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32 NEW LOOK

1980 FIM WTC GBR

MAGICAL WASP SPECIALS MICK WINS CLASSIC COMPETITION JIM SANDIFORD 1970 SSDT GREEVES RARE

SPRING 2020

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1980 FIM WTC LOST GOLD

1970 SSDT

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CONTACT Online: www.trialmaguk.com Telephone: 01663 749163 Email: england@trialmag.com Address: 48 Albion Road, New Mills, High Peak, Derbyshire, SK22 3EX United Kingdom THE TEAM Co-Managing Directors John Hulme & Charles Benhamou Executive Director Philippe Benhamou Editor John Hulme

(NUJ No: 949620)

Editorial Staff Cyrille Barthe, Jean Caillou, Phil Disney, Nick Shield, Matthew Heppleston, Heath Brindley and John Moffat. Photographers Barry Robinson, Malcolm Carling, John Shirt Snr, Colin Bullock, Cyrille Barthe, Eric Kitchen, Alan Vines, Toon van de Vliet, Mauri/Fontsere Collection and the Giulio Mauri Copyright, The Nick Nicholls Collection at Mortons Archive, Don Morley, Motorcycle News and Brian Holder. Proof reading Jane Hulme and Davina Brooks Commercial Manager John Hulme england@trialmag.com Design and Production Dean Cook The Magazine Production Company www.magazineproduction.com Printing: Buxtons Press Distribution: Warners Group Publications © 2020 CJ Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publishers. Great care is taken to ensure accuracy in the preparation of this publication, but neither CJ Publishing Ltd or the editor can be held responsible for its contents. The views expressed are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Publishers. Trial Magazine is published by: CJ Publishing Limited, registered in England Number: 5947718. Trial Magazine: ISSN: 1753-0040. 4

1980 FIM World Championship Trial Great Britain, Ruby Rocks • Photo credit: Alan Vines Front Cover: 1980 Mick Andrews (320cc Majesty) • Photo credit: Alan Vines

Spring 2020 • Classic Trial Magazine

Trial Magazine• Welcome

WELCOME

FEATURES

INTERNATIONAL

LOST GOLD

CELEBRATION

RARE

MAN AND MACHINE

CATCH UP

1980 FIM WTC GBR

Jim Sandiford Greeves InMotion 20 Years WASP Trials

Peter Zeh CZ Stig Karlson

CLASSIC COMPETITION 64 1970 Scottish Six Days

PROJECT

REMEMBERING

Aprilia

Ralph Venables

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Classic Trial Magazine • Spring 2020

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News • The world of Classic Trials

HIGHLAND CLASSIC TWO DAY 2020

BERNIE SCHREIBER AT THE PRE-65 SCOTTISH

Yes, you have read the heading correct: that American Bernie Schreiber is a successful entrant at the 2020 Pre-65 Scottish. The 1979 FIM World Trials Champion and 1982 Scottish Six Days Trial winner will ride a machine loaned to him by Martin Murphy. A strong supporter of all things motorcycle trials, Martin made a similar arrangement for his local Kinlochleven & District MCC at the Leven Valley Two-Day Trial in September 2019, and Bernie had so much fun he made the decision to enter the Pre-65 Scottish. He will compete on a 350cc Triumph Twin, adding to the flavour of the event, and we are sure the spectators will turn out to see and hear the combination of man and machine. To find a full list of successful applicants and all the latest news for the 2020 Pre-65 Scottish please go to the club’s website: www. pre65scottish.com

CAROLE NASH INTERNATIONAL CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE SHOW The entries opened for the ‘Fantic Edition’ Inverness and District Motor Cycle Club Ltd event on the 1st February 2020, and such is the popularity of this trial that they are now probably over-subscribed. Once again, the two-day event will take place over the weekend of the 13th & 14th June on the superb Alvie Estate Kincraig, Kingussie PH21 1NE. The thememachine manufacturer for 2020 is the Italian Fantic brand. One man very pivotal of the red machine’s development through the model range was this year’s guest of honour Jaime Subira from Spain. Expect to see a good turnout of some other ‘Star’ names on the Fantic machines in action at the event as they have proved very popular and successful on the classic trials scene. Of course, it is nice to see the Fantics in action, but remember the event is open to the other manufacturers as well. For more information on this event please go to the club’s excellent website: www.idmcc.co.uk

If you have enjoyed this show before, then why not attend the 40th Carole Nash International Classic MotorCycle Show on April 25th & 26th at Stafford County Showground. Stuart Graham, a winner on both two and four wheels, has enjoyed a successful and unusual racing career and will share his stories in front of a live audience. Despite bringing a 1940s theme to the event in homage to the 75th anniversary of D-Day in 2020, the show will remain a core classic-bike enthusiast weekend. There will be thousands of classic motorcycles to see, a huge indoor and outdoor autojumble and more than 900 traders in attendance, all forming an important part of the show. The Bonham’s auction will be as spectacular as ever, with exciting news about everything on offer coming soon. Advance tickets are on sale now: www.classicmagazines.co.uk/stafford Book now and save 20% on the gate price.

GREAT GIFTS FOR CLASSIC TRIALS ENTHUSIASTS

New to Classic Trial Magazine: we have introduced these superb quality drawstring gym bags which are ideal to carry a set of waterproofs, for example, just in case it rains when you have your summer kit on or to carry that gym kit for the workout. The bag packs away easily in to a small pocket. Also, at the request of readers, we can now supply these highquality protective binders to keep your Classic Trial Magazine collection safe, to enjoy time after time. The binders hold 12 copies / three years of the magazine (magazines not included). Both products, not to forget a 12-month magazine subscription (see page 24-25), make for great birthday gifts for any trials enthusiast and are available to order from our international website. Order yours now: www.trialmaguk.com

We are aware a number of photos we or our contributors own are appearing on social media with no prior written permission. We would ask that you please respect copyright and encourage you to contact us for permission. Simply drop us a line: 01663 749163 or email: england@trialmaguk.com.

Spring 2020 • Classic Trial Magazine

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Spring 2020 • Classic Trial Magazine

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Classic Trial Magazine • Spring 2020

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International • 1980 FIM WTC

THE MAJESTY 1980 WORLD TRIAL CHAMPIONSHIP

MOMENT

My life in motorcycle trials has spanned some superb times, including the definitive ‘David and Goliath’ moment with both man and machines. Starting out as a motor vehicle mechanics apprenticeship at a local car dealership, John Shirt Snr would move into a world of self-employment in 1970. On Saturday the 16th February 1980 his rider Mick Andrews would win the FIM World Trials Championship round in Great Britain on his own creation, the Majesty Yamaha; it was the ‘Majesty Moment’. Words: John Hulme and Alan Wright • Pictures: Alan Vines, Vic Sandercock and Mike Naish

Spring 2020 • Classic Trial Magazine

1980 FIM WTC • International

Ulf Karlson (Montesa-SWE): Having won the opening FIM World round, the Hurst Cup, in Ireland and with his second place in Great Britain Ulf was at the head of the points table. Boasting 27 points from the two rounds, he held a nine-point advantage over Rob Shepherd. He and some of the foreign riders had contested selected UK Championship rounds to adjust to the climate in the early part of the year.

he path to the ‘Majesty Moment’ had not been an easy one for John. On leaving school, John Shirt Snr served his apprenticeship with the Kennings Motor Group based in the Peak District area. Cars were now a passion, and applying his ideas, he started to modify them; with it came the experience of learning all the time. Wanting to increase his income, he moved to the local mushroom farm where he was involved in the servicing and maintenance of the large forklift truck fleet. Following in the footsteps of his father, who was a local self-employed builder, John moved into some property on Stable Lane in 1970 where his father was based. As a motor mechanic, he would offer his services and would soon be putting in many working hours to provide for his wife Margaret and young family; he would always be on hand taking on a multitude of mechanical and bodywork, with no job ever too big, or too small.

Rob Shepherd (Honda-GBR): In this Honda sponsored event ‘Shep’ had a good strong ride to support his second position in the opening round in Ireland to maintain his championship challenge on the four-stroke machine.

Classic Trial Magazine • Spring 2020

Malcolm Rathmell (Montesa-GBR): The Spanish competition department at Montesa had built a small number of special machines for its factory supported riders including Rathmell. They featured flat-plate footrest mounting areas and a lower top-tube to reduce the seat height, amongst other modifications to make the machine narrower and slimmer.

Manuel Soler (Bultaco-ESP): Looking very calm and in control, he would be one of a few victims to the closure of the gates at Bultaco as production of the machines became difficult. By mid-season he would be Montesa mounted.

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Lost Gold • Greeves

GREEVES: SOO 22D

FOUND IN THE USA Keeping in touch with my motorcycle friends far and wide is made easier with the internet, and when an email from Roy Kerr came up I am was more than happy to reply to it. I had last seen Roy, if my memory serves me correct, at a Telford Off-Road show, I think a few years ago. I knew of Roy as I had seen his name appear as a Scottish Trials Champion and he had also ridden number one at the Scottish Six Days Trial many years ago. Our paths would cross frequently when I was producing Enduro Extreme Magazine Words: John Hulme and Roy Kerr • Pictures: Roy Kerr, Brian Holder, Malcom Carling and Alan Vines

At the 1967 Scottish Six Days Trial, on his way to sixth overall, Jim was also in the Factory team along with Don Smith and Bill Wilkinson, and they won the coveted manufacturers’ team prize for Greeves.

His last ride in the UK on the Greeves was at the early November double header weekend of the Hoad and Perce Simon trials where he won Second Class awards in both events.

Spring 2020 • Classic Trial Magazine

Greeves • Lost Gold

“The starting bid was listed at $545, so I added it to my watch list while I did a bit more research to find out if it was what I thought it was. I was able to find images of Jim Sandiford riding the Greeves in a few events; it clearly showed the registration number SOO 22D.” LOST GOLD

Roy Kerr: “I am in the middle of a full strip-down and rebuild of a very early 1968 Bultaco M49 trials model, and was on eBay looking for some parts for the machine when a Greeves Anglian trials appeared in the search results. On looking at the details of the auction, there was mention that the machine in question was an ex-factory one ridden by Jim Sandiford. “Looking at the motorcycle details in the listing there were some very clear images of the Greeves. These images showed clear serial and registration information of the motorcycle and an image of some of its history. The starting bid was listed at $545, so I added it to my watch list while I did a bit more research to find out if it was what I thought it was. I was able to find images of Jim Sandiford riding the Greeves in a few events; it clearly showed the registration number SOO 22D. I also had a chat with the Trials Guru, John Moffat, who did a bit of digging on its history as well”.

On closer inspection this Greeves has shown little deterioration, despite the passing of time.

THE REAL DEAL

In contacting the owner, Roy established that he had purchased the motorcycle in 1999 in the UK and shipped it back to California, in the US, where it was kept with a number of other Greeves motorcycles. It turned out that

No doubt, judging by the size of the rear wheel hub, the brake’s stopping power must have been pretty good.

Classic Trial Magazine • Spring 2020

It’s no wonder that the Spanish manufacturers knew that the time was right to move into the trials market. This cluttered-up engine area shows the antiquated and outdated Villiers engine in the Greeves. You must agree it all looks very agricultural!

Celebration â€˘ In Motion

TWO DECADES OF

TWIN-SHOCK

SPARES

Building a brand and one to be proud of is hard work, make no mistake; I speak first-hand from what we have achieved with Classic Trial Magazine since 2011. Dave Renham started InMotion 20 years ago off the back of having served an apprenticeship at the once-great sporting dealers Comerfords, who were also the Bultaco UK importers. His name is, and always will be, strongly associated with the once-mighty Spanish machines, but as we move forward into 2020, the name InMotion is now on the lips of so many other twin-shock and air-cooled mono-shock machine names. Dave has extended his business to cover all manufacturers with a superb and readily available inventory of the parts needed to keep them running or for total rebuilds and renovations. The introduction of the popular championship series to cater for these machines keeps him and his staff as busy as ever, as we found out on a recent visit to the busy premises in Egham. Words: John Hulme with Dave Renham Pictures: CTM and Andy Withers (Awsportsphoto)

The order process starts with the phone call or the computer.

Spring 2020 â€˘ Classic Trial Magazine

In Motion • Celebration

he story of In Motion takes us back to the demise of the oncemighty manufacturing of motorcycles in Great Britain and the invasion of the Spanish Armada of Bultaco, Montesa and Ossa in the late ’60s. Wind the clock forward to the UK Bultaco importers, Comerfords, and 1978 when Dave Renham started employment with the company. While he was attending college, Dave had worked one day a week on a non-payment basis in the busy workshops before commencing full-time employment with them, a job he held until 1981.

LISTEN AND LEARN

Imagine, as a youngster, rubbing shoulders with the likes of the Bultaco FIM World Trials Champions Martin Lampkin, Yrjo Vesterinen and Bernie Schreiber; that was the life of a young Renham. A twelve-month learning period on the day-a-week basis had him shadowing the ex-Barry Sheene mechanic Ken Fletcher. His forté after the Sheene years was KTM machines, and Comerfords were also importers for the Austrian marque. After this period, Dave would be

In this job product knowledge is essential.

Classic Trial Magazine • Spring 2020

employed full time from 1978–1981 with the great Jock Wilson in charge of his workshop activities. He learned the ins and outs of the two-stroke trials motorcycles under the watchful eye of a certain Reg May, the ‘God’ of Bultaco mechanics until his knowledge of the Spanish machines would become invaluable. During his Comerford years, the workshop was the place to be as he became involved with machines that would be prepared to compete in world championship trials and motocross events. As the working relationship with Reg May grew, so did Dave’s responsibilities, with the fleet of ‘works’ machines for the supported riders. Weekdays were spent rebuilding and preparing machines from the previous weekend’s competition exploits before Wednesday arrived. On that day, both the trials and motocross machines would be tested in readiness to hand over to the supported riders. What’s interesting is that, at the time, he did not realise what a great position he was in. Dave: “The riders were all very different; the Lampkins didn’t visit Comerfords very often, Reg May would go up to visit them periodically as

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Rare • Wasp

BUZZING

BSA FAMILY Bright yellow tanks are one of the trademarks of Wasp Engineering and one of the most recognisable features of these three classic BSA Wasp trials motorcycles. Built by George Greenland, in Salisbury, Wiltshire, at a glance they can easily be mistaken for each other as each machine has a Wasp frame made largely to 1960s specifications. But, with three different BSA power units are used, a Bantam, C15 and B40. The machines were built with a particular purpose in mind as easy-to-ride trials machines and whether performing alone or in pairs or, rarely, all together, they turn heads and create considerable interest. With Wasp founder Robin RhindTutt’s recent passing in September 2019, it is timely to celebrate one aspect of his quality off-road engineering. Robin began with the renowned grass track and motocross sidecar outfits but by the mid60s solo scramblers were produced for Rob Jordan and Triss Sharp. Article: Andy Withers and AWSportsPhoto • Pictures: Terry Graves, Mike Doolittle, Andy Withers and Colin Bullock

n the ’60s, having fabricated his own trials frame for a Triumph Twin, George Greenland found that his machine started to increase in length as he rode it. It gave him a bit of a ‘sinking feeling’ so he asked Robin if Wasp could build him a trials frame. It was the first Wasp trials frame; it was so good, orders from other riders soon followed.

RHIND TUTT WASP

The distinctive ‘Rhind Tutt Wasp’ badge came along by chance. Top British Sidecar rider, Mike Guildford, who used a Wasp frame, was working with George Sawyer, a motorcycle dealer in Winchester. Sawyer offered to sell Robin’s machines through his dealership and had tank stickers made up with ‘Rhind Tutt Wasp’. Robin took on the name, and it has been used ever since. George Greenland and Robin were close friends through from the mid-sixties – so close, George even impersonated the ‘shy’ Robin on one occasion!

When delivering a new Wasp outfit to the Isle of Man, local radio was there to interview Robin. Still, he introduced George as ‘Robin Rhind-Tutt’, and George gave a whole interview with the audience being none the wiser. They both had a shared passion for solving engineering problems, which brought great success with Robin producing frames and George helping to prepare motors for the highly successful Norton Wasp Sidecar Scrambles outfits. George also campaigned Wasp outfits to five British Enduro Championship titles. While on the 500cc Triumph Twin Wasp with a lighter upgraded frame George rode the Scottish Six Days, the Scott and throughout Europe, but that is a tale for another day! At 87 years young, George still rides Waspframed machines every weekend and has engineered two new machines in the last year. Wasp still produces solo frames for a range of British motorcycles including the Tiger Cub, C15, B40s and Triumph Twins, but the Bantam was a new shared project.

Spring 2020 • Classic Trial Magazine

Wasp • Rare

George Greenland in perfect harmony with the BSA Bantam engined Wasp.

WHAT MAKES A WASP?

The frames are what makes a Wasp, but it’s not just the design, it’s the quality of the finish. In the early days Robin’s work stood out because of the finish, and this has been retained today. The frames are constructed from 4130 chromoly tubing with beautiful precise bronze welding and bright nickel plating to give an unrivalled finish. First made in the mid-1960s, the RT4 framed machines qualify for Pre-65 trials with the only modification being a slight steepening of the steering head angle producing a tighter turning circle to rival any modern machine. Frames are made in batches on-demand at Berwick St James near Salisbury, Wiltshire; recently Triumph Twins are most in demand. The frames are light and well-balanced to produce good handling, while the yellow tanks are surprisingly not compulsory as ‘other colours are available’, but a personal view is the yellow tank is also what makes a wasp.

Your choice; three different BSA power units are used.

Classic Trial Magazine • Spring 2020

Man and machines • CZ

COMPANION

FOR LIFE

Peter Zeh has been faithful to his CZ trials machine for more than 50 years. The relationship between Peter Zeh and his Czech ‘Girlfriend’ began just as relationships with women should not begin – as Peter loaned her out to his brother! However, as this partner is not a woman but a motorcycle, it looks different and it is, therefore, no longer reprehensible. On the contrary, it is not uncommon among brothers for the machines to be passed around! What led me to the heading and to this introductory sentence with the comparison of Peter’s CZ to a companion in life is how long Peter and his CZ have been together. In this respect his CZ can certainly be called a life companion; after all, this motorcycle has accompanied him almost his entire life! Article: Hans Greiner, Trialsport, Germany • Translation: Bill Buckley

Spring 2020 • Classic Trial Magazine

CZ • Man and machine

Above: 1969; right, 1989

s soon as Peter had bought the CZ from his brother, he received an invitation to enter for a trial in spring 1969. Since he was already a member of the ADMV club at that time, he was obviously regarded as a potential interested party. And the invitation did indeed arouse spontaneous interest in him. He directly mounted a smaller sprocket on the machine and started training for the event in the area, with the firm plan to participate in this trial in the production class. Surprisingly for him, he took second place at this event, which made him even more enthusiastic. Since there were a lot of events near him at that time, he

carried his rucksack weekend after weekend and rode his motorcycle to these trials. When he won his fifth trial for the first time, there was a wreath for the winner: “Never before have I driven so slowly through the town as on my way home” Peter remembers with a smile.

EAST GERMAN TRIALS

In the same year, 1969, he competed very enthusiastically in the series class at the championship in Berlin in September and finished fourth. Now at last the name, Peter Zeh, was known in the East German trial scene. Despite further successes in trials in

his region he was unable to take part in the championship the following year because he could not find a lift to the championship event. But Peter took the year 1970 as his starting point, not only to take part in the championship again in 1971, but, with increased motivation, to win the GDR championship title in the series class. In the following two years, 1972 and 1973, he was able to defend this title on his CZ. But things didn’t always go according to plan, as they rarely do. In 1974 ,he broke his fibula and ankle during a training crash, and had to drop out of the championship and say goodbye to the title. But in bad times a true champion is

The fitting of modern full-size wheels and tyres has transformed the machine.

Classic Trial Magazine • Spring 2020

Classic competition • 1970 Slateford Cattle Market in Edinburgh is a busy place on Sunday the 3rd May 1970 dominated by the new breed of machines from the Spanish manufacturers Bultaco, Montesa and Ossa.

CHANGING

TIMES

Sadly, the final nails were firmly in the coffin of production of true all-British trials motorcycles, which were now virtually history as we entered an era of changing times. The Spanish had taken hold of the reins, both of the riders and the machines, led by Sammy Miller at Bultaco, Gordon Farley at Montesa and Mick Andrews at Ossa. Four-strokes were very ‘old hat’ as the new era of modern powerful two-stroke single cylinder aircooled machines dominated the trials scene. In truth the cottage industry of British-built machines with small-capacity foreign engines would also soon be swallowed up by the Spanish dominance. Here we have a look at some of the machines that had been developed to dominate the trials world, and some that had not! Words: Classic Trial Magazine, Motor Cycle and Mortons Archive • Pictures: Brian Holder Classic Trial Magazine would like to acknowledge the input from the Trials Guru, John Moffat, for this article generation.

Sammy Miller with his trademark immaculate 252cc Bultaco. The over-sized Bultaco engine enabled him to contest the Best up-to 350cc Class, which he would duly win. The major change to the engine performance was achieved by the fitting of a Japanese Mikuni carburettor as opposed to the Amal one fitted to production machines, which he claimed gave near-perfect carburation. Using his engineering skills and his own special parts he had reduced the weight from 96kg to 84kg. By removing the bottom frame rails he had increased the ground clearance by a full inch, and the engine was now protected by a flat aluminium plate. This very machine had just taken Miller to the 1970 European Trials Championship, his last major international success.

Not surprisingly, this Norton-AJS hybrid built by Bob Collier did not even last a day and he retired on day one when the ignition failed. Yes, it may look very innovative, but did he really think it would last the whole six days?

Spring 2020 • Classic Trial Magazine

1970 • Classic competition

Despite the fact that he was contracted to Bultaco as a Motocross rider Malcolm Rathmell rode this new factory prototype 250cc Sherpa in the Six Days Trial. Its main change was the narrower rear sub-frame and rear silencer position, all aimed at reducing the overall width of the machine. As you can see, the machine was ‘ambushed’ by the Champion Spark Plug representative.

Note the small moped wheel hubs on the Montesa Cota 247 of Gordon Farley. The UK importer John Brise had started to make in-roads to the Bultaco domination after the demise of the British machines and was very happy to be receiving a regular supply of the red production machines.

There was no factory mechanic for Mick Andrews as he fitted a new Reynolds chain supplied by Vic Doyle to prepare his new machine for the event. He had returned from the Ossa headquarters near Barcelona in Spain with the new prototype, which featured a completely new frame with a single seat tube as opposed to the earlier duplex arrangement. The exhaust exited the cylinder barrel up and over the engine as opposed to the right-hand-side on his earlier prototype model on which he had won the Spanish European round earlier in the year. Here Jim Sandiford (Bultaco) on the left shakes hands with his good friend Don Smith (Stag). Sandiford’s machine has the new Renthal aluminium handlebars fitted. He was the first trials dealer to stock the Renthal products back in the early days of their handlebar production. Smith had left Montesa in 1970 and had built his own machine, the Stag, using the Montesa engine he had helped to develop. In May 1972 he would become the first top-level trials rider / development engineer to be employed by a Japanese factory as he signed a contract with Kawasaki.

Two good friends: Mick Bowers on the left and Dave Rowland on the right discuss the latest BSA Bantam trials model. Even in the present day many people argue that this machine could have turned around the fortunes of BSA in the trials world. When Yamaha introduced the TY 175cc model in the mid-70s they answered the question and showed just what could have been. Bowers retired from the event with a seized big-end in the little two-stroke engine on the Wednesday.

Classic Trial Magazine • Spring 2020

Project • Aprilia

BRITISH SPIRIT

ITALIAN STYLE

Generating articles can start in many strange ways, and this Aprilia one was somewhat unusual as it triggered a memory in me from 1981. My good friend, John E Shirt, was up to his eyes in the Yamaha Majesty project. The production was flat-out and machine sales were very strong but John had a concern about the future viability of the project as he knew that one day the supply of the donor Yamaha TY range would dry up. I doubt if he knew about the monoshock Yamaha project that would come to life in 1983. Maybe the change to the red-and-white Majesty fuel tank was an indication? On one of my visits John had shown me the new Aprilia TR 320 he had recently acquired. We both had a ride on it and, yes, we were surprised at just how good it was. You must remember that by this time two other Italian motorcycle manufacturers, Fantic and SWM, had made massive in-roads to the trials market. John had an astute eye for business, as we found out later when he moved from Yamaha to Gas Gas, maybe John was leaving his options open; but soon the Aprilia disappeared. My passionate trials friend Alberto Baessato from Venice, Italy contacted me recently as he finished his latest trials project which is this modified Aprilia. As he told me, it was his idea to combine the ‘British Spirit’ with the ‘Italian Style’ as it had the air-cooled two-stroke Hiro engine developed by Sammy Miller resting in the Italian frame. Words: John Hulme and Alberto Baessato Pictures: Trial Magazine France, Alberto Baessato, Sammy Miller Museum and Eric Kitchen

The ‘British Spirit’ with the ‘Italian Style’ as it had the air-cooled twostroke Hiro engine developed by Sammy Miller resting in the Italian frame.

Spring 2020 • Classic Trial Magazine

Aprilia • Project

“It was well designed; for example, you could remove the tank seat unit without tools in less than a minute!” Black does make a machine look heavy, but the green frame and white plastics rescue the aesthetics.

A few engine modifications were carried out, including this one to make the clutch action more efficient.

The steering head angle was modified to suit the modern era of classic trials hazards. Renthal handlebars with a 7/8th Ǿ provide a secure riding position. Modifications to suit the riding position were carried out around the footrest area.

In the classic trials hazards you still find some demanding rock steps, which is why the Aprilia has upgraded suspension at the front and rear.

WHY TRIALS?

Alberto Baessato: “If you were born in a ‘sea place’ like me, in a place in which everything seems to related to water, it’s difficult to fall in love with trials. In Venice you could be an artist, a fisherman or sell merchandise; rarely you’ll be an enthusiast involved in something like a dirty motorcycle sport! This is my Aprilia story.”

PROJECT APRILIA

The Italian motorcycle manufacturer Aprilia was just five kilometres from my family house. Close enough to put me in contact with the offClassic Trial Magazine • Spring 2020

road world and push me towards the discovery of a beautiful sports environment, motorcycle trials, and a passion I would keep close to my heart from my teenage years. In more recent times, and at a more mature time in my life, I decided it was time to look at classic trials. My project would be the rebuild of the Aprilia while introducing some of my ideas. In 1981, the Aprilia factory based at Noale, Italy, released its first adult production trials machine, the TR 320 model. It was well designed; for example, you could remove the

tank seat unit without tools in less than a minute! The engine was the Hiro 320cc engine developed by Sammy Miller. This modern engine design featured a Nikasil-coated cylinder liner along with in-gear kick-starting and a six-speed gearbox. The cycle parts were well-known components: Marzocchi front fork, Betor rear shocks and Grimeca brakes. The later model received only a few minor modifications and a change in aesthetics from red to white before they moved to Austrian Rotax engines. 83

Remembering • Ralph G. Venables

RALPH VENABLES

RALPH REMEMBERED

The title is a play on words, deliberately so, as Trials & Motocross News under the editorship of Bill Lawless ran a weekly column written by Ralph Venables which was entitled ‘Ralph Remembers’. Ralph (pronounced ‘Rafe’ and he didn’t let anyone forget it!) lived for much of his life in the small village and civil parish of Swallowcliffe, Salisbury in Wiltshire. He was often referred to in articles as the ‘Squire of Swallowcliffe’ and the ‘doyen’ of trials journalists and writers. Ralph was very much of the old school of journalism. He took up the task after realising that he would never be a top-flight trials rider, even though he was brought up in the company of the famous Heath brothers, Len and Joe, who were renowned trials and scrambles competitors immediately post-war. Words: John Moffat — The Trials Guru • Pictures: JA Hopper, Malcolm Carling and Alan Vines

Spring 2020 • Classic Trial Magazine

Ralph G. Venables • Remembering Ralph loved four-stroke trials motorcycles and when the opportunity came to have the loan of the Honda TL 250 in the late 70s from David Dixon at Dixon Racing he was very grateful. He used it for some ‘Green Lane’ riding around the lanes of Hampshire and Sussex.

This article’s generation came to life through our good friend at Classic Trial Magazine John Moffat. As with Ralph Venables, John is a respected authority on the world of motorcycles, and trials in particular.

orn in Oxford in1914, the year the First World War broke out, it was recorded that his first motorcycling event was not until 1920, in company with his elder brother, to spectate at the Southern Scott Scramble near Camberley, Surrey. His parents moved to Farnham, Surrey, where he met the Heath brothers and became a lifelong friends. Len Heath featured many times when Ralph recounted his life in the sport, so significant was his influence. It was further recorded that Ralph suffered injuries in a road traffic accident while competing in a Schoolboy Trial near Croydon, Surrey. Schoolboy trials are not a new phenomenon; some private schools promoted them early last century. The accident was sufficiently serious that Venables spent some time in hospital and resulted in compensation being paid to him for his injuries, so it is assumed the car driver wasn’t devoid of fault! Other interesting facts about Ralph include being an official of the Sunbeam MCC which is, of course, the club that presents the annual Pinhard Prize through the ACU to recognise meritorious performance or efforts by a competitor or club member under the age of 21. All the gear and a huge smile; this summed up Venables and motorcycles.

ARTICLE WRITING

In 1957, the year of my birth, Ralph reduced his motorcycle club activities and branched out into article writing for the then Motor Cycle when the Iliffe family owned it. Of course, now the title is held by Mortons Media. Venables had a remarkable memory for people, places and events that was second to none. He may not have been a successful competitor in his own right, but he got to know all the top-flight trials and scrambles riders of Classic Trial Magazine • Spring 2020

various eras. He could spout forth many facts and figures, which earned him the moniker of being a walking, talking encyclopaedia. I got to know Ralph many years ago, around 1988. Ralph had conversed with my late father on quite a few occasions, and that was my effective ‘calling card’ to be able to speak with him. It has to be said that many Scottish competitors referred to Ralph as the

‘Poison Pen’; he could be quite unkind with his description of some of our countryfolk in his columns, which did not endear him to competitors north of Hadrian’s Wall! I wonder who recalls Ralph’s attempts to persuade the ACU to reduce the dimensions of the standard trials tyre from four inches to three-and half-inches back in the mid-1970s? Gordon Farley did a back-to-back test using his 87

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Spring 2020 • Classic Trial Magazine

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Classic Trial Magazine • Spring 2020

Superstore • In the world of Trials

SUPERSTORE

Trial Magazine, in association with motorcycle trials literature specialist, Yoomee, can now bring you a selection of books dedicated to motorcycle trials. 01 DVD: 2019 CLASSIC REVIEW

Enjoy the 2019 Classic season review in your own home. £19.99 inc. P&P

02 SPANISH TRIALS MACHINES

The history of Spanish trials machines between the years 1965 – 2010 contains 128 pages. The book is A4 size and comes in the semi hardback format. £19.99 inc. P&P

03 A COMPLETE GUIDE TO MOTORCYCLE TRIALS

Produced by Yoomee for Steve Saunders it covers every aspect of the sport. The book is A4 size in full colour, 134 pages and comes in the semi hardback format. £19.99 inc. P&P

04 MOTORCYCLE COMPETITION SCOTLAND 1975–2010 100 pages covering all aspects of the motorcycle sport in Scotland. The book is A4 size and comes in the semi hardback landscape format from the Trials Guru, John Moffat. £19.99 inc. P&P

05 SAVE YOUR COLLECTION WITH A CLASSIC TRIAL MAGAZINE PROTECTIVE BINDER

Look after the one you love by saving your Classic Trial Magazine collection year on year, the binder holds 12 issues. (Magazines not included). £9.99 inc. P&P

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07 LOCHABER SCOTTISH SIX DAYS TRIAL 1909 2011

Yoomee produced this superb collection of over 200 images with over half in full colour. The book is A4 size and comes in the semi hardback landscape format. £19.99 inc. P&P

08 DVD THE 2019 PRE-65 SCOTTISH

Enjoy the atmosphere of this iconic event in your own home on this excellant CJB production. £19.99 inc. P&P

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Spring 2020 • Classic Trial Magazine

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