Who can ride Moto-Trials?

Basically anyone capable of managing a motorcycle can have a go at Moto-trials. There are classes for all ages and abilities. Moto-trials is a fun sport for the entire family …

I’ve seen people ride over huge obstacles – do I need to be able to do that?

Absolutely not.  Those Expert riders are a very small percentage of the people who ride moto-trials. Most people are quite satisfied with the challenge of easier classes. WMCC events offer a degree of challenge for all levels of riders.

Will Moto-Trials help my other off-road riding skills?

Absolutely.  Moto-trials teaches you proper riding techniques including balance, body position, and many other key elements required in other forms of motorcycle riding. Many of today’s top riders have either competed in Moto-Trials or practice at home on a moto-trials bike.  It makes a great ‘Second Bike’.

What do I need to get started?

All you need to get started is a Moto-Trials bike and some riding gear, specifically a helmet and boots although gloves and specific riding pants are recommended. Most moto-trials riders wear an open-face trials specific helmet however some will wear a full-face design for added protection. Trials specific boots are available. These have flat, lugged soles and are much more flexible than enduro or motocross boots. You can begin to practice in your garden or somewhere there is a small amount of land to ride on. Moto-trials bikes are very quiet.

Another great suggestion to help you learn is to watch videos or read books on the basics of moto-trials. These are available online.

Do I have to wear Lycra?

No, enduro clothing is just fine …

Will I need a special license to compete?

WMCC offers both club competitions, practice events and can organise informal days out riding. Practise days and informal days out do not require licensing. The competitions require an MNZ (Motorcycling NZ) license as they are run under an MNZ permit for insurance reasons. Refer www.mnz.co.nz .  Day licenses are available at a cost.

Higher levels of competition, either Island Championship or National events require an MNZ license. 

How much would I expect to pay to compete?

WMCC club competitions and practice days generally cost $20 for the day’s event. A BBQ is provided at no extra cost. If a day license is required, allow $30 extra.

Where do I find a bike?

New moto-trials bikes are available from dealers within NZ. The brands currently being imported into the NZ market include Beta, Scorpa, Oset, Sherco, JGAS, Vertigo and Montesa.  Most dealers stock parts for these bikes.

Dealers in NZ are;

Spanish Trial

Ø  Agents for JGAS and Vertigo moto-trials motorcycles (bikes and spares)

Ø  Spare parts for GasGas trials motorcycles from 1992 onwards

Ø  Contact (Auckland)  Peter Boettcher 09 817 7081

Ø  Contact (Manawatu) Kevin Pinfold  021 031 0240

Nelson Marlborough trials

Ø  Website http://trialsnz.com/

Ø  Agents for Sherco and Montesa (bikes and spares)

Ø  Contact Brendon Wadsworth 03 579 2500

Kapiti Motorcycles

Ø  Website http://www.nztrials.co.nz/

Ø  Agents for Beta moto-trials motorcycles (bikes and spares)

Ø  Contact John Lawton 04 297 0240

EVMoto Ltd

Ø  Agents for Oset Electric moto-trials motorcycles (bikes and spares)

Ø  Contact Kevin Pinfold 021 031 9897

Used moto-trials motorcycles are always available. A number of these can be found through online auction websites.

To decide which moto-trials bike is right for you, attend a club event (either a practise or competition event) and get advice from riders on the day. Very often you will be offered a ride.

Are the bikes expensive?

A new full size Moto-Trials bike will range in price between $10000 and $14000.

Smaller petrol or electric moto-trials bikes suitable for children range from $1500 to $7000 depending on the size and features.

Most new riders to the sport will start on a good used Moto-Trials bike as they can be purchased for much less and work as great starter bikes to hone your skills.

Moto-trials bikes from approximately year 2000 onwards have features that determine a ‘modern’ moto-trials bike. These are monoshock rear suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, hydraulically activated clutch and a responsive engine. Older moto-trials bikes are also available, either ‘pre-65’ bikes from prior to 1965, twinshock moto-trials bikes from the 1970s and 1980s and monoshock moto-trials bikes from the 1990s. These earlier moto-trials bikes may be cheaper but may also require quite some work to keep well maintained. Parts may be difficult to source.

Are they expensive to maintain?

Moto-trials is one of the least expensive forms of motorsport on the planet.  A few dollars for fuel, some basic periodic maintenance (clean air filter, change oil) and some annual maintenance (check suspension linkage bearings, coolant, brake fluid) and you’re pretty much done. Most of the parts needed for your bike will be from falling over.

Where do I find riding gear and accessories?

All of the dealers listed in ‘Where do I find a bike?’ and some other mainstream motorcycle stores offer clothing, helmets and boots.  These items are also available from overseas online although GST and handling may be payable upon landing.  

Where do I find the date of the next event?

WMCC events are displayed on the WMCC website prior to events. The event will also be listed on the MNZ website (www.mnz.co.nz) once a permit has been obtained. Silver Bullet (www.silverbullet.co.nz) also lists off-road events for NZ events.

A calendar of Auckland, Waikata and B.O.P. events is available by request by emailing trialsauckland@gmail.com