It has been suggested more than once, that I should write a book, about my life in the Motorcycle Industry, and yes we have thought about it, but like a lot of other things, we never did get around to it. We also did not think many people would find this of interest – However, when we were approached by Trials Guru – John Moffat from Scotland, we agreed to post some of the highlights , for his very popular Website. – . ( You will need to click onto the Trials Guru site to see the whole story- October 19th 2024 -below)

Without a doubt, I have been very fortunate to spend the best part of my life involved with bikes, and consider myself very lucky. I have met some wonderful people along the way, got to know a lot of famous riders, and somehow survived. – PLUS – I’ve had a wonderful wife to share both the highs and the lows. – In some ways similar to Noraly because I have spent approx 30 years travelling “On the road” most of which has been all alone, driving all over Western Canada. ( I could certainly tell a few stories about that)

The Outlaw Dave H. Rhodes, a Welshman in Canada

October 19, 2024 bigjohn2014 1 Comment

Below is a post advertising Outlaw Trialsport. ( It is now 38 years)

Welcome to Outlaw Trialsport Everything for Motorcycle Trials Vernon, BC. – Beta & TRS dealer for Alberta & Central BC “We Ride What We Sell” – Outlaw Dave Rhodes

Outlaw Accessories & Trialsport – About Us. a clip -reprinted from Trials Guru

Outlaw Accessories & Trialsport was founded in 1987 by owner Dave Rhodes who, after a long career in the Motorcycle Industry, decided to venture out on his own. – Located in the Okanagan Valley, the business is primarily involved with the wholesale market, and in particular, the distribution of Optimol Lubricants. – The Outlaw toolbelts and bags have been recognized world wide. They have been used by World Champion Dougie Lampkin and other British riders. – The addition of the retail Trials business came about in 1993, when a call from the Beta importer landed the dealership for both GasGas and Beta, and later the now well-known Sherco models. – Having worked for Yamaha Canada during the development of the TY series, it was logical to join the new European trend when Yamaha failed to keep up with the latest developments. – Apart from just selling Trials machines, Outlaw Trialsport promotes trials riding by hosting events and schools – plus spend many hours just talking to interested people at Motorcycle Shows. – We like to think of Trials, as the “Fun” part of our business. The Outlaw van can be found at many events in Western Canada, helping riders with spare parts and advice. – After 50 years riding Trials bikes, owner Dave Rhodes is sure of one thing – anyone can twist a throttle wide open, but to ride a Trials Bike really well requires talent, training, and technique. Plus a sense of humour – for when things go wrong – Dave is originally from Wales, and that’s the reason for the Welsh dragon logo used on this website. Note! Update – We dropped GasGas in 2005 and Sherco in 2012 so now just sell Beta and the TRS Trials bikes.

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Answer to the last quiz – Toby Martyn – nice to see this former World Trials 2 Champion getting support from Beta. – As usual our regular bloggers (Pete, Neil, Brett and Harlow were very quick – as was Roger)

Quiz today Guess who?

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Below is a pic of our 2018 TRS 125 – taken at a nice spot we ride by a lot while on the Westside. – However the main reason we are posting this, is to tell the story of this bike, which we special ordered intending to keep it, – but as often happens – a customer wanted it!! – Fast forward to 2025, and we took it back in trade – The bike now had approx 300 hours on it!!! ( pretty amazing as it was in pristine condition ) – Thinking the motor would need at least rings – we got Ken to do a compression test !! 145 Ibs!! – certainly not a reason to pull the top off. – Again we mention this because we often get asked by new customers, how often a Trials bike engine needs a rebuild. – We should also mention that the bike has always been run using Opti 2. – Enough said. ( And this time – it’s not for sale) The only thing we have done is fit new tires and repack the muffler.

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