As the title says I am thinking of picking up a used trials bike. I don't really want to dump a bunch of money into one as I already have 3 bikes in the garage so I am looking at older used bikes. I thought I would check with the crew here to see if there is anything I should avoid. Is one brand easier or harder to get parts for etc? Also are there any online parts dealers selling replacement parts for Trials bikes? I haven't really had any luck finding any. Also anyone have an old used bike they are looking to get rid of that would be good for messing around on?
It's hard to go wrong with GasGas,Sherco or Beta. These are probably the most popular and plentiful bikes.Very well supported by local and national dealers. I'm personally a Sherco guy but could easily ride a GasGas or Beta. Ryan Young Products and Lewisport both support the sport well. Our local dealers (Colorado) also do a good job. I don't know anything about your area.
The more research you do on your own, the better questions you can ask. Figure out how much money you want to spend? And then, if you really liked a bike...how much more...would you be willing to spend. Then do a search of trials bikes for sale and see what looks good to you (example...I like RED bikes, so...). Then find two or three bikes that you like in your price range. Then...post up your selections...then we can better help you.
A compleat TY80...lady ridden...gentle use...never trialed... If the seller looks like a robotic cartoon character then run laddie run
Well I have found a few that I am semi interested in. I would like to spend around $1000 but don't want to go over $1500. Here are a few I have found that are in/close to my price range. 2001 Gas Gas 280 1998 Beta Techno 280 1997 Gas Gas JTX 270 I also come across a 1995 Gas Gas 250 that needs some work.
I'm more of a Beta guy, but of the 3 you picked I'd go for the GG if it's in good shape. now we need to see pics?
Don't forget to check and see if there is a dealer in your area that can support your bike: http://www.gasgas.com/dealers.htm http://www.shercousa.com/?action=8 http://www.americanbeta.com/beta-find-a-dealer.trials.html Mail order is great, I do it too, but a good local dealer that you develop a mutually supportive relationship with is priceless. They may even have a used bike or two. There's also a 2001 Sherco 2.9 listed in the classified ads that is in southern Indiana, close enough to drive to.
A few years ago, I was shopping for a budget first trials bike. You'll find there were big break through years or eras. Adding disc brakes, going to much lighter frames. I was told that while Sherco and Gas Gas may make big changes year to year, ten years ago (what you are looking at), Beta and Montessa were less radical with year to year updates. I vaguely remember something about early Gas Gas Pros having problems, but TXT's were bullet proof. I gave up on the trials bike idea. Ended up with too many motorcycles (eight). I did buy a Honda TL125 and once I rebuild it, I might give Vintage Trials a go. Good luck!
So between 2001 Gas Gas 280 for $1800 1998 Beta Techno 260 for $1500 Both are in what I would consider good condition what would be the better of the two in your guys opinions? Other than brand preference is there any real difference between these two?
First off, the gas gas is it the TXT? or the Pro? The TXT are pretty much bullet proof, the pro, a bit more prone to break, ( Only from what I have heard) But you should just buy my Sherco 2000 2.5 ( 250) Fresh top end, And runs and does everything awesome Plus I am in Illinois :) And mostly ridden by my 16 yr old daughter, Never been in an event, only putz in my yard, and the Smage estates trials park $1800.00 And I can meet you in Ottawa , Il. If you want.....
...the joy of the internet. That bike looks great and I hope you have a double barrel shotgun to show ALL the boys nmcycle...then they come over to your house. I'm lucky, I have two sons .
Expanding on what Garthe says, The trials bike "for you" will vary, are you going to ride and get better at trials, or just "to have one" as there are a handfull of people I see around here that have one, but dont compete or anything. Older TXT' model gasgas are semi bullet prooof, they have same engines (tuned and geared differently of course) that the enduro/race bikes have. The newer "pro" models are very good bikes, but are more specialized for trials than ever before. Transmission is much lighter duty, since trials only uses the 1st 4 gears to compete on, those gears are tough enough. But everything about a newer model bikes are as "lightweight" as a trials bike can get away with, because of how we use the bikes. So when used in non trials fasion, you will be dissapointed "maybe". ALL the makes and years, have had a few problems, BUT! many harp on gasgas "pro" models as having breakage problems, I submit, since I believe I read somewhere that over 60-80% of the bikes sold for trials comeptition in the USA, for several years, have been gasgas. Because of that you only hear more from gasgas riders with some problems, because there is a bigger percentage of these bikes out there, PLUS with that being said, there are more riders that use internet to find help, than the 3 other makes combined. That above being said, your best bet is any bike newer than 1999, IMHO. Basic things like forks, brakes and suspension in general were almost todays offereings. Each year ALL makes and models, market the changes, Gasgas in 08, they introduced new frames, and again, each year they tweak lots of stuff... 2004 in Gasgas is a "tier" or when the pro was fully upgraded, damn good competition bikes IMHO, so much better than my old '99 txt 321 for competiton, but general trails and back woods roaming, this would been the bike to have. Sorry my posti is all gasgas, but that is all I have personal expereince with from the 95 model 250 we had, up to present. I believe this year (2012's) are sporting this Rieger Shock package on the TOP end models. there are 3 levels of gasgas Pro models, pro, racing, and Raga (which is usually a preview of the models to be sold the following year, with some special trick parts, that Raga himself likes on his competition bike.) Raga's 1st came on the scene in 06, but each year they were different packages sort of. as of now, the raga is the preview of what the next model year could bring, in the other 2 models (racing or plain old pro). I have an 08 raga, '10 raga (gold), my pop has the 11 raga (yes I envy this last one, but do well on my 10). Lastly, Gasgas has been producing an "economy model" which is usually very good, but left over stock they had, like older frames, with newst engines is what you got with those, which is still good for anyone to ride IMHO, and were substatially cheaper than new current year models. Hope this helped.
The Gas Gas is a TXT, I am waiting on some pictures of both bikes. Your Sherco looks pretty nice, how far would you be willing to travel to meet someone?
Yes she has 2 on craigslist a 2001 125 and the 2000 250 Both in Illinois list She is getting a newer 250 and 290 ( 2006 ) Thanks
I said Ottawa saves you about 180 miles round trip Its about 80 from my door Let me know, the bike is a great runner... No re welds, both tires hold air , no leaks @ 4.5 psi No de form or flat spots on rims, New air filter, new chain. tires are about 70%, and I also have a spare frt and rear if you want start all the time 1 or 2 kicks
Hi its better to try and go with 01 0n GasGas models,electrics can be difficult to source on this side of the planet.