79 NEW LOOK
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TOBY MARTYN
FLASHBACK
LADIES
JESSBOWN
KTM IN TRIALS GAS GAS PRODUCT FOCUS
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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
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Commercial Manager John Hulme england@trialmag.com Design and Production Dean Cook The Magazine Production Company www.magazineproduction.com Printing: Buxtons Press Distribution: Warners Group Publications © 2020 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. Trial Magazine • February-March 2020
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Cover: 2019 Toby Martyn (TRRS-GBR) Photo Credit: Nige Pearson Photography
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Talk trials • Toni Bou
TONI BOU
BEST SUIT, PLEASE!
As we rounded off another successful year it was time to get out my best suit – no not my Hebo riding one on this occasion but my best Smart Attire, to attend the FIM Gala awards presentation. Held in Monaco, it certainly attracted the glamour of motorsport, and it was a privilege to mix amongst the best of 2019. As I looked around, I felt very proud; how many other people hold 26 FIM world titles, I wonder, maybe it’s only me? Words: Toni Bou with John Hulme • Pictures: FIM and Goodshoot
The Enduro rider Brad Freeman, who won the FIM EnduroGP and E1 World Championships, and I were the only double gold medal winners as I collected mine for TrialGP and X-Trial. I often ask myself just how long I can continue winning at the very top of my chosen two-wheeled sport, but in truth, it’s an open question. As you are aware I train as often as possible and the combination of man and machine I hold with the Repsol Honda has made us as one. If I can keep injury-free, I am sure I can keep winning. Yes, younger riders are coming through and no doubt they will start to challenge me just as I did all those years ago when Dougie Lampkin, Fujigas and Adam Raga were at the top as the ones to beat. It leads me nicely to the Sheffield Indoor Trial which celebrated its 25th running in late December. It’s hard to believe my first win was way back in 2005 and I have only conceded defeat once to, you have guessed it, Adam Raga. The passing of both Martin Lampkin and Neil Crosswaite left a massive hole in both the families’ lives and our sport, but they must both be very proud of Sheffield #25. It certainly lived up to its reputation as a superb indoor trial. Before I close, I would like to thank them for the warm welcome I always received and for including me in this event over the years. Thank you. Until next time – Toni ‘Dynamite’ Bou.
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February-March 2020 • Trial Magazine
THE CHOICE OF CHAMPIONS.
13 26
20YM COTA 301RR REPRESENTATIVE FINANCE EXAMPLE Manufacturer’s Recommended Retail Price (Cash Price) £7,999.00 Deposit
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INTRODUCING THE NEW COTA 301RR - THE MOST RACING-ORIENTED TRIAL BIKE. Dominate the competition with the new 2020 Montesa Cota 301RR — a racing-oriented Trials machine built to take you to the top step. An enlarged 298 cc engine with a new ECU and redesigned crankcase help make the machine feel lighter and more controllable. The higher rear fender, new slimmer and more angular fuel tank and new LED headlight all add to the more aggressive and sharper lines, giving the Cota 301RR a sportier look and a modern touch. The new Montesa Cota 301RR: How high will you take it?
Visit your local dealer to find out more.
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VPL Terms & Conditions: *New Montesa Cota 301RR 20YM orders from 03 January 2020 to 30 April 2020 and registered by 30 April 2020. Subject to model and colour availability. Representative Example based on 3 years 6.9% VPL. Offers applicable at participating dealers and are at the promoter’s absolute discretion. Indemnities may be required in certain circumstances. Finance is only available to persons aged 18 or over, subject to status. All figures are correct at time of publication but may be subject to change. Honda Franchise Dealers are credit brokers, not lenders. Credit provided by Honda Finance Europe Plc. Cain Road, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 1HL. Honda Financial Services is a trading name of Honda Finance Europe Plc. a company registered at Companies House No 03289418. Honda Finance Europe plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Financial Services Register number 312541.
News • The world of trials
SAMMY MILLER JOINS ACU TRIAL GB 2020 The organising Committee of the Keedwell ACU Trial GB Series are delighted to welcome Sammy Miller as an official sponsor for the 2020 championship. Whilst the Keedwell Group will remain as title sponsor for the year, Series Manager Brian Higgins visited the 11-times British Champion’s museum last month with ex-British and European Sidecar Champion Colin Dommett and an immediate agreement was reached. Obviously, the sport has changed since Miller’s domination of the British and European scene in the '60s and '70s, but Sammy’s professionalism marked the
beginning of the modern Trials Era. Series Manager Brian Higgins is very pleased with the association: “I am absolutely delighted to be working with Sammy again after our association with the Honda project back in the '70s. His knowledge of the sport and his dedication shines through, and I look forward to welcoming him to some rounds throughout the season”. Talks are underway with existing sponsors, Wülfsport and Point-S, where it is hoped that their valuable input in 2019 will continue. Following his retirement from mainstream trials, Miller now owns
and runs the highly successful Motorcycle Museum with over 500 prestige machines on show, which highlights the attention to detail the great man still holds for all types of motorcycles. Sammy holds the all-time record, being 11 times successive British Champion and winner of over 1,400 events! Speaking about his rekindled link with the British Series, Sammy commented: “I would like to see the championship become an even more prestigious event in the Trials world, and look forward to the 2020 championship”. The eight-round series will cover all
parts of England and Wales during the summer season and starts at Hookwood in Surrey on Saturday 7th March. www.acutrialgb.co.uk
BETA EVO FACTORY MY 2020 Compared to the standard version which has already introduced numerous design and improvements the ‘Factory’ version adds a whole series of components. Four engine options are available: three two-stroke versions 125, 250 and 300cc and one four-stroke version 300cc. Engine: The ‘Factory’ engines differ from standard version power units as follows. Two-Stroke: Black magnesium casings – a more appealing look and greater weight savings; Titanium manifold – with a conical cylinder connector (125 cc only) which boosts performance and reduces weight; Profiled clutch discs ensure clutch precision under all riding conditions; Cylinder with optimized timing charts – this brings out the full racing character of the engine without affecting user-friendliness; Cylinder head with specially designed volume and squish (300 cc only) – for a further performance boost; Optimized control unit mappings – these ensure excellent low-rev handling without compromising mid-high rev performance. Four-Stroke: The 300cc features a lighter, even higher-performing titanium silencer and a new electronic control unit. This increases sparking stability thanks to higher electrical power and consequently improves combustion throughout the rev range. Chassis: From a design and chassis viewpoint the new ‘Factory’ model differs from the standard version as follows. Front Fork with re-calibrated fork hydraulics and compression adjustment – these ensure an optimal setting whatever the conditions; Gold anodized machined-from-solid triple clamp – besides reducing weight and increasing stiffness it lets the rider shift the handlebar risers forwards or backwards to adjust machine set-up to perfection; Rear suspension with longer wheelbase and adjustment of both compression and rebound – more progressive hydraulics allows for a more refined set-up that provides benefits in terms of pre-obstacle compression and lift-off; Rear suspension with new hydraulic settings – this provides much greater low-speed control which aids balance and stability while riding; Rear suspension with new 'spring guide' geometry – increases high-impact absorption through greater
flexibility of the shock absorber plug which now features a bigger containment space; Linkage progression – even more sensitive and progressive, ensuring better responsiveness and traction; Lanyard-type kill switch – ensures even greater riding safety; Black anodized bar end plugs – protect the grips and throttle; Black anodized chain adjusters – make chain tension adjustments extremely precise; Machined-from-solid foot pegs in non-slip steel – besides clearly improving boot grip, these ensure significant weight reduction. Galfer racing brake discs – deliver more powerful braking, weight savings and a 'Racing' look; BrakTec brake and clutch cylinder – for improved braking; Black anodized brake and clutch cylinder covers; Rear brake caliper with brake pad anti-vibration system; New gold Excel rims; Michelin X-light tyres – maximise grip whatever the riding conditions; New look and new decal graphics – the racing spirit of this bike is enhanced by new graphics in the Beta Factory colors of red, white and blue, with gold trims. Beta-UK contact details can be found on page 10-11.
YMSA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS The superb YMSA National Championship continues with a six round series starting in February and finishing with the last round and awards presentation in November. The breeding ground for many of today’s star trials riders, including the current British Trials Champion Jack Price, the series caters for every one of all abilities.
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Round 1: 16th February, Talon Trophy Trial Dudwood Farm, Elton, Matlock, DE4 2LZ Round 2: 8th March, Beta Trophy Trial Burycliff Quarry, Elton, Matlock, DE45 1LL Round 3: 10th May, Gas Gas Trophy Trial Foxholes, Tansley, Matlock, DE4 5LF Round 4: 14th September, Kia Trophy Trial
Harborough Rocks, Longcliff, DE4 4HF Round 5: 4th October, SXS Trophy Trial Longcliff Tops, DE4 4HN All above starts at 11.00am Round 6: 1st November, (9.30am start) Sherco Trophy Trial and Awards Presentation Dudwood Farm, Elton, Matlock, DE4 2LZ
February-March 2020 • Trial Magazine
THE CHOICE OF CHAMPIONS
TONI BOU 13 x FIM X-Trial World Champion (Indoor) 13 x FIM Trial World Champion (Outdoor)
To discover the MICHELIN Trial range visit: moto.michelin.co.uk
News • The world of trials
VANTASTIC KOMBINATION
The undisputed FIM Ladies World Trial champion Emma Bristow has joined the VanandKombi team for 2020. Speaking about her latest collaboration, Emma said: “It feels like I spend half my life on the road so when I was looking at my travel arrangements for 2020 I wanted to make sure my journeys would be both comfortable and economical. VanandKombi really know their stuff and found me the perfect van to get me around the UK and Europe in 2020. The best bit is I don’t have to worry about road tax, servicing, tyres, mechanical problems or depreciation of my own van, and the fact that I know there is a friendly team which will solve any issues I have gives me a great peace of mind. Oh and the best bit — I now drive a VW Transporter”. If you are looking at your travel plans for 2020 and beyond, chat to the guys at Van and Kombi to see how they can help you. You can find their contact details in the advert in this magazine on page 41.
MONTESA MAGIC S3 START Magic start – yes, it does exactly what it says on the can. Bringing innovation to the motorcycle trials world is second nature to the Spanish hard parts manufacturer, S3. This latest part is an essential extra for your four-stroke Montesa 4Ride. Easy start in any situation, this mechanical piece includes attributes such as usability and design with total effectiveness, minimalist with laser finishes and anodized colors with a combination of excellent quality materials. It is easily accessible and precise for starting and adjusting the idling control of the engine. www.s3parts.com
GREAT GIFTS FOR TRIALS ENTHUSIASTS
New to Trial Magazine: we have introduced these superb quality drawstring gym bags which are ideal to carry a set of waterproofs, for example, just in case it rains when you have your summer kit on or to carry that gym kit for the workout. The bag packs away easily in to a small pocket. Also, at the request of readers, we can now supply these high-quality protective binders to keep your Trial Magazine collection safe, to enjoy time after time. The binders hold 12 copies, two years of the magazine (magazines not included). Both products, not to forget a 12-month magazine subscription (see page 112), make for great birthday gifts for any trials enthusiast and are available to order from our international website. Order yours now: www.trialmaguk.com
X-TRIAL WC: ECUADOR
The 2020 FIM X-Trial calendar has been updated and the proposed round six in Ecuador has been removed. Once again the honour of closing the 2020 FIM X-Trial World Championship falls to Andorra la Vella, the spectacular scene of last season’s finale, which is back in the calendar on 25th April.
CJB: NEW NUMBER
The producer of the superb trials DVDs, Colin Bullock of CJB, has a new telephone number when placing orders: 01564 822348. In stock is a wide range of trials-related DVDs, both classic and modern, to enjoy including the 2019 reviews. CJB DVDs can also be ordered via: www.trialmaguk.com or turn to p88 in this issue.
12
MARTYN: PINHARD TROPHY WINNER
New TRRS signing Toby Martyn is confirmed as the winner by the Sunbeam MCC of the Pinhard Trophy for 2019. This is one of the UK’s most prestigious awards; the giant three-gallon cup having been presented since 1950 to the best Under-21-year-old sporting motorcyclist competing under ACU or SACU jurisdiction. Riding for the Beta Factory Team in 2019, the 19-year-old finished third in the FIM Trial2 World Championship and second in the ACU British Trials Championship against much more experienced competitors. He also represented Great Britain at the FIM indoor X-Trial Des Nations and outdoor Trial Des Nations. Sunbeam MCC awards the trophy in memory of Frederick William Pinhard who died in 1948 whilst serving as Secretary of the Club. The judges were editors of leading motorcycle periodicals, General Secretary of the ACU, President of Sunbeam MCC and two officials appointed by Sunbeam MCC. Previous winners are a list of motorcycling greats over the last 68 years who have excelled in all spheres of the sport, including trials and motocross riders: 1952: Maureen Towler; 1953: Bill Martin; 1955: Jeff Smith; 1956: Arthur Lampkin; 1957: Roy Peplow; 1961: Scott Ellis; 1962: Malcolm Davis; 1963: Mick Andrews; 1964: Derek Adsett; 1966: Gordon Farley; 1967: Tommy Milton Jnr; 1968: Malcolm Rathmell; 1971: Martin Lampkin; 1973: Rob Shepherd; 1974: Clive Smith; 1981: John Lampkin; 1984: Steve Saunders; 1987: Paul Edmondson; 1988: Wayne Braybrook; 1989: Jason Lawer; 1991: Steve Colley; 1993: Dougie Lampkin; 1996: Graham Jarvis; 1997: Sam Connor; 1999: Martin Crosswaite; 2000: J Walker; 2002: Tom Sagar; 2004: Donna Fox; 2006: Alexz Wigg; 2010: Jack Challoner; 2011: Jack Sheppard; 2016: Jack Peace. Due to a prior commitment, Toby Martyn could not attend the ACU Awards Dinner in January so the Pinhard Trophy will be presented to him at the Hookwoods round of the ACU British Trials Championship on 7th March.
COPYRIGHT: POLITE NOTICE
We are aware a number of photos we or our contributors own are appearing on social media with no prior written permission. We would ask that you please respect copyright and encourage you to contact us for permission. Simply drop us a line: 01663 749163 or email: england@trialmaguk.com.
February-March 2020 • Trial Magazine
CHAMPIONS RISE • 6 7 3 FAT B A R ® • T O N I B O U • 2 6 W O R L D T I T L E S •
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PHOTO CREDIT : TRIAL MAGAZINE
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February-March 2020 • Trial Magazine
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Trial Magazine • February-March 2020
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British Championship • Diary
2020 DATES
BRITISH-CLASS ACTION
James Dabill (Beta): 2019 SSDT and Scott Trial Winner.
ACU RT KEEDWELL SOLO TRIALS CHAMPIONSHIP AND ELITE YOUTH
ACU BELLE TRAILERS SOLO YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP
RD 1: 7th March, Hookwood Trials Club RD 2: 5th April, Neath MC St David’s Trial RD 3: 14th June, Yeadon Guiseley Mackenzie Trial RD 4: 27th June, West of England MC Antony Rew Trial RD 5: 28th June, Torridge Tavistock RD 6: 26th July, Scarborough RD 7: 15th August, Bro Cader Llanbedr RD 8: 16th August, Hafren Llandiloes
RD 1: 29th February/ 1st March, East Lothian MC RD 2: 25th/26th April, Berkhempstead RD 3: 16th/17th May, Isle of Man RD 4: 27th September, Mansfield Maun
ACU SUPERCUP TRIALS CHAMPIONSHIP 22nd/23rd August, North Berks MC
ACU S3 PARTS TRIALS CHAMPIONSHIP RD 1: 16th February, North Berks MC Wallace Cup RD 2: 1st March, Westmorland MC Milnthorpe Cup RD 3: 8th March, Stratford-on-Avon MC Colmore Cup RD 4: 29th March, Hillsborough MC Jack Wood Trial RD 5: 13th April, Llangollen DMC Lomax Trial RD 6: 19th April, Yeadon Guiseley Chris Carter Trial RD 7: 17th May, Richmond MC Gerald Simpson Trial RD 8: 21st June, Wetherby DMC Wainwright Trial RD 9: 20th September, Newcastle DMC Travers Trial
ACU BELLE TRAILERS LADIES AND GIRLS TRIALS CHAMPIONSHIP RD 1: 15th March, North Berks MC RD 2: 4th April, Lincoln RD 3: 13th June, Hookwood Trials Club RD 4: 14th June, Bexley Heath RD 5: 26th July, Chelmsford RD 6: 16th August ,Guisborough RD 7: 18th October, Torridge Tavistock
ACU TRAIL BIKE CHAMPIONSHIP RD 1: 26th April, West Glos and Dean Forest MC Wyegate Trial RD 2: 5th July, Neath MC Fred Rist Trial RD 3: 20th September, West of England MC Moor to Sea Trial
Trial Magazine • February-March 2020
CLASSES A/B/C/D
ACU WESSEX PLANT SIDECAR TRIALS CHAMPIONSHIP RD 1: 1st March, Normandy MC Ray Thomas Trial RD 2: 26th April, South Birmingham MC DK Mansell Trial RD 3: 24th May, BSSA Tuck Cross Trial RD 4: 7th June, Mansfield Maun Doncaster Cup RD 5: 21st June, Congleton MCC RD 6: 16th August, Owls MCC Ray Denyer Trial RD 7: 20th September, Yeadon Guiseley DMC Mel Harrison Trial RD 8: 3rd October, West of England Trial RD 9: 1st November, Spen Valley
OTHER PROMINENT NATIONAL/CENTRE TRIALS 15th March, Cleveland Trial 22nd March, Bemrose Trial 1st/2nd May, Pre-65 SSDT 4/8th May, Scottish Six Days Trial 13/14th June, Highland Two Day Classic Trial 21st June, Mintex Youth Trial 5th July, Dave Rowland Trial 11/12th July, Manx Two Day Trial 17/18/19th July, Reeth Three Day 13th September, White Rose Trial 26/27th September, Leven Valley Two Day 10/11th October, Lakes Two Day Trial 17th October, Scott Trial 7th November, Northern Experts Trial 7/8th November, Jersey Two Day Trial 15th November, Southern Experts Trial Remember always to confirm all dates if you are making plans. Dates correct at time of going to print.
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Diary • World Championship
2020 DATES
WORLD-CLASS ACTION
FIM TRIALGP AND TRIAL2 CHAMPIONSHIP RD 1: 23rd/24th May, Czech Republic RD 2: 5/6/7th June, Japan RD 3: 20th/21st June, Andorra RD 4: 4th/5th July, Italy RD 5: 11th/12th July, Great Britain RD 6: 29th/30th August, France RD 7: 5th/6th September, Spain
FIM TRIALGP WOMEN CHAMPIONSHIP RD 1: 23rd/24th May, Czech Republic RD 2: 5/6/7th June, Japan RD 3: 20th/21st June, Andorra RD 4: 5th/6th September, Spain
FIM TRIAL2 WOMEN CHAMPIONSHIP RD 1: 23rd/24th May, Czech Republic RD 2: 20th/21st June, Andorra RD 3: 5th/6th September, Spain
FIM TRIAL125 CHAMPIONSHIP RD 1: 5/6/7th June, Japan RD 2: 4th/5th July, Italy RD 5: 11th/12th July, Great Britain RD 6: 29th/30th August, France RD 7: 5th/6th September, Spain
TRIAL DES NATIONS 12th/13th September, Portugal
X-TRIAL DES NATIONS 3rd April France, Lievin
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FIM TRIALE CHAMPIONSHIP RD 1: 20th/21st June, Andorra RD 2: 4th/5th July, Italy RD 3: 29th/30th August, France
FIM X-TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ROUNDS 1 AND 2 WERE HELD IN 2019 RD 3: 19th January, Budapest, Hungary RD 4: 2nd February, Barcelona, Spain RD 5: 15th February, Bilbao, Spain RD 6: 21st March, Weiner Neustadt, Austria RD 7: 25th April, La Vella, Andorra Remember always to confirm all dates if you are making plans. Dates correct at time of going to print.
February-March 2020 • Trial Magazine
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Meeting • Toby Martyn
TOBY MARTIN
READY TO WIN Imagine shooting the rapids in a boat, trying to miss the rocks that could sink a career! This roller-coaster ride for one of Great Britain’s ‘hot’ motorcycle trials talents, Toby Martyn, now looks on track to deliver the potential of a well-deserved FIM Trial World Championship. It was announced in late 2019 that he would be moving to the Spanish manufacturer TRRS. After a successful youth career, the move into the adult world has seen the very lows. From having one hand on a world title, only then having it ‘snatched’ away in dramatic fashion at the very last hurdle through to injury, which has also played a part in this young man’s progress. As we enter 2020, Toby feels he is ready to win with a new machine and a new team. It was time for John Hulme to have a Cornish Pasty, and Toby Martyn a cup of tea, as we chewed the fat on the future of his chosen profession in motorcycle trials. In more recent times, the move to TRRS was a very closely guarded secret and a shock to many. More to the point, many onlookers thought that the step back to his first love with Beta in 2019 would pave the way for a future with the Italian manufacturer. Article: John Hulme with Toby Martyn • Pictures: Trials Media and Heath R2W
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February-March 2020 • Trial Magazine
Toby Martyn • Meeting A winning start on the TRRS at the 2019 Southern Experts settled the nerves on the move to the Spanish manufacturer.
Starting out on a variety of small motorcycles including a Yamaha PW 50 before a Clipic 50 started the feet-up career for Toby and the family.
Why the TRRS? If I am totally honest, in my opinion, 2019 did not deliver the results I wanted, and my head went down a little during the season. The deflation and lack of consistent results were maybe connected to the ‘shock’ of having the 2018 Trial2 world title taken away in such a fashion at the final section in the final round in Italy. With no world round wins in 2019, and dropping to fourth in the championship, it was time to take a good look at my direction in trials. I wanted a fresh start. After speaking with Jordi Tarres and Steve Saunders, I tested the TRRS, and it answered its own question for me.
2008: A Gas Gas 50 automatic came along and with it success in the ACU Youth D class British Championship.
Trial Magazine • February-March 2020
“…it was time to take a good look at my direction in trials. I wanted a fresh start.” In your voice you sound excited about the 2020 season! That’s because I am excited! I wanted a fresh start, and that’s what I have. I understand 100% what I have to do this year, and with the experience that Jordi Tarres and Steve Saunders can bring to me, it’s totally down to
me as an individual to deliver. Not just in the world championship but also the British one. The whole team image feels right for a young rider such as myself. When I tested the TRRS, they were more than happy to help me adjust to the Spanish machine, which confirmed in my mind that the decision to move was the correct one. I have witnessed the brand grow since its introduction in 2016, and it’s something I want to be a part of. Right, down to your minder; it’s a new team this year. I cannot speak highly enough of the opportunities I have already had in my short adult trials career, and I thank everyone who has ever helped me to get where I am today. Friendships last a long time and I especially want to thank Rudi Geiser from the RG Trials Team. It was Rudi who guided me on the way up the ladder; we are still good friends, and my family and I are eternally grateful for the year with him on the Montesa. For the last two years,
2009: Progress was made through the C class on the Beta 80cc before moving to the 125cc Beta and the B class with support from Robin Martin through his RCM trials dealership.
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My world • Albert Cabestany
ALBERT CABESTANY
WINDING BACK THE CLOCK It’s always good to see new faces in the rapidly expanding world of classic trials. So, when my good friend, the organiser, Joan Comas, contacted me concerning the 2019 Costa Brava two-day event in Spain to tell me Albert Cabestany was riding, it certainly put a smile on my face. I have been in regular contact with Albert and his father, Francesc, for many years on the FIM World Championship scene and in more recent times, when he rode the Gas Gas electric trials model to the world title in 2019. Talk about rewinding the clock; he would soon be riding a twin-shock Fantic, circa 1984 – quite a difference from the all-singing, all-dancing 2019 Gas Gas which works at the flick of a switch. Article: TM with Albert Cabestany • Pictures: Trial Magazine, Peter J Beardmore and Mario Candellone
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February-March 2020 • Trial Magazine
Albert Cabestany • My world
It was good to have my two girls at the Costa Brava Two Day Trial.
Congratulations on the ‘Costa’ win Thank you very much! As you know, it’s never easy to win an easy trial. You always need to stay focused on your goal but most of all it’s a little bit strange because you try to have fun, but at the same time everybody expects you to win, so to find a good balance is not an easy thing. I have to make it clear that the only goal for me was to have fun and understand why everybody loves this kind of event. I thank Joan Comas for thinking of me and allowing me to ride his fantastic trial. Your father, Francesc, is a classic fan? Nobody in the family really likes classic trials machines, as we think we can enjoy more of what we love, which is trials, with modern trials motorcycles. In fact, my father’s favourite model is the Gas Gas TXe, the electric one. In Spain, things are not easy regarding access to the mountains with a trials machine, and he found that with this one people accept us much more than with petrol-powered ones. Many people close to us use classic machines and push him to join them, but every time he tries one, he is even more convinced about how good the modern ones are. He understands they had their place in the past and the history of motorcycle trials but says if he has the chance to use a modern machine why not? Where did the idea come from to compete at the Costa Two-Day? I’ve always heard great things about this trial, and via Facebook, Joan offered me the chance to come and ride it, and I just wanted to give it a try. My father had the opportunity to compete, Trial Magazine • February-March 2020
Winning the 2019 FIM TrialE World Championship for Gas Gas was a special moment.
but he always prefers to stay close to me and enjoy this day out together. It’s a fantastic event and very well organised. The modern trials scene could learn so much from this type of event. They should understand that maybe what people want are trials in fantastic places with the same level of difficulty in the sections and the same ambience. Do not increase the riding level; just focus on having a good time with excellent organisation! Who owns the Fantic you rode? The Fantic I used was from a doctor they call ‘Bala’, if I am correct. I would like to thank him for letting me use his machine. Basically, I didn’t
Scoring my first ever FIM World Championship points on the Beta in Spain 1997.
touch a thing other than put the handlebars a little further forward. I had it for just a couple of days’ practice before the trial. I focused on understanding the Fantic’s capabilities so that I could have a pleasant experience during the trial. Was this your first Classic event? Yes, this was my first classic event as a rider. At my hometown, many people used to ride classic machines and organise events as well. Next year they are also preparing a two-day classic event, so maybe I will ride in it. It was good to see Takahisa Fujinami and Jeroni Fajardo at the event, but they were both on modern machines. Sherco forbade Jeroni to ride a classic machine as they pay him to sell the Sherco 2020 model, not the classic trials, which I understand. What factories should realise though is that they need to promote (or find someone who does) more events like the Costa Brava but for modern machines; the ones they are selling to people. They should be more involved, maybe, in giving the customer the experience and not so focussed on making the sale. 2019 FIM TrialE World Champion! I must admit, I am a massive fan of E-trial machines. I have a really good friend who built his own five years ago. I’ve been in contact with him since the first day, as it is an area that I am really interested in. I’m convinced that it can make the difference and make the sport I love, grow as it deserves to. From the moment I had the chance to be more involved in the electric world, I didn’t doubt it; I embraced the opportunity. 43
Product Focus • Gas Gas
GAS GAS – A BRAND
IN DEMAND
Held annually in Milan, Italy, usually in November, the EICMA motorcycle show is the premier event for the motorcycle industry. It was here, in 2019 during the KTM Press Launch, that they officially announced they had added the Gas Gas brand to the group that also includes Husqvarna. The success story of the KTM AG group needs no introduction and is well documented in all areas of motorcycling — apart, that is, from the trials world. In 1985, we first noted that the Spanish Gas Gas trials machines had entered the arena of the observed trials world as two well-respected and successful Spanish off-road motorcycle champions, Joseph Pibernat and Narcis Casas, were coming to the end of their respective careers. They decided to take a different direction as opposed to retiring, and entered into the world of manufacturing their own machine, the Gas Gas. Over the following years they would rise to the top of the trials world with world championship titles from Jordi Tarres and Adam Raga, and the machine would become a benchmark amongst the manufacturers. In its 35-year history, it has had some very difficult turbulent years but has always been a survivor, as we have now seen with a brand in demand as it parts from its Spanish roots to the open arms of KTM and Austria. Article: John Hulme • Pictures: Trials Media, John Edward Shirt, Toon Van De Vliet, Peter J Beardmore, Eric Kitchen, Cyrille Barthe, Justyn Norek Jnr and Iain Lawrie
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J
oseph Pibernat and Narcis Casas owned a small motorcycle shop in the suburbs of Barcelona. They specialised in off-road products and the Bultaco brand in particular. With the demise of the once-mighty Spanish motorcycle manufacturer, they found themselves in the position of having a shop but with nothing to sell. In Enduros, at which they were both successful, often when attacking the special tests, the crowd would echo the words ‘Gas Gas’; it literally means twist the throttle to ‘gas it’ and go faster. The very first Gas Gas machines would come from this small Barcelona shop, which embarked the two Spaniards on a journey that was to take them to world championship glory.
HALLEY
The very first trials machines to carry the Gas Gas name were called the ‘Halley’ after the comet bearing the name arrived with us in 1986. These machines featured a homeFebruary-March 2020 • Trial Magazine
Gas Gas • Product Focus
In the late 80s the big three trials manufacturers in Spain Bultaco, Montesa and Ossa were suffering with financial problems. Gas Gas, along with a small cottage industry of other manufacturers, were about to be unleashed onto the trials world. This picture is from 1987.
fabricated steel frame incorporating ideas which were influenced by the input from the two business partners who recognised the ingenuity of the ground-breaking Yamaha mono-shock technology and the mechanical ideas of talented engineer Joseph Paxau. The engine would come from the Italian Villa company and was based on the 125cc motocross engine mated to a Bultaco inspired cylinder. The very first prototype machines featured drum brakes front and rear for a brief period before the front was replaced with a Grimeca disc brake. The frame featured a single-shock system with the side plate footrest mounting points, which kept the machine very slim. Marzocchi front forks were fitted as the development team tested various rear shockers before deciding on the Corte Cosso unit linked to an aluminium swinging arm. It weighed 84kg and soon attracted the attention of Spanish world
At the Belgium FIM world round in 1987 a Spanish winning combination of Gabino Renales and Gas Gas gave the Gerona based manufacturer its first world round win on a very cold day.
Trial Magazine • February-March 2020
championship contenders Gabino Renales from Mecatechno and Andrew Codina from Montesa. Neither of these riders was sure what future they had with their current machines, and so tested the new Gas Gas, but Renales agreed on terms to compete in the 1986 FIM World Championship. A brilliant seventh place in the season-opening round in Belgium showed the machine’s potential. In their first year in the world championship, Renales had finished in 14th position and runner-up in the Spanish Championship.
PRODUCTION STARTS
With so much interest in the new machine, a small production run of 200 of the ‘Halley’ model was produced, and Andrew Codina had had no hesitation in signing to ride the machine in the 1987 FIM World Championship. The opening round was in Spain where the ‘new’ manufacturers were determined to put on
Taken in 2010 at the Italian world round, one half of the Gas Gas partnership was Joseph Pibernat, seen here on the left. On the right is the rider who gave them their first FIM trials world titles Jordi Tarres.
a good show, and Renales mounted the podium for the first time in third place. Seven days later, at the Belgian world round, they shocked the trials world when Renales gave Gas Gas their first-ever world round win. New ideas were continuously tried and tested to improve the machine’s performance. A short time later Codina just managed to beat Renales in the British world round, and they had two machines in the top ten. As the season closed, Renales had finished in tenth place overall, with Codina in 12th. Another larger batch of 400 machines was produced, and they all sold very quickly. A new machine was tested and was ready to be launched at the opening world round of the 1988 world championship in Spain.
NEW MODEL
As Renales moved to Montesa, it was decided to enter the world championship with just Codina,
It was good to see the other partner in the winning combination of Gas Gas, Narcis Casas seen here on the right, in Andorra in 2012 with Adam Raga. Adam was the protégé of Jordi Tarres and gave Gas Gas their first FIM indoor world titles from 2003 to 2006 and two outdoor FIM world titles, in 2005 and 2006.
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www.lsswaste.co.uk
Celebration • Traditional
INDOOR ACTION
SHEFFIELD #25 This 25th anniversary event to celebrate the Sheffield Indoor Trial was a very poignant moment, as it was run in joint memory of its founders, Martin Lampkin and Neil Crosswaite, who both passed away in recent times; Martin in 2016 and Neil in February 2019. Both families had worked together to ensure that a fitting event was delivered on this historic occasion, in celebration of the two men who were responsible for bringing a World Indoor Trial to the UK. From a chat in a pub, it evolved into a world-class event which they have hosted since the first indoor show at the Arena in Sheffield on 6th January 1996. They did not disappoint at Sheffield #25 as the ten invited riders all put on a show that both families were very proud of, in late December 2019. The undisputed ‘King’ of trials, Toni Bou, arrived in Great Britain with his thoughts focused on another win at Sheffield. The Repsol Honda team rider showed no change in his excellent winning form, taking a hugely popular victory in front of his two fellow Spanish rivals Adam Raga (TRRS) and Jaime Busto (Vertigo) as the ‘home’ fans cheered a new rising star, Toby Martyn (TRRS) to fourth place. Words and images: Trials Media
Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP)
Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP)
Trial Magazine • February-March 2020
Podium
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Flashback • KTM T
Walter Luft was the first rider to attempt the Scottish Six Days Trial in 1976 on the KTM from Austria.
KTM IN TRIALS Kraftfahrzeuge Trunkenpolz Mattighofen
In the off-road world of modern times, KTM stands loud and proud and are best known for their motocross, enduro and rally raid machines. As the European market leaders who also have Husqvarna under their arm, with the acquisition of the Gas Gas brand the Austrian marque now can add a trials model to its range. It is not their first move into the motorcycle trials market as we ‘Flashback’ here to an ambitious project that began during the ’70s and ended with the KTM 325T trials machine. Yes, a KTM trials machine was a reality... some 43 years ago! Words: Alexandre Arnaud, Matthew Heppleston and John Hulme • Pictures: Andy Gregory, Eric Kitchen, A2, DR, Moto Verde, Iain Lawrie and Yoomee Archive
Dominating the machine that German Felix Krahnstover rode in the 1978 SSDT is the huge fuel tank and cylinder barrel.
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You can just see the KTM, second from the right on the front row, at the 1977 Scottish Six Days Trial in the ‘Parc Ferme’. It looks very comfortable amongst its Japanese and Spanish rivals.
February-March 2020 • Trial Magazine
KTM T • Flashback
If you inspect the machine closer, despite the ‘Production’ appearance you can see it’s still very much a prototype.
R
ewind the clock to 1975 when the big boss at the Austrian manufacturer, Erich Trukenpolz, the T in KTM, was the originator of the motorcycle trials project. The country’s trials specialist at the time was Walther Luft, who was also an excellent rider and engineer, and Erich was able to convince him to come and work in the factory at Mattighofen, Austria. Luft had already worked with another Austrian motorcycle manufacturer, Puch, and during his time with them had produced a superb, innovative and superlight 250cc trials machine. Luft agreed to join KTM in the hope of seeing his ideas reach production as his efforts at Puch hadn’t gone beyond the doors of the research-and-development department of the rival Austrian manufacturer.
On his way to 30th position at the 1978 SSDT is Felix Krahnstover; he would return to his first love, Montesa in 1979.
of machines headed by Mick Andrews. Now, there could be another motorcycle manufacturer trying to capture a share of the market as the Austrian factory was already a big player in motocross and enduro. It was now time for KTM to enter the trials race. In early 1975, Walther Luft had started work in earnest on the trials project with many new ideas in mind. As he had done at Puch before, he was obliged to start the basis of the project with an existing engine. He worked in close cooperation with the other KTM engineers, with Heinrich Wieditz heading the team. Luft was to develop a machine that didn’t have the ambition of being revolutionary in concept but one which was to provide a credible alternative to the hugely popular Bultaco, Sherpa and Montesa Cota models, amongst others. Along with strong global sales, they also had the competition pedigree of providing winners in the new FIM Trial World Championship, which had been upgraded from the European Championship to the full FIM title in 1975, when Martin Lampkin had won for Bultaco.
“The 240cc engine size was selected to take advantage of the VAT situation in France, which at the time was a very important market factor…”
AUSTRIA ENTERS THE TRIALS EACE
The ‘big’ three in the trials world were the very successful Spanish factories of Bultaco, Montesa and Ossa, who were already in fierce competition with the Japanese in this market sector in the mid-seventies. Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha had already laid their cards on the table with production machines. Notably, it was Yamaha who had already made significant inroads to the clubman market with its superb TY range
ENDURO TO TRIALS
Walther Luft selected the engine from the KTM 400GS enduro machine with an actual cylinder capacity of 355cc as the starting point for the trials engine. He chose it for its big flywheel and inherent inertia, and it was reduced in capacity to 240cc with a 70mm bore and 62mm stroke, which was the same as the enduro model. The 240cc engine size was selected to take advantage of the VAT situation in France, which at the time was a very important market factor as
This is Walter Luft’s KTM at the 1978 ‘Scottish’. On closer inspection you will see many changes to the machine that Krahnstover rode.
Trial Magazine • February-March 2020
On Krahnstover’s KTM the flywheel casing was much narrower. We believe this is the 324.7cc engine.
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Travelling man • Andy Perry
PARADISE JURASSIC 3-DAY TRIAL 2019
In my view, the very fact we get out on our motorcycles in some of the most beautiful countryside with our closest friends is paradise. To get to do all this in a location that just about everyone on the planet earth would class as paradise is life-changing; but how did all this come about? Back to 2018 and I’m at the biggest and most amazing trial in the world, the Scottish Six Days Trial in Fort William Scotland. I’m walking down the West End car park on a wet and fairly miserable Monday morning for the start of another awesome week of motorcycles, beer, friends, more beer and some of the most amazing scenery in the world. As I ‘rock up’ to my machine I have a good look around to see who I recognise and which good riders I’d like to catch up with or fall back with to hopefully get a flow going, as you do. My eye caught a guy sitting on his machine shivering with a very light – at best showerproof – jacket on, no base layers or proper protection from the elements! The jacket had Costa Rica printed down the breast; the guy was swarthy skinned, so it was a wild guess he wasn’t a local… Words: Andy Perry and Trials Media • Pictures: Team Costa Rica, Trials Media and Ronald Acuna
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February-March 2020 • Trial Magazine
Andy Perry • Travelling man
This is the original crew that went out to validate the course in Costa Rica in December 2018.
I
introduced myself: “Hi, I am Andy from Ireland” and he did the same, “Felipe Koberg from Costa Rica” he replied. I asked, did he not have a Goretex jacket or any other layers to keep him warm. He replied “No, we don’t use jackets where I am from. I rode last year in 2017, and the weather was great, so I didn’t think I’d need one”. Luckily my lodgings for the ‘Scottish’ week are just across from start area in the West End car park, so I ran up quickly and got him another jacket, and said that I understood he had travelled a long way so if he needed anything just ask and if I had it he could use it.
usual social media channels, and we filled each other in on what we did for a living, and here there were a lot of ‘comparables’ in our lives. He’s a super-easy guy to get on with and loves the sport of motorcycle trials, which makes him a top bloke in my eyes.
Without the support of the likes of Spain’s Carlos Casa the dream of the trial in Costa Rica would not have happened.
WHAT A GUY
As the week went on, we bumped into each other here and there, and I would ask how was he getting on. He always replied he was doing well but struggling with the cold, and he had injured his arm so was trying to keep it mobile while also trying to protect it from further injury. All I could think was ‘what a guy; over here on his own and competing in one of the toughest events in the world because he felt the need to do better than he had done the year before’. I could relate to this, as anyone who has ever ridden the Scottish Six Day will know, the event is the ultimate test of man and machine, and the goal is always to better your own personal best every time you compete. But to travel halfway around the world and spend all the time, money and effort that he had done deserved respect and, at the very least, a friendly bit of support and guidance. Now I know him much better and if I had to describe the man in a few words they would have to be: focused, strong, determined, fit, brave and kind – in fact, a lovely man. He battled through the week which wasn’t great weather-wise, even coming from an Irishman, but it must have felt like a week at the South Pole for him being that his home country temperature was in the middle to high forties when he left! He accepted the advice I offered where I felt it was useful and was super grateful that our sport is full of guys all looking out for each other and making sure that he enjoyed his week sharing time with myself and other likeminded guys. After the ‘Scottish’ we kept in touch via the
Trial Magazine • February-March 2020
Here at Trial Magazine we would like to say thank you to our good friends Yrjo Vesterinen (left) and Andy Perry for bringing this report alive with their superb contributions.
Andy Perry prepares to defy death under the wheels of Pat Smage to entertain the locals!
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Ladies • Jess Bown
FROM
TO
FOOTBALL HANDLEBARS
The huge smile said it all when Jess Bown took her first adult ACU British Championship title in 2019 – yes, she pinched herself, British Champion! Females in a male-dominated sport are now very normal, and the exposure that comes with the off-road world of motorcycles has grown with trials and holds its own against many other sports disciplines. It was a change of sports disciplines from kicking a football to holding handlebars that opened the path to this ACU British Championship title for Jess. With the news that she had become engaged to her fellow trials riding partner Chris Alford it was about time, we caught up with the fun-loving young lady. Article: Trials Media with Jess Bown • Pictures: Trials Media, Fili and Leah Robinson
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February-March 2020 • Trial Magazine
Jess Bown • Ladies
Jess with fiancé, Chris
2015: Happy with the move to Nigel and June Birkett with the Scorpa, Jess is looking more confident in Spain.
2014: High above Andorra in the WTC, with Donna Fox doing the ‘Minding’.
2016 Italy: Understanding just how confident you have to be on the huge rocks in the WTC.
“Women’s league and games moved to Sundays, and in my heart, I had got the trials ‘bug’, and so the football boots were parked for the trials ones.” Congratulations on the ‘ring’ news! I have been with Chris since December 2016, and on our recent trip for a well-earned holiday in Mexico he ‘popped’ the question. Chris has been so supportive in my trials career, and the British Championship title is a joint effort. He loves motorcycle trials as much as I do and, both coming from a trials-riding family, we enjoy our two-wheeled Sunday fun days.
But you also enjoyed football Yes, I loved playing football. I sometimes wish I still played! I started playing when I was around 11 years old in a local division before moving up to the Sheffield and Hallamshire League. When I was 18, we moved into the Women’s league and games moved to Sundays, and in my heart, I had got the trials ‘bug’, and so the football boots were parked for the trials ones.
Why motorcycle trials? I was 12 years old it was actually four wheels that attracted me to motorcycles; the good-old quad bike. Riding a quad was so much fun, and I spent many Sundays with my cousins, racing around my Uncle’s field, I just loved the speed and sensation of this form of actionpacked fun! On my 13th birthday a family friend, Colin Pickering, bought me a field motorcycle and that was when my mind was made up.
You then joined the Yamaha TY 80 gang Yes, the good-old Yamaha TY 80 came my way, which has served so well over the years as a stepping stone, taking so many other riders to the top of their game. I competed in my very first trial in March 2009 in a Mansfield Maun event, riding on the conducted route.
Trial Magazine • February-March 2020
It was father and daughter time My mum and dad have always supported me in all I wanted to do, and I spent a lot of time
competing in the Peak Classic trials and other local events with my dad Chris. My hard work was rewarded when I moved to a Gas Gas in August 2009 such was my progress in trials; I loved it. The success in local club and centre trials was bringing so much fun, with my mum Sharon observing and my brother Jim also competing, these were real family days out and ones I will never forget.
2017: Looking every inch a ‘Pro’ class rider: Jess in confident form at the TDN.
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Technical • Montesa
Montesa 4Ride
S3 ELECTRIC STARTER KIT
When TRRS first introduced the electric start button on its X-TRACK model, it was a huge step forward for the age-old problem of starting the motorcycle engine when it stopped, at the simple press of a button. You can argue the trials world is very antiquated in this area; we all know the one when you’re tired and stuck in a water-filled rut, and the machine will not start. Your foot keeps slipping off the mechanical lever, and you want to cry! Following on from the TRRS story, the aftermarket company S3 has launched an electric-starter kit for the four-stroke Montesa Cota 4Ride. The Girona-based company worked with Montesa to arrive at the electric-starter kit option, which will also become available for the 4RT trials model. Would this be the ‘starter’ for the electric-starter race in the trials world? Article: Rodo and Yoomee • Pictures: Sabatier and S3 Parts
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Finished Product: The Electric kit is sold with its high-quality Lithium-Ion battery and comes with the machined original Honda starter.
February-March 2020 • Trial Magazine
Montesa • Technical
Air Filter: Once the seat is removed you can have direct access to the air filter.
E
verything about the 4Ride has passed — and continues to pass — through the brains of Spain’s Pere Ferrer. He has been on board from the very start of the Cota 4Ride project. Still very young at heart, this young retiree from Montesa-Honda continues to participate in the evolution of this machine by collaborating with S3 Parts. Based in Gerona, S3 carries a considerable amount of respect in the trials world which is based around their enthusiasm in developing the innovation from the brain of the owner Michel Kaufman, a very well-respected engineer. Montesa-Honda is based in Barcelona and is accountable to Japan, whereas Michel as an independent company owner, has much more freedom to design and innovate. The idea of developing an electric starter for the 4Ride was borne of a double project. First was the design of the electric starter, to be made adaptable on a Cota 4Ride model as well as for the Cota 4RT, but it was also related to another project to bring an idle adjustment and a manual hot choke to the single-cylinder fourstroke engine.
Pull: A manual idle adjustment coupled with a starter system is under investigation too. It will be smaller than this prototype one. It is already effective and will not require any modification on a Cota 4RT. Now available as an aftermarket part from S3 Parts.
Location: The starter is in position and located parallel to the engine.
‘The brains of Spain’s Pere Ferrer’ Changing the all-important air filter required complete disassembly of the entire rear area. Not easy to start, not easy to change gear and a difficult air filter change; the three deadly sins of the Montesa Cota 4Ride! The easiest area to change was the gear lever’s association with the footrest. The result is an impressive piece of quality engineering kit that ensures a very easy ‘quick-shift’ through the gears as you can slide the front of the boot under the selector-tip to make a change. Attention was then changed to the air filter access. This process was much easier; a perforated grid placed at the bottom of the storage area under the seat of the 4Ride allows direct access to the air filter. Before it was necessary to cut the bottom off, anyway.
MAGIC BUTTON
The vision of an electric starter for the 4Ride was not easy. The under-seat area could easily accept a battery, but then where to mount the starter motor? A notched wheel to engage the ignition mass was not so easy to adapt to the 4RT either, with the same engine. This is where Luis, the S3 engineer, started a Chinese puzzle ... sorry Japanese puzzle. He succeeded in housing a battery on a 4RT, more precisely between the rear of the cylinder and the damper. A mini Lithium-Ion battery made this possible. Still, it was necessary to design a battery holder which carries on its back the regulator-rectifier off the 4RT, and this required a relocation of the reservoir for the rear-brake fluid. He was also looking for something to
ACCESSORIES CATALOGUE MONTESA COTA 4RIDE
As the Cota 4Ride model has evolved over the last few years, S3 Parts has started to develop accessories for the model-based around interest from the various users of the machine and its appeal to the general public in many different areas of motorcycling. One area for consideration of development was the gear-change lever and its association with the footrest position. Initially, designed for trials use with the Cota 4RT, the lever is placed so far from the footrest that it is impossible to change gear easily without completely moving the foot from the right footrest. Trial Magazine • February-March 2020
Universal: Sitting on show, this is the profile of the electric-starter kit as fitted to the Cota 4RT during development.
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Video Superstore • In the world of Trials
VIDEO SUPERSTORE
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Youth • Station Garage
LOOKING AT
THE FUTURE Professional presentation always catches your eye – or it should do! The bright, vibrant colours of the Station Garage Trials Team from the Isle of Man certainly makes you look closer, and that’s how this article came to life. I had witnessed the riders in action at a 2019 ACU Youth British Trials Championship round, and yes I was impressed, firstly by the team colours and secondly by the fact that this passionate team has to travel to the majority of the events from its base on the Isle of Man. It was time to find out more. Article: John Hulme with Michael Owen
T
eam Manager, Michael Owen, brings us up to speed: “I started in youth motocross, as at that time on the IOM there were no youth trials. The first year of youth trials on the IOM was mainly people from motocross. After a couple of seasons, the youth committee split, and this was the first season really of trials. “I was riding in the B class, so it was around 1979. I was riding a Yamaha TY 175 at the time. I rode all the way through the youth class and on to the adult world, where I became Island Solo and a Sidecar Centre Champion. After this, I moved on to committees and became chairman of the Peveril Motorcycle club, and was lucky enough to be part of the teams that run the Trial Des Nations and FIM World rounds. I was very fortunate as my father ran a motorcycle shop called Tiger Tims and was heavily into off-road motorcycles himself.”
COACHING
Jacob Wilson (OSET)
104
“It was at this point I was approached by a person who had nothing to do with motorcycling, who had a son who wanted to ride. He had never been on a motorcycle, and the parents had no interest, but the kid was desperate; where do you start? This is where I got involved with OSET as I had seen this as the way forward. I also started to look at coaching and the sport of trials in general. We started February-March 2020 • Trial Magazine
Station Garage • Youth
2019 Summer Peters (Beta)
training sessions every Saturday morning and got involved in coaching with the IOM sports council; I also sat my coaching badge with the ACU. This is where Team Station Garage originated. We are now about to start our fifth season, and along the way, we have made some really good friends and have picked up little bits of knowledge off everyone. “One of our most significant help has been the YMSA. Barry Burton and his team have bent over backwards to help us, and with his ‘practise on Saturday and ride on Sunday’ policy we get so much motorcycle time, riding and practising with the top riders. Based on the Island, Steve Colley has been a great help in the early days sharing his knowledge of training on and off the machine; we can’t thank the landowners enough as without them we would have nothing. “We also run fundraisers throughout the year, with our biggest being the Christmas raffle and a very successful race night, all of which are based at the Baltic Inn, Foxdale, so a big thank you to our host Judith.”
THE 2019 SEASON
As the 2019 season closed, we reflected on the achievements of the team riders in their respective championships through the eyes of Michael Owen.
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
2015 Summer Peters
Trial Magazine • February-March 2020
Kaytlyn Adshead finished in a strong 11th place in the Women’s Championship, and Bobby Moyer finished in 17th place in the Youth International Championship. The Youth European Championships are very tough and attract the very best riders from across Europe, so top-twenty finishes are something to be very proud of. 105
Locator • Find your local dealer
DEALER LOCATOR 01 2T-Offroad
Tel: 01592 772867 Email: trial2t-offroad@Hotmail.com Area: Kirkcaldy, KY1 4DE
02 AB Motorcycles
Tel: 01685 382100 Email: barrie-ab@hotmail.com Web: www.abmotorcycles.co.uk Area: Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 2SR
03 Acklams Motorcycles
Tel: 07957 148588 / 07540 591410 Email: sales@acklamsbeta.co.uk Web: www.acklamsmotorcycles.com Area: Harrogate, HG3 2BG
04 Active Bikesport
Tel: 01761 241887 Email: activebikesport@gmail.com Area: Radstock, BA3 4PD
05 AG Bikes
Tel: 01748 886356 Email: gebrownson@f2s.com Area: Reeth, DL11 6NH
06 Andy Metcalfe Motorcycles
Tel: 01287 638030 Email: andymetcalfemotorcycles@gmail.com Web: www.andymetcalfemotorcycles.com Area: Guisborough, TS14 7DH
07 Birkett Motosport
Tel: 01229 716806 Email: nigel.birkett@talk21.com Web: www.birkettmotosportukltd.com Area: Broughton in Furness, LA20 6EZ
08 Bob MacGregor Trials Academy
Web: www.trialsacademy.co.uk Area: Annick, KA3 4EH
09 BVM Moto UK
Tel: 01453 297 177 Email: sales@bvm-moto.co.uk Web: www.bvm-moto.co.uk Area: Stroud, GL5 5EX
10 Craigs Motorcycles
Tel: 01924 488117 Email: aaron@craigsmotorcycles.com Web: www.craigsmotorcycles.com Area: Dewsbury, WF13 1HX
11 East Neuk Trials Motorcycles
Tel: 01333 311744 Email: duncan.wood@btconnect.com Area: Fife, KY10 2RB
18 RAS Sport
Tel: 01484 711720 Email: andrew@rassport.com Web: www.rassport.com Area: Brighouse, HD6 1LH
19 RCM Trialsport
Tel: 01209 820896 Email: rcm-trialsport@hotmail.com Area: Redruth, TR16 5PN
20 Sandiford Offroad
12 Feetup
Tel: 01282 455697 Email: martin@sandifordracing.co.uk Web: www.sandifordracing.co.uk Area: Burnley, BB11 5SS
13 Inch Perfect Trials
Tel: 01395514287 Mail: southwesttrials@gmail.com Web: www.swtrials.co.uk Area: Sidmouth, EX10 9DN
14 Inta Bikes
Tel: 01726 816181 Web: www.stblazeymx.co.uk Mail: sales@stblazeymx.co.uk Area: St Blazey, PL24 2RN
15 John Lee & Sons Motorcycles
Tel: 01298 766 813 Email: sales@trialendurodirect.com Web: www.trialendurodirect.com Area: Buxton, SK17 9JL
Tel: 01723 865577 Email: alan@feetup.wanadoo.co.uk Web: www.feetuptrialsport.co.uk Area: Scarborough, YO12 4QB Tel: 01200 448130 Email: sales@inchperfecttrials.co.uk Web: www.inchperfecttrials.co.uk Area: Whitewell, BB7 3AU Tel: 01622 688727 Email: intabikes@btconnect.com Web: www.intabikes.co.uk Area: Maidstone, ME15 6HE
Tel: 01933 312827 Mail: johnlee.mc@btconnect.com Web: www.johnleemotorcycles.co.uk Area: Higham Ferrers, NN10 8BP
21 South West Trials
22 St Blazey MX
23 TrialEnduroDirect
24 Trail & Trials UK
16 Marsh MX
Tel: 01334 840414 Email: john@tytrials.com Web: www.tytrials.com Area: New Gilston, KY8 5TF
17 Mickey Oates Motorcycles
Tel: 0113 281 8242 Email: sales@trialsuk.co.uk Web: www.trialsuk.co.uk Area: Horsforth, LS18 5NX
Tel: 01685 385201 Email: Anthony@marshmx.co.uk Web: www.marshmx.co.uk Area: Merthyr Tydfil, CF47 8PE
Tel: 0141 332 7374 Email: sales@mickeyoates.com Web: www.mickeyoates.com Area: Glasgow, G4 9XP
25 Trials UK
26 Winchester Off Road Honda
Tel: 01962 771122 Email: mike.carter@huskysport.co.uk Web: www.worhonda.co.uk Area: Winchester, SO24 0QA
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JAMES DABILL - SHEFFIELD INDOOR TRIAL 2020
www.apico.co.uk
STUART EDMONDS & JAMIE LAW - MAXXIS CHAMPIONSHIP 2019