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I’d always wanted one and bought new as a Japanese import in 2003. Love a monkey bike!

Ditto - great story and sounds like a great day out. Chequer plate for the bash plate is a good innovation!

Just no way my Honda is going there! Pub is its furthest so far…

Excellent - sounds like a long ride but a proper craic! Now cajoling a couple of unsuspecting friends in our village to join.

I like the XR250R - soaring prices (like all bikes right now) but some good ones around and would, I’m sure, be fine on the open lane trail ‘sections’ (as they’re not really trials sections). Good shout.

Beta Alp is definitely on the list (& really good bikes). My gut feel is to go with something a bit more old school. Watch this space once I find the steed!!

Def not riding my TY - now that would be a slog for 300 miles…!

Great thanks for helpful responses folks - eclectic is definitely the way to go (although there is no way my Honda Monkey is doing it!) as looks like anything too modern won’t be sporting…!!!

I couldn’t find a thread for LDTs. Just looking for some very basic advice as I am going to do a couple next year (incl. Lands End). I don’t have a bike for this yet but I am thinking of either a DT175, XL125 or XT250. Anyone done the Lands End? Any views on bike choice (late seventies/early eighties Japanese is the brief)? Nb. I have looked at Yamaha Serows, Beta Alps etc but like the idea of an older bike. And any other tips etc more than welcomed!

Inch Perfect isn’t too far from you and have plenty of gear (& bikes).

This is such a difficult topic as each to their own, etc. and ‘value’ is surely what it is worth to you personally (& then costs and capital gain or loss in the long run). Hughie - one thought might be to get to a local trial and/or practice ground and have a look at bikes and chat to folk in person. Saw you’re Bucks/Oxon border and there are plenty of clubs in the area. Oxford Ixion, HUX, Milton Buzzard and Berko to name four. And the latter three have practice grounds.

I’ve got the opportunity to buy an old 172 that needs a bit of TLC. I had a one year old one from Windsor Comp Shop way back in 1978 so quite a late one (with the stripes on the tank) which looked gorgeous but used to be a bit of a pain to start and maintain as a 16 year old with zero parental interest in my motorcycle antics. My questions are:- 1. Can you still get most parts for the 172? 2. Are there any decent (but not changing the look) upgrades that are available - eg. Electronic ignition, brake pads that actually stop, etc. 3. Any other massive things to look out for? Any pointers would be much appreciated! it’s either this or a Vespa Rally 200 which a very separate passion (but iconic if you know your scoots…!!!)

I’d def look at a TY175 over the TY125. Know they were really popular in the US and parts are pretty easy to get hold of (even if you have to ship things from the UK).

I love the new 260RT look - especially the silver forks and red/black graphics. But would look so much nicer (IMO) with a polished alloy frame and silver wheels (back to the future, etc). But they all look great and good to see a few evolutions.

Yup definitely watch those tyres doing 15 miles each way - could soon end up costing you a few bob…

And some more (I’ll stop after this but know a lot of folk don’t use Instagram). Again scroll on the image…

And another post for those who don’t use Instagram from Trial World. Again scroll across - this is better for details…

Just up on Instagram…scroll right on the images

Thanks Hughie. Never had a Beta but know the 200 is a great clubman bike. 315 Montesa is a brilliant bike - Honda engine so very reliable and pretty good on parts. Would definitely recommend if you can find a clean one. Good luck with the search!

Wow - so much anger here! I thought Trials was far more chilled out. Debate is great but anger less so. Peace out everyone. Enjoy your bikes and riding - life is far too short.

Hi Hughie - having also ridden on/off for many years but never enough (& def not terribly good!!). Here’s my shout if you just want (say) a blast or two a month and don’t want a new bike and are returning after a massive break from the wonderful TY175. And in no particular order (given the brief you have given and not going off into Gas Gas versus Beta etc)… 1. TY175 is still brilliant. If that’s what you rode and now only want to ride the easy class then it will be great. But try and find a good one and with basic mods (electronic ignition is a good one) will help. £1800 max will leave some money for bits & bobs. Parts are really easy get hold of and it’s a doddle to get them looking good. 2. Never had a Fantic 200 but they were always good and parts seem pretty available. 3. Don’t write off a Beamish Suzuki if you can get a good price (they do exist around £2,500 if you look). A bit heavy but are very forgiving and reliable. 4. TY250 Mono was the first bike I came back to after about a 10 year break (kids/work) a few years ago. That was from a TY175 beforehand. Loved it and seriously easy to ride. 5. Montesa 315R - I had three from 2000-2004. So good and well engineered. Prices going up now but £2,000 should get you a half decent one. Hope this is helpful per brief. I have owned all but 2) and has no problems. Not the same to be said from my older Spanish bikes!! nb. Non biking mates who see my bikes in the garage look at my TY175 with much more interest than any of my new bikes!!!

Nb love the bike though!!!

I just hope the new graphics don’t need to say ‘Montesa’ or ‘Cota’ in a million places in clip art style. It’s the one thing I really don’t like about my (2021) 260 RT. But I think it goes for pretty much every trials bike (and god forbid the clothing). Look back on the Montesa (or pretty much all) bikes of the seventies and the minimalist design/graphics. Way, way better and would look so good on the new bikes. Less = more.

I’m now wedded to upgraded fuel for both my new and old bikes. Thanks for the builds folks. There’s also plenty of this in bona fide automotive press which I also trust. Thanks again.

Thanks both - I’ll go premium.