Long Distance Trials Bikes We Like

[Tim Kingham]

Of the best (solo) bikes I have used
1. Unit Triumph 500 twin lightened to 300 lbs
2. Yamaha Serrow
3  SP370
4  Beta Alp
5 52 Triumph Trophy
6 Suzuki DR350
 Of the worst
98 Model 50 Norton
99 Bultaco Trials
100 Honda Trans Alp

[Jason Potts]

The Bultaco in at 99 

Why so bad?

[Paul K]

I was just thinking how good would a Suzuki GT500 engine trials bike be when I came across this.

That does look nice.

Of the worst
98 Model 50 Norton
99 Bultaco Trials
100 Honda Trans Alp

I had a Bultaco Sherpa 250 from new.  It came as a kit to avoid purchase tax.  A lovely bike, good quality, excellent build and a terrific one day trials bike.  Number 1 for me.  And certainly better than my Greeves Anglian, though, I had used the Greeves for MCC trials as well as one day trials..

[Jason Potts]

My preference is with a converted road bike for LDT's. (This is only my opinion). Smoother, better road manners, better seat and generally less fatiguing on the rider. The down side is that they aren't as good on the observed sections but if you get the weight down and some good fork's on the front you can get to the end.

I'm not very tall so all off road bikes are too tall for me anyway.

I think you are definitely on the right path with that GS500 project Paul. I really like that.

Love the triumph twins, wish I could afford one. 

[Paul K]

I think you are definitely on the right path with that GS500 project Paul. I really like that.

If I ever get to enter it in an event, you're welcome to take it for a spin  .

[Tim Kingham]

The Bultaco sherpa was a good one day trials bike but its not a LET bike
Hard seat, uncomfortable, poor lights, no fuel capacity, slow need I say more...
and nothing nothing goes up those hills like a lowish compression Triumph unit bike

[Jason Potts]

If I ever get to enter it in an event, you're welcome to take it for a spin  . 

That's very kind of you Paul. Not sure when i'll be out next though, going to be very busy for a while on the new house. When we finally get to move that is.

I've really missed the lands end this year. That's my favourite 

[Paul K]

Fancy taking this beast up Simms or Tillerton?  It’s what Revival Cycles (USA) did with Royal Enfield’s new Interceptor 650.  A narrower wheel rim on the front and the job’s a good’un 


It’s got Suzuki DR-Z forks, with upgraded springs, for increased travel and weight savings and shouldered alloy 18 x 3.5” wheels.


There’s a description of the build at https://www.bikeexif.com/royal-enfield-interceptor-650-scrambler?omhide=true

[Tony Ferrari (Nomad)]

Looks lovely but might be a tad loud, especially on the night-time sections!

[Paul K]

Just wear ear plugs 

[Stephen Bailey]

Just wear ear plugs 

 

[Alastair Queen]

Just wear ear plugs 

Or, simply, post boxes of them through the letterboxes of local residents?  [With compliments of MCC written on them, of course?  Plus,  a statement denying they are in fact, 2nd-hand?]

[Jason Potts]

Hey Chaps, saw one of these Mash 650cc bikes being test ridden on youtube the other day.

https://riders.drivemag.com/news/mash-brings-the-x-ride-classic-650-at-an-affordable-price/

the guy was saying it uses the Honda dominator engine. seen them for sale on ebay brand new for just under 5k. 

shame about the 17" wheels tho. 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mash-X-RIDE-CLASSIC-650-2021-BRAND-NEW-MODEL-VERY-XT-HIGH-SPEC-SINGLE-FUN-4999/254793250227?hash=item3b52dc75b3:g:82sAAOSwAu5fw8Ex

[Stephen Bailey]

You can get some good trials tyres for 17 inch rims....

However they could be re-laced into at least 18 inch rims....

Might even be enough room at the front for a 21 inch.... 

[Jason Potts]

Yeah i totally agree. A minimum change would be a 19" front rim. Better if you could convert it to 18" and 21".

But super value for a brand new 650cc single.