Twinshock or modern for an old beginner ?

[hustler]

So here I am around retirement age and last weekend I watched my first ever trial.

And not before time you may add.

Dashed enjoyable it was as well and now I rather fancy giving it a go.

I'm unsure whether to plump for an old twinshock bike or go for something more modern.

Pre 65 is not a consideration simply on cost.

I do prefer the look of twinshock bikes and it seems, in my limited experience perusing these forums, that

there may be more trials for these bikes for beginners.

I assume that twinshocks will be heavier than modern and spares will be more difficult although possibly bikes like Bultaco and Montesa may be a bit easier than others. No scientific analysis here simply a gut feeling on information I've come across.

But of course twinshocks come with a seat and I

[pete_scorpa3]

My advice would be to look for a really tidy modern bike, probably 2003 to 2006. There will be good examples of every marque within your price range. Gas Gas, 315 Montesa, Beta, Sherco, Beta, Scorpa have a look at them all and see what you fancy.

I will resist mentioning any particular bike, but suffice to say that you should not discount 200's as well as 250's.

Twin shock bikes are fine and in the hands of a good rider are capable of winning club trials outright, but to get a really tidy one, you're not too far off buying a decent modern machine which will be lighter, have better brakes and probably give you more confidence as a beginer.

Others will disagree, but go to a local event and see what you fancy. Many riders will let you have a little try after the trial if you get chatting about what to buy. Then you can make a more informed choice.

[jimbo349]

Hi

Being in norfolk you are lucky to have a very fine twin shock club localally in the Dabbers trials club who run events for older bikes. As for a bike if TS is your bag then the choices are good with Yamaha ty 175's being the most popular with a raft of spanish stuff from monts to bults with ossas and swm's in the mix too, also the italian fantics with the 240's being considered as good as a ts gets. British bikes are rare but armstrong/ccm's do crop up.

[totalshell]

what do you want to do with your time...

if you want to spend two or three evenings a week in the garage tinkering and the rest of the week on the phone hunting for bits and riding the easy route on a sunday or do you want to ride, wash the thing put it away with a liberal coat of wd40 and pull it out next sunday morning to ride the easy route.. the head says modern the heart says a proper bike. ( fantic 200)

[ormplus]

if you have never done trials before you are better starting with a monoshock.a twin shock is a lot heavier and a lot harder to ride for a novice. get the best bike you can afford,it makes life a lot easier when starting out.hope this helps willie.

[jimbo349]

Dabbers are holding a trial on the 6th of feb near Thetford look it up on their wedsite and come along have a look at the bikes and see what its all about. I just returned into the sport after a long long lay off and this club is just the job. As already mentioned many riders will give advice and let you have a go after the event.

[bilc0]

The Yam TY175 Twinshock would be perfect for beginner,you can pick up a good trial ready one for a grandish.

[hustler]

Thanks for the excellent replies people, most appreciated.

I was leaning towards twinshock but I'm now going a little towards modern.

I think.

I see Dabbers got a couple of mentions here and their next event on 6th. February is on my calendar

so I'll be there wandering about and asking questions.

Thanks again.

[willrichardson]

So here I am around retirement age and last weekend I watched my first ever trial.

And not before time you may add.

Dashed enjoyable it was as well and now I rather fancy giving it a go.

I'm unsure whether to plump for an old twinshock bike or go for something more modern.

Pre 65 is not a consideration simply on cost.

I do prefer the look of twinshock bikes and it seems, in my limited experience perusing these forums, that

there may be more trials for these bikes for beginners.

I assume that twinshocks will be heavier than modern and spares will be more difficult although possibly bikes like Bultaco and Montesa may be a bit easier than others. No scientific analysis here simply a gut feeling on information I've come across.

But of course twinshocks come with a seat and I

[tonybroad]

i've got both and although i have great affection for my twinshock the newer bike is just so much easier to ride, it's smoother and just so much easier to control

should get a decent one for that price, choose carefully

tony

[jon v8]

I would add that a decent twinshock in GOOD condition will require less looking after than a modern mono.The TY250 I'm using at the moment is one that I bought in 2006.Basically in good nick apart from the engine which I fully rebuilt.since then I've gone through two rear tyres,a pair of sprockets,two chains two plugs and a set of points.(The points were only because I thought I really ought to )

It gets a wash after most trials and the chain oiled.Carb and air filter cleaned out now and again,cables etc oiled.

And thats it - It rarely misses a beat,I happily do the Dartmoor Two day on it and only fill with fuel and oil the chain after the first day.

Compared to the hassle I had with the last mono,(Beta Rev 3) and the problems I see with other bikes at trials I think the old Yam is about as reliable as it gets.

The twinshock trials are marked out mostly for fun - not for hero's. Its altogether different than modern where I used to feel the need to practice or ride every week.

Plus your twinshock is unlikely to lose you any money should you decide its not for you.

[pete_scorpa3]

Plus your twinshock is unlikely to lose you any money should you decide its not for you.

Thats a good point, however a modern bike in the

[micm]

New older rider?

Get a modern bike, post 2003 ish, no question.

[jimbo349]

Thanks for the excellent replies people, most appreciated.

I was leaning towards twinshock but I'm now going a little towards modern.

I think.

I see Dabbers got a couple of mentions here and their next event on 6th. February is on my calendar

so I'll be there wandering about and asking questions.

Thanks again.

See you there

[wherry]

Another one to bear in mind could be the Norwich Viking trial at Santon Downham on March 13th. It's part of the Beginners & Wobblers series so should give you a good idea of what you could expect. We usually have a range of P65s, twinshocks and moderns.

For what it's worth I think it may help to learn on a modern bike for the reasons already given. However, I think it's important to really enjoy actually riding the bike - if that means it needs to be a T/S or whatever then go for it.