Need a 125 Trial Bike
Discussion
Having just sold number 1 sons TY80 I have been looking for a decent 125 for him.
Maybe a Gas Gas, Beta, Sherco or in a perfect world an early Scorpa 4 stroke with the Yamaha engine.
However, either these bikes are in North Yorkshire or even farther away or are just silly money.
It seems even tatty ones fetch the same money as tidy ones?
Anyone know of a trail bike dealer in the south who will not pull my pants down and try to
me?
I have tried Trials and MX news which just seems newer more expensive stuff.
Maybe a Gas Gas, Beta, Sherco or in a perfect world an early Scorpa 4 stroke with the Yamaha engine.
However, either these bikes are in North Yorkshire or even farther away or are just silly money.
It seems even tatty ones fetch the same money as tidy ones?
Anyone know of a trail bike dealer in the south who will not pull my pants down and try to
me?I have tried Trials and MX news which just seems newer more expensive stuff.
Fear not - there are a few of us 
Best bet I've found for bikes in the south tends to be eBay!
There are a few dealers here and there, but they tend to be off-road (mx/trail/enduro) rather than pue trials, but they get them with the odd trade-in.
For my money, it would be the GasGas
Good luck!
Best bet I've found for bikes in the south tends to be eBay!
There are a few dealers here and there, but they tend to be off-road (mx/trail/enduro) rather than pue trials, but they get them with the odd trade-in.
For my money, it would be the GasGas
Good luck!
Sorry I'm a little late but My Home Internet is off at the moment. My Son runs a 2007 Gas Gas 125 Racing. Modded with Kehin Carb, Boyesen Reeds, Ohlins Shock and a Large Clutch Master Cylinder instead of the standard small one. We have also run a 04 Sherco 125 (from new for two years). We are right in the "hotbed" of Trials being Members Of Yeadon-Guiseley in the "Yorkshire Centre" as well as competing in the YMSA series.
Firstly If your son wants to enter trials then he needs to have been born in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 or 1995 in order to Run a 125 in 2008. These are the years that apply to A and B class riders.
Secondly The Scorpa 125 isn't that popular amongest young riders. The fact most are modified as the clutch is cable as standard and it is slightly awkward to use. The Hydraulic modification does improve it but it does not seem to be to as good as it might be.
The Gas Gas 125 Pro is very popular. It is light, flickable, and the engine revs to heaven and beyond. The small engine is due to the "trick" gearbox and clutch. It can also be easily modded once the rider needs the extra power. I'd avoid any "Pro" model before the 2004 model. Gas Gas hadn't quite got the bike right until then. It can seem fragile and does need you to keep on top of the maintenence in order to keep it in top condition. Watch the Headstock and rear suspension Linkage. That "Trick" gearbox also uses LHM (Citroen suspension fluid), in the master cylinder. Don't use anything else. The clutch will be contaminated if you use DOT fluid and you will have to replace it.
The Beta Rev3 125 looks a bruiser. It is not as light and flickable as the Gas Gas but is very stable over the rocks. It has a strong engine but it does not rev as well as the Gas Gas. Again very popular the bike was the mount of the A and B Class Champions this year. For 2008 it has recieved a Kehin Carb that allows the bike to rev closer to the Gas Gas. It is better for manitenence than the Gas Gas but it does have it's a few weakness'es. The rear brake linkage is a known weakness.
The Sherco 125 is available in two "favours". The Frame was recently changed. The post 2006 model Frame is slightly wider and is of a different cross section. The late 06, 07 and 08 models have some depression's on the frame and cut out's where the steering lock was impaired by the New Frame. This frame was painted Black whereas the earlier frames are Chrome plated. The bike is a cross between the Gas Gas and Beta. The engine is revier than the Beta but not as free revving as the Gas Gas. The Bottom end bearings have been known to be suspect but most of those we see on the National scene are ok. The handling is heavier than the Gas Gas but lighter than the Beta. Some of them have been fitted with a Kehin but the suspension isn't usually modified. Prior to 2007 models the suspension wasn't as adjustable as the other two.
It has to be said that saying the bikes are light or heavy is relative. As is the maintenence issue.
People will also state their preference by slating reliability or traits of one or the other. In the end get your son on the bikes to try them. He'll know which one he wants.
The only other possability is the older Gas Gas TXT 125. It is similar to the Sherco but I don't think it was produced beyond 2002.
New 2008 Bikes are £3250 for the standard Gas Gas £3650-ish for the Racing. (Racing has Mag alloy swing arm and Red frame instead of black).
The Beta is about £3300 and a Race Kit is available when more power is required.
The Sherco is £3300 with the "Paxau", (modded engine), being about £3900.
Prices for a Used 2007 125 range from £1900 to £2500 depending on use and make. Don't forget that a "potterer" may seem a bargain but will not have had such essentials as Gearbox oil changes, new Chain and Sprocket's and Bearings replaced.
If you want any further info try www.Trialscentral.com. It has a large userbase and is a mine of information.
Lastly BVM ( www.bvm-moto.co.uk ) have a very good reputation and I don't think they are far away from you.
Firstly If your son wants to enter trials then he needs to have been born in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 or 1995 in order to Run a 125 in 2008. These are the years that apply to A and B class riders.
Secondly The Scorpa 125 isn't that popular amongest young riders. The fact most are modified as the clutch is cable as standard and it is slightly awkward to use. The Hydraulic modification does improve it but it does not seem to be to as good as it might be.
The Gas Gas 125 Pro is very popular. It is light, flickable, and the engine revs to heaven and beyond. The small engine is due to the "trick" gearbox and clutch. It can also be easily modded once the rider needs the extra power. I'd avoid any "Pro" model before the 2004 model. Gas Gas hadn't quite got the bike right until then. It can seem fragile and does need you to keep on top of the maintenence in order to keep it in top condition. Watch the Headstock and rear suspension Linkage. That "Trick" gearbox also uses LHM (Citroen suspension fluid), in the master cylinder. Don't use anything else. The clutch will be contaminated if you use DOT fluid and you will have to replace it.
The Beta Rev3 125 looks a bruiser. It is not as light and flickable as the Gas Gas but is very stable over the rocks. It has a strong engine but it does not rev as well as the Gas Gas. Again very popular the bike was the mount of the A and B Class Champions this year. For 2008 it has recieved a Kehin Carb that allows the bike to rev closer to the Gas Gas. It is better for manitenence than the Gas Gas but it does have it's a few weakness'es. The rear brake linkage is a known weakness.
The Sherco 125 is available in two "favours". The Frame was recently changed. The post 2006 model Frame is slightly wider and is of a different cross section. The late 06, 07 and 08 models have some depression's on the frame and cut out's where the steering lock was impaired by the New Frame. This frame was painted Black whereas the earlier frames are Chrome plated. The bike is a cross between the Gas Gas and Beta. The engine is revier than the Beta but not as free revving as the Gas Gas. The Bottom end bearings have been known to be suspect but most of those we see on the National scene are ok. The handling is heavier than the Gas Gas but lighter than the Beta. Some of them have been fitted with a Kehin but the suspension isn't usually modified. Prior to 2007 models the suspension wasn't as adjustable as the other two.
It has to be said that saying the bikes are light or heavy is relative. As is the maintenence issue.
People will also state their preference by slating reliability or traits of one or the other. In the end get your son on the bikes to try them. He'll know which one he wants.
The only other possability is the older Gas Gas TXT 125. It is similar to the Sherco but I don't think it was produced beyond 2002.
New 2008 Bikes are £3250 for the standard Gas Gas £3650-ish for the Racing. (Racing has Mag alloy swing arm and Red frame instead of black).
The Beta is about £3300 and a Race Kit is available when more power is required.
The Sherco is £3300 with the "Paxau", (modded engine), being about £3900.
Prices for a Used 2007 125 range from £1900 to £2500 depending on use and make. Don't forget that a "potterer" may seem a bargain but will not have had such essentials as Gearbox oil changes, new Chain and Sprocket's and Bearings replaced.
If you want any further info try www.Trialscentral.com. It has a large userbase and is a mine of information.
Lastly BVM ( www.bvm-moto.co.uk ) have a very good reputation and I don't think they are far away from you.
Edited by telecat on Saturday 15th December 21:00
Thanks for all that.
My son is reasonably new to Trials and TBH was not the best on his TY but is just physically too big for it now.
Part of the problem was the time between me being able take him out to practice and the lack of anywhere to ride around here.
I thought and heard from someone who had ridden one that the Scorpa was the biz.
I hear what you say about the clutch though.
My son is reasonably new to Trials and TBH was not the best on his TY but is just physically too big for it now.
Part of the problem was the time between me being able take him out to practice and the lack of anywhere to ride around here.
I thought and heard from someone who had ridden one that the Scorpa was the biz.
I hear what you say about the clutch though.
It's quite odd really. I have seen a few Scorpa 125's turn up at trials. But despite a few riders doing well on them they don't seem to keep them. Those that are around have been bored out to 140cc. Most young riders don't like the way they ride and the older riders have bought Beta REV4's or Montesa 4RT's.
If he isn't old enough for the 125 just get a Beta REV80. Lots of them around and tough as nails. Just try entering trials to get practice. It's what we did. You just turn up and do the sections. Best practice and you will get at least two or three hours of riding. He'll also get to know the other kids who ride. We are out every weekend and once you get beyond March you will find Trials on both days at the weekend.
If he isn't old enough for the 125 just get a Beta REV80. Lots of them around and tough as nails. Just try entering trials to get practice. It's what we did. You just turn up and do the sections. Best practice and you will get at least two or three hours of riding. He'll also get to know the other kids who ride. We are out every weekend and once you get beyond March you will find Trials on both days at the weekend.
Edited by telecat on Saturday 15th December 22:47
odyssey2200 said:
He will be 12 in March so by my understanding he can ride a 125.
My concern is that he is too big for an 80.
(also I could ride a 125
)
Is that born in 1996? If so he's C class which limits him in competition to 80 under ACU rules. The marker is that he is 11 on January 1st then he rides in the lower class. There is no problem if he just practices.My concern is that he is too big for an 80.
(also I could ride a 125
)telecat said:
odyssey2200 said:
He will be 12 in March so by my understanding he can ride a 125.
My concern is that he is too big for an 80.
(also I could ride a 125)
Is that born in 1996? If so he's C class which limits him in competition to 80 under ACU rules. The marker is that he is 11 on January 1st then he rides in the lower class. There is no problem if he just practices.My concern is that he is too big for an 80.
(also I could ride a 125
)So the question now is
Do I buy an 80 and by the time he has got anywhere near competition level he will be able to ride a 125 or buy a 125 now that will still be usable when he has improved enought to enter competitions?
do you thing local clubs would let him ride in competitions but just discount him from results?
Depends on the club to be honest. Most here will allow him to ride N/C or out of class but it is considered a bit dodgy. It's down to the insurance not covering them. I shouldn't worry about an 80. They are a BIG step up from the TY but the TY80 has given him the advantage of geared experience. Get a nice 2nd hand Beta 80 and it will not lose much in a year(if anything!!). It is the size of a 125 anyway so he'll be used to handling a bigger bike when you do get him a 125. A few dad's have been seen fooling about on them so they do pull the (ah-hem) larger figure's. It should knock you back about £1500 to get one. If you don't fancy walking around after him them look for a REV3 200/250 (the 270's a monster and not recommended for a beginner),. About the same price. I walk "North Yorkshire Lad" as he is known on Trials central came ninth in the national "B" class Championship hence nothing in the Yorkshire Centre tends to "phase" him. But when he was learning it was fun to do the "conducted" Trials when all the Dad's (and a few Mum's), were about to help. Their is no Sunday morning football element about.
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff