10 a year), ID photo needed and get it stamped by the club. Get TMX for lists of events.
Lastly what Trials to ride. Well apart from Youth classes the main ACU classes are Novice, Intermediate, Expert. Most clubs split their riders into Beginners, Clubman and Experts with Novice and Intermediate able to ride either the "easy" or "Hard" course depending how good they feel. Then their are the Over40 and Over50 classes although it's looking like we'll need an over60 soon as well!!! Also the 50/50 course is popular with those who are too good for the easy course but don't like throwing themselves about any more. (half the course is the harder "easy" sections, the other half the easy hard), this is also known as the "Green" course due to a green marker being used on the rider number and at the start of the Harder sections thsy have to ride.
I'd check out the Beginners/Wobblers Trials first to get experience and see how much practice first then move into Clubmans.
Best of Luck!!
Montesa's 4RT is the most developed and popular. They are Fuel injected and can be mapped for different riding characteristics. Very well built but noisy depending on how many restrictors are in place! Some riders cannot get on with the instant shut off but ridden well they can seem to find grip in some ungrippy spots. Also very expensive! £3500 gets you a new 2t the Montesa is £4500.
Sherco's 320 had some initial problems with Hot starting but the latest model seems to have been fixed. The ones we have seen have done well and Graham Jarvis has won most of the National rounds this year on one.
Scorpa's 250-f is a great looking bike but still a bit raw. Needs work.
Beta's 4t seemd to have been good out of the box. I do know of a dealer that feels the clutch is too fierce and he has softened it off. (more oil on the plates I believe.
At Your Budget check out 05 and 06 Bikes and buy on condition not age. A rough looking bike that has been in the hands of an experienced rider who looked after things like bearings, gear oil changes and air filters etc could well be a better bet than one that looks new and hasn't had much use.
200CC bikes have a good reputation Beta and Gas Gas being most numerous. They have just enough power to get you though a section without throwing you off. Most 250's are set for clubman so can be a good bet as well. The bigger bikes can be too much, loads of grunt that needs an experienced hand to get the best out of them. Scorpa do a 125/175 4T that also can be a good starter bike.
Kit Wise we still see those Purple and Dayglo kits but Hebo, On and Off, Clice, Jitsie and X-cting are big at the moment. Airoh, Nau and Hebo produce some very light helmets and such as Alpinestars, Hebo, Novogar, Gaerne etc good boot's.
Most dealers specialise in off road, some are pure Trials and parts are available mail order.
Club's usually run 10 sections 4 laps, you need to join a club and fill out the ACU form for Trials affliation (£10 a year), ID photo needed and get it stamped by the club. Get TMX for lists of events.
Lastly what Trials to ride. Well apart from Youth classes the main ACU classes are Novice, Intermediate, Expert. Most clubs split their riders into Beginners, Clubman and Experts with Novice and Intermediate able to ride either the "easy" or "Hard" course depending how good they feel. Then their are the Over40 and Over50 classes although it's looking like we'll need an over60 soon as well!!! Also the 50/50 course is popular with those who are too good for the easy course but don't like throwing themselves about any more. (half the course is the harder "easy" sections, the other half the easy hard), this is also known as the "Green" course due to a green marker being used on the rider number and at the start of the Harder sections thsy have to ride.
I'd check out the Beginners/Wobblers Trials first to get experience and see how much practice first then move into Clubmans.
Best of Luck!!
Edited by telecat on Thursday 30th August 14:00
hi mate, i had a "m" reg suzuki dr350, it was 4 stroke and was absolutely spot on, i part exchanged it to buy my bmw gs, my mates selling his on ebay at the minute, they arent stupid fast so you break your neck, but no sluggish either. thats my recommendation anyway, good luck with the search
allen_b said:
hi mate, i had a "m" reg suzuki dr350, it was 4 stroke and was absolutely spot on, i part exchanged it to buy my bmw gs, my mates selling his on ebay at the minute, they arent stupid fast so you break your neck, but no sluggish either. thats my recommendation anyway, good luck with the search
Thats a TRAIL bike. You'll break your neck on Trials riding that.Thanks for the advice Tele (got your email too).
Have set myself a budget and will do my best to stick to it
There's a decent 250 Gas Gas up for grabs on eBay and a sherco 290 (road registered which is a plus for me) for £1400 - seems a fair price.
Am conscious of 2008 models coming in Sept so used prices are likely to fall accordingly.
Will keep you posted - cheers
Have set myself a budget and will do my best to stick to it
There's a decent 250 Gas Gas up for grabs on eBay and a sherco 290 (road registered which is a plus for me) for £1400 - seems a fair price.
Am conscious of 2008 models coming in Sept so used prices are likely to fall accordingly.
Will keep you posted - cheers
allen_b said:
hi mate, i had a "m" reg suzuki dr350, it was 4 stroke and was absolutely spot on, i part exchanged it to buy my bmw gs, my mates selling his on ebay at the minute, they arent stupid fast so you break your neck, but no sluggish either. thats my recommendation anyway, good luck with the search
lol - I'm after a Trial bike, not trail.The irony is that I just sold my DRZ400S - so you were right on that score
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