I recently acquired about 30 copies of Australian MCN's from 1973 until 1975 and although an ex pom it looks like you aussies had a thriving trials scene back then. The coverage of trials was on par with Motocross/scrambles and in some issue's had more coverage than road racing and in every other issue had a test of the latest trials iron how things have changed.
In the results a MR S Johnson was ruling the roost and a MR English and Mr Rees featuring in the results.
They also follow the excitement of Magic Micks trip down under, somehow I don't think a visit by Tony Bou would even get a mention in the M/C tabloids today.
Some interesting developments included a Sammy Miller Monoshock copy of Micks Yammy, designed for a Honda! which according to the press was going into production. I wonder what would of happened to trial bike development if the single shock became the norm back in 1974? I suppose post classic wouldn't only be for twin shocks.
Some great reading from a time when life seemed a lot less complicated
How Things have Changed
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Re: How Things have Changed
I can't speak for Australia but in New Zealand at that time it was probably the golden age of Trials. The arrival of the Japanese bikes from Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda and Kawasaki in the early 1970's sparked an enormous amount of interest and new riders. Trials events used to actually make it onto TV sport from time to time and the start of daylight savings in the early 1970's also meant a thriving night trial series over the summer on Wednesday or Thursday evenings. Of course in those days it's fair to say the people didn't work quite as long hours as they tend to now.
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Re: How Things have Changed
Hi Everyone,
Yamfan, now that you have been through those 30 odd copies, is there any tips as to how we get back to that golden age?
An old trials rider told me the (golden age) ended when Mum and Dad could no longer go a motorcycle shop and look at a trials option for little Johny! Referring to when the four Japanese manufacturers stopped importing into Australia.
Personally I think it is a shame, so many times I have stimulated some interest with young people. When they look for a bike, get disheartened at the prices and end up with something unsuitable to ride trials and annoys people with noise!
BTW, is there any chance of posting the article on the monoshock Honda?????
Yamfan, now that you have been through those 30 odd copies, is there any tips as to how we get back to that golden age?
An old trials rider told me the (golden age) ended when Mum and Dad could no longer go a motorcycle shop and look at a trials option for little Johny! Referring to when the four Japanese manufacturers stopped importing into Australia.
Personally I think it is a shame, so many times I have stimulated some interest with young people. When they look for a bike, get disheartened at the prices and end up with something unsuitable to ride trials and annoys people with noise!
BTW, is there any chance of posting the article on the monoshock Honda?????
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Greg Harding
Team Hardwood, the only licenced trials riders in Coffs Harbour!
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Greg Harding
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Re: How Things have Changed
So what would of happened if this one did go into production?
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Re: How Things have Changed
If anyone wants some more hi-rez scans or more results let me know and i'll email them
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