Another Noob looking into Trials riding. Need advice

[G-BRO]

Hey guys,

Been lurking the trials side of TT here for awhile. I'm a huge trail riding nut here in Northern California. I would love to give intro level trials riding a shot. It looks like an absolute blast and a great way to boost your skills on 2 wheels.

That being said, I have an option to buy a 2004 Gas Gas Pro locally for 2500 bucks (maybe less). It's cosmetically in good shape and doesn't seem to have been ridden much. I NEVER find trials bikes for sale locally. Maybe I'm looking in the wrong places? My preference would be a Beta, however I feel like my hands are tied and to at least consider making an offer on this bike. Thoughts on the bike in general? I know it's not the ideal trials bike. I'm open to suggestions on how to find something else if this doesn't work out.

[sabortooth]

I would avoid getting a 300pro for a trail bike.

You can get bikes shipped for like 200 bucks from any US dealers like Jackscycles. Wait for what you want and buy it once.

[G-BRO]

I would avoid getting a 300pro for a trail bike.

You can get bikes shipped for like 200 bucks from any US dealers like Jackscycles. Wait for what you want and buy it once.

Great. Thanks. I forgot to mention the 04 Pro is a 280. I'm 5'10" 165 lbs. I ride a 350 and 450 4 stroke for trail riding. What model/size/Year range would you Recommend?

[sabortooth]

Depends on your price range.

If you want a newer evo, like a 10 or , newer it's gonna be 4 to 6 grand for used.

For that cash you can get the long range seat which will get you 2gl of fuel.

[G-BRO]

Depends on your price range.

If you want a newer evo, like a 10 or , newer it's gonna be 4 to 6 grand for used.

For that cash you can get the long range seat which will get you 2gl of fuel.

I'm thinking of something 3.5K or less. If I get serious about it I can always upgrade.

[sabortooth]

I hear you.

I only suggest this because that's what I have experience with.

But nonetheless, you can find rigs on reputable dealers sites.

[G-BRO]

I hear you.

I only suggest this because that's what I have experience with.

But nonetheless, you can find rigs on reputable dealers sites.

Ok. I will keep an eye out. I'm looking forward to it. I'm almost hoping I don't enjoy it. If I do, I'm probably going to spend 8K+ on a nice ride soon' Damn!

[OZ DRZ]

a lot of trials bikes never get advertised as they are just sold within or between the trials clubs themselves. might pay to get in touch with your nearest club, they'll often know of all the bikes for sale in your area. 

 

if you get into it, our club has posted a pile of free trials techniques videos on our site here. 

 

quite a few of us apply them to our dirt bikes as well and have done another video series here. 

[G-BRO]

How about a 2007 Scorpa SY250??

[StuInFH]

How about a 2007 Scorpa SY250??

 

It sounds like that Sabor guy's response is based on him thinking you want to trail ride on a trials bike, based on his mention of a LR kit and not recommending a GG300, but I could be wrong.  If you want to try intro to trials, then the GG300 is fine, in fact anything from 200 to 300 will work. Some will even say a 125. It is simple and cheap to slow down the hit on the larger motors.

 

Feel free to PM me on the other forum if you are the same guy, and if you are nearby, you can try my '05 Scorpa (essentially the same as an '07) and generations-newer '14 Beta 250 Evo.  They are worlds apart, but as a trials NOOB, I don't think it would make a difference.  In fact, the docile YZ motor in the Scorpa may be easier to handle than a modern trials motor, even after lowering comp and/or retarding the timing. I started on an '07 Sherco 2.9 (272cc).

 

Good luck.

[G-BRO]

Thanks for the advice. Yes, I think for now the idea would be to run the bike strictly as a trials bike only. I've got several bikes for trails.

I'm itching to find a good one!

[StuInFH]

Thanks for the advice. Yes, I think for now the idea would be to run the bike strictly as a trials bike only. I've got several bikes for trails.

I'm itching to find a good one!

 

You live in SR, right?  Then go buy Dan's!  :-)  If it sold already, then tell him to find another one for you.  He's a good guy and can be trusted.

 

I'd start off again on a $2500-3500 bike, cuz the scratches and gouges and pipe denting that you will do to it hurt a lot less than when you are on a $6K "used" one! ;-)

[G-BRO]

You live in SR, right? Then go buy Dan's! :-) If it sold already, then tell him to find another one for you. He's a good guy and can be trusted.

I'd start off again on a $2500-3500 bike, cuz the scratches and gouges and pipe denting that you will do to it hurt a lot less than when you are on a $6K "used" one! ;-)

I do live in SR. Dan the guy selling that 04 Gas Gas? Motoexotica Dan?

[StuInFH]

Dan from the club, not Motoexotica, but the '05 he had on SR's CL looks to be gone.   The deal you mentioned on an '04 doesn't sound bad. Used TBs have appreciated like crazy due to the EX/crosstraining craze. But that is a positive when you go to sell.  Keep it nice and you can get your money right back out when you are ready to move up to a newer one in a few seasons.  Good luck

[valvesrule]

PITS event at Chrome CA May 2-3. Not too far from Santa Rosa. Go talk to some riders and see what stays together and what breaks, maybe find something for sale there too.

[G-BRO]

PITS event at Chrome CA May 2-3. Not too far from Santa Rosa. Go talk to some riders and see what stays together and what breaks, maybe find something for sale there too.

That's not a bad idea. I'm not sure if I'm going to be working that weekend or not. Does anybody know how I can contact Dan?

[valvesrule]

I only know Myerpeter and a couple inactives. Try the website.

Edited April 19, 2015 by valvesrule

[Chuck.]

Great. Thanks. I forgot to mention the 04 Pro is a 280. I'm 5'10" 165 lbs. I ride a 350 and 450 4 stroke for trail riding. What model/size/Year range would you Recommend?

 

I was advised to avoid the 280s because of the higher state of tune compared to the 250 and 300.

I bought a 04 250 Montesa 315R for less than 2k,  and it has more than enough bottom end throttle response. Plus cartridge forks, twin spar aluminum frame, and Honda quality.