Newbie trials bike

Hi all,
I'm new to the forum and will hopefully be new to trials riding soon.  I know very little about the sport other than what I saw in Baraboo last summer, but want to learn more and participate.  Since checking out the Baraboo trials, I have been itching to get a bike, but know absolutely nothing about them.  I don't want to spend too much $ on a bike (>$1500).  Is it possible to get a decent beginner bike in this price range?  What should I look for in a bike?  Is there anything that I should keep away from as a beginner? 

~Smooth

Smooth,

Everyone has their favorite brands, but I have not heard anything bad about any of the current major brands (GasGas, Sherco, Scorpa, Montesa, Beta).  If you plan to keep the bike awhile, you may be better off buying a bike that is a 1999 model or newer, as these models are a bit lighter and tighter.  Trials bikes are suprisingly tuff in general and most are not stressed/worn like a typical used MX/Enduro bike.  If you are of average adult weight, a 250cc or a 280cc provides plenty of power. Some claim a 175-200cc is all anyone would ever need to ride an event. I have been riding a 2002 GasGas 280 Edition (272cc) for almost two seasons and I am very happy with it.   I rode a vintage '78 Bultaco 350 before that.  For an idea on prices see http://www.gasgas.com/forsale.shtml or http://www.trialsxchange.com/ or http://www.umta.org/  or http://www.nitrotrials.com/ .  But if your budget says $1500 max, then you'll likely be looking at older models. Pre-'99 models will be a few pounds heavier.  Pre-'94 models may be questionable as far as parts availability/condition. I have heard that the Yamaha TY250 monoshock (late '80's) can be a good starter bike if you have limited funds.  You could place "Want Ads" on the sites I have listed above and see what comes your way. Maybe someone reading your post here has got an old bike looking for a new home.    Good luck... and see on the loop.

Dave



Dave

Thanks for all the links and info.  I am not pinned to the $1500 limit, but I was hoping to spend as little as I could while getting something that I cold keep a while.  Being that I weigh 190Lbs, I was thinking that I should go with a 250cc or 280cc to lug my big rump.  I am going to keep my eyes open for a 1999 or newer.  I did find this which I thought was interesting.  http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/mcy/301485455.html

~Smooth

Thanks for all the links and info.  I am not pinned to the $1500 limit, but I was hoping to spend as little as I could while getting something that I cold keep a while.  Being that I weigh 190Lbs, I was thinking that I should go with a 250cc or 280cc to lug my big rump.  I am going to keep my eyes open for a 1999 or newer.  I did find this which I thought was interesting.  http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/mcy/301485455.html

~Smooth

That's funny, I hardly ever look on CL and I just saw that ad too.  IMHO I would not recommend any of these, unless you want to run vintage.  The 125 TL's are nice little capable bikes, but are very soft on power for a big guy.  The TL 250's were just too heavy.

Find a modern bike and you will be happier.  There is a late 90's GG 280 for sale in East Dubuque.  He's been asking $2200, but might take less.