I am currently looking for my first trials bike. My experience with motorcycle trials is nil. However I have been Downhill mountain biking for years now and have ridden MX & ATVs off and on for years now.

I have found a '99 Beta for sale locally that looks to be in great condition. I was wondering if this bike would suit me? I am looking for something I can learn on and keep for a few years.

Since I'm new at this I don't want to be stuck with something that is crap or way out dated.

Any help, direction or suggestions would be great.

thanks

-PF

Fine bike.

Your best money spent will be on the brand that has a dealer close to you for support.

Thanks.. I do have a Beta dealer within an hour and just about any other dealer with in 3.

The 99 Beta is a great bike and will resell easily and at good price when you finally come to part with it.

Pinchflat...that would be a great bike to own...BUT..the only thing I would say is..buy the newest bike that you can afford, regardless of what make it is. If the Beta is the best/newest you can afford...then go for it.

Its AMAZING how much better the new trials bikes feel every year...having said that..the 99 is still a very capable bike..particularly for learning on.

Good luck!

Pinchflat - I ran a '99 Techno 250 for 4 years which I bought second-hand, but in "as new" condition. Apart from an early problem with the electric "generator" (not sure what the proper name for it was) which needed replacing (common fault and expensive), I had absolutely no bother with it at all and it was ultra-reliable (in fact I've had more bother with my 04 Gas Gas in 1 year than I had with the Beta in nearly 4)

Although a little heavier than the latest bikes a 99 Techno is still perfectly capable of competing at most levels.

The Betas have the advantage of a removable flywheel weight which you could leave on whilst getting to "grips" (pun intended) with trials riding and take off later if you want some more "zip".

All Betas suffer from an itermittent carb leak problem (this can be fixed via a mod -see the Beta forum) - just don't stop the motor whilst bike is pointing downhill or you'll get a sweat on trying to re-start it!

I agree with the advice about local dealers.

I think when buying a bike of this age you need to assess how well it's been maintained. All trials bikes will have suffered bumps and knocks but there are a few things you should look out for to assess how well its been maintained. Check out for corrosion (suggesting not cleaned properly / WD40'd), condition of nuts etc (if rounded suggests slack maintenance), check for play in bearings - wheels, headstock and suspension link, leaking forkseals, buckled/dented wheels and wheel spokes for tightness.

You shouldn't need to worry about the motor as its pretty much bullet-proof.

Good point HondaRS

Of course you're right..it WOULD be better to have an older bike in GOOD nick than a newer one in bad nick.

Thanks all... All your informaton is most helpfull. I appreciate it. Here is a pic of the Beta I am looking at.

Hi PF:

I know George and that he's ordered parts for it through my shop. It seems to me that he has been very conscientious about maintaining his Techno.

Mike

Hi PF:

I know George and that he's ordered parts for it through my shop.  It seems to me that he has been very conscientious about maintaining his Techno.

Mike

Hey Mike.

Yeah George seems to be a real good guy. He has been very honest and helpfull in our emails. I have pretty much decided to get his bike. I'm just scrounging enough $$$ together to make him an offer.

-matt