Trials bikes ??

[Mx Dude]

I've been thinking about getting a used trials bike, but I know very little about them. I do know some of the brand names: Montesa, Gas-Gas, Frantic,Bultaco (?) and the older Jap bikes. What are the keys areas I should I look at on a used trials bike ? Looking to spend approx. $2000-$2500...what can I expect for that much ?

Any input is appreciated :D

 

[Wild Hare]

I've been looking at doing the same thing! Hoping to find one that can double as a "pit bike". :)

 

[Mx Dude]

I did a search after I posted :confused: and found some great information. Also, I checked out Motosoup.com, and there is a ton of trials bikes for sale. Still open for more opinions and info.......

 

[Patman]

I'll tell ya' right now TexKDX knows about a zillion times more about this than I do but, here's my take.

OK you already hit Motosoup. Ask LOTS of questions! I have yet to find a trials forum that even comes close to DRN but there are some small little nitch "groups" that might be good help in your neck of the woods. Tex helped me a TON, he hooked me up with a super guy we'll call "Gary" that got me a good deal on a lightly used 2000 Montesa 315, went over the whole bike and provided me with a lot of good practice and maintenance tips. I had pretty much decided on a Montesa 315 because I had ridden Tex's and liked it A LOT. The other bike he suggested I consider was a Beta (can't remember the year but it was purple and silver). Pretty much any trials bike will fill the bill as long as it's been taken care of just like any other bike. Tires are sorta spendy but you can turn them around to get more service life. Everything happens RIGHT NOW with a trials bike and learning how to go slow is killing me. I just keep telling myself "To go fast you must first learn to go slow." :D

It's a BLAST just be prepared to be hooked.:)

 

[Patman]

Good links.

http://www.texasoffroad.net/cgi-bin/forum/postlist.pl?Cat=&Board=dirtbike_texastrials_public
http://www.trialscomp.com/subwebs/hatt/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/texas-trials
http://www.trialsusa.com/
http://www.trialstrainingcenter.com./
http://www.trialscomp.com/
http://www.trials.net/index.shtml

Well it's a start. Please let me know if you find any other cool trials site.

 

[VintageDirt]

Here's our local club http://www.nmtrials.org

 

[JPIVEY]

Hey MXdude, I'm doing the same, here's a local So. Cal group, lots of info
http://www.atatrials.org/


There's a local trials school somewhere, I lost the info but I will find it and post it later

 

[Badgas]

Patman,

Gary and Tex hooked me up last year with a Montesa 315. Super good guys. You are absolutely right, Trials bikes are very addicting. For anyone who rides the woods, this is one of the best activities you can do to improve you riding. Tex and Gary ride quite a bit with Ray Peters (#3 USA Trials, Team Bultaco). You ought to see this guy ride trials. It's totally mind boggling. He is also very very good in the woods. Has anyone ever seen someone bunny hop a Husky 650 Duelsport? This guy can. NO LOG CROSSING IS TO BIG. He says he owes it all to his trials riding.

The best thing about trials is you can ride anywhere. All you need is a space about 20' by 20'(driveway, backyard), a little imagination, and you can have fun for hours. :) I would highly recommend to anyone to give it a shot. You are going to have a ball.:) :) :)

 

[JPIVEY]

Found it, look at school schedules, lots at Perris track
http://www.itstrials.com/

 

[Lemming]

I bought my trials bike about 10 months ago and love it. It allows me to get out and ride in my backyard almost every night, whereas I can only get out on my enduro bike once a week. It has taught me balance and control and I know that I'm faster in the woods because of it (no Rich, I don't have an appropriate control to prove that statistically, just a hunch).

Our enduro season ended last Sunday and I plan on spending more time on my trials bike in the next few months. In fact, I'll be competing in a trials comp in Northeastern AL this weekend (anyone else going?)

Can anyone suggest some good videos? I just got Balancing Act II which is ok, but short.

 

[Patman]

I think I'm getting Tex figured out. See he's got this addiction and he looks for weak willed people to suck into it. The Montesa is only the first, see he's got me thinkin' of XR project too. :think Hmmmm, sure hope my wife doesn't figure out his plan too soon as this could be a lot of fun.:debil:

Badgas you going to school in December with me and slo'mo? I think it's going to be called "Watch Patman lay on the ground 101".

Have not had the pleasure of meeting or attending a RP class yet but just watching Gary blows me away.

 

[Badgas]

LOL.:) I think you just may have figured Tex out. He is into his toys.

As for the school in December, which school are you referring to? Trials or Trails? TRH is having Dick Burlison (sp) put on a school at Skulll Creek in Dec.

"Watch Patman lay on the ground 101" LOL. If I go I'll be sure to say hello when I'm laying there next to you.

 

[wayneg]

Hello

Buying a used trials bike is pretty much the same as any other bike. You generally get what you pay for, so be a bit wary of anything that sounds too cheap. It is always best to buy a modern well looked after bike, and with trials bikes you should aim for one that is as new as you can or want to afford.

There are minor differences between the brands, however all of the recent models are very capable and competitive. It would pay to ride as many bikes as possible before making a final decision on wha suits you best. I guess the whole look and feel of the bike also have an effect, and trials bikes feel completely abnormal compared to a normal dirt bike. Support is also a factor in deciding what to buy, as there aren't as many dealers around. So you should ask around and see who gives the best service in your area.

My personal preference is for a Beta, which is an Italian brand, mainly because the local importer lives just up the road, and I get good service from him. The Beta has a reputation as an experts bike, which is a problem as I'm definitely not an expert!! :scream:

Montesa have a huge following because the current world rides one, and they have a Honda HRC developed motor, japanese electrics and quality.

Gas Gas and Sherco (Bultaco) are known for being very user friendly, with power suited to beginners.

Scorpa have a Yamaha TYZ motor and are French!!

Some useful contacts;
http://www.trials.co.uk is a dedicated trials site with a bulletin board and lots of answers to technical problems.

http://www.atatrials.org/ is a group of clubs in southern california

http://www.motoventures.com is a dirt bike tour company that rents GASGAS trials bikes and arranges training.

http://www.ereonline.com/index.htm is Geoff Aaron's web site - some interesting pictures and videos here!!

http://www.trialstv.com has CdRoms with lots of trials video

[email protected] is a 6'9" Ballarina from Torrance California who is well known for his dingleball shorts!! Very involved with promoting trials in your area, and a bit of a character!!:cool:

Regards

Wayne

 

[Patman]

He is into his toys

:think ya' don't say. :D Me too.:p Guess we make a good couple :confused:


Trials school Dec 8th I believe.

Just be sure to properly introduce yourself BEFORE laying on the ground next to me OK?:)

 

[Badgas]

Thanks for the heads up. I'll get in touch with Tex for all the info.

If I can make it out you will be fully introduced. I'm very old fashioned, I just don't share my dirt with anyone.:)

 

[Patman]

:eek: Wow! Dirt?! You must be livin' right all I ever get to fall on are hard pointy rocks.:confused:

 

[Badgas]

Wow! Dirt?! You must be livin' right all I ever get to fall on are hard pointy rocks.

I'll trade ya. Houston for Austin, straight up?:p :D

 

[Patman]

Noooooooooooo way.

 

[wayneg]

Hello Again

Also I forgot to mention - don't buy a Fantic as they have gone under and you can't be sure that parts will be available.

 

[Treestomper]

Hey Pat when is the next Trials ride at city park. Are you going to ride it this time so we can see you fall down the hills.:confused: .

 

[endoquest]

Just bought a '01 Scorpa SY250, I'm stoked.