stoker Posted January 21, 2014 Report Share Posted January 21, 2014 I'm sure this post has been done to death, but I'm getting more confused the more I read about things. I'm wanting to start trial riding for a bit of fun,nothing too competitive as yet. The last time I rode a bike was about 25 years ago and it was Yamaha TY175, the bike it's self will have been at least 10 years old at the time and you needed a crane to lift the front end up (you get the picture). I want something suitable and reliable but also something manageable, that won't fling me off at every opportunity. From what I've read the beta rev 3 seems to come recommended, but I don't really know. My inital thoughts were to go for something older but in good condition, there is a gas gas contact 1997 not too far away that is excellent, but I'm now thinking that might be a bit too old and heavy compared to modern machines. I also almost bought a Sherco 290 but when I looked at some footage on youtube, 2 guys mucking about were thrown off 6 times in the 5 minute video. Any help or thoughts are much appreciated and I'm sorry if I'm treading over old ground here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lestergg2005 Posted January 21, 2014 Report Share Posted January 21, 2014 Unsure what sort of budget you have but if you are looking at say £800 to £1000 for a bike then a Montesa 315 would be a great bike. Easy to ride, maintain and great build quality ! Beta Rev 3 is also ok but early models suffered with stator problems. Sherco 290 could prove to be a bit of a handful for a novice ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peterh Posted January 21, 2014 Report Share Posted January 21, 2014 Everybody will have their preference and ultimately it needs to be a bike that suits you. A Beta 200 could just be the bike you need - but that is just an opinion. Too many factors to consider to make the correct choice for somebody else. My experience in getting back to trials after 19 years away (having up to that time gone from TL125, TY250A, TL250, Montesa Cota 348, Cota 200 and Cota 242) was to get aboard a Fantic 245 (aircooled monoshock) but 3 months later, one ride of a 2009 Beta Evo 125 convinced me of the lightness, ease and fun that the modern bike was and with the 125 it gave me all the opportunity to learn how to ride again without throwing me into trouble. But having caught the bug again, a year later was a brand new Beta Evo 200. Takes me everywhere I need to go and more than capable - more capable than me, if the truth be told. But then again a nice new shiny Jotagas beckons! The bug will get you in the end!! Whatever you get now, you are likely to look to the next! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ourian Posted January 21, 2014 Report Share Posted January 21, 2014 Now there's a coincidence, I'm new to trials and have just sold my '97 contact JTX250 and brought a TY175 instead. They both weigh the same 81kg, but although the JTX is lighter on the front end by approx 4 kilos, it also feels heavier overall. The power delivery of the TY is different, slow to start but then kicks in, whereas the JTX is instant and constant from the word go. Sump clearance on the JTX is approx 2"-3" higher and therefore feels higher when riding. Parts are still available from Gas Gas for the JTX and the build quality was fine, probably stronger than a newer bike. Is it possible that the TY you rode didn't have the pegs lowered and set further back, which would explain a heavy front end? As for being flung off, you need to accept it as being part of the learning experience, the bike won't fling you off, you be doing that yourself, having said that I do agree that a 290 is too powerful for a novice, stick to a 250 or lower. If you do choose an older bike make sure it has been maintained well and not abused. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stoker Posted January 21, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2014 Thanks for the advice. The Beta 200 sounds very appealing, but in my trawl through the classifieds they seem very few and far between. I've looked at 315r's too and also read elsewhere these were decent to start on, but there prices seem to be significantly higher than other makes of trials bike. Is this purely down to the fact they're bulletproof and reliable, or does supply and demand play a part too. There are a few about I've seen but no where near as many as Sherco, Beta and Gas Gas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nelly1 Posted January 21, 2014 Report Share Posted January 21, 2014 the 315 is a great bike and as you say its bombproof and if you look after it you wont loose any money on it a great first bike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattylad Posted January 24, 2014 Report Share Posted January 24, 2014 I would go for a 315 as well, bulletproof and easy to ride... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adamspad5 Posted January 24, 2014 Report Share Posted January 24, 2014 Don't forget the yam engined Scorpa's. Great build quality, bulletproof yam engine, can be picked up cheap and very easy for a novice/clubman rider. Ive learned more on mine in the last 12 months than I did on my last gassa in 3 years ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trialsrfun Posted January 26, 2014 Report Share Posted January 26, 2014 Definitely nothing bigger than 250cc. If you can find one a Beta Rev 3 200cc, you would not go wrong with one of those they are the perfect bike for a beginner & you will not find it lacking later on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stoker Posted January 26, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2014 Thanks for all your advice. I've landed myself a what looks like a nice monte. Picking it on Friday, just need to learn to ride it properly now. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Montesa-Honda-315R-Trials-Bike-/251427591994?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&nma=true&si=nddzxb6YFxpV4hFVQSqgx%252B%252FLEhM%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
perce Posted January 27, 2014 Report Share Posted January 27, 2014 That's a 2000 model bike, not a 1999 model, although there's nothing sinister about it being a 1999 dvla registration. If you think you're missing a gear the advert is wrong, the bike should have a 5 speed box. Hopefully you should have a nice bike that should hold it's money if & when you wan to move to something newer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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