Trials
 1956 350 Royal Enfield |
I Started riding trials when I was 7 and today I am the membership secretary for the Southend and District Motorcycle Club . As most riders in the mid 1970's I started on a Yamaha ty80 and then moved upto to a Yamaha ty175 . I then moved onto a Fantic 200 which at the time was a revelation , despite the engine being only 156cc ! (I know Fantic seemed unable to count as the 240 model was 212cc and the 300 model 250cc) It seemed half the weight and twice the power of the Yamaha. As the monoshock,s came along I progressed onto a 301 Fantic which had way more power and was actually quite harsh for trials use but once mastered would do anything I could. About this time I started riding Pre65 trials as well on a Tiger cub as well as an odd ride on Dad's late 1940's 500 rigid Triumph trophy. |
| The Fantic was eventually replaced in the late 1990's by a 1995 Gas Gas JT25 which was a very sweet machine , well made and seemed to find grip where it's eventual replacement a 2003 Gas Gas Pro 250cc struggled . I know the Pro was way more capable than I made it look but from a personal point of view I always struggled for grip and found it a bit 'flighty'. I know this is more of a reflection on my style and lack of fitness than the machine! The Pro has now gone and been replaced by a late 2007 Beta Rev3 so we shall see how we get on with that. |
 1956 350 Royal Enfield |
 1956 350 Royal Enfield |
On the Pre65 front the
Tiger Cub was eventually replaced with a 1956 Royal Enfield
which remains my favourite bike to ride at present, as it just
seems to suit me so well ! could be something to do with the
fact that I have put so much time in the workshop to getting it
as I like !!! In the last couple of years another 200 Fantic has joined the stable and enjoys the occasional outing, although having said earlier how I loved this model, I will admit that 20 years riding means I am now looking at modifications to the frame on this to make it more rideable (it feels like you are standing on a skyscraper the footrests are that high !!!) |
| The James pictured and another Enfield (a 500 this time) are both future projects awaiting the time to do them justice. Eventually I hope to have pictures of most of these bikes on this page . in the meantime why not check out the SouthendDMCC website for photos of recent events |
 1980 200 fantic |
 2003 Gas Gas Pro |
 1980 Fantic 200 |
 1964 James |
 2003 Gas Gas Pro |