Come out for a test ride on the world's most popular Trials bikes.

Located at : 16927 FM 787 w. Cleveland Texas 77327

281-592-0962

2006 and 2007 Youth National

Josiah Mizell 2006 and 2007 AMA youth Champ! First to win AMA Youth National Championship twice!

check out : www.teammizell.com

Trials bike comparison?

 From the days of the big 4 stroke to the Ossa plonker, to today's  modern machines, the evolution of the Trials Motorcycle has become the cutting edge of high tech engineering. When it comes to purchasing a new bike the decisions are not easy unless you know the details of the bikes and how that will enhance your riding style. For the best choice, it is always best to test ride the different brands and look for a shop or dealer who is knowledgeable and  can provide parts and gear in a timely manner. Of course, ETCycles is always here on the internet to help fill in any voids you might run into.

Trials Motorcycle Comparison

Notes: 

Comments:

Displacement:

Starting in 2007 the North American Trials Council initiated the 125 Expert classes for the AMA National series. 125cc Class has been standard in World Class competition for all riders under the age of 18.

Local competitions do not separate classes by displacement. Riding a smaller displacement bike is very important and the absolute best approach when learning to ride trials properly. The underpowered bikes force the rider to use more body “English” and weight transfer when encountering an obstacle than the larger displacement bike, which can simply “power” through the same.   Not only does the smaller displacement help to learn these skills better, it also reduces the risk to rider and bike.  Once these skills are learned, a rider can change displacement as desired.  To make this point further, a Master or National class level rider can typically compete and win a local trails club competition on a 125cc trails bike.

Frame size:

The primary consideration for frame selection is obviously the size of the rider.

Dependability:

We are fortunate to be living in these days when technology has helped create the most advanced motorcycles ever. Compared to other dirt bikes, Trials machines need very little investment to keep them going. Clean the air filter, change the oil, and lightly lube the chain. Occasionally an engine problem might occur, but assistance from a dealer or the importer is often easy to find, and generally makes the unpleasant task much easier.  With reasonable maintenance a trails bike lasts for many years.

High Tech:

I think it is noteworthy to mention how the advances in technology have been influential in the design of new trials machines and how they lead the motorcycle industry in new design. In the early 1990’s Beta introduced the “exoskeleton” aluminum frame on their “Zero” and all trials bikes started incorporating hydraulic clutch operation. These designs were both brought into the motocross scene 10 years later, and even now Honda uses the same type frame on their big “Gold-wing” bikes. GasGas arguably remains the leader in recent techno advances. Their clutch uses only 3 fiber and 2 metal plates, with 1 spring-washer to compress the system makes it the only engine that is narrower than the bash plate. The gearbox uses only 4 pair gears to make their 6-speed transmission. Their 4-stroke engine (due to come out in 2009) uses a side valve design that makes it the lightest 4-stroke with fewer moving parts and lowest center of gravity.

These new designs make the GasGas the most technologically advanced trials bike, but they sometimes require a little more attention to keep them operating at peak performance.

Montesa is owned by Honda and is the first bike to come with a fuel-injected 4-stroke engine. Scorpa uses Yamaha engines in their bikes.  Sherco, like Beta and GasGas, designs and builds the entire bike.

Cost:

As expected, each model has an MRP (Manufacturers Retail Price), but these have not been included here as pricing can vary, much the same as automobiles, due to stocking levels, time of year, etc.

What’s best?

Easy answer… Which appeals to you most?  It is highly recommended for you to try the various models.  Dealers are very willing for you to do so.  Feel, comfort,  “fun factor” and looks are the most important considerations.  Many find it very helpful to ask experienced trials riders for their opinions including reliability, required maintenance, ease of maintenance (air filter, spark plug), how often does one need to “tweak” the bike, bike characteristics (i.e. 2 versus 4 stroke), turning radius, starting the bike, why they ride the one they are on, etc.

Number of bikes in 2007 National Trials competition by make: