ice

Another vote for quiet machines. Thats one of the reasons I have shifted towards Trials. I have a WR450 that I have bought special quieting exhaust tips and it is quiet for a dirt bike, but still too loud. I ride many multi-use trails and you see other trail users surprise when you approach and pass quietly and respectfully. There faces go from a grimace when they first see you coming to a near smile as you pass queitly. I have a small section/trail on my property and would like to make my 280 Edition even quieter. I repacked the muffler, but it is still just a tad too loud. How much difference does the density of the muffler packing make? The repack kit I bought was fairly dense- I know that makes it last longer, but would it quiet down if I used more loose packing? Any other ideas on what reduces noise?

Love this thread. When I first got into trials I saw the prices of the specialty gear and about died. Set myself up for MX style dirt riding for $300-$500. I bought my trials gear by priority- 1) Boots- gotta have the boots- got Gaernes- $350 w/shipping- worth every dime. 2) Helmet- I have had neck problems so the weight off my neck was main idea. Was just wearing an old 3/4, but the Shiro Matrix is much lighter/cooler.$300 3)Pants- Ok this was the tough one. Didnt think I needed them, Levis felt fine. But I was encouraged to buy them and did get the XCting pants. $165- (since I paid that for the pants I went ahead and got the jersey ) Pants are great because- a) I was having trouble with inconsistant fit of my boots, each time I stuffed my pant legs in them I had to redo buckles, now boots fit perfect every time. b)they have built in knee pads- I will not ride without knee pads and these are far more comfortable than the MX variety. c) I probably look pretty goofy, but the wife likes them! I am 50+ years old and most of recent bike injuries have been low speed stuff. Getting slammed down on frozen ground hurts much more than soft dirt, and twice this spring I couldnt ride for a week after my bike ejected me (learning how well these tires connect). I only have a few months of above freezing weather and I dread not being able to ride because of an injury. If knee pads and elbow pads keep me riding, I'll wear them! I'd wear more gear but it just gets too hot- even in winter riding.

Greetings from the Northland- I am a trials newbie from Fairbanks, Alaska. There are no organized trials within a 1000 miles so I have been learning from videos and with the help of various forum's members. Look forward to learning more from your members!