Montesa Honda is the Spanish subsidiary of Honda , which assembles several models of motorcycles , bicycles , and parts at its Barcelona ...More »
2013/09/19
Scorpa Trial Bike
Scorpa is a manufacturer of trials motorcycles based near Alès , France . It was founded in 1993 by Marc Teissier and Joël Domergue. The...More »
Beta Trial Bike
A 2000 Beta Rev 3 Beta is an Italian motorcycle manufacturer, specialising in off-road motorcycles. Beta are best known for their pop...More »
Sherco Trial Bike
A Sherco 2.9 trials bike. Sherco is a French and Spanish motorcycle manufacturer, specialising in off-road motorbikes. Sherco are ...More »
Gas Gas Trial Bike
Gas Gas is a Spanish motorcycle manufacturer, specialising in off-road motorbikes. Gas Gas are best known for their extremely popular tr...More »
Trials Scoring Guidelines
The object of observed trials is to ride a specified piece of ground with entry and exit gates and side boundaries (known as a section) ...More »
Motorcycle Trials
Motorcycle trials , also termed observed trials , is a non-speed event on specialized motorcycles . The sport is most popular in the United ...More »
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Montesa Honda Trial Bike
Montesa Honda is the Spanish subsidiary of Honda, which assembles several models of motorcycles, bicycles, and parts at its Barcelona plant. The company exports 75 per cent of its production to Europe
Montesa was formed in 1944 by Pedro Permanyer and Francisco Xavier "Paco" Bultó. Their first Montesa prototype was based upon the French Motobécane
models of that time. Permanyer began to produce his own gas engines,
which allowed for a new area in motorcycles to be explored and expanded
into. Permanyer and Bultó teamed up in Barcelona and created a
light-weight motorcycle. This led to the creation of a bike powered by a
95cc two-stroke
engine with no rear suspension. Despite some setbacks, they sold 22 of
these units in the first year of production. The next year, the
partnership focused on production improvements and meeting the growing
demand for their bike. As a successor to the previous model, Bultó
designed a new 125cc roadster, which was tested in many the trail-type
rallies and semi-enduros that were popular in Spain at the time.
This model went on to enter the 1951 International Six Days Enduro.
The bike was entered in by the factory, being ridden by Bultó and G.
Cavestany. In the early 1950s, Montesa entered many races in the 125cc
class of road racing.
These bikes featured six-speed, bolt on gearboxes, in semi-unit
construction, with all gears running on needle-roller bearings. By 1956,
these Montesa 125s were very competitive and took second, third and
fourth places in the Ultra-Lightweight race at the Isle of Man TT.
The most successful Montesa street bike of the '50s was the Brio 80, of which more than 12,000 were produced. The success of the Brio and the other models, led to the opening of a new and larger factory in Espluges de Llobregat. The Brio 80 and Brio 90 models contained many new advances, such as moving the carburetor behind the cylinder, and a handbrake. However, a slump in the Spanish economy had forced Permanyer to cut back on the company's racing activities. Permanyer wanted to pull out of road racing, but Bultó insisted that they stay in. In May 1958, chief designer Bultó left, taking with him several of Montesa's vital personnel. Permanyer had not only lost the brilliant designer Bultó, but also his 30% share of the company.
Fortunately for both, Spain's economy began to improve. Permanyer
promoted the all-around champion motorcyclist Pedro Pi from head test
rider to chief development engineer. Leopold Mila was made Technical
Director and Permanyer's son Javier, was to be Sports Assistant. Work
began right away on designing a brand new all-unit-construction 175cc
engine that by 1960, would power the latest Impala sports roadster
model. This engine would form the basis of the company's future trials
and motocross
machines. To promote sales of this model, three Impala's were taken to
Africa where they covered over 12,000 miles of terrain, most of it being
off-road. Back in Spain, Pi was busy winning the Spanish motocross and road race championships and working on a new 250cc version.
Following its introduction in 1965, the 250 engine would be the cornerstone of the company's future success. Mounted on the new 250 Scorpion scrambler, Pi won the Spanish championship again in 1966 and the similarly engined Sport roadster won the Barcelona 24-hour endurance road race. In 1967 the first Montesa trials models appeared and in 1968 retitled the Cota, Pi won the Spanish Trials Championship. After adding this title to go along with the road race and six motocross titles, he retired from competition to devote his full energy to bike development.
In the decade following, Montesa had unprecedented growth around the
World and one has to remember that unlike Bulto's bike, the Bultaco,
Montesa only sent a small percentage of its production to the States,
concentrating mostly on the European market. Trials models were offered
in many different sizes 25, 49, 125, 175, 250, 348 and 349, as were
motocrossers 125, 175, 250, 360 and 414. This also included a line of
street and Enduro models also. In 1973, the VR (Vehkonen
Replica) was released and set the standard for 1974, as did the 348
Cota did in 1976. Ulf Karlsson won the World Trials Championship on a
Cota in 1980.
By 1981, another round of economic unrest in Spain began to hinder motorcycle manufacturers. Strikes
and a shrinking market left Montesa as the only major motorcycle
concern in the country; however they were in need for a major influx of
capital in order to continue to survive. A loan from the government and
shares sold to Honda
(to establish a European manufacturing base for their commuter bikes)
helped production continue. Indeed, one of the government's stipulations
was that Honda would guarantee that production would not stop. Honda
was prepared to stockpile trials bikes and to sell them off at a loss in
an effort to reach Europe's more profitable market and to bypass
restrictive import tariffs.
In July 1985, a major reorganization took place and a large amount of money from Honda was received. By then, only two trials models were offered and the workforce had dwindled to a mere 152 employees. A year later, there were further financial moves between Honda, Spain's government and the Permanyer family, leading to Honda buying the majority of the family's remaining shares. Honda now had an 85% holding and spent another $5 million on modifying and updating the factory.
Montesa was still active in World Trials competition throughout the 1980s and into the 1990s. Even though reduced to only offering one model, the Cota, such riders like former World Champion Eddy Lejeune and Andrew Codina rode the bike to good results in the mid-'80s. In 1992-93, the liquid-cooled Cota 311 was produced; this was to be the last "real" Montesa. In 1994, a new model, the 314R, was introduced. This model featured an HRC Honda powerplant with many other components from Honda. Montesa-mounted Marc Colomer won the World title in 1996 and the 315R followed in early '97. The 315R had a run of 7 years, taking Dougie Lampkin to many world championships, and was replaced by the technically advanced four-stroke Cota 4RT in 2005.
#source:wikipedia
Permanyer and Bultó
 |
| D-51" (125cc)early 50's |
 |
| Brio 110 (125cc) 1959-62 |
The most successful Montesa street bike of the '50s was the Brio 80, of which more than 12,000 were produced. The success of the Brio and the other models, led to the opening of a new and larger factory in Espluges de Llobregat. The Brio 80 and Brio 90 models contained many new advances, such as moving the carburetor behind the cylinder, and a handbrake. However, a slump in the Spanish economy had forced Permanyer to cut back on the company's racing activities. Permanyer wanted to pull out of road racing, but Bultó insisted that they stay in. In May 1958, chief designer Bultó left, taking with him several of Montesa's vital personnel. Permanyer had not only lost the brilliant designer Bultó, but also his 30% share of the company.
Growth and success in the 1960s and 1970s
 |
| The most famous model in its homeland: the Impala (1962-70) |
 |
| Montesa Cota 247 |
Following its introduction in 1965, the 250 engine would be the cornerstone of the company's future success. Mounted on the new 250 Scorpion scrambler, Pi won the Spanish championship again in 1966 and the similarly engined Sport roadster won the Barcelona 24-hour endurance road race. In 1967 the first Montesa trials models appeared and in 1968 retitled the Cota, Pi won the Spanish Trials Championship. After adding this title to go along with the road race and six motocross titles, he retired from competition to devote his full energy to bike development.
 |
| Montesa Cota 4RT |
Honda partnership
 |
| 2008 Montesa COTA 4RT |
In July 1985, a major reorganization took place and a large amount of money from Honda was received. By then, only two trials models were offered and the workforce had dwindled to a mere 152 employees. A year later, there were further financial moves between Honda, Spain's government and the Permanyer family, leading to Honda buying the majority of the family's remaining shares. Honda now had an 85% holding and spent another $5 million on modifying and updating the factory.
Montesa was still active in World Trials competition throughout the 1980s and into the 1990s. Even though reduced to only offering one model, the Cota, such riders like former World Champion Eddy Lejeune and Andrew Codina rode the bike to good results in the mid-'80s. In 1992-93, the liquid-cooled Cota 311 was produced; this was to be the last "real" Montesa. In 1994, a new model, the 314R, was introduced. This model featured an HRC Honda powerplant with many other components from Honda. Montesa-mounted Marc Colomer won the World title in 1996 and the 315R followed in early '97. The 315R had a run of 7 years, taking Dougie Lampkin to many world championships, and was replaced by the technically advanced four-stroke Cota 4RT in 2005.
#source:wikipedia
Scorpa Trial Bike
Scorpa is a manufacturer of trials motorcycles based near Alès, France.
It was founded in 1993 by Marc Teissier and Joël Domergue. The first
model produced by the company was the WORKS 294 in 1994, powered by a
single-cylinder, two-stroke Rotax engine. In 1998, Scorpa signed an agreement with Yamaha Motor Company to use its engines in subsequent models.
The final range included trials bikes ranging from 125 cc to 249 cc, in both two- and four-stroke variants. Scorpa also produced "long ride" models, that were mechanically similar to the SY trials range, but with a larger fuel tank, and a seat to allow longer trekking use. Non-traditional models included the BMX-inspiried 4-Tricks and the trials/trail hybrid T-Ride.
On July 13, 2009, Scorpa announced on its website that it was going into bankruptcy liquidation.
In September 2009 it was announced that original owner Marc Tessier had purchased the company. Operations have moved from Ales to Nîmes, France, and a full complement of Trials models will be produced for 2010. These will include the TYS125 four-stroke, a 125 and 250 cc two-stroke SY, and a T-Ride model.
#source:wikipedia
The final range included trials bikes ranging from 125 cc to 249 cc, in both two- and four-stroke variants. Scorpa also produced "long ride" models, that were mechanically similar to the SY trials range, but with a larger fuel tank, and a seat to allow longer trekking use. Non-traditional models included the BMX-inspiried 4-Tricks and the trials/trail hybrid T-Ride.
On July 13, 2009, Scorpa announced on its website that it was going into bankruptcy liquidation.
In September 2009 it was announced that original owner Marc Tessier had purchased the company. Operations have moved from Ales to Nîmes, France, and a full complement of Trials models will be produced for 2010. These will include the TYS125 four-stroke, a 125 and 250 cc two-stroke SY, and a T-Ride model.
 |
| SR 280 model |
Beta Trial Bike
 |
| A 2000 Beta Rev 3 |
History
 |
| Beta 160 Vulcano Sport, 1955 |
Trials models
Beta have produced motorcycles for observed trials since the early 1980s and are now one of the leading manufactures. Unlike the Trail and Enduro models, the trials bike have used Beta's own engines. |
| A 1983 Beta TR240, |
- TR240 (1983-4) First trial model, twinshock suspension 125cc,200cc engines, the majority with reed valve induction.
- TR32, (1984-5) Air-cooled, monoshock model, produced in parallel with the twinshock model, same engine as TR240
- TR33, (1985-6)
- TR34, (1986-9) Very successful trials model, stripey paintwork, 125cc - 260cc engines
- TR35, (1989–91) Air-cooled engine series
- Zero, (1989–92) Water-cooled monoshock
- Synt, (1992-4) Water-cooled monoshock
- SuperTrial, (1992-3) Air-cooled engine
- Gara, (1993-4)
- Techno, (1994-9) 125cc version from 1995
- Rev-3, (1999–2008) 2-stroke trials
- Rev-4, (2007–08) 4-stroke trials
- Evo [2009-] 2-stroke and 4-stroke
 |
| Evo 2013 250/300 2T MY13 |
Enduro and motocross models
 |
| Beta E3 bike |
The Beta Enduro bikes have used KTM engines since their return in 2004, though 2009 sees the launch of bikes with Beta's own power units.
Trail models
The Alp trail motorcycle models have used air-cooled Suzuki DR-model engines and have a good reputation at commuters and 'green-lane' trail bikes. With a low seat height and a reputation as an easy to ride motorcycle, they are ideal to beginners of off-road riding.| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Motorcycle manufacturing |
| Founded | 1904, Florence |
| Founder(s) | Giuseppe Bianchi, Arrigo Tosi |
| Headquarters | Rignano sull'Arno, Italy |
| Area served | Worldwide |
| Website | betamotor.com |
Sherco Trial Bike
 |
| A Sherco 2.9 trials bike. |
The company was founded in 1998, and currently has two production facilities. A factory in Caldes de Montbui, Spain, some 30 kilometres (19 mi) north of Barcelona is where the company's trials bikes are manufactured. Enduro and supermoto bikes are built at a factory in Nîmes, France, close to Italy.
The name, Sherco, derives from the amalgamation of two words, Bultaco and Sherpa, that harks back to the company's origins. Although Sherco was founded in 1998, it was 1999 before the first trials bike rolled of the production line. It brought together all the best components from its rival manufacturers. So good in fact was the initial design, that the main chassis design was not changed until 2006; 7 years after its conception, and the engine was not drastically changed until 2011, which in the fast changing world of trials motorcycle evolution, is a long time.
 |
| J Richardson on a Sherco MAIL MRS. |
In 2006, Sherco modified the tuning of the 2.9, 272cc, model; making a more mellow throttle response for better grip in wet conditions. This was done by increasing the volume of the cylinder head combustion chamber (lowering the compression ratio) and reducing the cross section area of the transfer ports. Other changes including the new chassis (now painted black rather than chrome plated), new gearbox ratios and a new front fork manufacturer. All these changes made the 2006 Sherco more usable for more riders. 2006 also saw the introduction of a Cabestany replica 2.9 model with limited edition graphics.
In 2009, Sherco introduced the Sherco R; a commercially available version of Albert Cabestany's works machine available in 2.9 (2-stroke) and 3.2 (4-stroke) models, which, among other modifications, included: a titanium exhaust front pipe, high compression cylinder head, keihin carburettor and numerous carbon fibre components.
 |
| Fabien Planet at the 2010 WEC GP of Italy |
#source:wikipedia
Gas Gas Trial Bike
Gas Gas is a Spanish motorcycle manufacturer, specialising in off-road motorbikes. Gas Gas are best known for their extremely popular trials bikes, although they also make successful enduro and quad bikes.
Gas Gas emerged from the financial demise of Bultaco when two agents, Narcìs Casas and Josep Piebernat found themselves with a shop but no product to sell. So they embarked on a program to manufacture trial motorbikes for sale in their shop.
Gas Gas have manufactured and sold motorcycles since 1985. They are leaders in the world trials market and are strong contenders in the enduro sector.
The brand is known for a very high quality product and the continuous
research and technical development they put into their product. A majority of the Gas Gas models are still handbuilt at the Gas Gas factory in Salt (near Girona), Spain. Gas Gas began manufacturing trials bikes in 1985, enduro and motocross bikes in 1989, and quads in 2002.
In 1993, Gas Gas succeeded in luring the multiple world trials champion Jordi Tarrés away from Beta and he promptly won three successive world trials championships (1993, 1994 and 1995) for Gas Gas.
More recently Gas Gas have won the Trial Outdoor World Championship twice (2005 and 2006) with Adam Raga. They have also won the Trial Indoor World Championship in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 also with Raga riding.
Gas Gas have also achieved success at the highest level in the World Enduro Championship. Paul Edmondson won the 125 cc world championship in 1994 and the 250 cc class in 1996, Petteri Silván the 250 cc and the overall championship in 1999, and Petri Pohjamo the 125 cc class in 2003.
In 2006, British Enduro Champion Wayne Braybrook, riding a Gas Gas, was one of only two riders to finish all 80 miles of the Red Bull Last Man Standing event. 126 other riders did not finish the race.
While the EC ("Endurocross") and MC (motocross) models are shipped worldwide, Gas Gas have manufactured specialized models for the United States off-road market. The XC ("Cross Country" produced from 1999–2002) and the DE ("Dealer Edition" produced from 2002–2006) models were successful attempts to customize the product to the US market.
The FSE and FSR are the fuel injected, four-stroke enduro bikes similar in appearance to the EC models.
Prior to 2007, each color on the EC model line represented the engine displacement range of the motor.
The Gas Gas sport quads are known by the Wild HP brand and come in two-stroke and fuel injected four-stroke models.
Prior to 2007, the Wild HP line of quads were available in choice of blue or red regardless of displacement. Beginning in 2007 the Wild HP line standardized to black.
#source:wikipedia
Gas Gas emerged from the financial demise of Bultaco when two agents, Narcìs Casas and Josep Piebernat found themselves with a shop but no product to sell. So they embarked on a program to manufacture trial motorbikes for sale in their shop.
Manufacturing
 |
| 2006 Gas Gas Raga edition trials Bike. |
Championships and riders
 |
| Gas Gas trials paddock, Duluth, MN 2004. |
More recently Gas Gas have won the Trial Outdoor World Championship twice (2005 and 2006) with Adam Raga. They have also won the Trial Indoor World Championship in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 also with Raga riding.
Gas Gas have also achieved success at the highest level in the World Enduro Championship. Paul Edmondson won the 125 cc world championship in 1994 and the 250 cc class in 1996, Petteri Silván the 250 cc and the overall championship in 1999, and Petri Pohjamo the 125 cc class in 2003.
In 2006, British Enduro Champion Wayne Braybrook, riding a Gas Gas, was one of only two riders to finish all 80 miles of the Red Bull Last Man Standing event. 126 other riders did not finish the race.
Meaning of the name
The name Gas Gas literally means "to gas it" (to accelerate, give it the gas, turn the throttle - to go faster.) The Gas Gas founders have, at times, expressed misgivings about the chosen name inasmuch as that name causes confusion outside Spain. Others have joked that Gas Gas are so good that they had to name them twice. The slogan "Gas Gas = Fast Fast" was used by the US importer, Gas Gas North America, from 1999–2002 to try and help people understand the unique name.Importing
Gas Gas bikes are currently imported into many countries in Europe and around the world, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South America, South Africa and the United States.Models
Enduro/off-road
 |
| 2005 MC 250 Motocross bike. |
The FSE and FSR are the fuel injected, four-stroke enduro bikes similar in appearance to the EC models.
Prior to 2007, each color on the EC model line represented the engine displacement range of the motor.
- Yellow - 125 cc and 200 cc.
- Red - 50 cc, 250 cc, 400 cc and 450 cc.
- Blue - 300 cc, 450 cc.
Trials
The TXT models are specifically designed for trials riding. The TXT trials model line also used a similar color code to the EC line.Quads
 |
| 2005 Gas Gas Wild HP240 Quad |
#source:wikipedia
Trials Scoring Guidelines
The object of observed trials is to ride a specified piece of ground with entry and exit gates and side boundaries (known as a section) without stopping (unless balanced with both feet on the pegs with no outside support). The rider with the lowest score is the winner. Points are allocated as follows:
A competitor's final score for each event will be the total scores of his rides. The numerical score will increase from a starting score of zero (0). Final overall and class places will be inverse to the numerical score. In the event of a tie, the competitor with the most "cleans" (zero points lost) will be declared the winner. If there is still a tie, go to 1's. The riders who are tied, at the discretion of the sponsoring club, may elect to have a ride-off, or both riders should be declared equal and given identical awards.
A rider shall be penalized only for the error he commits which carries the greatest number of penalty points, i.e., penalties in any given observed section shall not be cumulative (except for the first three dabs). It is the responsibility of the rider to see that his score card is complete, or duly marked, and turned-in on-time. All blank or unmarked spaces for designated sections on the score card will be considered non-attempts. If more than one-half of the last loop on the score card is not completed, the rider will be considered a non-finisher.
Scoring will be based on the point-lost system, listed below:
Penalty Faults:
- Footing once: 1 point
- Footing twice: 2 points
- Footing more than twice: 3 points
- Stopping without footing: no penalty
- Footing once while stopped: 1 point
- Footing twice while stopped: 2 points
- Moving backwards: 5 points
- Crosses or breaks a boundary: 5 points
- Sideways movement without forward motion (see definitions): 5 points
- Dead engine, with support: 5 points
- Handlebars touches the ground: 5 points
- Dismounting: 5 points
- Failure to complete a section within the 2 minutes allowed: 5 points (only at national events)
- Crossing tracks (complete loop): 5 points
- Receiving outside assistance in a section: 5 points
- The rider changes the severity of a section: 5 points
- If there is any question concerning penalties, the rider will always be given the benefit of the doubt.
Definitions:
Footing definitions: Any intentional contact between the riders foot or any other part of his body or bike (excluding the skid plate, footpegs, engine casings and their protection) and a supporting surface or object, is one point for each occurrence. Foot rotation counts as one point. Sliding a foot counts as one point. Both feet placed on ground simultaneously counts as two points.
Backing up: Backing-up with your feet on the pegs or while footing is considered to be a "5".
The handlebars of the machine touches the ground This is considered to be a "5".
Outside assistance: Any outside assistance while a rider is in a section is to be considered a "5".
Front axle in - Front axle out: All scoring is to take place as the front axle passes between the enter sign and all scoring is to cease as the front axle passes between the exit signs. Front axle must pass between Enter and Exit Markers.
Boundaries: A Front axle may pass over a boundary (except Enter & Exit), but it must not touch down directly beyond or adjacent to the boundary or it will result in a "5". A rider may ride on a Ribbon but not beyond it. There must be ground visible between tire and ribbon to be considered a "5".
Displacing a Marker Any displacement of markers by any direct contact with any part of the machine or body, requiring that they be reset is a "5".
Note: The rider is part of the machine unless the rider is in the act of dabbing.Split Gate: A split gate is treated like a ribbon, your tires may not go beyond your colored boundary designation directly adjacent to the marker.
Note: Dabbing on or outside a boundary is not a five, even if the marker needs to be reset. Touching a boundary with the machine, without requiring its resetting is OK (A breakage of exit gate with rear wheel is not considered a "5", the score is finished when front axle passes through the exit).
Dead Motor: A motorcycle with a dead motor may be restarted only if no support is used (tires only) A motorcycle with a dead motor pushed to the exit is considered to be a "5".
Dismounting: Footing of both feet on the same side of the bike is considered a dismount and a "5". Or both feet on the same side of the motorcycle (involving footage) is considered a dismount and a "5". Both hands must be on the handlebars while footing or it is considered to be a "5".
Out of bounds: Line of sight or line of Intent, any part of the motorcycle still within the line of sight between 2 flags is legal. Does not include Split Gates, this is for outside boundaries only. Competitors may not cross their own tracks unless the section is so designed, and OK'ed by the organizer.
In line position: When you pull up to a section and leave your bike you are not in line. When you return to your bike, go to the back of the line. This is common courtesy.
Other penalties: A rider may report to the observer and receive a five for that section even though he does not attempt it. If a rider misses the section or does not report to the observer, then he receives a 10. A rider should not alter the section while walking it, i.e. moving rocks, making a path with feet, etc. The penalty for a rider altering the section at any time other than during the scored ride is five for that ride. Unsportsmanlike conduct or offensive behavior can result in a penalty of 25. The 25 point penalty can be given at the sole discretion of any observer or course official.
#source:observedtrials
Motorcycle Trials
Motorcycle trials, also termed observed trials, is a non-speed event on specialized motorcycles. The sport is most popular in the United Kingdom and Spain, though there are participants around the globe.
Trial motorcycles are distinctive in that they are extremely lightweight, lack seating (they are designed to be ridden standing up) and have suspension travel that is short, relative to a motocross or enduro motorcycle.
Motorcycle trials is often utilized by competitors of other motorcycle sports (such as motocross or street racers) as a way to cross-train, as trials teaches great throttle, balance, and machine control.
Characteristics
The event is split into sections where a competitor rides through an obstacle course while attempting to avoid touching the ground with the feet. The obstacles in the course may be of natural or constructed elements. In all sections, regardless of content, the designated route is carefully contrived to test the skill of the rider. In many local observed trials events, the sections are divided into separate courses to accommodate the different skill level of riders, who compete in skill-rated classes. In every section, the competitor is scored by an observer (hence the sport's name) who counts how many times the competitor touches the ground with the foot (or any other part of the body). Each time a competitor touches the ground with a foot (commonly called "dabs" or "prods"), the penalty is one point.
The possible scores in each section consist of 0, 1, 2, 3, or 5. If a competitor makes their way through the section without touching the ground with a foot, they earn a score of 0 (which is called "cleaning the section"). If they touch the ground once, they receive a score of 1. If they touch down twice, they receive a score of 2. If they touch the ground three or more times, they earn a score of 3—as long as they complete the section without stalling the motor, dismounting, going out of bounds, or going backward. If the competitor fails to complete the section a score of 5 (sometimes colourfully called "a fiasco") is earned. The winner is the competitor with the fewest points at the end of the event. Some events are also timed with penalty points assessed to late riders. There is a world indoor and outdoor championship, as well as indoor and outdoor national team "world cups" (Trial des Nations). British competitor Dougie Lampkin is notable for winning seven world outdoor titles in the 1990s and 2000s, the same number that Spanish competitor Jordi Tarrés won in the 1980s and 1990s. Previous observed trials greats include Northern Ireland's Sammy Miller (1960s), Finland's Yrjö Vesterinen (1970s). The current outdoor world champion is Antoni Bou from Spain who is also the current indoor champion. In addition to the world championship events, there are other major events, such as the Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) and the Scott Trial.
Major current manufacturers of trials bikes are Gas Gas, Beta, Sherco, Montesa Honda, Scorpa and OSSA. In the past there have been many manufacturers, from countries such as Spain, Japan, Britain and Italy. Classic classes exist for vintage bikes. Classes include pre-1965 or -1967 motorcycles (typically British), as well as newer vintage events for observed trials motorcycles with two rear shock absorbers. In most cases, twin-shock motorcycles were manufactured before 1985 and are typically Japanese or Spanish. A recent addition has been a class for air-cooled monoshock bikes, this covers machines up to around 1990. A competition event is called an "observed trial" or "trial" (not plural), unless referred to as an "observed trials event." A newer name for the sport, MotoTrial, is gaining popularity, but is far from universally used or accepted.
Sidecar Trials
As well as the traditional solo motorcycle trials, there is a form of the sport on 3 wheels known as Sidecar Trials consisting of a driver and a passenger. The competition is run in the same way as a standard motorcycle trial with the only exception being additional ways to be given a score of 5. This involves the passenger, who will earn the competitor a 5 if any part of the passenger's body touches any terrain. The role of the passenger is to balance the sidecar and prevent the sidecar wheel from lifting which would cause the driver to restablise the outfit by using his foot (incurring a score of 1). Sidecar Trials is predominantly British, however there are events run in Europe and Australia. The British Championship is the highest level of competition, held over 10 rounds with 3 difficulty levels; Clubman, Intermediate & Expert, with the Expert class championship winner being named British Sidecar Trials Champion.
Different aspect to Motorcycle Trials
There is another type of motorcycle trial known as a long distance trial. This is where not only modern motorcycles take part but vintage motorcycles and cars too. Long distance trials are not restricted to one venue. It incorporates a carefully planned out route for the competitors to follow and make stops at various locations incorporating places throughout many different counties. This takes place not only on the main roads but also lanes that are steep, rough and loose surfaced hills. Points are given to the competitor for putting his foot down on the ground, falling off or stopping (and putting their feet down). These trials can be expected to be completed within certain timescales and can mean not arriving at a particular section and or destination until your allocated timeslot. A popular club that runs this type of trial is the Motor Cycling Club (MCC) founded in 1901.
#source:wikipedia
Trial motorcycles are distinctive in that they are extremely lightweight, lack seating (they are designed to be ridden standing up) and have suspension travel that is short, relative to a motocross or enduro motorcycle.
Motorcycle trials is often utilized by competitors of other motorcycle sports (such as motocross or street racers) as a way to cross-train, as trials teaches great throttle, balance, and machine control.
The event is split into sections where a competitor rides through an obstacle course while attempting to avoid touching the ground with the feet. The obstacles in the course may be of natural or constructed elements. In all sections, regardless of content, the designated route is carefully contrived to test the skill of the rider. In many local observed trials events, the sections are divided into separate courses to accommodate the different skill level of riders, who compete in skill-rated classes. In every section, the competitor is scored by an observer (hence the sport's name) who counts how many times the competitor touches the ground with the foot (or any other part of the body). Each time a competitor touches the ground with a foot (commonly called "dabs" or "prods"), the penalty is one point.
The possible scores in each section consist of 0, 1, 2, 3, or 5. If a competitor makes their way through the section without touching the ground with a foot, they earn a score of 0 (which is called "cleaning the section"). If they touch the ground once, they receive a score of 1. If they touch down twice, they receive a score of 2. If they touch the ground three or more times, they earn a score of 3—as long as they complete the section without stalling the motor, dismounting, going out of bounds, or going backward. If the competitor fails to complete the section a score of 5 (sometimes colourfully called "a fiasco") is earned. The winner is the competitor with the fewest points at the end of the event. Some events are also timed with penalty points assessed to late riders. There is a world indoor and outdoor championship, as well as indoor and outdoor national team "world cups" (Trial des Nations). British competitor Dougie Lampkin is notable for winning seven world outdoor titles in the 1990s and 2000s, the same number that Spanish competitor Jordi Tarrés won in the 1980s and 1990s. Previous observed trials greats include Northern Ireland's Sammy Miller (1960s), Finland's Yrjö Vesterinen (1970s). The current outdoor world champion is Antoni Bou from Spain who is also the current indoor champion. In addition to the world championship events, there are other major events, such as the Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) and the Scott Trial.
Major current manufacturers of trials bikes are Gas Gas, Beta, Sherco, Montesa Honda, Scorpa and OSSA. In the past there have been many manufacturers, from countries such as Spain, Japan, Britain and Italy. Classic classes exist for vintage bikes. Classes include pre-1965 or -1967 motorcycles (typically British), as well as newer vintage events for observed trials motorcycles with two rear shock absorbers. In most cases, twin-shock motorcycles were manufactured before 1985 and are typically Japanese or Spanish. A recent addition has been a class for air-cooled monoshock bikes, this covers machines up to around 1990. A competition event is called an "observed trial" or "trial" (not plural), unless referred to as an "observed trials event." A newer name for the sport, MotoTrial, is gaining popularity, but is far from universally used or accepted.
Sidecar Trials
As well as the traditional solo motorcycle trials, there is a form of the sport on 3 wheels known as Sidecar Trials consisting of a driver and a passenger. The competition is run in the same way as a standard motorcycle trial with the only exception being additional ways to be given a score of 5. This involves the passenger, who will earn the competitor a 5 if any part of the passenger's body touches any terrain. The role of the passenger is to balance the sidecar and prevent the sidecar wheel from lifting which would cause the driver to restablise the outfit by using his foot (incurring a score of 1). Sidecar Trials is predominantly British, however there are events run in Europe and Australia. The British Championship is the highest level of competition, held over 10 rounds with 3 difficulty levels; Clubman, Intermediate & Expert, with the Expert class championship winner being named British Sidecar Trials Champion.
There is another type of motorcycle trial known as a long distance trial. This is where not only modern motorcycles take part but vintage motorcycles and cars too. Long distance trials are not restricted to one venue. It incorporates a carefully planned out route for the competitors to follow and make stops at various locations incorporating places throughout many different counties. This takes place not only on the main roads but also lanes that are steep, rough and loose surfaced hills. Points are given to the competitor for putting his foot down on the ground, falling off or stopping (and putting their feet down). These trials can be expected to be completed within certain timescales and can mean not arriving at a particular section and or destination until your allocated timeslot. A popular club that runs this type of trial is the Motor Cycling Club (MCC) founded in 1901.
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