How to start riding trials

Who to Start Riding Trials?
Introduction
Welcome to the fascinating world of Moto Trials! If you’ve ever watched a rider balance a motorcycle on a standstill or leap up a vertical rock face and thought, "I want to do that," you are in the right place. Trials is not about speed; it is about balance, throttle control, and precision. It is often called the ballet of motorsports, but don't let that fool you—it is physically demanding and incredibly rewarding. Whether you are looking to improve your skills for enduro riding or want to master a new discipline entirely, this guide will help you get started on your trials journey.

1. What is Trials? (And Where Does it Come From?)
Moto Trials, or observed trials, is a non-speed discipline where riders navigate obstacles without touching the ground with their feet. The word "trials" comes from "trying"—riders attempt to clear sections of difficult terrain without error.
A Brief History
The sport originated in the United Kingdom in the early 20th century. In the days when roads were rough tracks, manufacturers would test the durability of their machines by riding them up muddy hills and over rocky streams. These reliability tests evolved into the skilled competition we see today. From the heavy four-stroke British bikes of the 1950s to the ultra-lightweight Spanish machines of today, the core principle remains the same: conquer the terrain with finesse, not just power.

2. The Motorcycles: Brands and Types
Trials bikes are unique. They are incredibly light (often under 70kg), have no seat (you ride standing up), and carry very little fuel.
Major Brands
The market is dominated by specialized European manufacturers:

GasGas: Known for user-friendly bikes and a wide dealer network.
Beta: Famous for their build quality and smooth power delivery.
Sherco: Offers agile bikes with a distinctive blue livery.
Montesa (Honda): The 4-stroke specialist, known for incredible reliability and high build quality.
TRS & Vertigo: Innovative brands pushing the boundaries of technology.
Electric Bikes: Brands like Electric Motion (EM) are revolutionising the sport with silent, high-torque machines perfect for backyard practice.

Types of Engines

2-Stroke: Lighter, snappier, and generally easier to maintain. Preferred by most amateurs.
4-Stroke: Smoother power delivery and more traction, but slightly heavier and more complex to maintain.
Electric: Near-silent, linear power, and practically zero maintenance.

3. Gear Up: Accessories and Clothing
You cannot wear your motocross or road gear for trials; you will overheat and lack the necessary flexibility.
The Look
Trials clothing is form-fitting to prevent snagging on the bike or obstacles. It is made from breathable, stretchy lycra-type materials.
Key Brands
Look for specialist brands like Jitsie, S3, Hebo, Alpinestars, Gaerne,
Essential Kit

Helmet: An open-face trials helmet offers maximum visibility and ventilation.
Boots: Trials boots are softer than MX boots, allowing you to feel the footpegs and flex your ankles for balance.
Gloves: Thin, tactile gloves are essential for precise clutch and throttle control.
Protection: Knee guards and a back protector are highly recommended, as falls onto rocks are common.

4. What is the Correct Motorcycle to Begin With?
The biggest mistake beginners make is buying a bike that is too powerful. You do not need a 300cc machine!
The Golden Rule: Start Small

125cc: Ideally, start here. A 125cc bike forces you to learn proper technique (clutch and body weight) rather than relying on engine power to blast over obstacles.
200cc - 250cc: If you are a heavier rider or have significant off-road experience, a 250cc is a great all-rounder. It has enough torque for big climbs but is gentle enough not to tire you out.
Avoid the 280cc/300cc: These are competition weapons designed for pros. They are aggressive and can be exhausting and intimidating for a learner.

5. How Should I Set Up Myself and My Bike?
Before you even start the engine, you need to be comfortable.
Ergonomics

Levers: Position your clutch and brake levers angled downwards so your wrists are straight when you are in the standing attack position.
Handlebars: Roll them forward slightly to open up the cockpit, giving you more room to move your body.

Your Setup

Stance: Always stand up. Knees slightly bent, elbows out (like a chicken), and look ahead.
Relax: Tension is your enemy. Keep a loose grip on the bars. If you hold on too tight, you will get arm pump immediately.

6. Where Can I Start Riding?
Trials bikes are not road legal (mostly) and are quiet, but you still need legal ground to ride on.

Trials Clubs: This is your best option. Join a local club. They often have dedicated land, practice areas, and a community of riders willing to teach you.
Training Centres: Look for "Trials Experiences" or training schools. They provide bikes and gear, which is perfect for trying before you buy.
Private Land: If you have a large garden or access to private woods, the quiet nature of a trials bike (especially electric ones) makes them neighbor-friendly.

7. My First Time Riding -- What Do I Do?
Don't try to jump over a car on day one.

Figure of 8s: Spend hours doing tight turns on flat ground. This teaches you clutch control and balance.
Full Lock Turns: Try to turn the handlebars until they hit the stops while moving slowly.
Static Balance: Try to stand still on the bike with the engine off (or on) without putting a foot down.
Clutch Control: Trials is 80% clutch. Learn to slip the clutch to control speed rather than using the throttle.

8. What Techniques to Learn First?
Master the basics, and the big obstacles will come naturally later.

The Trackstand: Balancing whilst stationary.
Wheelies: Not for showing off, but for lifting the front wheel over logs or rocks. Learn the "compression" technique (pushing down on the forks and leaning back).
The Double Blip: The fundamental technique for getting over obstacles (one blip of throttle to lift the front, a second to drive the rear wheel over).
Braking: Learning independent front and rear brake control is vital for steep descents.

9. Competition or Not? What to Know?

Don't be afraid to enter a competition straight away! Trials competitions (Trials) are incredibly welcoming.
The System: You ride a "loop" of "sections". Each time you put a foot down ("dab"), you get a point. The goal is the lowest score.
Classes: There are classes for everyone, from absolute beginners (often called "Sportsman" or "Novice") to experts.
Why Compete? It is the fastest way to learn. Watching other riders and trying specific lines improves your riding much faster than playing around in a field.

10. Bike Setup and Settings!

A poorly set up bike makes learning twice as hard.
Tyre Pressure: This is critical. Rear tyres run incredibly low pressures—typically 3.5 to 4.5 PSI. The front should be around 6 to 7 PSI. Yes, that low!
Suspension: Set the "sag" for your weight. When you stand on the bike, the suspension should compress evenly. As a beginner, softer suspension is generally better as it is more forgiving.
Chain Tension: Keep it properly tensioned; a loose chain can snap or derail during tricky manoeuvres.

11. Hydration -- Avoiding Cramps

Trials is deceptively physical. You are constantly doing squats and using your core.
Hydrate Early: Drink water before you ride, not just when you are thirsty.
Electrolytes: Because you sweat heavily in trials gear at low speeds, you lose salts. Use electrolyte tablets in your water to prevent arm and leg cramps.
Eat Smart: Eat bananas or magnesium-rich foods to help muscle function. Keep energy gels or bars in your pocket for long trial loops.

Ready to Start?
Trials is a sport that will teach you bike control skills that stay with you for life. It is challenging, technical, and endlessly fun. Find a local club, grab a helmet, and keep your feet up!

How to start riding trials

GasGas: Known for user-friendly bikes and a wide dealer network.

Beta: Famous for their build quality and smooth power delivery.

Sherco: Offers agile bikes with a distinctive blue livery.

Montesa (Honda): The 4-stroke specialist, known for incredible reliability and high build quality.

TRS & Vertigo: Innovative brands pushing the boundaries of technology.

Electric Bikes: Brands like Electric Motion (EM) are revolutionising the sport with silent, high-torque machines perfect for backyard practice.

Types of Engines

2-Stroke: Lighter, snappier, and generally easier to maintain. Preferred by most amateurs.

4-Stroke: Smoother power delivery and more traction, but slightly heavier and more complex to maintain.

Electric: Near-silent, linear power, and practically zero maintenance.

Helmet: An open-face trials helmet offers maximum visibility and ventilation.

Boots: Trials boots are softer than MX boots, allowing you to feel the footpegs and flex your ankles for balance.

Gloves: Thin, tactile gloves are essential for precise clutch and throttle control.

Protection: Knee guards and a back protector are highly recommended, as falls onto rocks are common.

4. What is the Correct Motorcycle to Begin With? The biggest mistake beginners make is buying a bike that is too powerful. You do not need a 300cc machine! The Golden Rule: Start Small

125cc: Ideally, start here. A 125cc bike forces you to learn proper technique (clutch and body weight) rather than relying on engine power to blast over obstacles.

200cc - 250cc: If you are a heavier rider or have significant off-road experience, a 250cc is a great all-rounder. It has enough torque for big climbs but is gentle enough not to tire you out.

Avoid the 280cc/300cc: These are competition weapons designed for pros. They are aggressive and can be exhausting and intimidating for a learner.

5. How Should I Set Up Myself and My Bike? Before you even start the engine, you need to be comfortable. Ergonomics

Levers: Position your clutch and brake levers angled downwards so your wrists are straight when you are in the standing attack position.

Handlebars: Roll them forward slightly to open up the cockpit, giving you more room to move your body.

Your Setup

Stance: Always stand up. Knees slightly bent, elbows out (like a chicken), and look ahead.

Relax: Tension is your enemy. Keep a loose grip on the bars. If you hold on too tight, you will get arm pump immediately.

6. Where Can I Start Riding? Trials bikes are not road legal (mostly) and are quiet, but you still need legal ground to ride on.

Trials Clubs: This is your best option. Join a local club. They often have dedicated land, practice areas, and a community of riders willing to teach you.

Training Centres: Look for "Trials Experiences" or training schools. They provide bikes and gear, which is perfect for trying before you buy.

Private Land: If you have a large garden or access to private woods, the quiet nature of a trials bike (especially electric ones) makes them neighbor-friendly.

​

7. My First Time Riding -- What Do I Do? Don't try to jump over a car on day one.

Figure of 8s: Spend hours doing tight turns on flat ground. This teaches you clutch control and balance.

Full Lock Turns: Try to turn the handlebars until they hit the stops while moving slowly.

Static Balance: Try to stand still on the bike with the engine off (or on) without putting a foot down.

Clutch Control: Trials is 80% clutch. Learn to slip the clutch to control speed rather than using the throttle.

8. What Techniques to Learn First? Master the basics, and the big obstacles will come naturally later.

The Trackstand: Balancing whilst stationary.

Wheelies: Not for showing off, but for lifting the front wheel over logs or rocks. Learn the "compression" technique (pushing down on the forks and leaning back).

The Double Blip: The fundamental technique for getting over obstacles (one blip of throttle to lift the front, a second to drive the rear wheel over).

Braking: Learning independent front and rear brake control is vital for steep descents.

​9. Competition or Not? What to Know?

Don't be afraid to enter a competition straight away! Trials competitions (Trials) are incredibly welcoming.

The System: You ride a "loop" of "sections". Each time you put a foot down ("dab"), you get a point. The goal is the lowest score.

Classes: There are classes for everyone, from absolute beginners (often called "Sportsman" or "Novice") to experts.

Why Compete? It is the fastest way to learn. Watching other riders and trying specific lines improves your riding much faster than playing around in a field.

10. Bike Setup and Settings!

A poorly set up bike makes learning twice as hard.

Tyre Pressure: This is critical. Rear tyres run incredibly low pressures—typically 3.5 to 4.5 PSI. The front should be around 6 to 7 PSI. Yes, that low!

Suspension: Set the "sag" for your weight. When you stand on the bike, the suspension should compress evenly. As a beginner, softer suspension is generally better as it is more forgiving.

Chain Tension: Keep it properly tensioned; a loose chain can snap or derail during tricky manoeuvres.

11. Hydration -- Avoiding Cramps

Trials is deceptively physical. You are constantly doing squats and using your core.

Hydrate Early: Drink water before you ride, not just when you are thirsty.

Electrolytes: Because you sweat heavily in trials gear at low speeds, you lose salts. Use electrolyte tablets in your water to prevent arm and leg cramps.

Eat Smart: Eat bananas or magnesium-rich foods to help muscle function. Keep energy gels or bars in your pocket for long trial loops.

Ready to Start? Trials is a sport that will teach you bike control skills that stay with you for life. It is challenging, technical, and endlessly fun. Find a local club, grab a helmet, and keep your feet up!

4. What is the Correct Motorcycle to Begin With?
The biggest mistake beginners make is buying a bike that is too powerful. You do not need a 300cc machine!
The Golden Rule: Start Small

5. How Should I Set Up Myself and My Bike?
Before you even start the engine, you need to be comfortable.
Ergonomics

6. Where Can I Start Riding?
Trials bikes are not road legal (mostly) and are quiet, but you still need legal ground to ride on.

7. My First Time Riding -- What Do I Do?
Don't try to jump over a car on day one.

8. What Techniques to Learn First?
Master the basics, and the big obstacles will come naturally later.

9. Competition or Not? What to Know?

Ready to Start?
Trials is a sport that will teach you bike control skills that stay with you for life. It is challenging, technical, and endlessly fun. Find a local club, grab a helmet, and keep your feet up!