We're certainly spoiled here in Scotland but I would swap you the weather.
I really wish I could give you some decent advice but I really don;t know what to say.
As there's no Trials scene out there would a specialsed trials bike be needed could a Trail/Enduro style bike be adapted for basic trials use?
I really don't know.
As for your limited choice I would plump for the Sherco only because they're a bit more basic than the Gas Gas so easier to repair but that's just an opinion.
As for riding my only advice is take it slowly and learn the basics.
Hi Scorpa and welcome. Not many of these bikes around the Trials scene these day's.
I've owned a 163 since late 06 and it's been the best made bike I've ever had and I've had dozens.
It's totally stock and probably runs better than the first day I got it.
It's done 100s of Trials and is my default bike for setting out events so it's had some stick.
I've ridden ones that have been tweaked with lightened flywheels carb mods and different exhausts and they all ran worse than mine so I would say leave it stock if it runs ok,don't try to make it into something it isn't.
Mine doesn't get much just the odd oil change and tape up the airbox where it joins the mudgurd to keep the mud out .
I'm thinking that even if a 4rt did weigh about 65 kilos it would still feel much heavier than a similar 2 stroke.
Nothing personal but didn't they try to ruin the the European trials industry by trying to get us all on 4 strokes a few years ago.
Anyway I'll stick to the Ossa which I'll probably have to put in the wheelie bin shortly but it least it doesn't feel like I'm taking my gran on a date every time I go to a trial.
Don't think many trials riders are fooled by this I think most buy new bikes to keep maintainence down to a minimum.Frankly I couldn't tell the difference between any Evo beta and much the same goes for Gas Gas and Montesa.
I've already said you can't run a trial to please all abilities.
It seems obvious to me that club trials should be there to bring riders into the sport and a bit of fun for the rest of the entry National/Centre trials should cater for experienced riders.
Up here the 3 AMCA clubs really only run a beginners route with a few extra gates for the more experienced .Never really had a poor entry and always new folk at every event. Dead easy to run .
You get a bit of stick though because as riders get better they want the trials stiffened up as they don't really get what it's all about.You've got to let them go,
While I agree with most of your points I feel too many routes is not the answer.
You've got to ask who are you running the trial for and if you're answer is everyone it wont work.
You try to please everyone and it just turns out a compromise.
We run trials for beginners and casual riders and basically ignore the more advanced types I really don't believe club trials should be used as a training ground for experienced riders .
Trial really consists of only one easy route with a maximum of 3 extra gates for the more experienced. This way the new folk don't get intimidated.
So my point really is don't try to run a trial for all abilities.
As for getting new folk in .running entry level trials concentrating on the fun element seems to work
I feel riding Trials is so time consuming and people are just so busy these days it's hard to fit events in.
If you ride on Sunday it's the whole day plus a few hours later in the week giving the bike a going over and washing the gear.. That's if you don't have kids if so add another couple of hours for each of them.
As we're all aware the old 8 till 5 shift is a thing of the past work spills out over the weekend and nights now.
I know at our club the guys you can rely on are the 40 plus brigade the ones that are free from heavy parental responsibilities, young folk with kids are a rarity they just can't fit a trial in.
There's plenty riders around but a lot can't get out but I do think modern trials with multi routes and more classes than you can shake a stick it are how can I put it crap.
Osets are an area of Trials that I'm pretty ignorant to be honest.
Richard Younie and Alan Drysdale are the 2 lads I know as keen Oset supporters.
You'll get Alan at Drysdale motorcycles in Perth.
The Oset trials often run alongside regular trials on a separate course so check the SACU site.
As for our Lothian/Wobblers/Montrose AMCA events we've never really had enough interest to run an Oset route though I have tried. Still I would encorage any Oset riders to come along for a play.
Pesonally 4 is quite young and trials is hard even or an adult to get there head round my wee boy (nearly 8) just plays on his at the trial he could probably get round but it would take the fun out of it.
Double standards old bean, go into any local woodland on a slope and you'll find it's some sort of improvised downhill MTB track.
You put one wheelmark down and you're for the Tower even though moving tons of earth cutting trees and breaking up walls seems to be tolerated if you've a set of pedals.
All this "digging" is usually accompanied by a wide range of litter just to top the whole thing off.
Like yourself I like the old MTBs too but haven't fitted the optional shovel /axe carrier.
Tip I would give is regardless of the bike have it well set up.
Controls', tyre pressures suspension carb etc just get it spot on.
I ride loads of different bikes thers always give aways on most beginners bike like a loose grip loads of play in the throttle tickover to high/low just basic stuff that an experienced rider wouldn't have.
I really don't know how trials riders think. Vertigo have won the SSDT 3 times on the trot and the only Vertigo in the top 50 this year was Lampkins also there was no Montesas in the top 50 though Bou's won everything.
Round here there's loads of Scorpas because we have a great dealer thats the way I go support the local guy it pays in the long run. .
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We're certainly spoiled here in Scotland but I would swap you the weather.
I really wish I could give you some decent advice but I really don;t know what to say.
As there's no Trials scene out there would a specialsed trials bike be needed could a Trail/Enduro style bike be adapted for basic trials use?
I really don't know.
As for your limited choice I would plump for the Sherco only because they're a bit more basic than the Gas Gas so easier to repair but that's just an opinion.
As for riding my only advice is take it slowly and learn the basics.
Hope it works out for you.
Cheers the noo.