Vintage Trials anyone?

[3wheeler7]

Wish I still had it now!
Forks worked well but the weight of them was a bit of a handicap I could have done without due to my limited skills - always middle to lower in my class

 

[ferrus]

Respect for competing on it. I was really surprised as mentioned earlier, that no one rode a Greeves at a local vintage event - I guess the difficult-to-mod forks were the limiting factor maybe?

 

[3wheeler7]

The forks certainly didn't help matters but in the late 90s the playing field was a bit more level e.g I remember being at a Poachers trial and a chap was allowed to ride by the scrutineer but omitted from the results as his bike was not deemed pre-65 eligible. There were always a good turn out (6 or so) Greeves.

As I understand from a friend - who is still riding - the eligibility rules have now really been relaxed and the best bikes are pre-65 in looks only so, sadly, it's become a rich mans game, if you can afford the high tech mods you can have a competitive bike (all you need then is a bit of talent!).

 

[3wheeler7]

Nothing to do with trials but I tried to ride this Toerag on the beach and it sank, I suppose it was a trial but in a different way! A good fun bike on the road though.

 

[ferrus]

The forks certainly didn't help matters but in the late 90s the playing field was a bit more level e.g I remember being at a Poachers trial and a chap was allowed to ride by the scrutineer but omitted from the results as his bike was not deemed pre-65 eligible. There were always a good turn out (6 or so) Greeves.

As I understand from a friend - who is still riding - the eligibility rules have now really been relaxed and the best bikes are pre-65 in looks only so, sadly, it's become a rich mans game, if you can afford the high tech mods you can have a competitive bike (all you need then is a bit of talent!).

Yeah that’s what I saw recently. Absolutely amazing looking bikes, but nowhere near authentic, original spec’, - modern high performance shock’s and machined alum lightweight bits everywhere. Lovely though!

 

[mk one]

I started riding trials in 1975 on my brand new TL125 (which I also rode to work every day on (daylight permitting). Sadly I don't have a pic of it but substitute me for Joanna Lumley up thread and that's the model. Reg no KRC 111P, still around somewhere according to DVLA.

In the 90s I got into pre 65 trials (when the rules were still quite strict) and built a 1959 Greeves Scottish - with allowable mods - which I used for a couple of years in Midland Classic, VMCC and Lincolnshire Poachers trials. Enjoyed it immensely!
At least I've still got some pics of the Greeves:-
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Looks in good condition. One of the few still affordable bikes on the market at the moment.

 

[mk one]

Nothing to do with trials but I tried to ride this Toerag on the beach and it sank, I suppose it was a trial but in a different way! A good fun bike on the road though.
View attachment 671334

I bet it was ok on green lanes too. I have had a few Aprilia's, one of my biggest regrets was selling my RX, surprisingly competent off road.

Not my bike but same colours, great bikes.

 

[mk one]

Yeah that’s what I saw recently. Absolutely amazing looking bikes, but nowhere near authentic, original spec’, - modern high performance shock’s and machined alum lightweight bits everywhere. Lovely though!

Maybe classed as consumables? I know most don't allow any mods to the frames.

 

[Chopper the ex Copper]

Nothing to do with trials but I tried to ride this Toerag on the beach and it sank, I suppose it was a trial but in a different way! A good fun bike on the road though.
View attachment 671334

I had a 900 Elefant and an XTZ750 for a while. The XTZ was quick but was awfully unformfortable. The Elefant was comfy and looked sexy but if a sparrow did a moist fart 4 counties away it would start to corrode. I sold the XTZ to a friend who promptly proceeded to throw himself up the road quite badly.

Also had an early BMW R80GS, which would be worth a small fortune today.

 

[3wheeler7]

Going back to my youth - as mentioned upthread - I've recently got hold of a couple of TLs
Firstly '77/78 TL125S (the later model with lights and road gearing) I've just given it a light refresh - it's only showing 330 miles on the clock! :-



And a TL250 from 1976, bit of a rare bird nowadays, it's currently in the garage being recomisssioned:-