A couple of years ago, I bought a used 2003 Beta 250 so I could ride with some friends that were into trials, and figured that allot of what I have learned from years of enduro and H.S. would apply to riding the trials bike. I mean, how hard could this really be?
Guys, I WAS SO WRONG! After my first real outing with these experienced trials riders, it became obvious very quickly… this was going to take allot of practice and patience! I had no idea how tough it was to go slow while still maintaining form and momentum over stuff that you couldn’t walk or climb over, much less do it on a motorcycle.
After riding the Beta thru out the winter and learning about proper technique, then climbing on my “real” dirt bike, I found myself doing stuff that I normally wouldn’t have done in the past. Instead of looking for a way around an obstacle like a big log crossing, ugly rock pile or ledge, I now had the confidence and ability to clear whatever was in my way…or at least…give it a try. Did a trials bike make me a faster rider? Depends on how you look at it, but it did help me become a smarter rider and I need all the help I can get in that department.
Unfortunately I had to sell the Beta later that year, but I still have the bug BAD and plan to get another bike someday when my finances allows it.
Speaking of which, while the Beta is a fine machine, I found my buddies Gasser’s much easier to ride and better suited my style. It had much better brake feel and a VERY crisp throttle response but yet, seemed to be more forgiving to a novice rider like myself. The Beta almost felt like it had too much flywheel and sometimes, the sheer torque would carry me farther than what was needed. This is NOT a good thing in certain places for a beginner.
Also, if you have never had the opportunity to attend a trials event, I strongly encourage you to do so. You won’t find a nicer group of folks. This past summer, I helped score a section at Round 2 of the Trials Inc. Series and had an absolute blast.
When you go, keep this in mind…It ain’t as easy as it looks (these guys are just that darn good) and have the check book ready to buy a bike come Monday morning.
