MOTORCYCLE • CYCLE • SIDECAR • CLASSIC • COMPETITION • FEATURES
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LEGEND
GILLES BURGAT OLD GOLD
Winter 2021
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COTA 248
OLD GOLD
WINNER
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1981 SWM STAG WINNER
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Classic Trial Magazine • Welcome
CONTACT Online: www.trialmaguk.com Telephone: 01663 749163 Email: england@trialmag.com Address: 48 Albion Road, New Mills, High Peak, Derbyshire, SK22 3EX United Kingdom THE TEAM Co-Managing Directors John Hulme & Charles Benhamou Executive Director Philippe Benhamou Editor John Hulme
(NUJ No: 949620)
Advertising Manager Lisa Reeves lisa@trialmag.com Editorial Staff Matthew Heppleston, Heath Brindley, Justyn Norek Snr, Justyn Norek Jnr, Nick Shield and John Moffat. Photographers Barry Robinson, Malcolm Carling, John Shirt Snr, Colin Bullock, Cyrille Barthe, Eric Kitchen, Alan Vines, Toon van de Vliet, Mauri/Fontsere Collection and the Giulio Mauri Copyright, The Nick Nicholls Collection at Mortons Archive, Don Morley, Motorcycle News and Brian Holder. Proof reading Jane Hulme and Davina Brooks Design and Production Dean Cook The Magazine Production Company www.magazineproduction.com Printing: Buxtons Press © 2021 CJ Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publishers. Great care is taken to ensure accuracy in the preparation of this publication, but neither CJ Publishing Ltd or the editor can be held responsible for its contents. The views expressed are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Publishers. Trial Magazine is published by: CJ Publishing Limited, registered in England Number: 5947718. Trial Magazine: ISSN: 1753-0040. 4
Front Cover: Gilles Burgat (SWM-FRA) - Picture Credit: Mauri/Fontsere Collection and the Giulio Mauri Copyright Summary Picture: 1971 British Experts: Jack Matthews and Gordon Ruffley (BSA) • Credit: Alan Vines
Winter 2021 • Classic Trial Magazine
Welcome • Classic Trial Magazine
WELCOME
FEATURES
CELEBRATION
Classic Trial Magazine 10 Years
INTERNATIONAL
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LEGEND
38
MACHINE
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SPORT
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REMEMBERING
65
SPECIAL
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VACATION
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OLD GOLD
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FLASHBACK
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1981 FIM World Championship Part 2 Gilles Burgat
Gilles Burgat SWM Leven Valley Robregordo
Stag Don Smith Costa Brava
Montesa Cota 248
1971 Scott BTC British Experts
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Classic Trial Magazine • Winter 2021
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News • The world of Classic Trials
PRE-65 SCOTTISH 2022
The organisation of the Edinburgh & District Motor Club 2022 Pre-65’ Scottish Trial’ is now stepping up a gear, as the event looks like it will be able to go ahead on the 29th & 30th April after a two-year enforced break due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Anne Gordon – Secretary Pre-65 Scottish Trial: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming everyone back to our’ Home in the Highlands’ at the end of April 2022. In early September, the committee had their first meeting to pick up where we left off in 2020 and get cracking on getting the 2022 event up and running. We will, of course, keep abreast of any developments concerning any restrictions that may still be in place at the time of the event and make announcements accordingly. “We would like to thank all the riders who have been patiently waiting for their chance to ride in our event and for agreeing to the club holding their entry and payment over for the last two years. We very much appreciate the work that this has saved. These riders have already been contacted a few months ago when we confirmed their place is secure for 2022. The committee intends that all the entrants on the ‘Reserve List’ and who returned their acceptance form be carried forward to 2022, but we will confirm this with them by email. More information on how we move forward will be posted in due course on our website: www.pre65scottish.com.”
CLASSIC DIRT BIKE SHOW 12-13 FEBRUARY 2022
Despite the cancellation of the 2021 Classic Dirt Bike Show, which would have been in September, the organising team at Mortons will be bringing you the 2022 show over the weekend of the 12th and 13th February at the Telford International Centre. The guests of honour will be two superb off-road allround riders, Derrick Edmondson and Arthur Browning. The team at Mortons pride themselves on delivering a welcome to suit the needs of the classic dirt-bike world and will be pulling out all the stops to deliver a show for all to enjoy in February. The Covid-19 pandemic has proved very challenging for show organisers, but we will undoubtedly witness a superb show for everyone. So see you all in February 2022, and be sure to come and see us at Classic Trial Magazine.
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ALAN VINES 1943-2021
It’s with a heavy heart that we have to report the recent passing of one of our very good friends, Alan Vines, at the age of 78. John Hulme: “A huge fan and supporter of both Trial Magazine and Classic Trial Magazine, he loved working with me on my many projects with the supply of his outstanding pictures. I have spent many enjoyable hours on the phone where his vast knowledge of motorcycling was always a pleasure to listen to. As he wished, these pictures will still appear as part of the Alan Vines–Yoomee Archive in all our publications, including Motorcycle Retro Replay.” Tony Davis: “It’s quite fitting that John Hulme has used an Alan Vines picture of me. The Davis family were always more than happy to meet and talk with Alan on so many occasions, and, in no doubt, his legacy will live on forever through his superb photographs. A true gentleman who will be sadly missed.”
Winter 2021 • Classic Trial Magazine
WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH!
THE TYRE OF choice for the toughest AND wettest terrain! Grip and strength Adapted to suit all terrain, it’s been the choice of both pros and amateurs for many years. Light and flexible A light, flexible tyre for ease of handling and secure grip. To discover the MICHELIN Trial range visit: www.michelin.co.uk/motorbike
Celebration • Classic Trial Magazine
A CLASSIC DECADE
THANK YOU I am very proud to say that we have now hit the ten-year anniversary of producing Classic Trial Magazine with our Winter 2021 edition number 39, an achievement to celebrate! I would like to thank everyone who has in any way contributed to the success of Classic Trial Magazine. Thank you, John Hulme.
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Winter 2021 • Classic Trial Magazine
Classic Trial Magazine • Celebration
Classic Trial Magazine • Winter 2021
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Winter 2021 • Classic Trial Magazine
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Shopping • What’s new
WHAT’S ON YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING LIST?
INMOTION MAJESTY FUEL TANK APICO HEBO HELMET
Aluminum. Un-polished. Web: www.inmotiontrials.com
Zone 4 Carbon Web: www.apico.co.uk
INMOTION YAMAHA TY80 INMOTION MONTESA COTA 247
Rubber Seat Web: www.inmotiontrials.com
MOTOREX CHAIN LUBE Web: www.bickers-online.co.uk
Plastic chain-guard. Web: www.inmotiontrials.com
CLASSIC TRIAL MAGAZINE BINDER Keep your collection safe (magazines not included). Web: www.trialmaguk.com
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TRIALENDURODIRECT MOTS KIT Waterproof Jacket and Pants Web: www.trialendurodirect.com
Winter 2021 • Classic Trial Magazine
What’s new • Shopping
TRIALENDURODIRECT MOTS KIT
APICO HEBO KIT
STEP6 shirt and pants. Various colour ways. Web: www.trialendurodirect.com
Race Pro 111 shirt and pants. Various colour ways. Web: www.apico.co.uk
COMAS TRIALS GLOVE TRIALENDURODIRECT MOTS GLOVES
Various colour ways. Web: www.comastrial.com
Various colour ways. Web: www.trialendurodirect.com
COMAS PROTECTION Riding vest. Web: www.comastrial.com
CJB CELEBRATION 25 DVD The best bits from 1995-2019 Tel: 01564 822348
TRIALENDURODIRECT MOTS Waist Bag. Web: www.trialendurodirect.com
TIMBERLAND SHEDS
All styles, shapes, and sizes supplied, delivered and erected. Web: www.timberlandsheds.co.uk
Classic Trial Magazine • Winter 2021
APICO HEAT SHRINK TUBING Assorted sizes. Web: www.apico.co.uk
TRIAL MAGAZINE
The perfect gift idea. Web: www.trialmaguk.com
17
International • 1981 FIM WTC: Part Two
1981 FIM WTC: PART TWO
A NEW GENERATION:
GILLES BURGAT
Paddock: Winner, Gilles Burgat
Would you believe that in 2021, Gilles Burgat (SWM-FRA), at 19 years old, remains the youngest rider ever to win an FIM World Trials Championship? The French rider had had a stunning season, taking the world title with three individual round wins, winning the Scottish Six Days Trial – the first Frenchman to do so – topped by retaining his French national title for the second year running. He also became the first rider to win the world championship on an Italian machine, breaking the domination for so many years of Spanish machines. The welldeveloped Rotax engined SWM started a new generation of machines to keep the world title away from Spain until the great Jordi Tarres gave Gas Gas its first world title in 1993. As the world championship changed with the introduction of the new style of riding with the Pivot Turn and Bunny-Hop, now familiar phrases, new rules would soon be enforced over the coming years allowing the opportunity to stop in the sections and move sidewards without being penalised. In 1981, remaining loyal to the Spanish manufacturers, the 1980 world champion Ulf Karlson on the Montesa finished as the runner-up with two round wins. Finland’s ‘Cool’ iceman Yrjo Vesterinen, a three-time world champion from 1976–1978, won two rounds on the Bultaco. These two manufacturers were in tough financial times, and, in truth, the machines were heavy and outdated, as both SWM and then Fantic started to become a significant force to be reckoned with. Words: Yoomee • Pictures: Eric Kitchen, Mauri/Fontsere Collection and the Giulio Mauri Copyright, Toon Van De Vliet, Matt Liberatore, Yoomee Archive and Piero Kuciukian Thanks to the Guardian of Trials, Charly Demathieu, for the results
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Winter 2021 • Classic Trial Magazine
1981 FIM WTC: Part Two • International
Paddock: Czech Republic New Machines
Paddock: Ulf Karlson (Second)
Paddock: Germany — Caught on camera, Michel d’Awans
As the expected world championship challenge from 1979 winner American Bernie Schreiber and the new Italjet disappeared in the depths of development, at the cutting edge of the sport, a familiar name from Belgium was coming in under the radar armed with a new four-stroke machine from Honda in Japan. Inheriting the machines from Great Britain’s Rob Shepherd, who had left Honda, Eddy Lejeune, the middle of three brothers, showed his potential with two early-season wins. Encouraged by his great father, Jean ‘Pepe’ and older brother, Jean Marie, the potential to become a very talented rider was obvious to all who watched him ride the four-stroke. Despite missing several rounds due to a knee injury, Manuel Soler had his best year yet, taking two wins on his way to fifth overall on the Montesa. Ossa had introduced the new 350 yellow ‘gripper’ model in 1980 as ‘The’ machine to save the ailing Spanish manufacturer, and Toni Gorgot gave it a moment of glory with the sole world round win in Italy.
EVOLUTION
Paddock: Yrjo Vesterinen (Third)
Classic Trial Magazine • Winter 2021
Along with the new style of machines and riding styles, the all-important rubber tyres were being developed and evolved at an alarming rate to suit the new riding technique. Both Dunlop, with the ‘Trials Champion’, and Pirelli with the ‘CR’ tyres had led the way, but in late 1979 Michelin started working on a development programme with a new trials tyre. Thus, the era of the new aptly named ‘Sticky’ tyres had begun in earnest. As Yrjo Vesterinen became the first foreign rider to win the Scottish Six Days Trial, also a first for Montesa, on Michelin rubber in 1980, Sweden’s Ulf
Paddock: USA Schreiber
Karlson and Montesa held the bragging rights in the FIM World Trials Championship for Pirelli tyres. Both Pirelli and Michelin became the place to be in the trials paddock. Their presence left riders deciding for ultimate grip at each event. As 1981 closed, in the winner’s circle with the Scottish Six Days and FIM World Trials Championship titles were Michelin with their new star assets French rider Gilles Burgat and the Italian SWM.
Paddock: USA SWM
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International • 1981 FIM WTC: Part Two
ROUND EIGHT: USA
BURGAT’S BACK
‘Gilles Burgat was back winning’ was the headline, but here we talk a look at the event from another angle. In 1981 full manufacturers’ factory-supplied machines were very much the talk of any world round paddock. Our good friend in the USA, Matt Liberatore, tells the event’s story, focusing on the 1981 Montesa Team and its machines. Words: Matt Liberatore • Pictures: Matt Liberatore - Mauri/Fontsere Collection and the Giulio Mauri Copyright
It was a warm welcome for the world championship riders in America.
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On his way to becoming the youngest ever FIM World Trials Champion at 19, a record still held today: Gilles Burgat from France.
Winter 2021 • Classic Trial Magazine
1981 FIM WTC: Part Two • International
With Gilles Burgat holding the handlebars SWM were on target for the world title, the first for an Italian motorcycle manufacturer.
When attending a round of the FIM World Trials Championship, one of the primary priorities of any trials’ anorak has always been to head straight to the paddock to check out the machines of the top riders. After all, who doesn’t want to look over the tricked-out machines noting all the details while trying to spot anything possible that may not be standard!
PADDOCK
These days, the more production-based factory machines in the paddocks are special, beautiful models loaded with attention to detail. Yet, when thinking back over the years, to see the machines that come to mind as arguably the best looking of all, we might have to go to the factory Montesa machines in 1981. They were nothing like the one-off factory four-stroke Hondas of Eddy Lejeune, of course. Still, I remember very well when US Montesa importer Larry Wise of Cosmopolitan Motors opened up the back door of their truck at Watkins Glen, NY, for round eight of the WTC in June 1981. Unveiling the machines of World Champion Ulf Karlson, Manuel Soler, Malcolm Rathmell and Charles Coutard, the combination of the new-for-1981 colour scheme on the ‘White Wonder’ Montesa with the red frame, white tank and mudguards really set them apart from the previous season’s black frames and red fuel tanks that were drab by comparison. However, what also set the machines apart was how specialised they were. The Montesas were in stark contrast to other machines such as the factory SWMs of Gilles Burgat, Christian Desnoyers, Martin Lampkin, and Danilo Galeazzi that outwardly appeared much more standard.
Coutard’s Montesa used a production kick-start lever.
Classic Trial Magazine • Winter 2021
Charles Coutard made it a one-two for French riders in America.
Yrjo Vesterinen was the only true world championship contender still riding for Bultaco.
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Legend • Gilles Burgat
GILLES BURGAT
TAKING FRENCH TRIALS TO THE TOP Before we move on to the legend of trials that is Gilles Burgat, we must note that both Christian Rayer and Charles Coutard had already demonstrated that French riders could be part of the elite trials world in the ‘70s. The only thing missing from this exceptional progress during this decade was finding someone capable of becoming the country’s first World Trials Champion. In 1981, a young man aged 19 would soon change that to become the first French FIM World Trials Champion; he was Gilles Burgat. Accompanied by his father, Pierre, who was always at his side, guided his son on a path to success. Pierre was his manager, closest friend, trainer and financier all rolled into one. The influence of his parents was essential, and it contributed significantly to his success. The story starts on the 16th November 1961 in the town of Albertville in the Haute Savoy region of France, where a young Burgat grew up in a family where the love of sport was always a talking point. Article: Classic Trial Magazine and Thierry Aubert • Pictures: Colin Bullock, Norman Eyre, Toon Van De Vliet, Alan Vines, Gilles Burgat Collection Mauri/Fontsere Collection and the Giulio Mauri Copyright, Eric Kitchen, Jean-Claude Commeat and Solo Moto
Starting to win in 1978.
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Young and very happy with life in 1979.
Winter 2021 • Classic Trial Magazine
Gilles Burgat • Legend
1980: His first full year in the FIM World Trials Championship.
Learning all the time: here in 1979 on the 125cc SWM.
A
t ten years old, Gilles had devoted himself to swimming. He became the Champion of Savoy. However, if you live in Haute Savoy, one thing happens: you learn to ski and walk at the same time. Gilles was no different, and by the time he was 15, he was a great skier, with gold medals in three different age groups. He also loved football and was the Champion of Savoy with his school team. With the pull of this sporting atmosphere, his studies did not interest him much. He ended his education at the end of secondary school because he thought he could do better elsewhere. No matter what new sport he tried, he achieved good results, but he knew natural talent was not enough. You also need to have a strong work ethic and an equally strong mental approach. Very early on, Gilles understood this, and whenever he got his well-deserved results, he remained very modest, no matter what he won. He learned to analyse, observe and therefore progress in an understated – almost British – approach to life.
1981 SSDT: Concentration was needed at all times.
MOPED MAN
When he was 11 years old, his sister, Yannick, had the opportunity to go to Israel whilst Gilles remained at home. To soften this blow, his father bought him a 50cc Peugeot moped, the same as you can see in any French town, and he loved it. A 50cc Yamaha mini-enduro machine quickly replaced it. Gilles followed his father on trail rides around the mountains. Full of competitive spirit, he entered a motorcycle gymkhana at Corbier, which he won, but he was too young to be classified in the results. Charles Coutard presented him with his winners’ trophy and noted this new talent in his mind. At 13 years old, he got a Montesa Cota123 to ride. He quickly moved on to the bigger engined Cota172, which he rode in his first trial, where he finished 40th. To progress, you must learn, and so he enrolled at the famous trials school at Deux Alpes run by Michel Gendre and Guy Totems in France. Both men were very impressed by his natural ability. This was confirmed in 1975 when he had his first victory at Courchevel riding a Montesa Cota 348. It certainly helped when one or two of the organisers turned a blind eye to him riding a larger engine machine than he was allowed, so he continued to enter and win competitions! In 1976 he was introduced to Alain Jeannin. He was well-known in motorcycle trials in the south of France. In 1977 he was asked to join ‘Team Jeannin’ alongside Fred Michaud. He started on the Montesa Cota 247 before moving to the bigger Cota 348. He continued to gain experience, even though he was sometimes excluded from the results sheet for being underage riding an oversized machine. In reality, no one noticed even though he won ten trials during the season, but people with influence were taking note. Classic Trial Magazine • Winter 2021
1981 SSDT: On the tools, looking after the SWM.
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Machine • SWM
1981: SWM
GILLES BURGAT In the first issue of Classic Trial Magazine from Winter 2011, we spoke with our French colleagues about some interesting articles which we could publish. One was the test of the factory ‘Works’ SWM ridden to the 1981 FIM World Trials Championship by Gilles Burgat. Since the limited print run with the first issue, we received frequent requests from readers who missed it. Having access to more information and pictures, we have revisited the article and brought it more up to date. Joel Corroy is a well-known trials enthusiast who owns the off-road shop Trail 70 in Vesoul, France. He is also the creator of a superb museum of classic machines, and this is where we initially found the 1981 Gilles Burgat SWM now resting in all its original glory. Ten years ago, it was our Trial Magazine France test rider, Steph Milachon, who had the privilege to test the machine at Joel Corroy’s practice ground in Luxeil, France, as you will see below. First, we go back to 1977 to learn more about how the 1981 machine was developed into a winner. Words: Steph Milachon, Matt Heppleston, Philippe Mulhauser, Charles Coutard and John Hulme Pictures: Alain Milachon, SWM, Iain Lawrie and Raffaele Gallieni
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Gilles Burgat was sponsored by the French drinks company Pernod – say no more!
Winter 2021 • Classic Trial Magazine
SWM • Machine
The Austrian air-cooled rotary disc valve Rotax engine.
This is the 1978 production SWM.
I
n 1981, when Gilles Burgat became the world champion on his SWM, he could thank his friend Charles Coutard, who was also a factory SWM rider between 1977 and 1980, for developing the machine since its earliest days with the red paint scheme. Coutard was also responsible for bringing Gilles Burgat to the SWM team and, thanks to his talents as a development rider which had entailed endless hours of hard work, Burgat stepped straight onto a machine that he knew he could win on. To learn more about the story, we contacted Charles Coutard to recount the development process that went into making the machine so competitive. Charles Coutard: “When the first red-painted model appeared in 1977, our first modification was to lower and enlarge the footrests. It was followed by lowering the engine in the frame and moving it forward — this allowed the swinging arm mounting points to be lowered as well. The rear suspension was originally too inclined, and the suspension units were too slow. After numerous tests of rear shock absorbers, we opted for Girlings, which were mounted in a more vertical position and were, in my opinion, the best compromise I could achieve. The clutch was always a source of
Italian Giovanni Tosco in 1978 on the early prototype SWM with the bottom frame tubes removed.
Classic Trial Magazine • Winter 2021
problems on these engines, and the best solution was to extend the actuating arm behind the cover and change the composition of the first disc rotor that often stuck and had almost no feeling. “On the engine side, it needed softening at low revs but also to prevent it from becoming loaded after a period of slow running; otherwise, it needed to be ‘cleared out’ before a long climb or big step. This was achieved by using four base gaskets in place of the standard two.” “The first rolling chassis had a nervous front end due to the fact the wheelbase was short, and the engine was too high and rearward mounted in the frame. The front became too light under power, and it was easy to wheelie. The best solution came from fitting a Betor front fork in place of the standard Marzocchi but retaining the Marzocchi yokes. The riding position was improved and corrected to a degree, as the principal fault of the machine was a low front end. Unfortunately for the production bikes, they didn’t listen to our advice on fitting Betor forks, so the steering was always strange “On our machines, we fitted the big enduro drum brake
Charles Coutard in the 1979 SSDT on the SWM.
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NEW!
TRIALS MODELS A SUPERB GIFT FOR
ANY TRIAL ENTHUSIATS From Spanish model manufacturer, TrialReplic, in association with Yoomee, present its range of 1:6 scale size replica trials motorcycles exclusively for sale in the UK. TrialReplic is a family business that was created out of a passion for our wonderful sport of motorcycle trials. The company is dedicated to the manufacture of 1:6 scale replicas of motorcycle trials models, using both metal and plastic materials in their production.
Honda RTL RED
We all remember the winning years of this machine in the hands of the FIM World Trials Champion Eddy Lejeune from Belgium and ACU British Trials Champion Rob Shepherd.
Ossa Mick Andrews Replica
This Mick Andrews Replica model is a fitting tribute to the man who developed the Spanish Ossa, ‘Magical’ Mick Andrews.
The current model range includes Honda, Montesa and Ossa. More models are lined up for the future. Sold as display models for the collector, they make the perfect gift for the motorcycle trials enthusiast. Get yourself along to the website: www.yoomee.co.uk and start collecting these exciting models or call: 01663 749163 for more information. Each model is priced at £69.99 including FREE P&P.
Honda TLR
Very much a part of the classic trial’s scene in the modern world, this machine, the Honda TLR is the starting point for many of today’s highly modified four-stroke machines.
Montesa Cota 247
With a long sporting history of over 75 years the Cota 247 is the trials model that put the name of Montesa on the road to its worldwide trial’s success.
Honda RTL WHITE
In the USA, the four-stroke RTL ‘Team’ machines carried this white and red colour scheme as ridden by the late Marland Whaley.
Cota 247 Ulf Karlson Replica
A fitting tribute to the man that this Montesa replica model is named after, Sweden’s Ulf Karlson who gave Montesa early European success.
ORDER YOURS TODAY! www.yoomee.co.uk/product-category/trialreplic or call: 01663 749163 TO ORDER OVER THE PHONE Yoomee Ltd, 48 Albion Road, New Mills, Derbyshire, SK22 3EX
Leven Valley • Sport
SOUVENIR PROGRAM ME £3
LEVEN VALLEY 2021 A N A LT E R N A T I V E S C O T T I S H
25-26th September 2021
Kinlochleven, Lochaber, Scottish Highlands, PH50 4SF
PHOTO: 2019 WINNER: STEVE ‘BUTCH’
LEVEN VALLEY 2021
Leven Valley Programme 2021.indd
1
ROBSON (250 MONTESA)
Kinlochlev en & District MCC www.kinlo chlevenmc c.co.uk
CLASSIC SHOWTIME 09/09/2021 16:38
As a trials riding community, everyone missed their annual road trips to Scotland in May for the classic Pre65 Scottish and the modern Six Days Trials, both were cancelled in 2020 and 2021 as the Covid-19 pandemic put a stop to them. Still, with a watching eye on the roadmap out of this dreaded situation, the Kinlochleven & District MCC gauged it correctly so that they could hold their Leven Valley Trial in late September after it too was cancelled in 2020. However, in 2021, following the strict government guidelines, they invited the 250 entered riders to Kinlochleven, Scotland, for two days of enjoyable trials riding. Rain, hail or sunshine, Scotland has a magnetic draw to its mountains and breathtaking scenery, especially if you are a motorcycle trials rider. Article: Trials Media
T
he organising Kinlochleven & District MCC judged the severity of the 60 sections, 30 to be ridden on each of the two days, ideally to give the riders an enjoyable, competitive level of riding. The 2021 Leven Valley Trial would also welcome to the Highlands their guest of honour and previous winner of the Scottish Six Days Trial (1992, 1993, 1997 and 2000) Isle of Man-based Steve Colley. Still very much a trials rider at heart, ‘Showtime Steve’ can still be found performing his shows at various events around the country on his Honda/Montesa four-stroke Cota 300RR. Keeping to the Japanese machine theme of his sponsors
Classic Trial Magazine • Winter 2021
Steve ‘Showtime’ Colley
Honda UK, he would compete at the Leven Valley Trial on a four-stroke twin-shock Honda TLR provided by Leven Homes owner Martin Murphy. Putting a more modern spin on the event, Steve would also help Scotsman Jamie Reid organise a trials school for the younger riders on the Friday evening. He would also show off his many talents on his own ‘Showtime’ theme on the Saturday night after day one of the Leven Valley Trial. The start area of the trial is on the site of a huge aluminium smelter, which was established in 1904 and powered by a hydroelectric scheme that required them to build a dam in the Blackwater
Valley above the village to provide the water to run it. At the time when the smelting plant was built, it was the largest in Europe. The smelting plant is long gone, but the huge pipes that used to carry the water down to the smelting plant can still be found at the side of one of the most iconic trials sections in the world, ‘Pipeline’, which was used on day one. The small town of Kinlochleven and its community has played a major part in motorcycle trials events in this area close to Fort William, with so many of the hazards used scattered around the surrounding hills and rivers.
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Dedicated to the Sport www. trialsguru.net Photos, articles, news recording the history of trials.
/trialsguruworld
Remembering • Robregordo 2021
ROBREGORDO 2021
THE SKY CRIED FOR MANUEL SOLER In the autumn of 2021, the Robregordo International Trial remembered the Spanish ‘Little Monster’, the trials legend Manuel Soler. He had achieved so much in his lengthy trials career, and this event had been organised in honour of its motorcycling hero. They also had the pleasure of having the eight-time Isle of Man TT legend and winner of three Grand Prix in both the 250cc Class (2) 500cc (1), Mick Grant in the entry. During the Covid-19 pandemic, everyone who attended followed the government’s guidelines to protect everyone. Article: J. Alberto Rodríguez B and ‘Fili’
Classic Trial Magazine • Winter 2021
Bertran Martinez (Aprilia-ESP)
Carlos Bosch (Bultaco-ESP)
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Special • Don Smith
MONARCH OF THE GLEN
STAG MK1
Mike Watts with the STAG.
As an enthusiastic schoolboy, a young John Moffat (the author of this article) attended the Scottish Six Days Trial in 1970 for the first time. There was always a buzz of excitement at the opening weigh-in at Edinburgh’s Gorgie Market, with the flurry of activity from riders and mechanics making last-minute changes and adjustments to their machines. One such machine was unveiled to the trials community on 3rd May; it captivated many people that day. Words: John Moffat Trials Guru • Contribution: Mike Watts Photos: Brian Holder, Alan Vines and Yoomee Archive
T
he Monarch of the Glen is an oil-on-canvas painting of a red deer stag completed in 1851 by the English artist Sir Edwin Landseer. The stag in the painting is classed as a ‘Royal Stag’ due to having 12 points or ‘Tines’ to its antlers. For it to be a ‘Monarch Stag’, it would have had to sport 16 points, so, in reality, it is flawed. That did not stop copies from being sold and advertising budgets spent on the copyright to use the image on shortbread tins the world over. The stag we will describe is somewhat different from the famous piece of art revered since the 1800s, one that was never copied nor produced in numbers for sale. In fact, only one such example ever existed of the STAG MK1, and it still does. 68
Just as we remember him: Don Smith on the STAG, ‘fag’ in the mouth and trying his best in the 1970 SSDT riding up Grey Mare’s Ridge on day two.
Winter 2021 • Classic Trial Magazine
Don Smith • Special
GREEVES – GREAT BRITAIN
Donald Roland Smith, or ‘D.R.’ to his many friends, was a development rider who came to the notice of Thundersley-based Greeves motorcycles in 1960. He switched camps in late 1967 to join the Spanish Montesa trials effort to front the development of their new Cota trials mount. Don Smith had an uneasy relationship with Bert Greeves, and it is safe to say he did not agree with the Greeves strategy to remain faithful to the alloy beam frame design that made the Thundersley products unique. Nevertheless, Smith won the European Trials Championship with Greeves in 1964 and 1967. Smith also won ten consecutive international and British national trials, including the Hoad, Perce Simon, Cotswold Cup, John Douglas, Mitchell and Beggars Roost. Don had, however, tried his best to convince the directors at Greeves to create a new, up-to-date machine; he even offered to do it himself. To his delight, they eventually gave him the go-ahead, but then they pulled their permissions at the very last minute. Feeling rejected, it was the last straw for Smith, so he handed in his resignation. After leaving Greeves, he purchased a production 250cc Bultaco in September 1967 registered as SGH4F and rode it privately in ten events. He gained seven firsts, one second and a hard-fought third. Classic Trial Magazine • Winter 2021
A typical period trials shot from the 1965 SSDT of Don Smith on the Greeves
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Vacation • Spain
2D TRIAL COSTA BRAVA
COSTA BRAVO
It was a massive blow to Joan Comas and the team, who had raised the bar so high with the Costa Brava Two Day Trial in previous years, when they had to cancel the 2020 event due to the dreaded Covid-19 pandemic. The modern era of this now exceedingly popular classic trial goes back to 2009 when a club celebration came up with the idea of bringing an old event back to life, and its success has grown year on year. After the success in 2019, the date is now firmly registered in the trials calendar. The following year was on target to be the biggest and best but would the enforced cancellation in 2020 keep everyone away? Adhering to government guidelines, the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions allowed an international entry of 380 riders to converge to the southern coastal area of Spain around Sant Feliu in 2021. So it was a case of ‘Costa Bravo’ for the start of the annual Costa Brava Two Day Classic Trial at the Hotel S’Agaró with all systems go. Article: Trials Media
Jack Butterworth (Fantic-GBR)
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Mederick Delannoy (Fantic-FRA)
Winter 2021 • Classic Trial Magazine
Spain• Vacation
Jean Luc Nictou (Triumph-FRA)
As we now know, the history of the event dates back to 1972 when the first two-day event was organised by Sant Feliu’s ‘Moto Club Tres per Hora’. Its success would lead it to be a three-day event in 1975 as trials was going through such a vibrant period. The Costa Brava competition in this format lasted until the eighties before it disappeared, along with the organising club and its members. Some twenty years later, a small group of motorcycle trials enthusiasts decided to revive the event and form a new club. Using a website was the way forward to attract attention, and www.solotrialclassico.com was used as a source of inspiration. Four people decided to invest their time and effort to bring the event back to its former glory, but the enormous task of making this happen was not easy, but they succeeded in getting us what we have today.
Rafael Sanroma (Bultaco-ESP)
Classic Trial Magazine • Winter 2021
Pascal Coutourier (Motobecane-FRA)
WELCOME BACK
Along with so many other industries, this coastal region of Spain has missed the muchneeded tourist revenue due to Covid-19. Its local residents welcomed back the off-road world and embraced the end of season visitors as the tills began to ring in the many restaurants and hotels, much to the proprietor’s delight. The weather conditions were unprecedented for the time of year, with brilliant sunshine making the temperatures almost spring-like until late into the afternoon. As the trial came to life on the Friday afternoon, the signing on took place between 4.30pm and 9.00pm to accommodate the later arrivals and friends old and new once again embraced a love of motorcycling over a few drinks on the hotel terrace. Friday evening was made extra special as the new Montesa film was shown in the hotel with members from the proud Spanish manufacturer in attendance to help support the movie’s release, including Miquel Ciera and Japan’s Takahisa Fujinami. With all the machines safely under the eyes of the local security, a good night’s sleep was welcomed by a cool but fine early morning breeze on the Saturday.
Anilo Gelabert (Beta-ESP)
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Old Gold • Montesa
OLD GOLD
MONTESA COTA 248 It’s always a bit nerve-wracking, if not frustrating, when a restoration project comes to an end. Like an artist forever fussing over final details of their picture before laying down their paintbrushes, you stand back and look at months of work and ask yourself constantly the question, ‘Is this really finished? Am I satisfied with it?’ For me, the answer has to be ‘no’ and ‘no’ because there are always places where you can make it better – or think you can. But I am getting ahead of myself; let’s roll it back. Words: Mervyn Smith and John Hulme Pictures: Mervyn Smith and Yoomee Archive
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At least it was road registered.
Winter 2021 • Classic Trial Magazine
Montesa • Old Gold
We all agree: it looks factory fresh.
T
wenty years ago, my son James and I acquired a 1982 Montesa Cota 248 – Model 21M – from an acquaintance. It had lived under a tarpaulin lying against an outside wall, and consequently, well, the ‘before’ pictures do not lie; it was knackered. Our idea was to restore it together as a father-and-son project. It started well enough as James stripped the Montesa down, and I took the frame and swinging arm for shot blasting and powder coating. James had a beautiful all-new tank and seat unit made by a friend, and we thought we were on our way with it, but circumstances were to conspire against us.
OBSOLETE
In June 2001, I enthusiastically sent a faxed list to Sandiford’s, who, as most will know, were the official Montesa UK importers for many years, asking what parts they could help me with. Still, the response did not fill me with any enthusiasm. I still have a copy of the curt faxed reply, next to which almost every part the word ‘obsolete’ was written. It was a dampener, and I was to find I hadn’t the time to be locating what even then were difficult parts, and so, sadly, the restoration foundered shortly afterwards. At that time, I was working for Honda UK. I had some serious issues to resolve on an ill-fated police motorcycle. My now lack of enthusiasm for the project meant it was just shelved, literally; most of it in four large polythene boxes in James’s garage. Some years later, when things at Honda went pear-shaped for me, I found myself with more time on my hands, so I got stuck into restoring two Bultacos instead. One of these, a model 91, won the best trials machine award at the Stafford show in 2014. After that fraughtfilled restoration, I vowed I would not do another one! The Montesa became a bit of an embarrassment, something rarely talked about, like some hidden family secret, and, if I am honest, I felt a little guilty about it. Classic Trial Magazine • Winter 2021
It had lived under a tarpaulin lying against an outside wall; the ‘before’ pictures do not lie!
FORGOTTEN BOXES
In late 2019, with little inkling of what we were all about to face in a few short months, I thought perhaps it was the opportune time to take a renewed look at it. I asked James if I could come and make some space in his garage by taking away those long-forgotten boxes, frame and wheels. He graciously agreed. Of course, it inadvertently became, like hundreds of others all over the UK, a lockdown project with a vision to keep the Cota 248 as close to original as possible. I had forgotten how bad it was; what I inherited came as a shock. The engine, I knew, was beyond my capabilities. Yes, I can manage crankshaft oil seals, clutch, top-end work and such, but it was immovable, solid, and I didn’t have the tools or, frankly, the expertise to do it. For the moment, the engine was put to one side until I could find somebody competent to look at it. Very little on the bike was redeemable. The exhaust system had more holes in it than ‘Rab C Nesbitt’s’ vest, the original rear dampers were actually working, but the 83
Classic • 1971 Andy
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Winter 2021 • Classic Trial Magazine
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Classic Trial Magazine • Winter 2021
89
Flashback 1971 • Scott Trial
Malcolm Rathmell (Bultaco)
1971 SCOTT TRIAL
WINNER: MALCOLM RATHMELL (BULTACO)
We were going to watch the Scott Trial. Despite my youthful age, I was well aware of this challenge for man and machine around the open moorland, and demanding terrain found high on the North-Yorkshire moors above Richmond and the small market town of Reeth. Not just were the bragging rights to win this punishing event at stake and the superb Scott Trial Trophy, but also the coveted ACU British Trials Championship crown. Two riders had pulled ahead in the points table: Gordon Farley (Montesa), who held a healthy advantage, and Malcolm Rathmell (Bultaco). Words: John Hulme Classic Trial Magazine • Pictures: Malcolm Carling
The Scott Trial was as popular as ever.
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Winter 2021 • Classic Trial Magazine
Scott Trial • Flashback 1971
Rob Edwards (Montesa)
Bill Wilkinson (Ossa)
A fine but cool day greeted the entry of 186 riders, the highest entry since 1966 when Alan Lampkin had won on the four-stroke BSA, to the start field where the Darlington and District Motor Club were running their 22nd Scott Trial. Missing from the event for the first time since 1956 was seven-time winner Sammy Miller. A winner as far back as 1958, he had won on both four- and two-stroke machinery: Ariel in 1958, 1962 and 1963, followed by four consecutive wins on the Bultaco from 1967 to 1970. With only two manufacturer teams entered, Bultaco Shell UK and Montesa, along with nine club teams, the action was soon about to unfold as the first rider away at 09.30am, Lloyd Thomas (Bultaco), rode past the starter’s flag.
Gordon Farley (Montesa)
Classic Trial Magazine • Winter 2021
A 70-mile course taking in 76 sections had been plotted out to include five fuel stops to keep the machines refreshed around the Swaledale area, led by the Clerk of the Course Neil Metcalfe and his team of helpers. Names of sections that can still be found in use in the modern-day world of the 2021 Scott Trial included Cold Knuckles, Underbanks, Grand Canyon and Bridge End. The delicate balance of both the time and observation element of this unique event add to the attraction of completing the course in your allocated time allowance. Going fast brings its own problems as the punishment to both man and machine is continuous, or do you ride at a more comfortable pace and concentrate on your observation score in the sections? This is the primary ingredient to finding a Scott Trial winner.
Alan Lampkin (Bultaco)
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