Viewing some of the topics and old video

Seems in many cases the land is lacking to have the nice straighforward stream sections of the past etc.

No promotion/specatacle or whatever will get people back to trials. theres too much for people to do now... like sat at home on the computer

unless... Yes! that's it!!!...I think a change of name to X-Classic Trials will do it!

Many of the pre 65 and twinshock bikes are a modern take on what they were anyway... some are much newer than my '07 Gasser too!

Edited December 1, 201015 yr by Rosey

Trials is simply to specialist to appeal to the average person in the street.

I think a minimum weight for all machines would be a good place to start, together with a minimum fuel capacity as you say plus a seat. That way riders at least stand a chance of riding their bikes on the road if they wish.

Having machines that could be used in the 'real' world would help far more people relate to trials.

For me its everything about it,many of the venues have been used and known for years,(The Bath trial on sunday will be using land that the Knut trial used for many years,weather permitting !)riders that have been around for years and the vast range of bikes from various decades.

You only need to go to a trial like the Dartmoor two day to see what I mean,it really is a great event just to be at - better still to ride it.It need not cost a packet to get started in twinshock or even pre65 if you go about it in the right way.Club and entry fees are still small,you dont have to spend

I think one of the main problems we have is that the title 'motor cycle trials' covers two totally different sports.

People can't seem to grasp why some of us ride old bikes.

Is it also an age thing? Classic trials seems to be booming but not many youngsters involved.

It does make you wonder doesnt it,is Trials at ameteur level on the turn,people who are buying these T/S arnt buying them to stash in the back of the garage and wait in hope that the bikes will give them a pension,people are buying them to ride in competition be it serious or just for laughs.

It does make you wonder doesnt it,is Trials at ameteur level on the turn,people who are buying these T/S arnt buying them to stash in the back of the garage and wait in hope that the bikes will give them a pension,people are buying them to ride in competition be it serious or just for laughs.

I dont try read too much into it - our last trial had 82 riders,none complained they hadnt enjoyed themselves.There are big differences in rider skill too,some very competative,some attempting their first few outings.For what effort it is to set out a trial I think its worth it,I'm just glad the health and safety hoovers have left us alone.

Nobody has mentioned money, it must have a bearing on why things have changed. I agree that the top riders are brilliant riders, I know that promoting events cost money. I don't know what it cost 20 years ago regarding these two factors, I do know that I wasn't expected to pay to get in and watch ; I guesse the manufacturers were happy to showcase thier products to potential customers. Ours is a "secret" sport insomuch as you have to be aware of what it takes to appreciate it. Twenty (even 30) years ago I could relate to those top guys and the bikes and the sections... today it looks like a travelling circus to me. Reading this over the key factor for me is that I could relate to it then and even as a lifelong trials nut I just cant get interested in it today. Perhaps this is why classic trials is enjoying faster growth than modern stuff. If there ever was to be a championship trial or series for classic bikes it would be subject to the same pressures as the current world series; organisation would have to be wary of falling into that trap. Regards bike specs. it wouldn't take much to achieve what you describe.

There also appears to be a general retro revival... BMX,Racing Cycles, Clothes, Cars, Bikes Etc... maybe nostalgia has somthing to do with the popularity of Twinshocks etc.

There is a big issue about the severity levels though.. Even though the top men can now hop flick and ride up a cliff face, the beginner still has trouble just turning round on the tracks between the sections, same as beginners in the 80's and before that.. there is now a level of unfeasibility to top level trials...

Anyway about bikes... I find it hard to believe that all the old bikes were scrapped and I've no idea how many bikes were made per manufacturer in the early 80's, but I bet it was 5+ times what each manufacturer makes now?... so there must be loads of bikes out there???

Edited December 1, 201015 yr by Rosey

I know it's been said before and will stir up the hornets nest but.......

I just hope Twinshocks aren't allowed to get out of hand like 'trick' pre65's.

Look at Normandale traditional series and also Novogars this years - all seem to be well supported and Normandales have been superb. If bikes where made to suit this type of trial and trials where set out for this type of bike there would be many bums on seats - trouble is they would all be over 30.

Don't know how you keep the cylclo trial kids and the old fogies happy!!

Today

Ishy - was agreeing with your post. Proper trials that don't need motorized push bikes to be competitive seem very popular. If a style of bike was tuned to suit this type of trial and trials then set out to suit this type of bike would be a win/win. I guess thats why there are popular twin shock/pre 75/pre 65 and trail bike classes

That reminds me of a tale when we used to ride the wetherby sat night club trials.

I went out one afternoon to help two lads set a trial out, I forgot their names but they were two brothers who had a building yard in Summerbridge, two right characters wi flat caps.

Anyway I lands at the trial site and picked up a bag of flags and off we went to mark out the first section in a beck hole, I was looking at the rocks in the beck and how we could wind our way up and over all the rocks when one of em said, don

Having machines that could be used in the 'real' world would help far more people relate to trials.

I agree, and keep it simple 180 pound minimum weight, min 5 liters of fuel capacity and a functional seat. Trials tires, of course, other than that anything goes. And if you want to attract new riders, forget "no stop" rules, too complicated.

These machines would be the ultimate trail/woods bikes so resale of competition bikes would be excellent.