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Sad to say that the great Joel Robert multi time World Moto Cross Champion, has passed away at the age of 77 from Covid 19, RIP.  ( Like most European riders, Joel also ride a Trials bike when he was young with his friend Roger DeCoster)

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Not sure where this shop is in Europe - but the new 2021 TRS looks fantastic and has lots of new features - Jordi is certainly not resting on his laurels .  If you want one - get your order in NOW>

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Video for today  >>>>>
youtube.com David Knight’s exclusive update after Stage 10 of the Dakar Rally Knighter updates from the Alula bivouac after successfully navigating stage 10 of the Dakar Rally.

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Wednesday I was up early as usual and after doing the blog - sat down with a cup of Tea to watch the news - at 6 am - the TV and all other electrical appliances shut off !!  Now I did hear the wind howling pretty good earlier, so guessed correctly that we had a Power Outage - likely cause by tree branches coming down on the lines, something that happens quite often out in the Country where we live. - However this last for 6 hours, so just before Noon - I pulled out  the Coleman Camp Stove ( which I only used once last year) and made Momma Bear a cup of tea.  As they say be prepared, but I do wonder how things will go in the future with the push to go all electric and the drain this will have on the Power Grids.

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No this is not this year - but shows Shane having a blast in the snow up on Bear Ridge in 2016 on his TRS. - As you can see he had made tracks all through the snow,  which was quite deep, it was a fun day.

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Scrambling in the years after World War Two, was very much a learning experience - usually converted street bikes and clothing bought from the Army Surplus Store - the most popular boots, were “Fireman’s”  leather.

This is a pic of Brian Martin, who worked for BSA and did a lot to develop  both the Trials and other Competition models.  - The Gold Star, could be purchased in either Street mode for road racing, Scrambles or Trials. - It was of course Jeff Smith who really put BSA on the map both in Trials and Scrambling ( now called MX)

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Why I like Estart Motorcycles >>>

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Birthday Greeting today go out to Roger Boothroyd in Victoria - Roger continues to do a super job doing his VMC Newsletter.

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Just had word that Beta Trials bikes will be in very short supply this year - so if you want one - you really need to let us know right away, or you will likely be out of luck. - Remember Only TRIALS dealers have the best knowledge about both the bikes and the sport, and only TRIALS dealers likely have the parts you need.

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Well we are midway, through January, and so far our winter in the Valley has been very mild , and not a lot of snow - not that it’s over by any means, but at least the warmer conditions help give people a bit of a “Lift” in these strange times both with the Health and Political climate  ->

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Looking back at some of the old Photographs from the early years,  it sometimes makes me wonder what some engineers  were thinking when they designed some bikes .  - Obviously function is of the utmost importance, but appearance is very high on the list, when it comes to buying any product. - Take this Prototype AJS for example - I don’t think that exhaust system should have made it out of the barn. ( Looks more like a Bazooka)
It’s funny that during my Yamaha Years, I would sometimes be shown new model designs planned for a few years, down the road - and yes they had some great and very innovative ideas. - However, at the end of any such session - I would usually say - ” Don’t paint it Brown or Green - and price it to sell”   - Sad to say a lot of these models with great potential  never topped the sales charts, simply because the factory painted the bike the wrong color. -

Another REALLY important aspect of any Dirt bike design, is ease of access to work on - I think all designers should spend some time in the Service department, - over the years,  I have said a few choice words about some parts being almost impossible to get at, without dismantling the machine.  - ( I won’t bore you with these stories, but believe me this sort of thing does effect sales - especially to the knowledgeable  rider.)
Marketing any motorcycle product, is always about having the “Right bike - at the right time - at the right price” ( And with the right parts back up from the dealer)

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A rare watercooled Bultaco Road racer.

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That old saying “Shit happens”  would be a good caption for this pic - but a reminder that this can also happen on a Trials bike if (1) you don’t check the spokes and Sprocket bolts and (2) like to practice “Splats, into rock walls.
Note:  All the latest Trials bikes use the same rear wheel and we rarely hear about any issues, but like everything else - regular maintenance is required to avoid issues.

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This is a great video of the young Hemmingway brothers out of Yorkshire.

youtube.com Best of Trial Bike 2020 | The Hemingway Brothers: George and Harry We are big fans of Dan and Ben Hemingway so we start to see Dan kids growing up. George and Harry amazed us with their Trial Bike Skills since they had 3-4 y…

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Below is a link showing the various mods used on the World Factory bikes last year. Check them out.
https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftranslate.google.com%2Ftranslate%3Fsl%3Dauto%26tl%3Den%26u%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.infotrialstorico.it%252F2020%252F12%252F16%252Fle-moto-factory-del-campionato-del-mondo-2020%252F%26fbclid%3DIwAR0A88AaysrUChAjWTG1OHn75GdIV6DnMnacew5FimKfSvDmgO4LX1r0rw4&h=AT3zmeiTtKceTLAg6C4HpwQMsHSpYAtjAANXX5NLaLkOsKkTXGbzK7EiyG2XClOHwo7A0fKyE4wFtHf2B9AV5cTwTT1P2nuFXEB4o97jM0FuoM_zG2y9OLvZf9VmaZEr3g&__tn__=H-R&c[0]=AT0VPGb9GR3t5gliQx4RM1XhIOAy7hhWLvKMdvFLEwyeklLRND4T_BDhhUDVIj8PWxUgNB3zPjLoQ8ekJhVhGiXWJiN7jOemERO40JPC7TOxiC0CAX2Bp8eoiQWqdkey9T7gvQFOgNyZrPFcYkGCoAvrqDcQozVnpqJPoLGO1LShpjXDWAavQzD-4Pv8vmrX1tLP3hIWmMn_Fc0CZYGbadU

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And another great film from the past. >> Note - This was likely filmed in the South of England, where lots of sections were in sand pits -  and while some may laugh - remember those big 4 strokes were heavy and tires were all 4 ply Dunlop back then - It’s interesting that we see lots of riders losing points on these types of sections even now, on the modern bikes. - The point being that you don’t need big rock walls when plotting a Trial. - Perhaps a good example of this was or last event at Ross Rathbone’s property - Yes he had to hand build a lot, but everybody had fun without getting hurt - and that is what Trials is all about.
.youtube.com Trial and Error - 1958 film on Motorcycle Observed Trials A short instructional film pointing out some common faults in the organization and observation of motor-cycle trials and suggesting how these may be overcome…

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The new Wulf Trials boots are the only ones I can remember that have felt comfortable first time out  - and I’ve worn lots in my time - I simply gave them a coat of Dubbin - before the first ride. - Ive had mine now for about six months and they still look like new. - We have all sizes in stock  and they now come with an extra  ankle strap - and thicker leather in this area, -  only $295.00.  ( We ship all over Canada)

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This is the beautiful Geoff Duke Manx Norton, which he was so successful on - I never did see him race this, but did see him on the Gilera 4 and of course had him pass me in the Picton Time Trial in the late 50’s -( He was a very good Trials rider) - also got to shake his hand when he attended the Oswestry Club Dinner and Presentation of wards - what a great man he was. He retired to the Isle of Man where he bought a Hotel. When he died, the Cortege drove all the way around the TT course, as a final tribute.  ( Back in the 1949-1950’s - we used to listen to the TT races  broadcast on the radio - the sound of the bikes was enough to get any enthusiast excited, young or old - the Commentator  back then was Graham Walker, whose son Murray Walker took over when his Dad died)

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And how about this nice 1956 Prototype Norton - now in Sammy’s Museum

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Fixing a rear tire at Dakar - Toby price remembered to take his zip ties - he still got 2nd on the day.  Unfortunately Toby had a big crash the following day and had to be airlifted to Hospital, it seems that lots of other riders also had a few “Get offs” including Sam Sutherland who joined the “Over the bars club” but despite wrecking his instruments - he made it through the day.

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This is an article on the early Trials bikes built for Eddie Legeune  and his brother by their Dad -  Eddie was one of the first to use the clutch on his small Honda -in order to get enough drive up steep sections. ( Later of course he became a Honda Factory rider and three time World Trials Champion)

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This is a shot of two riders at the 1959 Cleveland Trial in Yorkshire, UK, one of the most popular events on the British Trials Calendar - it featured a one loop 40 mile course with 40 sections. - It was these long distance similar events, riding over the Welsh moors that first attracted me to the sport - ( And still the main reason I  like getting out on a Trials bike - anybody can do this and have a great day out)

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I see that the Trials enthusiasts in Nova Scotia  are keen to get out for some practice - they have not had a lot of snow, and appear to have a great group. Michael Traves has been one of the main guys in promoting the sport in the area, and Steve Howland has supplied some Beta Trials bikes for some of their ” Learn to ride” events. The future looks good for Trials in the Maritimes.

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Here’s a Steve Troupe shot of Sparky Bill at an Ontario National Trial  back in 1982 - Bill is on an SWM, ( Which he still has)  Bill won the Canadian Trials Championship more than once, plus rode in the Scottish - I don’t think he rides much these days as he has some knee problems ( Don’t we all)

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Video for today - an interview with Johny Giles one of the great British “All Rounders” - Usually mounted on a Triumph Twin -  >>>youtube.com Iconic Motorcycle Legends “John Giles” Interview This short interview with legendary off-road racer John Giles was filmed at the 2016 Classic Motocross DeNations event held at Ballyblack Northern Ireland on…

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Sad news - Well known Dakar racer Hubert Auriol has died from Covid 19 - Before he became famous in the Dakar and other Rallies - He was very much involved with Trials - He was 68. -

Note :  Here is post from FB >

Covid 19 also took away Hubert Auriol, the Dakar symbol man had won it three times two on a motorcycle (1981 and 1983) and once in a car in 1992, for almost a decade it was African marathon race director.

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Like most small boys  who grew up during World War Two.   I grew up fascinated  by the Spitfire - we had a squadron not far from where we lived and the sound of the Merlin engines are like no other .

Check out this link.  >>

https://thetwoseatspitfirepage.co.uk/

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No this isn’t me, although I do ride a Beta and wear those same Wulf pants - It’s advertising a video on Trials technique - you can click onto it .

here>> https://youtu.be/XhAUHeTVV3Q

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Another lazy weekend come and gone - although the weather remains mild in the Valley and we have not had any more snow - I just didn’t feel like going anywhere.  - Watched a lot of TV but that was about it.

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I guess the second half of the Dakar Rally kicks off today - saw some quite good video on FB posted by Red Bull - Riding those big Sand Dunes must be a real thrill.- Toby Price made a quick fix on his rear tire to finish well up last weekend, and UK rider Sam Sutherland is leading at this stage I think, although the Honda Team are all well placed. - Laia Sanz still leads the Ladies on her GG.

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Yesterday, we talked about the fact that the majority of Trials bikes are never used in competition, but as Trail-bikes - to explore the Countryside. - Here is a great shot of a young lady doing just that on her TRS in Italy -  Just look at that neat terrain. –

I’m not sure what seat she has on the bike as this doesn’t appear to be the Xtrack model - We did sell a few Jitsie seats, which worked great on all the brands, but we haven’t been able to get any for a while.

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David Knight from the Isle of Man- is racing in the Dakar this year - Most people will remember him for his Hard Enduro exploits - but like so many - David started off in Trials and I recently watched him on a VHS video with Steve Colley teaching some advanced techniques. ( We have a ton of these old VHS tapes)
youtube.com Knighter 101 combats Day 5 at the Dakar Rally (Full Highlights) | Episode 005 David ‘Knighter’ Knight took to the desert for Day 5 of the Dakar Rally on 5th January, and we caught the best of the action.Thanks to fellow sponsors Classi…

And Sammy is at it again - fixing up a bunch of old bikes he bought in the “Off” season

Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum

and check out this one >
youtube.com Trials 94 British Review: The Jack Wood Trial Trials 94 British Review: The Jack Wood Trial 1994Commentary by WoodyA Bennett Video ProductionLike us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/trialsportvideo

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Another pic posted by Steve Troupe - this is Trevor Howarth  a very good Expert rider from back a few years - I see he now gets out riding on a Beta Evo.

Jamie McGregor has posted pics of some old Trials posters from the Ontario region, back in day - I remember when I sometimes used to hand draw some these for our Alberta Trials, and of course all the results were written out by hand.  - Note that they had a Trail-bike class ! - We tried this back in the day at our Kelowna events, but it never did do anything to attract more riders to the Trials scene.

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It was just posted that Ex World Champion Motor Cross legend - Joel Robert is in hospital, and in a coma. after suffering a heart attack plus Covid 19. - He is 77 years old.
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And this pic is one I took of Mick at the 1992 Pre 65 Scottish with his James. He said I could take it around the parking lot if I wanted, but I declined - He did tell me it had a few Yam bits in it - ie Fork springs and reed valve etc.

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Updates on the 2021 TRS  ( Just minor stuff)

THE NEW TRRS 2021!!️

- Electrical installation with temperature sensor. ′′ Precision and reliability of the refrigeration system “.

- New CDI with temperature sensor reading.

- New filter box deflector. Reduces dirt storage on the filter and improves internal air flow.

- Improved filter box drainage in case of water entry.

- Bielletta and leverage trapeze reinforced.

- Lighten engine support. Quicker and faster mounting and significantly reduces vibration.

- New plastic silencer finale, more robust and with an additional fixing screw in the top.

- Support for the forged and sturdy front sileziator.

- Protection of the most resistant front brake disc and FIM.

- Frame: engine attachment modifications. Improve editing and decrease tensions.

- Modified Chain Guide Fixing.

- Silicone water pipe between head and curved radiator to avoid interference with the fan.

- Red Anodized Circles.

- New handlebar with new livery.

- Gray swingarm.

- New graphic line

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Friday I went to Kelowna to deliver Opti - and decided to drive back via the Westside road as it was quite mild - I checked out  our old riding area at Bear Creek and took a pic as it is absolutely bare - no snow until you get high up on the ridge. - However that is not the case when you get to Valley of the Sun, where I stopped off to see Roy. - He is still having a lot of trouble with his eyes and will be having more Lazer  treatment next week - hopefully he will be improved by the time the snow thaws so we can go riding.

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And for our French readers !!  Yes I had one of those White Yamaha caps back in the day - not sure what ever happened to it.

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Brett  Clark sent in the only correct answer to our last quiz  - The riders in the picture are

Tarres - Colley –Colomer — Kuroyama — Lampkin — Avahla — Jarvis — Bilbao .

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As many will have noticed - we have posted a few pics recently from early Ontario Trials that have come up on Face Book - Steve Troupe is usually the person who does this, nice to see these old memories , many never seen before.

Steve also like to post some Poetry some of which I  like - especially this one

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Here is a nice pic that Steve Troupe just posted of a trail he has in his backyard area - and his very nice 1974 TL 125.

( Note this has a seat)
A lot of people buy a Trials bike just to go trail riding or Mountain climbing and never do ride in a competition - In fact the Japanese at Yamaha were very shocked, back in 1974, when I told them that only about 40% of the TY 250’s would ever be ridden in a Trial.  Not that there is anything wrong with this - the bikes are perfect for the tight trails and very light compared to the MX-type high Enduro bikes, with a much more controllable power band. The biggest complaint we hear from this aspect is that for many years now, the Trials bikes do not have a seat. ( although Beta have an accessory unit - but perhaps TRS have the complete answer with the new Xtrack model, which now also comes with an electric start.

And another pic from an early Ontario Trial - Not sure who this Scorpa rider is. ( Steve Abell)

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This is Tazio Nuvolari the famous Racing driver, but who like so many, started on bikes, racing a variety of machines, including Norton’s , Indians  and Bianchi - He was an “Iron” man - one time he crashed in practice and broke both his legs - he was told by the Doctors that it would be months before he would be fit with both legs in plaster. Next day he started the race with two mechanics holding him on the bike at the start and catching him at the finish!!! ( Not sure how he did in the race)

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Beta are getting into Moto Cross - (again)

The challenge has been taken up by the SDM CORSE Team, a well-established international motocross team with multiple participations in MXGP.

The experienced Belgian rider Jeremy Van Horebeek will lead the Beta-SDM Corse MX Team line-up with young Frenchman Jimmy Clochet signed up as his team-mate. Both welcome the new challenge with great enthusiasm — as does SDM Team Manager, Daniele Marchese. The squad intend to defend the colours of the Tuscan factory in this new exciting adventure

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Video for today >>>

youtube.com Mick Andrews, Yamaha Trials Rider Mick Andrews, Yamaha Trials Rider, from 80’s TV show

and another one >>

https://www.dukevideo.com/prd1900/Six-From-the-Scottish-DVD

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Here is a very rare CZ Trials bike - ( No wonder people used to call them Chicken-zappers)

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Quiz - Names please!!!

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