All posts by bigjohn2014

Last of Sandham’s Honda book sold

November 10, 2016 bigjohn2014 Leave a comment

Tommy Sandham who wrote many motorcycle trials books has been in touch recently and informed us that the last three copies of his world famous book, Four Stroke Finale – The Honda Trials Story have been sold to purchasers in Germany!

He said that there are no plans to print any more, having printed a further 100 copies, the very last copies were dispatched to German buyers with an interest in the Honda brand.

Original first editions were changing hands on online auction sites in excess of £100 a copy at one time.

Written in conjunction with Trials and Motocross News staffman, John Dickinson, Sandham also worked at the Morecombe based paper in the late 1970s and into the 1980s.

Sandham was fortunate to test Rob Shepherd’s factory Honda RTL305 along with fellow staffman, Mike Rapley.

Tommy assisted Trials Guru to compile the Honda Trials special section HERE

Tommy Sandham’s website: HERE

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Honda ramp up Montesa supply for 2017

November 9, 2016 bigjohn2014 Leave a comment

Honda (UK) has doubled the size of its specialist Montesa dealer network and appointed a new Off-Road Sales Manager to further support continued growth in the UK’s trial bike market.

Five new dealers have recently been awarded a Montesa franchise, extending the network across the UK to ten. Each franchisee has been selected due to its specialist knowledge and experience in off-road motorcycles, and is exclusively able to sell the revered Honda Montesa models loved by high-adrenaline two-wheel enthusiasts.

In a further move to focus more on the off-road market, Honda (UK) has also this month confirmed the appointment of new Off-Road Sales Manager, Graham Foster-Vigors, charged with supporting and developing the Honda and Montesa network. Working within Honda’s UK motorcycle business in various customer and dealer-facing roles since 2007, Graham also has experience in competing in and management of two-wheel motorsport including Enduro and MX. In his new role, Graham will be the principal contact for wholesale and retail performance for Honda and Montesa, as well as overseeing Off-Road Racing, Off-Road Experience Centres and events, such as the Dirt Bike Show, to deliver the best possible promotion for the two brands.

Nick Campolucci, Head of Motorcycles for Honda (UK) comments: “The Honda and Montesa brands are heavyweights in trial biking, and with the sector currently experiencing such strong growth we are in an ideal position to capitalise on this and continue to delight customers with the very best products and technologies from both stables. The expansion of the specialist Montesa franchise network underlines our ongoing commitment to offering our off-road customers the very best in advice, service and expertise; while the appointment of Graham to look after our dealers and keep a dedicated eye on our racing and other promotional activities ties our whole offering together very nicely.”

The five new dealers recently awarded the Montesa franchise are as follows:

Thunder Road Motorcycles, Hempsted, Gloucester

Colwyn Bay Motorcycles, Clwyd

Derbyshire Off Road Centre, Buxton

Kestrel Honda, Coventry

Marsh MX, Merthyr Tydfill

Honda (UK) currently markets four models bearing the revered Montesa badge – the Montesa Cota 4RT260, 4RT Factory Race Replica and 300RR, and the Montesa 4RIDE.

Each model is manufactured exclusively for worldwide distribution at the Montesa Honda facility, in Santa Perpetua de Mogoda, Barcelona.

The Montesa Honda Cota 4RT began a revolution in trial biking on its introduction in 2006, bringing the environmental benefits of four-stroke technology, along with strong power and torque, to a world previously dominated by two-stroke. The 260 model carries a reputation for performance, quality and proven reliability, while the Factory Race Replica offers the more demanding customer the exclusiveness of its superior equipment and the look of the race bike. Such is the reputation of the Cota 4RT, that of the last 17 Trial World Championships won by the Montesa team, the last nine were all achieved on this model.

Moving up the performance scale, the Montesa Cota 300RR (‘Race Ready’) is an exclusive and unique race-oriented machine which builds on the success of the 4RT models but with a focus on increased power and reduced weight to meet the needs of the most demanding racers, particularly those competing against two-stroke models.

Making up the Honda Montesa range is the most recent addition, the 4RIDE. This versatile off-roader, aimed at the ‘pure adventure’ seeker, is light yet strong, powerful yet manageable, and comfortable and easy to handle. Along with strong Dunlop tyres for plenty of grip, the front axle is light and agile with strong suspension to deal with the most uneven and demanding terrain.

For further information on the Honda Montesa off-road motorcycle range please visit www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles.

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CJB Launch two DVDs for Xmas 2016

November 9, 2016 bigjohn2014 Leave a comment

classic-box-2106 — **CJB Photographic’s 2016 Classic Review is now available.**

Based in the Midlands, UK – CJB Photographic have just completed two new DVDs intime for Christamas, first their ‘Classic Review’ DVD for 2016.

Two hours in running time gives the viewer footage filmed at the 2016 Telford Show, Red Marley Trial and Hill Climb, the Scottish Pre 65, Kia Twinshock and Sammy Miller rounds, plus Hawkstone Park Festival 1970/80’s period.

Also available is the ‘2016 Scott Trial’ which took place on October 22nd and was won by Vertigo rider, James Dabill, all filmed with the permission of the Scott Trial committee.

2016-scott-cjb — **The 2016 Scott Trial captured by Colin Bullock of CJB Photographic**

For full details are available on the CJB Photographic website: HERE

And the full 2016 Titles are: HERE

Or telephone: 01564 703215

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Rob Edwards’ Tribute to HM Lampkin

November 7, 2016 bigjohn2014 Leave a comment

We are always looking for something different at Trials Guru, so here is something you won’t see in the shops, a hand-made tribute from one great rider to another.

It’s a wooden plinth with an aluminium half sided model of the 1975 factory Bultaco in tribute to the late Martin Lampkin who was of course the 1975 World Trials Champion.

It was made by none other than Rob Edwards of Montesa fame and a very close friend of Martin’s.

hml-1975-re — **The hand-made tribute to Martin Lampkin in aluminium and wood by Rob Edwards**

Photo courtesy: Rob Edwards.

Rob Edwards Story – Click: HERE

Lampkin of Silsden – Click: HERE

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Pre’65 Scottish Trial Plans 2017

November 6, 2016 bigjohn2014 2 Comments

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The Pre’65 Scottish Trial will take place on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th April in 2017, however it doesn’t magically appear year after year.

The official ‘setting out team’ have been busy this November looking for new routes and sections to keep riders on their toes and to stop the event becoming the same old event year in, year out.

The biggest challenge now is to test the top riders due to the massive improvements made to Pre’65 machinery, with very few original bikes being entered now as the Pre’65 scene has changed dramatically over the years.

Machines that would have been turned away ten years ago are now accepted, with four speed Bultacos being just one make that has come of age.

1959 - Paul Kilbauskas - Glenogle - JDavies — **1959 Scottish Six Days Trial – Paul Kilbauskas with his 500 Royal Enfield – Photo: John Davies**

Many say that it is sad that so many genuine machines have been assigned to the backs of sheds and garages once again as the Pre’65 movement evolved in the late 1970s to encourage the use of old trials irons. The Pre’65 Scottish unfortunately gets more attention than most events, purely because of its’ popularity and status as being still ‘THE’ event to get an entry accepted to.

**Ernie Lyons on his 250 Bultaco, a machine that is now accepted in the Pre’65 Scottish, seen here riding the sections known as the Moon in Glassamucky, Co Dublin – Photo: Pat Ewen, Dublin**

However what hasn’t changed since 1984, the first year the Pre’65 Scottish was run as a one day event on a midweek, is that it still takes a team of dedicated individuals to actually put the trial on the ground.

**Super-enthusiast from Olot, Carlos Casas loves the Pre-65 Scottish as much as he does the SSDT – Photo: John Hulme/Trial Magazine UK**

Please be aware that riding in the Kinlochleven area without the full permission of both the landowners and the government agency, Scottish Natural Heritage is strictly prohibited. Many of the well-known Pre’65 Scottish sections are located on SSSIs.

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Additional Information on Land use – HERE

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Dave’s Yamaha Time-warp

November 4, 2016 bigjohn2014 1 Comment

Recently, we came across a real nice little story. From time to time, we are sure that stories are told of a brand new, unused motorcycle still in the manufacturer’s packaging crate – they do exist!

yamaha-ty250r-2 — **What is in this box? – Photo: Dave Smith**

Dave Smith from Buckinghamshire recently had a look inside a box he has had for the last 25 years.

What is inside it? – A brand new unused Yamaha TY250R ‘Pinky’ model!

yamaha-ty250r-1 — **Surely not, is the box empty or? – it can’t be, can it? – Photo: Dave Smith**

Bought brand new in it’s Yamaha box from John Lee Motorcycles, it was one of the very last batch made in 1992 and Dave thought because it was such an important machine in trials history he would get one of the last and keep it wrapped up. Smith recounted: “I seem to remember at the time they had gone well out of fashion and they were discounted down to about £2,000. I’m sure I’ve got the original sales invoice somewhere. Judging by the reaction I have had, a lot of people remember them with fondness”.

The TY250R ‘Pinky’ was the last of the TY250 range which began with the twinshock Yamaha Trials machine in 1974. The TY250S and R models were developed with the direct input of Nigel Birkett and of course were monoshock (Yamaha Mono-cross system) suspension on the rear. The TY250R ‘Pinky’ was produced in 1992 as a single batch, just before the factory commenced production of the Yamaha TYZ, water-cooled, aluminium perimeter frame model.

The TYZ model signalled Yamaha’s ongoing committment to the sport of trials but ended the production run of the air-cooled TY250R which ran from 1984 – 1992.

So let us unwrap the time warp from 1993…

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yamaha-ty250r-3 — **Brand new in box, they do exist! The original owner’s manual, handlebars and propstand – Photo: Dave Smith**

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yamaha-ty250r-4 — **Factory fresh, zero miles on the odometer – Photo: Dave Smith**

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yamaha-ty250r-5 — **Unused, with factory disclaimer decals on the rear fender – Photo: Dave Smith**

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yamaha-ty250r-6 — **Still in the original box, the Yamaha sees daylight from it’s time capsule! – Photo: Dave Smith**

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yamaha-ty250r-7 — **The caution decals on the plastic tank, completely empty and unused – Photo: Dave Smith**

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yamaha-ty250r-8 — **Not many left in original condition as this TY250R – Photo: Dave Smith**

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yamaha-ty250r-9 — **The front mudguard nestles on the rear tyre, still unfitted since being packed away by the factory dispatchers – Photo: Dave Smith**

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yamah-ty250r-10 — **Many thanks to owner Dave Smith for allowing us to look at his unused Yamaha TY250R**

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Many thanks to owner Dave Smith for allowing Trials Guru feature his quite unique Yamaha, the big question now must be… will he ride this precious time warp machine or simply return it to its’ slumbers for posterity?

Text: Copyright: Trials Guru/Moffat Racing 2016

Images: Dave Smith, Buckinghamshire

Trials Guru – we always bring you something new old!

Trials Guru Info

Lost Husqvarna

November 1, 2016 bigjohn2014 1 Comment

husqvarna-trial-j-a — **Help us locate this Husqvarna Trials Machine from the 1970s and get it back to it’s builder!**

We had a plea from Jonny Andersson from Sweden, who was the rider who came very close to winning the US Trials Championship, he finished 3rd in 1987 and 2nd in 1988 & 89 in the AMA Championship, on Honda RTL back in the late 1980s, he says:

“Hello Trials Guru, help please, my father Erland Andersson and I would like this Husqvarna trials bike back. My father built and rode it before selling it in New York state in America at the end off the 1970s. Can you have your eyes and ear open or maybe put out a plea for us please?”

So can you all spread this message far and wide, especially in the US of A?

Jonny reckons that someone rode the US nationals on the bike.

If you do know the whereabouts of this special Husqvarna, please make contact with Jonny by using our ‘Contact’ page… just put the title of your message: “Husqvarna” and we will ensure that Jonny gets your message!

Go to CONTACT

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Coming soon, on Trials Guru

November 1, 2016 bigjohn2014 Leave a comment

roger-johns-blackmore-vale-1 — **Former Ossa and Fantic supported rider, Roger Johns (Gas Gas) at a Blackmore Vale Trial in October 2016 – Photo: Linda Ashford**

We have been busy chatting to fellow enthusiasts and it appears that we have ignored Southern Centre trials riders! Oops, we aim to put that right as soon as possible, so stay tuned for some names from the past appearing in our new ‘section’ – The Southern Contenders … here on Trials Guru – Dedicated to the sport.

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Nick’s YamTYZ

October 31, 2016 bigjohn2014 Leave a comment

nick-hunt-on-his-bw-racing-tyz-yamaha-lb — **Richmond clubman, Nick Hunt on his ‘Barry Watson Tuned’ Yamaha TYZ250 – Photo: Lorenzo Burnet**

Richmond forester, Nick Hunt rode the Richmond trial at Marske on Sunday, 30th October, 2016 on a Barry Watson Racing prepared TYZ Yamaha instead of his usual Montesa 4RT.
The 1999 machine has been ‘resting’ in Jack Watson’s garage since 2006 after being prepared for the 2006 Scott Trial.

Gary Watson, Barry’s youngest son, wisely decided his knees would not stand another hammering so did not ride. Nick fired the Yam up and opted to give it a whirl at Marske on Sunday.

But for stalling the engine in the seventh section on the last lap he would have been top three or four in the Over 40’s class.

Team Watson are seeking another TYZ despite the fact that the current model will just not wear out.

Coverdale farmer Steve Lambert is an authority on TYZ cow bikes which are a sought-after commodity in the Scott Trial localities. Steve takes it to the extreme though has he has and eras the original Team Yamaha riding clothing.

steve-lambert-lb — **Steve Lambert on his Yamaha TYZ – Photo: Lorenzo Burnet**

Report and photos: Lorenzo Burnet, 2016

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Scott Trial 2016 – Resume

October 25, 2016 bigjohn2014 Leave a comment

1-james-dabill-vertigo-web — **James Dabill (Vertigo) – Photo: John Hulme/Trial Magazine 2016**

The annual ‘Scott Trial’ took place on Saturday 22nd October with almost a full start grid, save for those who had to withdraw at the last minute, in Swaledale, North Yorkshire.

The eventual winner was James Dabill from Leeds on his factory 300 Vertigo. This is now his third Scott victory, having won previously in 2010 and 2014 on Gas Gas and Beta machinery.

2-michael-brown-jst-gas-gas-web — **Scarborough’s Michael Brown (JST Gas Gas 300) was second place overall – Photo: John Hulme/Trial Magazine UK – 2016**

The event was organised by Richmond Motor Club, in fact this was their twenty-fifth anniversary of running the Scott on behalf of the Yorkshire Centre ACU. The clerk of course, Paul Robinson appeared satisfied with the event which takes a large team of volunteers to make it all happen, with seventy-six observed sections requiring not only observers but ‘checkers’ as well to ensure that riders are captured at sections efficiently, given that on occassions there is more than one rider in a section at some stage!

3-guy-kendrew-beta-uk-web — **Guy Kendrew brought his Beta home in third position overall – Photo: John Hulme/Trial Magazine UK – 2016**

The event raises a healthy sum each year which is presented to local ‘Scott Charities’ from programme sales and the charity auction which preceeds the presentation of awards. It is believed the charity auction alone raised in excess of £2,600 on the night.

alan-lampkin-james-dabill-50 — **50 years of Scott wins separate these two riders! Alan Lampkin (BSA) on the left won in 1966, James Dabill (Vertigo) winner 2016 – Photo: John Hulme/Trial Magazine UK – 2016**

Winner Dabill appeared both calm and confident at the start field when interviewed, all but briefly, by Trials Guru’s John Moffat who acted as the official start and finish commentator this year.

mike-mcniven-2015-scott-lb — **Scottish rider from Temple, Gorebridge, Mike McNiven (Beta) on Orgate – Photo copyright: Lorenzo Burnet**

The Guest of Honour at the awards presentation was the 1966 Scott Trial winner, Alan R.C. Lampkin who handed over the trophy he won fifty years ago to Dabill. Lampkin was a popular presenter with those at the ceremony and is a true enthusiast of the sport.

4-emma-bristow-mrs-sherco-web — Women’s Trial World Champion, Emma Bristow (Sherco) came home in 25th place and a Silver Scott spoon, the first female rider to achieve a Scott spoon in the 102 year history of the event – Photo: John Hulme/Trial Magazine UK – 2016

First man home was local Skeeby rider, Jonathan Richardson on his 300 Sherco who set fastest time, a feat he achieved in 2015 on a Beta and was eventual winner in 2011 on a Sherco.

jono-richardson-2016-bridge-end-jaxx-lawson — **Jonathan Richardson (MRS Sherco 300) on Bridge End was fastest rider, setting standard time at 5 hours and 29 seconds – Photo: Jaxx Lawson**

Richardson: “I didn’t have a good day, my observation wasn’t good, I don’t think I’m in with a shout today” he told Moffat at the end of a gruelling seventy plus miles of moor crossings. He had lost seventy-eight marks on observation to Dabill’s thirty-two, so ended up in sixth position overall picking up the Kart House trophy and a coveted Gold Scott Spoon for his efforts. His standard time was 5 hours and 29 seconds.

dougie-lampkin-orgate-falls — **Previous winner four times, Dougie Lampkin (Vertigo) was out of luck after suffering a problem on the course, seen here at Orgate – Photo copyright: Lorenzo Burnet**

The last man home as an official finisher was rider number 65, David Carter who made it in with just one second to spare at 7 hours, 30 minutes and 28 seconds to take the ‘R. Woodward Wilson’ trophy!

When second place man, Michael Brown arrived, apart from being mud-spattered, he looked fairly fresh, but like all of the top ten riders he felt that he could have done better on observation. Many riders having suffered multiple punctures during the day.

Guy Kendrew looked fresh at the finish and reckoned he had a good day at the office, which netted him third position and the ‘White Bear’ trophy for best Northallerton Club member, the Raspin Challenge Bowl for his third place and of course a Gold Scott spoon.

john-moffat-james-dabill-50 — **John Moffat interviews Scott Trial 2016 winner, James Dabill at the finish – Photo: John Hulme/Trial Magazine UK – 2016**

Full results : 2016-spoons-and-final-results1

Scott Trial Timings 2016: 2016-times

Scott 2016 Results: Courtesy of Richmond Motor Club (Yorks) Ltd – Scott Trial Committee, subject to official confirmation

2016-scott-charity-team-t-roads-photo — The 2016 Scott Trial Charity Team (203) who rode to raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer sufferers. From the left: Barry Roads; Kevin Hart; Ray Haslam; Roger Johns and Paul Anstey – Photo courtesy: Mrs. Theresa Roads.

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Some of the hard working members of the Scott Committee, club members and other helpers/enthusiasts that make the Scott Trial happen, year in year out – Top Row from left: AG Brown; Ken Wallis; Wayne Anderson; Nigel Cummins; Eric Kitchen; Barry Watson; Greg Porter; Stuart Lowther; Jack Knoops; Barry Robinson. Front row from left: Chris Walls; Charlotte Brown; Diane Horner & Ros Brown – Photo courtesy of Mr. Barry Robinson, Ilkely (Timer image)

Report: Trials Guru – 2016

Photo credits (all copyright):

: John Hulme/Trial Magazine UK

: Lorenzo Burnet

: Mrs. Theresa Roads

: Jaxx Lawson @JOAT’s Imagery

Scott Trial History on Trials Guru: HERE

TRIALS GURU – DEDICATED TO TRIAL

All posts by bigjohn2014

Last of Sandham’s Honda book sold

Honda ramp up Montesa supply for 2017

CJB Launch two DVDs for Xmas 2016

Rob Edwards’ Tribute to HM Lampkin

Pre’65 Scottish Trial Plans 2017

Dave’s Yamaha Time-warp

Trials Guru – we always bring you something new old!

Lost Husqvarna

Coming soon, on Trials Guru

Nick’s YamTYZ

Report and photos: Lorenzo Burnet, 2016

Scott Trial 2016 – Resume

The annual ‘Scott Trial’ took place on Saturday 22nd October with almost a full start grid, save for those who had to withdraw at the last minute, in Swaledale, North Yorkshire.

The eventual winner was James Dabill from Leeds on his factory 300 Vertigo. This is now his third Scott victory, having won previously in 2010 and 2014 on Gas Gas and Beta machinery.

The Premier Trial Website – Recording the History of the Sport 'Established 2014'