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Message started by Paladin on 05/03/05 at 20:41:13

Title: Trials
Post by Paladin on 05/03/05 at 20:41:13

While image surfing a came accross:

http://www.texasoffroad.net/galleries/trials/World-Rounds/11frexsat1

My last bike before the Savage was a Honda TLR200 Reflex -- a street legal Trials bike. I was never anywhere near as good as the worst competitor. World champion class riders ride over 7 foot tall vertical rock walls:
http://www.texasoffroad.net/albums/trials/World-Rounds/2frexsat4.sized.jpg

Title: Re: Trials
Post by Bluejeanz on 05/04/05 at 07:46:18

Yikes...that just makes my stomach hurt watching! I am very impressed with those who can do that, though.

Title: Re: Trials
Post by gazab44 on 05/04/05 at 07:48:11

i'm impressed too..until they fall..ouch!! then all i think is why?

Title: Re: Trials
Post by Paladin on 05/04/05 at 09:02:34

The why part is easy. You have street bikes that stall trying to climb a curb. You have dual purpose bikes that walk over the telephone poles used to border parking lots. You have off roaders who ride mule trails.

Then you have those who ride trials. The do not go fast, but they can ride their bikes over any obstacle -- including seven foot walls.

I started riding dirt in '74 with my DT-175. In '86 I bought the first TLR200 sold by Gardena Honda, at a discount. The object was to be able to go places that stymied the Enduro. The Enduro was actually about 75% street/25% dirt. The Reflex was 95% dirt with the 5% barely making it street legal. Forks could twist nearly 90 degrees left/right. Weight under 200 pounds.

Before I could develop skill with the bike I got married and life sort of interferred with my biking. Now, at 58, I'm no longer willing (or able) to ride off-road like I used to.

Title: Re: Trials
Post by Reelthing on 05/04/05 at 10:21:20

I found that I no longer bounce worth a dang

Title: Re: Trials
Post by bentwheel on 05/04/05 at 12:32:38

Modern trials and indoor trials is the most difficult of all motorcycle disciplines. Let’s face it, given the proper motorcycle, any motorcyclist could get around a racetrack, be it a road course or dirt track. Anybody can get around on a scrambles, or TT course, or motocross track, or a drag strip. An enduro would be tougher, but most would probably make good progress. I am not saying anyone can win or even do well, what I mean is you can ride and complete the course and stay alive. I suspect precious few motorcyclists would attempt a single trials section, let alone, score well or clean it. Todays trials riders are truly supermen.

Title: Re: Trials
Post by Paladin on 05/04/05 at 13:54:54

I always considered it to be the ballet of motorcycling. The part of motorcycling where finesse is a greater requirement than brute power.

Watching a Trials Meet is an educational experience. You look at the section, say "no way!" Then you watch someone clean it and you mind numbs as it tries to accept that people can do the impossible.