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Cover: Takahisa Fujinami (Repsol Honda-JPN) Italy 2021 Photo Credit: Christian Valeri

Talk trials • Toni Bou

TONI BOU

IF IN DOUBT, FLAT OUT

That is exactly how it has been since the last issue of Trial Magazine — flat out! With the help of the dedicated team of medical support, the broken left leg has healed so well; I am so thankful to them all. However, if I am totally honest, I was very concerned about the opening world round, not just with the leg but also my physical condition as I had not been able to train so well. Words: Toni Bou with John Hulme • Pictures: Honda/Montesa Trial Trials Media

The weather in Italy at the opening round of the 2021 FIM Trial World Championship was unbelievably hot. I used up so much energy on my first lap, I could not believe I was leading. However, I knew Adam Raga would come good, and I was so happy to take a very tired win, albeit by a single mark. It was a very early night to bed before the action on Sunday. I was tired but put this behind me and concentrated on doing my very best on day two. My lap score of 15 marks lost put me second behind Jeroni Fajardo, but I was comfortable with it. I decided to play the safety card on the second lap with consistent riding, but, bang out of nowhere, my Repsol Honda teammate ‘Fujigas’ parted with a mere four marks to take the win at 41 years of age. It’s called respect; I was happy for once to be second. In France, and with a much better level of fitness, I felt good all day despite the rain. On my second lap, it was just a single five-mark penalty on my scorecard, and it felt good. I could not believe it when Adam came in on the same score, but I ran out an easy clear winner to take my 120th FIM World Championship career win. We now have a break in the calendar until late August, and so I will be giving my body some much needed TLC! Until next time, stay safe and well – Toni ‘Dynamite’ Bou.

August-September 2021 • Trial Magazine

75 YEARS. STILL GOING STRONG.

MONTESA HONDA – UNDISPUTED CHAMPIONS OF WORLD TRIALS The history of Montesa dates back to 1944, when a young Barcelona industrialist, Pere Permanyer Puigjaner, began to produce his own gas generators for automobiles – thus opening a new branch of activities in the motorcycle industry. Fast forward 75 years, and 28 consecutive indoor and outdoor World Trials titles later, Montesa are still flying high and remain firmly on the top step of the World Trials podium. With an enviable reputation, Montesa Honda machines are renowned for their exclusive technological features, as well as for being models of superior quality and proven reliability. Call 0345 200 8000 or visit your local specialist dealer to find out more.

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Shopping • What’s new

WHAT’S ON YOUR SHOPPING LIST?

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APICO TRRS REAR AXLE BLOCK All Models 2016-2021. Red and Gold Web: www.apico.co.uk

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August-September 2021 • Trial Magazine

What’s new • Shopping

S3 CAP

Various Designs and Colours Web: www.trialendurodirect.com Web: www.s3parts.com

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Trial Magazine • August-September 2021

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International Sport • FIM Trial World Championship

FIM TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

UNDER CONTROL

When news arrived that the 2021 FIM Trial World Championship was all systems go and under control, it was just what everyone wanted to hear. With the opening two rounds of the 2021 championship in Japan and the Czech Republic cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic, the series would start with the delayed first round as a two-day competition at the Italian TrialGP at Tolmezzo in Italy in brilliant June sunshine. The revised calendar would see round two run as a single day in France in July, in wet conditions as the rain arrived at the Circuit de Charade race track. As the road out of the pandemic continues to open with fewer travel restrictions, the next rounds are proposed to follow, with Andorra — a two-day event — and France again at Cahors in August as a single day. Spain should follow with a two-day event in September, before the conclusion with another two-day event proposed in Great Britain in October. TrialGP and Trial2 will be included in all the rounds. Trial125 will compete in Italy, Andorra, Cahors in France and Great Britain with TrialGP and Trial2 Women in Italy, Charade in France, Spain. TrialE competes in Charade in France, Andorra, and Cahors, France. Run as a separate team event, the Trials Des Nations will be held in Portugal on the 17th–19th September. Although, as in 2020, there was no qualification process held in Italy, riders will use their championship standings from last year to determine their start positions. Article: Trials Media • Pictures: Trials Media Christian Valeri

Great Britian's young Harry Turner (Scorpa-GBR) on the top spot.

Team Great Britain: Toby Martyn, Jack Peace and Billy Green.

August-September 2021 • Trial Magazine

FIM Trial World Championship • International Sport

Kaytlyn Adshead (TRRS-GBR) on the Italian podium for the first time in third.

FIM TrialE class Gael Chatagno (EM-FRA).

As there was no qualification process in 2020, the 2021 season’s new regulations would see riders take in 12 sections on each of the two laps to conform with the new regulations, including a new time-limit instruction. It includes a limit of four and a half hours in total, which would allow two hours and 30 minutes for the first lap, then a 15-minute break with a further one hour 45 minutes to complete the second lap.

ITALY, ROUND 1, 12TH-13TH JUNE 2021

Making everyone aware that the pandemic was still evident, Jorge Casales (GASGAS-ESP) didn’t pass Covid-19 tests on day one. He joined the French riders Benoit Bincaz (Beta) and Teo Colairo (Beta) on the sidelines, who were both ruled out of the series opener through injury. Before competing, the FIM, in association with the International Red Cross, worked with the local organisers to provide Covid-19 testing for everyone. Blessed with brilliant sunshine, the two-day event highlights were on day two with a win by Takahisa Fujinami (Respol Honda-JPN); he was the oldest rider in the class. Great Britain’s Harry Turner (Scorpa) took his first FIM World round win. In addition, Kaytlyn Adshead (TRRS-GBR) also made the podium for the first time in the FIM Women’s Trial2 class for the first time in her young career.

Trial Magazine • August-September 2021

TRRS lead the Manufacturers Championship.

FRANCE, ROUND 2, 4TH JULY 2021

With Covid-19 testing continuing, and very few spectators attending the event as the rain came down, but as the sun shone through towards the end of the competition, Toni Bou gave a real high-class performance. Completing a British 1-2-3, Billy Green (Scorpa) joined the podium for the first time as the fight between Jack Peace (Sherco), and Toby Martyn (TRRS) continued, with the championship lead moving to Peace. TRRS continued at the top of the manufacturers’ table, opening up the advantage over Sherco. In the poorly supported FIM TrialE class, Gael Chatagno was the French-winning combination of man and machine with Electric Motion.

2021 FIM MANUFACTURERS TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER TWO ROUNDS

POSITIONS: 1: TRRS: 101; 2: Sherco: 90; 3: Beta: 86; 4: Montesa: 84; 5: GASGAS: 58; 6: Vertigo: 46; 7: Scorpa: 30. The 2021 championship now takes a summer break before continuing in Andorra on the 21st/22nd August.

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Presentation • Electric Motion

REACHING OUT ELECTRIC MOTION: 2022

A trials road-trip is the part of the job that for Trial Magazine adds that extra excitement to the daily work. Throw in a trip to Europe to take in a world championship trial and the extra incentive of an invitation to the presentation of new models, and it starts to hit the rev limiter in terms of value for money. Round two of the 2021 FIM Trial World Championship would be at the Circuit ClermontFerrand motorsport racetrack facility, which can be found in Saint-Genes-Champanelle near Clermont-Ferrand in Auvergne in central France. An email from the very enthusiastic Jean Pena at Electric Motion, who is their commercial director and business manager, invited Trial Magazine The Millau Viaduct to the launch of the 2022 model range, which would be held at the Moto-Club Sommierois, Route d'Ales, 30250 Villevieille, France on the Monday. A quick check on locations for both the trial and the presentation would see me on a flight to Montpellier early on the Friday morning. The drive to the world round was on the superb A75, which takes you over the stunning Millau Viaduct, a multi-span cable-stayed bridge completed in 2004 across the valley gorge of the Tarn near Millau in Southern France. I would take in the world round on Sunday before an early start back down to Montpellier and to the presentation on the Monday. Words: Trial Magazine and Electric Motion • Pictures: Trial Magazine, Electric Motion and Millau Viaduct

Enjoying the occasion; the 2022 EM four machine model range.

is very disappointing about the other motorcycle trials manufacturers that, apart from Electric Motion, no one else supports the FIM TrialE Cup World Championship in 2021. Maybe it’s down to the governing body, the FIM, to make this class more attractive as a way of riders being able to find their way into the world championship — and, would you believe, there is no class for the women! The trials world really does need to wake up. The first event of the proposed three-round series would be in France. As history has recorded, it was a win for a French rider with Gael Chatagno on a French machine at round one in the rain. This event would be followed by a two-day event in Andorra, with another single round in France at Cahors in late August. 44

August-September 2021 • Trial Magazine

Electric Motion • Presentation

‘Vive La France’ French rider Gael Chatagno on a French machine wins round one of the 2021 FIM TrialE World Championship.

SUN AND FUN

After the rain at the weekend of the world round we woke up for the five o’clock drive down to the presentation at ten o’clock. The good news was that it was fun in the sun for the enjoyable drive as the weather made it all so much easier! After travelling through the lovely little town of Sommierois we arrived at

Brits abroad: sharing a coffee with the official UK EM importer Matthew Alpe.

Trial Magazine • August-September 2021

the presentation to be met by the main man, the boss of Electric Motion Philippe Arresten and his enthusiastic staff members. A lovely warm welcoming man, he thanked us for coming and showing our support to the French motorcycle manufacturer. After signing on and receiving the ‘goody bag’, a light breakfast was very welcome. A large gathering of invited guests included the press, product suppliers and worldwide importers and friends of EM. The official UK importer of all Electric Motion products, Matthew Alpe, was in attendance with his supported rider Sam Robinson. After the usual pleasantries and introductions to the people attending, we were handed over to Jean Pena who gave a very interesting presentation and insight on the new 2022 four-machine range of electric models. His enthusiasm for the brand is evident, and during his talk

We were welcomed by the nice people from EM.

he explained about the past, present and future of this forward-thinking motorcycle manufacturer. We also noted that the brand would now be called EM, with the company known as Electric Motion.

Outside the clubhouse of the Moto-Club Sommierois in France.

Quick Spin • TRRS

QUICK SPIN

TRRS ONERR 250cc It is quite rare in the world of motorcycle trials to see new manufacturers emerge, but in the last few years, we have seen two names from Spain take us by surprise in TRRS and Vertigo. As we follow the roadmap out of the pandemic, motorcycle trials have emerged as strong as ever as a sports discipline to enjoy, and so has the sales of new machines. TRRS and the Vertigo, emerging pretty much around the same time in 2014/2015, are proving popular with the buying public. They are very much of a new generation of innovation with models that separate them from the other brands. Both offer two-stroke models but differ in two main areas. Vertigo offers Electronic Fuel Injection and TRRS a conventional kick-start mechanism or the option of a touch-ofa-button electric start. We have had a quick spin on both of these aforementioned models in earlier copies of the magazine, and so it was now back to the very popular TRRS ONERR 250cc model for a quick spin. The 2021 model still uses the tried and tested carburettor with our test machine using the traditional aluminium kick-start lever. A test rider from the very early days of the magazine, Nick Shield has ridden most of the makes and models that have been available to the buying public over the years. For those of you who supported us back in 2009, Nick was the guy who tested six different machines over the six days of the Scottish Six Days Trial, which included Scorpa, Beta, Gas Gas, Xispa, Sherco and Montesa — he has never forgiven me for this. Words: John Hulme and Nick Shield • Pictures: Trials Media 52

As with the majority of the modern machines the suspension and handling are very good, it is almost like cheating!

August-September 2021 • Trial Magazine

TRRS • Quick Spin

Overall balance is incredibly good.

RRS is very much a go-ahead motorcycle manufacturer and, with the seven times FIM World Trials Champion Jordi Tarres as the front man, we all knew that it would just get better as a product with his input. Throw another Spanish name – Adam Raga – into the equation from its beginning as a motorcycle manufacturer, and the hard work has been rewarded with success from the word ‘go’. TRRS broke the surface with its new machine in late 2015 before moving into full-time production in 2016. The official UK importer, Steve Saunders, would be another stand-out name in the trials world. He used his very good friend and supported rider Ross Danby to help him develop the machine in the UK conditions, an important factor in making inroads to machine sales. With Toby Martyn now on board with the manufacturer, it has quickly become a mainstay machine in the trials world with a good reputation for build quality and reliability.

WHAT’S NEW ON THE 2021 250cc?

November 2015 seems like a lifetime ago for TRRS, when Phil Disney tested the prototype for Trial Magazine, here on the left with Jordi Tarres and Steve Saunders.

Trial Magazine • August-September 2021

The new 2021 TRRS ONERR range is available in engines sizes of 125cc, 250cc, 280cc and 300cc, offering a machine for riders of all ages and abilities. As with all TRRS models, the 250cc, which we’re focussing on here, has the aluminium frame and, for a second year, an eye-catching red finish with updated aesthetics. The complete redesign of the two-stroke, singlecylinder, water-cooled engine is the significant change. It has been carried out to accommodate the new aluminium injection-cast crankcases and substantially improve the surface finishes.

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Ladies • Alice Minta

ALICE MINTA

LOOKING UP

We noticed that the FIM TrialGP Women’s World Championship had a surprise new name in its 2021 entry list, 17-year-old Alice Minta (Scorpa-GBR). This energetic young lady had dipped her toes into Trial2 and wanted to test her abilities, and so she moved into the premier class of women’s world trials as soon as possible. Despite the cloud of the pandemic still over us, the season has already yielded her first Women’s European Championship win in Italy, where she also scored her first TrialGP points. So we decided it was time to catch up with this fast-emerging and exciting ladies’ talent. Words: Trials Media with Alice Minta • Pictures: Christian Valeri Trials Media

Well done with your European round win! Thank you, it’s not been as easy as it may look! The European win came out of the blue as the idea to contest the championship was to gain experience ready for the world rounds. I rode well in the Euro round, but nothing really special, and I was as surprised as my father Will with the win. Always an inspiration, world champion Emma Bristow has encouraged me to move into the TrialGP class. Fifth on day one in Italy was a real bonus, but the eight came with some pain on day two.

NO PAIN, NO GAIN, THOUGH?

No pain, no gain, you bet. I hit a rock so hard I thought I had knocked my left foot off. It was August-September 2021 • Trial Magazine

Alice Minta • Ladies

Ouch — that hurt!

one of those protruding rocks that you always try and miss, but I hit it on this occasion. The line in the section was really tight, and I tried all I knew to avoid it but hit it full-on. The result was a broken big toe on my left foot. We had come all this way for a result, and no way was I going to retire! The eight points could prove vital at the end of the year, and that was my mindset for the rest of the trial. How good is the 250cc Scorpa? It’s not good – it’s brilliant, the ideal machine for me to ride. Riding in the UK for Nigel and June Birkett not only brings a superb sponsorship package but years of experience of being involved in the sport. Nigel’s mechanical understanding of the Scorpa is second to none, and he is very good at knowing what individual riders need from a machine. In my case, he can set up the Scorpa to suit my needs which is strong, aggressive power. If I am riding in a wet, muddy venue, he can adjust the machine to make it smoother if I need it. At the world rounds, ‘Team Scorpa’ are there to support me if I need any extra help. Where are you at in life? I left school last year and now attend Shrewsbury College, where I am studying a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Outdoor Education. To be honest, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do, but the thought of studying and participating in a wide range of land- and water-based activities such as mountain biking and kayaking seemed to have caught my eye. They also offer a female rugby team, which I really enjoy playing in my spare time as a way to mix up my training. As it stands at the moment, the dream job would be to become a professional trials rider. Still, until then, I will be working at our familyrun garden centre twice a week, alongside college and evening training with my oldest brother Tom. Without the garden centre, none of this would be possible, and I am grateful for the time and effort that my parents put into it. I would also like to thank South Shropshire Motorcycle Club for believing in me and supporting me every step of the way, as, without this club and YMSA trials, I wouldn’t have got to where I am today. Lastly, a big thank you to all the volunteers that take the time to mark out and observe at trials within the UK; without them, our sport wouldn’t be possible! Trial Magazine • August-September 2021

In the points at TrialGP

On the podium at the Euro round in Italy

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August-September 2021 • Trial Magazine

Going Forward • Fuel Injection

FUEL INJECTION

CALIBRATED CONTROL Fuel Injection may not be new in the two-wheeled motorcycle world, but it is now slowly starting to make its mark in two-stroke trials machines. Tried, tested, and accepted in the four-stroke trials world since 2004 with the hugely successful Cota 4RT engine used in both the Montesa and Honda trials machines, its ability to deliver the fuel electronically has worked very well in both performance and reliability. Quite new as a motorcycle manufacturer in the trials sector, the go-ahead Vertigo brand has used the calibrated control of delivering the fuel into a cylinder barrel since it arrived on the trials scene in 2014. As we move through 2021 with more of the 2022 motorcycle trials models imminent, maybe we will see some of the other two-stroke manufacturers move away from the mechanical control of a carburettor for the fuel delivery changing to Electronic Fuel Injection; wait and see. Words: Trials Media • Pictures: Aprilia, Mario Candellone, Gas Gas, Honda Montesa, Sammy Miller Trials Media, John E Shirt, Ossa, Christian Valeri, Alan Vines, Yamaha, Yoomee Archive and Mauri/Fontsere Collection and the Giulio Mauri Copyright 66

August-September 2021 • Trial Magazine

Fuel Injection • Going Forward

echanical carburettors have been around in the same shape or form from the turn of the century on motorcycles as a way to mix air and fuel proportionally before it is drawn into the combustion area. The flow can never be accurately controlled mechanically. Still, with an electronically-controlled system, the calibration is much more accurate and delivers the exact amount of air-fuel mixture, providing greener emissions out of the exhaust. We have to take a step back in time to just over 40 years ago to start to understand the history of fuel injection in motorcycles to the early ’80s by one of the big four motorcycle manufacturers from Japan, Kawasaki. As far as we know, they were the first motorcycle manufacturer to use fuel injection on a commercial basis in 1979 on their mind-blowing six-cylinder, water-cooled, four-stroke Z1300 model; yes, close on 1,300cc of power between your legs! During its 10-year production cycle, they moved from mechanical carburettors to fuel injection, primarily for better fuel consumption and not engine performance.

2004: At the Japanese FIM World Championship round Montesa/ Honda showed their new four-stroke Cota 4RT for the very first time.

FUEL INJECTION – TRIALS TESTING 1974

In the early ’70s, with the Japanese in motorcycle trials arriving on the scene, both Honda and Yamaha changed their thought pattern of the future of the trials motorcycle. Honda went down the four-stroke route with Sammy Miller, and Yamaha employed the services of Mick Andrews to develop a new two-stroke trials model range. As Miller worked to cure the four-stroke ‘cough’, Yamaha took another route into developing the two-stroke engine, first with reed-valve cylinder induction on the twin-shock TY model range. They would then move to a type of basic fuel injection for the first time on a trials motorcycle never seen before. In 1974 they presented Mick Andrews with their radical single rear shock absorber machine, the Cantilever as it was called at the time. The prototype machine’s official title was the Yamaha YZT 250cc, and it gave the trials world its first vision of something similar to fuel injection. The fuel feed system on Andrews’ machine used a ‘May Pump’ invented by a German engineer. It controlled the fuel

2015: It’s quite interesting that the Vertigo was also unveiled at the Japanese FIM World Championship round for its first competitive outdoor debut in the world series. In the early 70s, with the arrival of the Japanese in motorcycle trials, Honda went down the four-stroke route with Sammy Miller

The fuel feed system on Andrews’ machine used a ‘May Pump’ which was invented by a German engineer.

Trial Magazine • August-September 2021

What happened • Ossa

PART ONE: 2009-2011

OSSA RETURNS It was the headline at the time that would catch the eyes of so many motorcycle trials enthusiasts: 'Ossa Returns' as it was announced that the legendary brand was coming back to off-road competition, having closed its doors in the early '80s. An ambitious project started in 2009 when we would first hear of a revolutionary, shall we say 'all-singing and dancing' trials model, using state-of-the-art chassis and engine-design technology. In 2010, it was expected that a new model range would be coming off the production line and out of a new factory following the return of the original and legendary name Ossa from its once-proud roots. The name was born close to the regions of Barcelona, which was once the 'hub' of the big three, Bultaco, Montesa and Ossa. In the late '60s, these three manufacturers would start to dominate in the trials world as the Spanish had literally taken the 'Bull' – as in Bultaco – by the horns and dragged the tired and well-worn once-mighty manufacturing of trials machines in Great Britain into a more modern lightweight two-stroke era. They passionately delivered a range of trials models that would start to become market leaders in the trials world as we moved into the '70s. As the 'New' Ossa started to make ground in the trials world, here, in part one, we look at the years 2009–2011. Words: Trial Magazine • Pictures: Trials Media, Ossa, Trial Magazine France 76

Ossa introduced the new machine at the 2009 Milan Show.

August-September 2021 • Trial Magazine

Ossa • What happened

A reversed cylinder barrel and fuel injection; the engine was way outside of the conventional trials design.

hen the first pictures emerged early in 2010 on the various trials websites of the new Ossa trials machine in action with Marc Colomer riding it, we had proof that the project was up and running and not just a dream. The respected Nigel Birkett would form a new company, Ossa Motos UK Ltd, which started trading on 1st August 2010, endorsing the manufacturer's future and the expected machine sales in the lucrative UK market. Having a legendary name such as Ossa gracing the fuel tank on a trials motorcycle and with such a winning pedigree with Mick Andrews in the past, it opened the door to future expectations and, of course, competition success. Its comeback to the trials scene was not done in half measures as it was way ahead of its time, and they wanted to live up to that reputation on their return. They took the design of the trials motorcycle out of the box and examined all areas in every detail for improvement to produce a radical new model with the Ossa TR280I.

REBIRTH OF A BRAND

This rebirth of Ossa was made possible in 2009 by the efforts of a new, exciting team which was led by Jordi Cuxart, an investor who was the President of the new factory and the project's champion. He would be joined by passionate Ossa motorcycle enthusiast Joan Gurt as the General Manager — a major driving force behind the project — and Alejandro Laplaza, who would be the Finance Manager and also another investor. Putting a new team together dedicated to any project is never easy — it was down to the hard work put in by the Engine Division Manager Joan Roma as the one who brought them all together with an extraordinary vision for the future. To bring their Ossa vision to life, they would employ the services of Josep Serra 'Xiu' to the project; he would be the engineer and heart of the new TR 280I as the project manager and designer of the prototype. His career CV is noted for his work at Gas Gas as the development manager on the TXT PRO model. Trial Magazine • August-September 2021

Marc Colomer on the new Ossa in May 2010.

In early 2000, he raised the bar amongst the trials manufacturers with its innovative and lightweight trials engine and chassis design. He had also worked through his company, Xiu Research and Development SL, on various other motorcycle developments with Rieju, Dunax, and Scorpa and the Tramontana, an exclusive high-performance expensive sports motorcycle. 'Xiu' wanted to open everyone's eyes to the

evolution of the two-wheeled trials motorcycle with the Ossa. New engine components would be ready in December 2009. Testing the finished Ossa TR280I would start in January 2010, in the very capable hands of the 1996 FIM World Trials Champion Marc Colomer. Manufacturing was planned to begin in July 2010 with an initial production of 200 machines.

By August 2010 Ossa were happy to show the press the pre-production prototype.

Superstore • In the world of Trials

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If you are going out trials riding or simply want to improve your trials skills this new DVD is a must for all riders of any age. The film has been put together to give you a much better insight in how to ride safer to get the best from both man and machine. WAS £22.99 NOW £19.99 + FREE UK P&P

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August-September 2021 • Trial Magazine

ACU Trial British Championship • Sport

EM-PHATIC BRISTOW'S DAY

Under the guidance of the vastly experienced Brian Higgins, and with the support of the organising clubs and helpers, this year’s ACU Trial British Championship is turning into a superb series as we approach the halfway point of the proposed nine-round series. Article: Trials Media JFM

It remains a very tight fight for the wins in all four classes. Trial GB championship leader, Toby Martyn (TRRS UK), used the advantage of the additional bonus championship point, awarded for best lap overall at each event this year in each of the four classes, to open up a 10-point lead. The fight for Trial 2 supremacy is just as close, with Andy Chilton (BMS Scorpa) holding Ross Danby (TRRS UK) at bay by a mere two points. Harry Hemingway is the only rider with four wins from four starts to dominate Trial 125 with an extra four points for the best overall laps at each event. Thomas Affleck is the main man in Trial Expert, with a clear championship lead, but the waiting podium welcomed a first for female riders in the adult ACU British Championship. Riding with a superbly confident and happy flowing style, Emma Bristow carried her winning FIM World Championship form to the Lake District to become the first female rider to win against the male opposition. To round the day off, she also gained an extra championship point for the best of the three laps.

FIVE MORE PROPOSED ROUNDS

With five rounds remaining, it looks like Harry Hemingway is going for gold in Trial 125 before the series conclusion. Still, in the other three classes, the action is coming strong and fast as the fight for championship supremacy continues. From everyone at Trial Magazine to Emma Bristow: well done, and long may it continue. We hope to see her lead to see more ladies into the championship to challenge the men.

Trial Magazine • August-September 2021

Emma Bristow (Sherco)

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

Highland Two-Day Trial • Classic

Back in 2013, the club raised the event’s profile with the introduction of ‘Edition’ themed trials based around motorcycle manufacturers and personalities. It opened with Bultaco, followed by Dave Thorpe, the tenth year, Yamscot, Honda, Montesa Cota and SWM. Unfortunately, 2020 was cancelled before this year’s competition welcomed the Fantic edition. To add to the event’s prestige, the ex-works supported rider for Fantic, Steve Saunders, attended as the guest of honour. A group of ‘Signature Riders’ who have either contributed their expertise to motorcycle sport or won the ‘Scottish’, British or even World Championships over the years are also included in the entry. Steve Saunders (Fantic)

HIGHLAND TWO-DAY TRIAL

FANTIC MOTOR EDITION

With huge open arms – obviously following the Covid-19 guidelines and the social distancing rules – the Inverness and District Motor Club opened its doors to the start of the Classic Trials season calendar with its very popular, friendly and successful Highland Classic Two-Day Trial in early June. Under the pandemic cloud, the preparation and planning had to be meticulous for the event to go ahead; the club should be very proud that they met the high level of criteria in all areas with a superb event enjoyed by all who attended. The wonderful Alvie Estate, just a few miles south of the Highland town of Aviemore, welcomes motorcycle trials to its grounds, and the icing on the cake this year was the excellent weather that blessed the area for all to enjoy. As always, with the popularity of the classic scene, the entry filled up to its limit of 200. Words: Classic Trial Magazine • Pictures: Fin Yeaman Trial Magazine • August-September 2021

Martin Murphy

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Locator • Find your local dealer

DEALER LOCATOR 01 2T-Offroad

Tel: 01592 772867 Email: trials2t-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 AG Bikes

Tel: 01748 886356 Email: gebrownson@f2s.com Area: Reeth, DL11 6NH

05 AMS KTM/GASGAS

Tel: 01684 29 29 29 Email: sales@ams4ktm.co.uk Web: www.ams4ktm.co.uk Area: Tewkesbury, GL20 8SF

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 Camio Moto

Tel: 01246 792033 Email: sales@camiomoto.co.uk Web: www.camiomoto.co.uk Area: Dronfield, S18 7SD

11 Craigs Motorcycles

Tel: 01924 488117 Email: aaron@craigsmotorcycles.com Web: www.craigsmotorcycles.com Area: Dewsbury, WF13 1HX

12 East Neuk Trials Motorcycles

Tel: 01333 311744 Email: duncan.wood@btconnect.com Area: Fife, KY10 2RB

13 Fast Eddy Racing

Tel: 01543 450150 Email: fasteddyracing@hotmail.com Web: www.fasteddyracing.com Area: Cannock, WS11 9UH

14 Feetup

Tel: 01723 865577 Email: alanatfeetup@gmail.com Web: www.feetuptrialsport.co.uk Area: Scarborough, YO12 4QB

15 Inch Perfect Trials

Tel: 01200 448130 Email: sales@inchperfecttrials.co.uk Web: www.inchperfecttrials.co.uk Area: Whitewell, BB7 3AU

16 Inta Bikes

Tel: 01622 688727 Email: intabikes@btconnect.com Web: www.intabikes.co.uk Area: Maidstone, ME15 6HE

17 John Lee & Sons Motorcycles

Tel: 01933 312827 Mail: johnlee.mc@btconnect.com Web: www.johnleemotorcycles.co.uk Area: Higham Ferrers, NN10 8BP

18 John Shirt Motorcycles

Tel: 01298 766 813 Email: mail@johnshirtmotorcycles.com Web: www.johnshirtmotorcycles.com Area: Buxton, SK17 9JL

19 Leadmines Motorcycles

Tel: 07719 925144 Email: trialsni125@gmail.com Web: www.leadminesmotorcycles.co.uk Area: Northern Ireland, BT23 8RJ

20 Michael Brown Racing

Tel: 01723 371597 Email: michaelbrownracing@yahoo.com Web: www.michaelbrownracing.com Area: Scarborough, YO11 1SR

21 Mickey Oates Motorcycles

Tel: 0141 332 7374 Email: sales@mickeyoates.com Web: www.mickeyoates.com Area: Glasgow, G4 9XP

22 RAS Sport

Tel: 01484 711720 Email: andrew@rassport.com Web: www.rassport.com Area: Brighouse, HD6 1LH

23 RCM Trialsport

Tel: 01209 820896 Email: rcm-trialsport@hotmail.com Area: Redruth, TR16 5PN

24 South West Trials

Tel: 01395 514287 Mail: southwesttrials@gmail.com Web: www.swtrials.co.uk Area: Sidmouth, EX10 9DN

25 St Blazey MX

Tel: 01726 816181 Web: www.stblazeymx.co.uk Mail: sales@stblazeymx.co.uk Area: St Blazey, PL24 2RN

26 Trail & Trials UK

Tel: 01334 840414 Email: john@tytrials.com Web: www.tytrials.com Area: New Gilston, KY8 5TF

27 Trials UK

Tel: 0113 281 8242 Email: sales@trialsuk.co.uk Web: www.trialsuk.co.uk Area: Horsforth, LS18 5NX

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August-September 2021 • Trial Magazine

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109

Van Man • Paul Sadler

ACKLAMS

NEVER MIND A BETA, WHAT ABOUT A VAN?

Any van size can be supplied.

Motorcycle trials riders prefer dealing with motorcycle enthusiasts. It’s a fact. As it says on the can, ‘Acklams Beta’ sell only Beta off-road motorcycles in both the enduro and trials world. Both Paul and his son, Joel, are motorcycle enthusiasts, not just buying and selling them, as Paul has many Scottish Six Days Trial finishes under his belt in a career dating back to the ’70s. Joel, another SSDT addict, is still a very active trials rider and heavily involved with Ripon Motor Club, both in setting out and putting on events. He will tell you it’s about giving something back to a sport he is so passionate about. Here, we take a look into the other arm of the business, Harrogate Van Centre. As Paul will tell you, “Never mind a Beta, what about a van”. Words: John Hulme and Paul Sadler • Pictures: John Hulme

Team Acklams Beta.

110

August-September 2021 • Trial Magazine

Paul Sadler • Van Man

Brand new vehicles are available.

It does what it says on the can!

elieve it or not, the story starts back in the 1920s, when it was all about hiring wicker bath chairs to the visiting gentry of the spa town of Harrogate. Still, the real story of this motorcycle-mad family began in June 1966 when current owners, the Sadler family, purchased Acklams Motorcycles selling BSA, Lambretta, Vespa along with new and used machines.

brand ‘Acklams Beta’ was born. “When Joel left school, he joined the business, and he is the mainstay of the Beta brand. He came with me when we moved to our present premises six years ago. He has grown up with the Italian machines, and I am very proud of where he is taking the brand despite the problems of the Covid-19 situation; cut him in half, and you will see the word Beta!”

ACKLAMS BETA

VAN MAN

Talk trials and Paul Sadler will tell you all day about his early days on his Montesa Cota 123 with his brother, Ray, and father, Harry, on his Ossa when they started in the mid-70s – 1974 to be exact, as I was reminded! Then, as a Yamaha dealership, the business moved up another level when the TY trials range was introduced. Paul: “We sold box after box of the Mick Andrews-developed machines before we sold the converted TY machines. My father Harry decided to take a look at the Buxtonbased Majesty machines, and he liked them so much he promptly arrived home with one from Derbyshire. The Majesty from John Shirt Snr was our best-seller, but we also moved quite a few Whitehawks, supplied from Mick Whitlock. “As Yamaha dealers, we benefitted from the revolutionary single-shock trials machine when it arrived in 1984. They quickly became the machines to have, and we did very well with them. Then there was the water-cooled TYZ, which I competed on in five SSDTs. “When the worldwide demand for scooter sales increased, the plug was pulled on the Yamaha trials production, and so that was the end of that. A new trials product was needed, and we made the short trip to Silsden to John Lampkin’s Beta Empire. They liked what they saw and, in 1999. we became official dealers for the Italian brand. “During 2007 and 2008 sales of the machines became a mainstay of the business and the Trial Magazine • August-September 2021

With the support from his proud parents, Harry and Pauline, Paul has had an eye for a deal from a very young age. When they moved from the old shop on Bower Gate in Harrogate to the new site on the outskirts of the town, the opportunity arose to expand Harrogate Van Centre. Paul liked the idea of having the two businesses on one site as many of his regular motorcycle customers also purchased vehicles from him, vans in particular to transport their off-road machinery. Paul: “Harrogate Vans was an old, dormant name going back over 30 years. Around 25 years ago, I took over the name to make it

into what we have today. Off the back of the motorcycle side of the business, I have always traded with a wide range of vehicles — many taken in as a deposit on a new or used motorcycle. “Over time, the van business started to grow, which was a natural progression with the facilities and space available at the new site where we are now located. The reputation of our used stock and the service we provide on the motorcycle side of the business is second to none, and what I have achieved is to carry that over into the vehicle side. “Covid-19 has made the availability of new and used stock challenging to find, but most of the used vans I sell are ex-fleet vehicles, which are usually one owner, one driver and come with a full service history. I always do my own checks on any vehicles we purchase and make a point of driving them before they come to the point of sale to the customer. I always look at any vehicle I have for sale and ask myself if I would buy it. I want happy customers to help spread the word, and the easiest way is to provide a good service.”

Yes, I was tempted!

111

Looking for what's on and where to ride? OSET's new 'Events' page on our website gives information on: OSET Cups, OSET friendly clubs and where to practice.

#take it to the line

Kelly Farm – Bovey Tracey - Devon