New bloke seeks advice
Posted: Sun Jun 03, 2018 4:15 pm
Afternoon all,
After nearly forty years of regular, pretty much incident free, motorcycling I was nearly killed by drunk woman in a Camry about six weeks ago and, being still in hospital, this has given me lots of time to reflect on my riding future.
I've often fancied giving trials a go, having cut my teeth on small trailies in PNG as a spotty youf, and then trail riding in the Top End and Central Australia. Up until now, I haven't been motivated enough to get off my hairy arse and do anything about it but that, hopefully, will change as soon as I'm fit enough.
Obviously I'll require a suitable mount (I had thought of converting my dad's '58 Ariel Red Hunter to Sammy Miller spec but he may not be too keen on the idea) and could really do with some advice on what would be a good (and reasonably priced) starting place. I really like the idea of a twin shocker of '70s/early '80s vintage and have drooled over the Montessas/Ossas etc in the classifieds but wonder if I might be better off going for something more prosaic like a TY (I've fond memories of chasing cows at dipping time on a friend's farm many years ago on a 175) - they seem to be more affordable in running condition than the more exotic marques; any comments? I'm also guessing that parts availability may also be better....
Also, what capacity should I be aiming for? I'm 186cm (6'1'' in old money) and a pre-prang weight of 100kg (although closer to 95kg now, which I'm hoping to maintain). I guess the power delivery from a bigger lump will be a bit more linear (a relative term in two strokes, I suppose) but potentially a bit heavier. If I was going down the TY route, what would you recommend, 175, 250 or 350?
Anyway, I've waffled way more than I intended (my sincere and heartfel apologies), if you've made it this far, thanks for your patience! Seriously though, any help/advice/wisdome and trials lore gratefuly accepted! Mark
After nearly forty years of regular, pretty much incident free, motorcycling I was nearly killed by drunk woman in a Camry about six weeks ago and, being still in hospital, this has given me lots of time to reflect on my riding future.
I've often fancied giving trials a go, having cut my teeth on small trailies in PNG as a spotty youf, and then trail riding in the Top End and Central Australia. Up until now, I haven't been motivated enough to get off my hairy arse and do anything about it but that, hopefully, will change as soon as I'm fit enough.
Obviously I'll require a suitable mount (I had thought of converting my dad's '58 Ariel Red Hunter to Sammy Miller spec but he may not be too keen on the idea) and could really do with some advice on what would be a good (and reasonably priced) starting place. I really like the idea of a twin shocker of '70s/early '80s vintage and have drooled over the Montessas/Ossas etc in the classifieds but wonder if I might be better off going for something more prosaic like a TY (I've fond memories of chasing cows at dipping time on a friend's farm many years ago on a 175) - they seem to be more affordable in running condition than the more exotic marques; any comments? I'm also guessing that parts availability may also be better....
Also, what capacity should I be aiming for? I'm 186cm (6'1'' in old money) and a pre-prang weight of 100kg (although closer to 95kg now, which I'm hoping to maintain). I guess the power delivery from a bigger lump will be a bit more linear (a relative term in two strokes, I suppose) but potentially a bit heavier. If I was going down the TY route, what would you recommend, 175, 250 or 350?
Anyway, I've waffled way more than I intended (my sincere and heartfel apologies), if you've made it this far, thanks for your patience! Seriously though, any help/advice/wisdome and trials lore gratefuly accepted! Mark