Getting into Mototrials

[Chader]

I decided to get into mototrials and am looking for used bike.

Does anybody have any experience or advice?

[hello?]

i doubt your going to find much advice or moto bikes for sale on here
its more biketrials than mototrials

[hophopsnap]

its hard as hell, going big means running at a 15 foot rock and slamming your bike into it, gotta control clutch, rear brake with foot, etc. wheelies are easy, but its not like you can just sit there trackstanding unless you have skillz. used to run a 380txt gasgas or something, sold it cause it never got ridden.

[zorak]

someone will prolly argue me about this. but get a montesa 4rt if you can find a used one. but there a bit spendy.
if your looking for a good beginer bike that you can throw against rocks and not worry about destroyying it. then i would recomend getting a montesa 315.

but thats my opinion.
montesa rules. so does sherco. =]]

[Chader]

@hello? I'm aware this is a bike site. But there are lots of riders who do both because it is good crosstraining. So I thought I'd test the waters.

@hop: I don't plan to be going crazy big anytime soon. I just have always wanted to do moto too and this is the year. I plan to continue bike on the week nights and do moto on the weekends since there is more travel involved to get to riding spots.

@zorak: Yea, a Montesa would be cool. In fact there is a 2003 315 in the Denver area that is in my price range. Just have to travel to see it.

The Wyoming area has a very active club with lots of events planned for 2007 (which is more than is available for bikes in the immediate area).

[Patrick]

Anyone think mototrials would be a good sport to get into when you're too old to jump around like a frog?? Like just ride sport sections and have fun with it??

[flixlee]

I think moto trials is very good for older riders. In Alberta, there are quite a few more senior riders who ride some pretty crazy stuff.
As for what bike? I've only ridden Gas Gas and Sherco and they were both good bikes. Be sure to check for play and corrosion in and around the rear pivot. The bearings are easy enough to replace but it may give you an indication as to how well the bike was maintained.

[Chader]

I think moto trials is very good for older riders. In Alberta, there are quite a few more senior riders who ride some pretty crazy stuff.
As for what bike? I've only ridden Gas Gas and Sherco and they were both good bikes. Be sure to check for play and corrosion in and around the rear pivot. The bearings are easy enough to replace but it may give you an indication as to how well the bike was maintained.
Cool, I'll be sure to check the pivot. Thanks for the idea.

Age, unfortunetly, is one of the factors for me getting into moto at this point. At 33, I am reaching my physical peak for bike trials and seeing a limit to the level attain in the future. I still plan to ride bike. But I see more older riders in the moto ranks and I can understand the reason with each birthday.

But I used to race motox and really miss having a dirt motorcycle. So I plan to blend two of my favorite riding types and have some new fun. Plus I just like the challenge in learning something new. :wiggle:

[Yoda]

I had an old Honda TL200 back in the day. It was a really fun trials bike, but I wasn't too good. For advice I'd say just pick up a used one and start messing around on it. Check out some videos and if you have other mototrials guys around get some advice from them.

[lucky13]

GO TO SCHOOL (http://www.trialstrainingcenter.com/html/how_to_ride.html)

[Chader]

That school would be fun. I'd have to take my echo too. I have been reviewing their videos and written techniques. Good info, but I need a moto to start applying them.

There are about 6-7 guys who ride in my town. Some ride Gas Gas, Beta, and Montesa. I plan to hook up with them to learn some basics. It will also be nice to have some regular riding partners.

[lucky13]

Cool. The only moto I know over here is Zeb. Other than that there is a whole slew of them up at teh CPTA in BC. I swear they are there every weekend.

[sammy]

Thats Beta country!

Visit trialscomp.com and check out links!

bottelrunsports has a lot of used bikes.

sam

[kieldp]

I run a 2003 Montesa Cota 315R. They are great and require the least maintenance out of Gas Gas, Beta, Sherco & Scorpa. It all really comes down to personal preference and what 2nd hand bikes are in your price range in your area. If your buying second hand check the overall condition and check the engine runs well and cleanly. Make sure there aren't scratches on the forks etc. and there are no cracks around. Any questions about anything... just ask me

[Keith Courage]

I found this while perusing the Scorpa website:
http://www.scorpausa.com/?trigger=bikes&bikeid=4Tricks

Check out the guy in the Koxx shorts.

[Chader]

Yeah, I saw that too. It even uses Tryall mod tires.

[hophopsnap]

Throw an engine in a downhill bike and you basically get a small motorcycle.

[mcdub]

We have loads of guys here.They are rediculous to watch.I dont get how they go up 15 to 20 foot cliffs all the way up and not be worried.

Shear madness.

[Chader]

Throw an engine in a downhill bike and you basically get a small motorcycle.
Like this

http://www.fxbikes.com/

[mcdub]

Thats so gay its not even funny.

I miss dh.Damn you all.

[sammy]

Kield,

I also ride a 2003 Montesa and they are bullet proof, its actually made by Honda.

There is a 2003 Montesa on MOTOSOUP.COM for 3200.00 in great condition with many extras. Its location is in Colorado.

[kieldp]

Yeah powered by an HRC engine but the bike is still assembled by Montesa Honda in Spain...

[Chader]

Yea, I already saw that and got some pics from the owner. Nice bike. I plan to travel to see that bike if it is still available in a month or two.


It is above my price range by just a little, but I may be able to save some pennies.

[trialser]

Deffinatly go for a Sherco. They last long and are WAY better then the Montesas, which weigh a lot more and have terrible suspension. Any '01 or newer is a great beginner bike, and there should be lots of used ones around. Check www.rypusa.com

[Chader]

I like the Shercos and Scorpa. Both look like good bikes. I have a lead on an '02 Sherco 2.9 that is in my price range.

Too bad there are mostly Gassers in my area, but i am gonna just beat this bike learning anyways. Then I can slpurge for something nicer/newer next season after I get the basics down.

[TRA]

Montesa is slow and heavy . But stabile and good suspension. Good build
Gas Gas is light and quick, but not as stabile, it might go everywhere, susp not as good. Falls apart easy.
Beta has ok power and ok weight, suspension is good tho. ok build
Sherco is an all round good bike , enough power and stabile enough. ok build

I would recommend GasGas for fun, or Beta / sherco for more serious riding for novice riders. Montesa i dont like , heavy and slow. Big ass.

[sammy]

TRA,

I would like to hear your history of riding moto-trials, did you compete in the top Junior ranks. Sounds like you did some serious Motorcycle training.

sam

[kieldp]

- Shercos don't hold their value and require alot of maintainence in the engine,
- Beta has way to many mechanical problems with the electrics/ignitions etc
- Gas Gas 2004 onwards are ok but before then the PRO has a shit ass clutch and the models before then are beefy.

The Montesa Cota 315R was the world champion from 2000-2004 (when it was then changed to the 4rt) so it must be good. They are reliable and require the least maintenance while never lacking in the power or traction department. Like TRA said, they are very stable and easy to balance on.

The Montesa Cota 4rt (4 stroke) is even better, it is so smooth and has so much traction. It is easily the nicest of all bikes to ride and makes the nicest and loudest noise aswell :)

Thomas have you ridden the 4rt yet?

[Edge]

Age, unfortunetly, is one of the factors for me getting into moto at this point. At 33, I am reaching my physical peak for bike trials and seeing a limit to the level attain in the future.

Don't sell yourself short. I'm 39 now and plan on riding biketrials for at least another 6 to 7 years. Probably ride some sort of trials the rest of my life. Moto trials is definitely in my future though.

[Chader]

I plan to ride for as long as I can too. Trials is in my soul.

I just forsee a year very soon where I won't be able to go higher, farther, faster than I did the previous year. Getting older just sucks in that sense.

But I will still enjoy the personal challenge no doubt. I've had a lot of hobbies over the last 15 years, but trials is the one I have done every year and never wanted to stop.

Finally I can afford to add moto to the mix and it looks like a great amount of fun. Trials for life!!! FTW

[lucky13]

Do they make electric moto trials bikes?

Just looking ahead to when we run out of dinoblood.

[kieldp]

Do they make electric moto trials bikes?

Just looking ahead to when we run out of dinoblood.

People are developing them theirselves at the moment...
Here's an example of one: http://www.lewisportusa.com/electric.htm

(I've seen better ones than that, but don't remember where...)

[lucky13]

I figured as much.

One of the coolest things I've seen was an electric DH bike. Custom made with an airplane battery slung in the middle, a marzocchi MONSTER (old skool), and a fox shock on a single pivot. The guy rode it like a moto with pegs and would just fire road it up and coast down with a few "turbo boost's on the way down or for lips and g-out corners.

avant-garde

[TRA]

I havent ridden 4stroke yet.

I did mototrials for 6 years, riding 2 years in ELITE (highest class).
from 13-19.

I Montesa for me never had the power, heavy and slow .

[pav]

I plan to ride for as long as I can too. Trials is in my soul.

I just forsee a year very soon where I won't be able to go higher, farther, faster than I did the previous year. Getting older just sucks in that sense.

But I will still enjoy the personal challenge no doubt. I've had a lot of hobbies over the last 15 years, but trials is the one I have done every year and never wanted to stop.

Finally I can afford to add moto to the mix and it looks like a great amount of fun. Trials for life!!! FTW


You just need to find yourself other ways to be challenged, going bigger and bigger is not the only way.

My moves havn't gotten bigger in ages and I still enjoy it more and more, I usually try riding like the old Kevin Coust vids where they do all really cool tech stuff and its really enjoyable and takes 0 effort. Theres always endless technical things to do as well, you should try getting into them and coming up with good lines.

I know down here, alot of the time, riders are more impressed by tech moves that only a few others can do rather than big big moves which most can do nowdays.

[Edge]

I just forsee a year very soon where I won't be able to go higher, farther, faster than I did the previous year. Getting older just sucks in that sense.


I know what you mean. I figure I have reached my potential as far as going bigger is concerned. Now I just concentrate on being balanced and try to ride with more flow. I always thought that being smooth looked better than going big.

[Chader]

Interesting perspective. I like the feeling of doing big gaps and ups. But I also like just climbing a tough line and makeing it clean. So I can just focus on those more in the future.

[Edge]

Exactly. It's hard not to want to do the big ups and stuff especially when you ride with people half your age and they're killing it. You just have to change your mindset and accept the fact that you can't do that. One thing I have noticed is that after working on balance and smootheness I can go a little bigger with ups and gaps. Go figure. I tell you what though, after 4 or 5 rides just sticking with 2 wheel moves I've seen some progress in all areas of my riding.

[DMofo]

http://www.trialscentral.com/

[flixlee]

I will go into four wheel trials when I get too old (or rich) for the two wheeled variety:x:

[TRA]

i was this --> <-- close to sending a threatening letter to trialsentral when i found out i had to PAY to download theyr videos !

[Chader]

Woooooo Hoooooo !!!!

I got a bike. http://www.trialscentral.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/banana2.gif

I picked up a 2003 Sherco 2.9 this weekend. I had a friend in the Denver area check it out for me. He said it looked clean and cared for so I made an offer. Then I drove the 1300 miles round trip to pick it up.

I am soooo excited. I have to do some minor cleanup and rejet the carb. Then I will be ready to start learning.

Thanks again to all the input from you guys. I am very happy with my purchase and plan to ride this for the next season or two with total confidence in the bike. (I just need to practice and gain some confidence in myself)

[lucky13]

WOw,.. cool.

[Youngr51]

The sherco 2.9 is a really good bike and they havent changed much over the years. But damn 1300 miles, must have been a good deal.

[Chader]

I got it for $2700 and he was asking $3000. I spent about $200 in gas. That is cheaper than about $400 for shipping. Plus I got a short lesson on turns and wheelies while I was there.

[lucky13]

I think I need to get a carreer before I start looking into that relm of hobbies,...$$$$

I'll just live vicariously through the cross-over bike/moto trials guys like you.

POST VIDEOS!!!!! You too Thomas!

[Chader]

The real reason I am able to make the jump now is because I dumped my freeloading GF/Wife. Some lessons are hard learned over time and this took me several years and thousands of wasted $$$$. :wtc:

Now I am going to spoil myself rotten and ignore the "fairer" sex for a good long while. Good riddence to bad things.

On the upside, weather is starting to look good so I can get some rides in early next month. I'll see if I can get some pics or vids together so you can all have a good laugh. :D

[onto1wheel]

... I dumped my freeloading GF/Wife.
dude, i think it was a bad idea to dump your wife AND your girlfriend!
anyway, welcome to mototrials.
if you didn't already, you might want to convert your bike to front brake on the right side, just like your moto.
I ride lots of moto and pedal, and it makes it much easier to switch back and forth (for me)

[lucky13]

The real reason I am able to make the jump now is because I dumped my freeloading GF/Wife. Some lessons are hard learned over time and this took me several years and thousands of wasted $$$$. :wtc:

Now I am going to spoil myself rotten and ignore the "fairer" sex for a good long while. Good riddence to bad things.

On the upside, weather is starting to look good so I can get some rides in early next month. I'll see if I can get some pics or vids together so you can all have a good laugh. :D

:ugh: