Hello, im 16 (17 in May) and i ride an 03 250 SHERCO. As far as im aware i can continue to ride a 250 without getting caught up in all this 125 nonsense! But yesterday i rode a 290 and loved it to bits and im just wondering how old do i have to be to ride anything over a 250??? I would like it to be 17...but i don't think it is...so could anybody tell me what are the exact rules are to riding 125/250/290 at 16/17...because i'm want to get an 05 soon and not sure if i can get a 290 (and put 250 stickers on!!!) or just get another 250. I ride under ACU, AMCA & YMSA if that makes a difference to the rules so could you please tell me that too!! Lots of questions i know but i'm really confused!

Thanks for any help in advance.

Milky

Because of the new rules a lot of people seem to be moving down to the 125cc bikes, and i'am talking about European standard riders. Power ain't everythink you know, it's all about body movement and timing. Get yourself a decent trials push bike, ( Monty, Mission, Onzo etc) and a good 125, and i'll bet you will be a better rider in 6 months.

Yup i know power isn't everything...just after riding the 290 it just seemed so much nicer than my 250. it had a better power curve and more torque/grunt and seemed to find grip easier (perhaps it was to do with a better rear shock). I can easily control the power even though at times it may 'run away' from me but im not worried about that!!

Anyways i already ride bike trials not a mission or an onza but a gorgeous 26" Brisa! I do find that it really does help my riding technique though. Does anybody know what the rules/restrictions are when it comes to engine size for a 16/17 year old???

Cheers

Milky

Direct from the ACU Handbook.

A class Riders born between 01/01/88 and 31/12/89

can ride 250 cc until 31/12/06

B class Riders born between 01/01/90 and 31/12/92

Cannot ride 250cc with an exception that states they can ride the bikes without scoring points.

If you fit either of those then the 290 is out really.

I just saw a bulletin the other day that GasGas has seen fit, in light of the the 125cc restriction, to produce what is effectively an Adam Raga replica 125 with lots of trick bits. Good to see the manufacturers getting on board to help the younger riders.

When I was involved with the AMCA a couple of years back, a youth rider could ride any capacity of machine providing they where competent to do so regardless of their age.

As for ACU ruling about when you can get a bike exceeding 250cc, you will have to wait until you leave A Class.

The manufacturers have known about the EU ruling since the year 2000, they should have been producing more 125s long ago.

It is NOT an ACU rule but a Europe wide rule. The ACU just have to conform, as will the AMCA and others I would have thought.