Engine size for beginner?

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ianmain
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Engine size for beginner?

Postby ianmain » Tue Feb 18, 2020 11:50 pm

I'm coming back to bikes after about 30 years and trials looks like an exciting option (I had a Yamaha RD350LC in my 20's...which of course got stolen!).

I've spent about 2 hours on my mates Beta 300.

I've asked two people what bike should I get to help me learn. They said...

* 1st person: get a 125 or 200 as the clutch technique is the most important thing to learn (stay away from lager bikes)

* 2nd person: get a 300 and detune it - maybe with a slowed-down throttle (can't remember exact technical term but there's a way to make a big change on throttle equal a small change in carb). That way you can retune it when you're ready without having to sell and buy.

Any tips, thoughts?

Thanks!

Ian.



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Betaman
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Re: Engine size for beginner?

Postby Betaman » Wed Feb 19, 2020 5:04 pm

Go the 125/ 200 route. That will provide more than enough poke while you are learning and have enough to keep you entertained til at least you hit c grade level.


Just my 2 cents worth.....or was that 1 cent???!!!
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ianmain
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Re: Engine size for beginner?

Postby ianmain » Wed Feb 19, 2020 10:56 pm

Thanks. What's C grade? Can you point me to a definition of the grades? Cheers!



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Betaman
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Re: Engine size for beginner?

Postby Betaman » Thu Feb 20, 2020 5:13 am

Ahhh.......now thats a question that probs doesnt have an answer to online.
Go to a trial and watch and learn ;)


Just my 2 cents worth.....or was that 1 cent???!!!
http://throttlethrasher.blogspot.com.au/


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gricey
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Re: Engine size for beginner?

Postby gricey » Thu Feb 20, 2020 9:00 am

There are some great youtube vids that give you an idea of the grades:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSAamSnGwQE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPJq9sGce9g

Don't be afraid of a 250cc. The advice I keep receiving is buy the best bike (newest, well looked after) and then sort the rest out. You will adapt and you can tweak the bike.

Regards, Dave


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Rod
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Re: Engine size for beginner?

Postby Rod » Thu Feb 20, 2020 8:01 pm

I think a 200cc would fit the bill nicely.
I don't think buying a 250/280/300 and then stuffing around with fitting a slow throttle, flywheel weight etc is the way to go.
A 200 should keep you happy for years, IMO.

PS: I'm 58yo and ride a '14 GG 300 with a flywheel weight and at one point a slow domino throttle and it could still be a handful at times, and I come from a Trials background, food for thought.



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Re: Engine size for beginner?

Postby Jools » Thu Feb 20, 2020 8:51 pm

I reckon just go for a 250 - 280. You'll develop the throttle/clutch control in no time, and it'll be a much better re-sale proposition later.



imsabbirkabir
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Re: Engine size for beginner?

Postby imsabbirkabir » Fri Feb 21, 2020 6:33 am

Get a 125cc and it would be easy for the beginner.



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Re: Engine size for beginner?

Postby outforfun » Wed Feb 26, 2020 11:49 am

This is a much larger can of worms than you might think.

Are you interested in riding twinshock, classic or modern rock hoppers?

Are you looking to get out and have a bit of fun in the low to middle grades or up into the upper echelons?

2 stroke or 4 stroke? I'm assuming petrol not electric.

No bike is really better than the next once the biological component is working well on it. My 2002 bike is still running with the 2018 bikes people are riding.

My best advice is find your nearest clubs yes with an s. Get yourself along to a come and try day with a couple if possible. Try a bike or 2 and get some more information on how you feel on it and whatyou feel comfortableriding.

Happy hunting.




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