Hi guys and gals basically I'm a complete novice rider and have been meaning to buy a bike for a while I have spotted a few bikes which look decent to the untrained eye and would like to get an opinion from people with some more experience, I'm quite tall being 6"2 and weighing in at just over 255lbs I'm quite big and am aware of the challenges which may follow. I have around 1.8grand to spend and would really like a bike which isn't too hard to repair and would be good to get me started on.

Here's some I've been looking at, feel free to tell me if I'm looking in completely the wrong place and any advice would be muchly appreciated.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3050687.htm

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3063797.htm

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3051763.htm

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3037788.htm - quite a bit over my budget but if it's really worth it I'd consider it.

Any advice would be appreciated

Edited July 26, 201115 yr by nathanb

I'll always pass on the advice I was given as it turned out to be sound. Go and find a decent Montesa 315r. Not the lightest, not the best, but super reliable and powerful enough for bigger lads like us.

I have a 2001. I bought it for a grand about 4 years ago and probably spent another 300 quid sorting it out. It's been brilliant ever since. Possibly the perfect beginners bike. They're also pretty much at their base value now too, they won't get much cheaper I don't think, so represent good value when you come to buy another bike.

People will probably tell you that the beta 125 is the bike you'll actually learn the most on, and the 290s can be a bit overpowered for a newb. Don't think for a minute that because they appear slow, trials bikes aren't powerful - they'll catch you out in the bat of an eyelid...

I don'd disagree, but that little gasser does look sweet! And if that is the fellow I think it is , he knows his stuff! Is it near you? Good to have friends nearby!

Oh, and do not fret, it will pull you just fine! And then some!

Edited July 28, 201115 yr by copemech

I don't think I could be doing with those blue wheels though...

What??? those blue wheels look sweet!!!

I can't tell you about the others but I know the sherco 290 is an awesome bike. tough too (I have tested this many times). I am about 6ft and 200lbs.

people might say the 290 is a lot of engine for a newb but I started on one (though I am experienced on other motocycles) without getting into trouble because of the power. Actually I think the extra grunt down low has allowed me to "chug"/"lug" it up the last bit of a few hill climbs that I would have stalled a smaller bike on, basically it has allowed me to be a little less than perfect and still get up the hill.

Good luck finding the right bike.... post up some pics when you get one!

I like the Shercos, will be my next bike for sure.

Iam new to trial's also but experianced with moto'x bikes and me being 6ft2 16.2 stone i think a 125 would be ok for a short while and then you would be ready for a 250 upward's so you might as well get a 250cc straight away.

I too am new to trials bikes, I'm 6'1" and who knows what I wiegh, I managed to find a really nice Gasgas fortuna JTX 250 on fleabay, the bike is bloody fantastic for me just the right amount of power and perfect gearing, it looks normal as in not tricked up with flashy plastics, wheels, trim etc which I feel would make the bike look even more capable than me !

Good luck in finding the right bike and have fun

Sherco 290 is way too much of and handful, My mates had one and they were terrible for novice riders. We usually get in the top ten in the 50/50 route and they sank to the bottom because they could not control the bike`s power. I think a 125 maybe under powered so go with a 250 or GasGas 300 upto 08 model as they are smooth but have grunt.