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MOTORCYCLE • CYCLE • SIDECAR • CLASSIC • COMPETITION • FEATURES

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1980 COMPETITION

MICRO MACHINE

Winter 2020

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MONTESA ROUND UP COTA 200 REBUILD SPECIAL ARMSTRONG BECKER MONTESA REBUILD

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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

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Advertising Manager Lisa Reeves lisa@trialmag.com Editorial Staff Matthew Heppleston, Heath Brindley, Justyn Norek Snr, Justyn Norek Jnr, Nick Shield 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 Design and Production Dean Cook The Magazine Production Company www.magazineproduction.com Printing: Buxtons Press © 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

Picture: 1975 Cotswold Cup, Malcolm Davis (Bultaco) • Credit: Alan Vines Front Cover: 1980 ACU British Trials Champion Martin Lampkin (SWM) • Picture Credit: Eric Kitchen

Winter 2020 • Classic Trial Magazine

Trial Magazine• Welcome

WELCOME FEATURES

CLASSIC COMPETITION

MICRO MACHINE

REBUILD

FINALE

PROJECT PART TWO

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP

SPECIAL

REMEMBERING

OVERSEAS

SIDECAR

RARE

FLASHBACK

1980 Review

Montesa Cota 200 Armstrong 320

Sammy Miller 1970 Scott Trial ACU British Trials Championship Heath’s Beta TR34 1970

Becker Montesa Malcolm Davis Robregordo

1980 ACU British Trials Championship Fraser Honda

1970 Manx Two Day

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Classic Trial Magazine • Winter 2020

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News • The world of Classic Trials

At the Ventoux Trial Classic in October, the WTB (Works Trials Bikes owners group), recently formed to preserve historical trials motorcycles, for the first time displayed four exceptional machines; some of them previously hidden from public view for decades. On display were: Don Smith’s personal Bultaco Sherpa Type 27 – the multiple European Champion rode it to victory in the famous St-Cucufa trial in 1967; built by five-time French Trials Champion, Christian Rayer in 1971/72 (with help from the factory) was the Yamaha 360 prototype — it led Yamaha to eventually produce its famous TY model; Yamaha 250 OW 10 cantilever, as ridden in 1974 by Mick Andrews, won the Scottish Six Days and the French world round in Sancerre, before being ridden to second spot in the 1975 French championship by Christian Rayer — Christian attended the Ventoux exhibition; and Rob Shepherd’s works Honda RTL 360 was also on display — he rode it to fourth

COSTA BRAVA TWO DAY 2020

Photo: Works Trials Bikes

WORKS TRIALS BIKES

place in the 1979 SSDT before the machine was given to Belgium’s rising star Eddy Lejeune and eventually to Honda development rider Kiyo Hattori. The WTB membership is now rapidly growing and comprises not only motorcycle owners but also former works riders, engineers, mechanics, journalists and historians of the sport from around the globe.

TRIALS MODELS

Due to the Covid-19 situation, it was certainly not the news we wanted to hear when the 2020 Costa Brava Two Day was cancelled. It was 100% the right decision to make. It would have been crazy to undo all the good work Joan Comas and his team at Costa Brava have done in the local area. Joan has confirmed that the event in 2021 will be his best event yet! We will most certainly keep everyone up to speed when the planning for this superb event is released.

THANK YOU FROM CLASSIC TRIAL MAGAZINE

With Christmas and the New Year upon us, Classic Trial Magazine would like to thank everyone who continues to support us during these challenging Covid-19 times. We have not missed publishing a copy of your favourite read, and it continues to thrive in both print and digital formats. The main difficulty we are having is with the overseas shipping timeframe, over which we have no control. All we ask is, please be patient, and if you are experiencing problems, please contact us. We have so many exciting Christmas gift ideas; however, if you would like to place an order, we would strongly advise to order sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment. The gift of a subscription lasts for twelve months and can be enjoyed all year. Have a Happy Christmas and New Year. Thank you – Classic Trial Magazine.

Model manufacturer, Trialreplic, is proud to announce that Yoomee will be the sole official UK importer for its range of motorcycles. TrialReplic is a family business that was created out of a passion for our wonderful sport of motorcycle trials. The company is dedicated to the manufacture of 1:6 scale replicas of motorcycle trials models, using both metal and plastic materials in their production. Currently, models include Honda, Montesa and Ossa. More models are planned for the future. Sold as display models, they make the perfect gift for the motorcycle trials enthusiast. See the advert on page 94-95 or get yourself along to the website: www. yoomee.co.uk to start collecting these exciting models now on sale in the UK. You can also call: 01663 749163 for more information.

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Winter 2020 • Classic Trial Magazine

Shopping • What’s new

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SCORPA LONG RIDE

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S3 PARTS HARDROCK FOOTRESTS Aluminum - Various Colour Ways Web: www.trialendurodirect.com Web: www.s3parts.com

BMS RAINER BOOTS

Brown Web: www.birkettmotosport.com

SPADA ROCK HELMET Various Colour Ways Web: www.feridax.com

APICO FORMA BOOT Boulder ‘Dry’ Web: www.apico.co.uk

Winter 2020 • Classic Trial Magazine

What’s new • Shopping

YOOMEE REPLICA MODELS Honda Montesa Ossa. Web: www.yoomee.co.uk

APICO HEBO HELMET

Zone 4 Balance Helmet. Various Colour Ways Web: www.apico.co.uk

DVD 25 YEARS OF TRIALS Box Set: 5 Discs – 11 Hours! Web: www.trialmaguk.com

TIMBERLAND SHEDS

All styles, shapes and sizes supplied. Web: www.timberlandsheds.co.uk

APICO HEAT SHRINK KIT

Heat Shrink Tubing. Detail the Finish. All Models. Web: www.apico.co.uk

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Classic Competition • 1980 ACU British Trials Championships

Martin Lampkin (SWM): Jock Wilson shakes hands with a very happy Martin Lampkin after the last section at the final BTC round, the Welsh Trophy.

A WORTHY WINNER

MARTIN LAMPKIN Here we round up our look at the 1980 ACU British Trials Championship from the last issue of Classic Trial Magazine, with the late great Martin Lampkin (Bultaco/SWM) the worthy winner. His move in the April from Bultaco to SWM had interrupted his form, but he came out with a winning statement at the Allan Jefferies Trial, Martin Lampkin was still a winner! After a knee injury put Malcolm Rathmell (Montesa) out of his home event, round six the Allan Jefferies Trial, he came back into action at round seven but ran out of rounds to challenge his good friend for the title he held in 1979. Words: Yoomee, Alan Wright, Alan Vines and Mike Rapley • Pictures: Alan Vines and Eric Kitchen. The images used in this article are from a selection we have from various events during 1980. Once again, I would like to say a huge thank you to the photographers and riders who have helped generate this article: editor, John Hulme. With five of the ten rounds contested, the 1980 ACU British Trials Championship had Malcolm Rathmell (Montesa) in front of Martin Lampkin (Bultaco) with Rob Shepherd next, putting these three head and shoulders above the rest of the pointsscorers. With a total of 19 points scorers in the first half of the Championship, it was still a battle to get into the top ten. Larger engined machines dominated the points-scoring rides, but it was soon all about to change.

1980 ACU BRITISH TRIALS CHAMPIONSHIP FIVE ROUNDS COMPLETED

Malcolm Rathmell (Montesa): After an injury-interrupted season, he finished as runner-up despite missing one round.

POSITIONS: 1: Malcolm Rathmell (Montesa) 59; 2: Martin Lampkin (Bultaco) 54; 3: Rob Shepherd (Honda) 51; 4: John Reynolds (Beamish Suzuki) 29; 5: Nigel Birkett (Montesa) 20; 6: Mike Skinner (Montesa) 19; 7: Mick Andrews (Majesty Yamaha) 19; 8: Peter Cartwright (Bultaco) 12; 9: Chris Sutton (Montesa) 10; 10: Alan Wright (Bultaco) 8; 11: Chris Clarke (Montesa) 8; 12: Dave Thorpe (Bultaco) 6; 13: Chris Myers (Bultaco) 6; 14: Tony Calvert (Ossa) 6; 15: Kiyoteru Hattori (Honda-JPN) 6; 16: Steve Wilson (SWM) 5; 17: Bernie Schreiber (Bultaco-USA) 5; 18: Norman Shepherd (Ossa) 3; 19: Nick Jefferies (Montesa) 1.

Winter 2020 • Classic Trial Magazine

1980 ACU British Trials Championships • Classic Competition

John Reynolds (Beamish Suzuki): Despite a championship round-one win he could not find the form to challenge for the overall championship.

Peter Cartwright (Bultaco): A much improved rider in 1980 with more consistent results.

ROUND 6: ALLAN JEFFERIES TRIAL

With financial problems at the Bultaco factory forcing Martin Lampkin to SWM, he was now settling into his riding. With some world round experience under his belt, he was back on form for his ‘Home’ national. The early championship leader Malcolm Rathmell was out of action after damaging his leg at the ‘Kickstart’ arena trial, and it was Rob Shepherd who took the championship fight to Lampkin on the fourstroke Honda. It was a rejuvenated Tony Calvert on the new yellow Ossa ‘Gripper’ model who rocked the boat with an excellent third place. Nigel Birkett battled on with the Montesa Cota 349, which turned out to be his last British championship round on the machine. John Reynolds slipped down the Championship table with a disappointing seventh as Glen Scholey rounded off the top ten. RESULTS: 1: Martin Lampkin (SWM) 46; 2: Rob Shepherd (Honda) 48; 3: Tony Calvert (Ossa) 55; 4: Chris Sutton (Montesa) 63; 5: Nigel Birkett (Montesa) 64; 6: Chris Myers (Bultaco) 64; 7: John Reynolds (Beamish Suzuki) 71; 8: Peter Cartwright (Bultaco) 71; 9: Mick Andrews (Majesty Yamaha) 72; 10: Glen Scholey (Bultaco) 74.

Classic Trial Magazine • Winter 2020

Rob Shepherd (Honda): It was a case of ‘Fourstroke Finale’ for Shepherd as Honda UK pulled out of the BTC at the close of the season

Nigel Birkett (Montesa): It was a happy close to the season that was rescued by the move to the Montesa Cota 200, and with it two championship wins.

ROUND 7: RED ROSE TRIAL

With a reputation for a tough day’s sport, the Red Rose Trial threw up one of the biggest upsets in the British Championship that almost mirrored the change of Sammy Miller from the 500cc Ariel to the Bultaco 250cc in 1965. In a brave move by the Montesa importer, Jim Sandiford, he put Nigel Birkett on the Montesa Cota 200, moving him from the larger-engined Montesa Cota 349! Never one to shy from a challenge, Birkett only went out and won! Also on a larger-engined Montesa, Malcolm Rathmell made a return from injury to finish second. For Martin Lampkin, it was a day to forget, finishing in – for him – a lowly seventh. It’s also worth noting the first ACU British Championship point for Fantic with Chris Griffin in tenth position on the 200 model — actual engine size 156cc! Times were changing, as the red Fantics arrived in the UK. RESULTS: 1: Nigel Birkett (Montesa) 64; 2: Malcolm Rathmell (Montesa) 66; 3: Rob Shepherd (Honda) 75; 4: Peter Cartwright (Bultaco) 75; 5: John Reynolds (Beamish Suzuki) 77; 6: Martin Lampkin (SWM) 85; 7: Chris Sutton (Montesa) 90; 8: Dave Thorpe (Bultaco) 93; 9: Norman Shepherd (Ossa) 95; 10: Chris Griffin (Fantic) 95.

Chris Sutton (Montesa): Despite the move from the Beamish Suzuki to the Sandiford Montesa, ‘Sooty’ remained sixth in the BTC, the same position as in 1979.

Micro Machine • Montesa Cota 200

MONTESA COTA 200

BUTTERFLY BIRKETT

‘Hit them hard and sting them like a bee’ — yes, the words of Muhammad Ali, who was one of the greatest boxers ever to walk this planet. But what has Ali got to do with motorcycle trials, you may ask? Motorcycle trials riders sometimes go through an off-patch, with both form and results, as do many competitors in sport. Sometimes it’s maybe the machine they are riding that does not suit them or a multitude of other reasons, but in the summer of 1980, the results just did not happen for Nigel Birkett. Neither he nor his sponsor — the Montesa UK importer, Jim Sandiford — were happy with his form. Montesa in Spain was about to launch the new white Cota 200 model, and Jim suggested Nigel should compete on it. He took to it like a duck to water. Before long, ‘Butterfly Birkett’ was echoing the words that Ali had used as he rocked the established UK trials stars with some stunning results on the micro machine. Words: John Hulme and Nigel Birkett • Pictures: Alan Vines, Eric Kitchen, TMX Barry Robinson, Yamaha, Sandiford Family, Yoomee Archive, Montesa, Honda, Mauri/Fontsere Collection and the Giulio Mauri Copyright and Brian Holder

ith a reputation for the most delicate of throttle control, it was quite ironic that Nigel would find himself holding the handlebars of the newly released Montesa Cota 200 in the last quarter of the 1980 trials season. In a distinguished career to date, Birkett had started out on a ‘Micro’ machine — a home-built 128 Suzuki. For the record, at 17 years old in his first Scottish Six Days Trial in 1971, he has started and finished in every one since! An apprenticeship at Eddie Crooks Motorcycles served him well as he progressed in the trials world on a private Ossa before a spell in the Kawasaki trials team on the dreadful KT 250 model. A move to the Suzuki trials team was the break he had been waiting for. He became heavily involved with the trials machine development with a threeyear deal which finished in 1977 after some fantastic results. He moved to Montesa in 1978 which brings us nicely to the new Montesa Cota 200 in August 1980. 28

MINI COTA

Spanish motorcycle manufacturer, Montesa, was first when it came to making the sport more appealing to the younger rider and the schoolboy market. They had first produced the Cota 25, which they launched in the UK at the Scottish Six Days Trial in 1971. The appeal was that it was a mini replica of the first Montesa trials model the Cota 247. Now ‘father and son’ could both ride machines that were similar in appearance, making the sport more appealing to the whole family. The idea was to get the schoolboy rider on a Montesa as his first motorcycle in the hope it would always be a Montesa in the future – once on a Montesa, Montesa for life! In summer 1971, Gordon Farley would attend the very first official schoolboy trial in Spain. Over 40 riders, all riding the new Cota 25, were split into two age groups: 6–9, and 10–12. Filmed by a television crew, the seed had been planted for further Montesa Cota models to suit the younger end of the trials market. As the Montesa success story continued, the manufacturer hit Winter 2020 • Classic Trial Magazine

Montesa Cota 200 • Micro Machine

It’s the 1971 SSDT, and Arthur Browning wheelies the new Montesa Cota 25 on its official UK debut. This is the new Montesa Cota 25.

Just look at the concentration on the face of the rider at the very first official schoolboy trial in Spain. Over 40 riders were split into two groups: 6–9 and 10–12 year-olds, all riding the new Cota 25.

machine against its larger-capacity rivals from Bultaco and Ossa. Based on its early success, it became a new attraction with the buying public as it also attracted the older rider with its lightweight and excellent performance.

A SUCCESS STORY

worldwide record sales of 27,000 units at the close of 1972. The Cota model range started to expand during 1972 as a new model, the Cota 123, was presented at the Three-Day Santigosa Trial in Spain as a younger brother to support the Cota 247 and as an addition to the Cota 25. Under the eyes of the motorcycle press, and to the watching world, it was won by Pedro Pi despite the handicap of the small-capacity 123

A mini replica of the first Montesa trials model, the Cota 25 with the Cota 247 which would embrace the ‘Father and Son’ spirit. They could now both ride machines similar in appearance, making the sport more appealing to the whole family.

Classic Trial Magazine • Winter 2020

Assigned the model number 28M between the years 1972 and 1978, 8,850 of the Cota 123 models were produced. Off the back of the success of the smaller wheeled Cota 123 in 1974, we would also see another new Cota introduced at the prestigious Paris Motor Show in France, in readiness for full-scale production in January 1975. Expanding the Montesa range once again, the Cota 172 model number would be 19M. It was very similar to the Cota 123 but came with fullsize 21” and 18” trials wheels to complement the larger 157.5cc engine capacity, and once again replicated the Cota range with its red fuel tank unit. During its lifespan between 1975 and 1978, 1,990 were produced. As a motorcycle manufacturer, Montesa could do no wrong with its road,

Nigel Birkett had started out on a ‘Micro’ machine in his trials career, a home-built 128 Suzuki, in his first Scottish Six Days Trial in 1971 at 17 years old.

Rebuild • Armstrong

CMT 320 MKIII

MANY CAREFUL OWNERS

The story of this particular Armstrong began with a ‘trade on’ in 2002. A Southampton Motorcycle dealer, the late Bill Natt was a motorcycle fanatic, but he lost a leg in an industrial injury which ended his riding days. Bill still dealt in road-going motorcycles but knew little about trials. He took this Armstrong in part-exchange and called his local trials rider friend, Brian Page, to ask if he wanted it – £120, cash. The machine was dropped off to add to Brian’s small collection, and both Brian and 18-year-old son, James, rode the machine in club trials to see how it went. It wasn’t their number-one machine but to encourage James’ friends to become involved in the sport, Brian loaned it out. Several of the friends wanted to buy the Armstrong to ride, and Brian was happy to let them have it with the proviso he could buy it back for the price he sold it to them if they no longer wanted it. Article: Andy Withers • Pictures: Andy Withers Yoomee Archive

Winter 2020 • Classic Trial Magazine

Armstrong • Rebuild

he first new owner took it home for £200, but his parents were horrified, so he kept it at Brian’s and rode it for a year before he sold it back for £200. The next owner, for £250, rode it for two years and then sold it back to Brian after losing interest and leaving it in the garden for a year or two. It went out again for £250 for five trials, and again Brian repurchased it. The next sale was to Brian’s brother-in-law who watched a trial and thought he could do that. For £300, Brian offered him the Armstrong. He rode the Armstrong in a straight line through the woods at a trial the first time, and he came back with sweat running down his face an hour later, having not found sufficient space to turn the machine around to ride back! The trauma meant he didn’t ride again, but his son rode it until it stopped and was left in his garden to rot. The forks and chain were rusted. The motorcycle was in a real state, but the price still went up. Brian again became its owner for £350 intending to rebuild it.

Paul purchased the machine for £600, and was committed to restoring it.

FOR SALE

With too many projects, a couple of years later, it still hadn’t been rebuilt. As it was in an unknown state and Brian didn’t consider it good enough to offer it to the local trials fraternity he thought a quick sale on eBay would be the answer. There were several responses, but, worryingly, Brian recognised the voice of one local person who enquired on the phone. By chance, it was Paul Denholm, who Brian had helped to start in trials when he was 12 years old by selling him a second-hand pair of boots. ‘Don’t buy it’ was the message, but Paul wanted to buy it in secret for his dad, John, who had always wanted a CCM/Armstrong trials model. John really wanted a four-stroke CCM, but that was way out of Paul’s price range as they’re rare and a recent sale went through for over £10,000. So, despite Brian’s message, Paul bought the machine for £600 and was committed to restoring it. Once more, the price had increased although the condition had deteriorated considerably over the 12 years of many owners.

It was in a sorry state from years of neglect, including being left out in the weather.

A SORRY STATE

This Armstrong looked in a sorry state. With seized front forks and a string of issues from years of neglect, including being left out in the weather, but it was a rare machine – only one of 200 manufactured. It was a CMT 320 Mk 3 machine first manufactured in May 1983, when CCM/ Armstrong were at the top of their game with Steve Saunders winning British Championships. This model was introduced as the Armstrong, and it included the unusual stiffer square section tubes in the frame, an improved Hiro engine and exhaust compared to the Mk 2. It also had updated front forks and repositioned footrests for the MK 3. Paul set about restoring the machine in secret, with a mixture of new parts and some surprising remaining original parts from it. Unlike in the late 1980s, spares can now be found or located through several sources, including www.armstrong.co.uk. In addition to his own restoration work, Paul employed the services of some specialist companies when he needed additional help. Classic Trial Magazine • Winter 2020

Where do you start?

Finale • 1970 Sammy Miller (Bultaco).

THE WILL TO WIN SCOTT TRIAL

“Are you ready?” were the words from my father, Ron, that echoed up to my bedroom at 5.00am on Saturday the 24th October 1970! If you wanted to go to the Scott Trial, it was always an early start and an adventure of a day to see the first man away at 09.30 prompt. Of course, I was up and ready. My mother, Joyce, had done the mandatory flask and sandwiches. “Have you put your waterproofs in as were going to Yorkshire?” were the next words I heard. The weather forecast was of a cold, damp day, and, for once, they were pretty much correct. All this excitement sent me to sleep on the backseat of the car as we headed north. I was woken to the words “we are here!”. As a ten-year-old, the feeling of excitement rocketed through the roof! As soon as the car stopped, I was gone. With my autograph book in hand, I could hear myself saying ‘where are Sammy Miller and Gordon Farley?’ Words: John Hulme • Pictures: Malcolm Carling Trials Media

Gordon Farley (Montesa): It was just a single mark that separated him from Miller at the end of a day. As soon as he signed off from the trial, he drove to Leeds airport to fly to the German European Round.

Winter 2020 • Classic Trial Magazine

1970 • Finale

Martin Lampkin (Bultaco): With the collapse of the Alta Suzuki trials production Martin, along with his elder brother Alan, rode a Bultaco on loan from the UK importers Comerfords. He looks very comfortable as he cleans Washfold.

hrough the camera lens of Malcolm Carling, the memories from 50 years ago came flooding back like it was just yesterday, the difference being that I was now 60 years old! I am pretty sure this was my first Scott Trial but, sadly, the man who would know, my father, Ron, passed away four years ago. The sport was going through a fantastic period as the once unbeatable combination of Sammy; firstly with the four-stroke Ariel and then with the two-stroke Spanish Bultaco that had dominated the ACU British Trials Champion since 1959, was now under threat. The rider challenging this superiority was Gordon Farley riding the Montesa, another Spanish manufacturer starting to make in-roads to the trials world, with some noted impact. These two riders had pulled way in front of everyone else in the championship and headed into the Scott Trial with the points standing in Farley’s favour at 74 points to Miller’s 71. With this close-run championship, an epic Scott was

Bill Wilkinson (Greeves): Ditching the 175cc Puch-engined Pathfinder Greeves model for his ageing 250cc Villiers engine, ‘Wilky’ proved his point, finishing as the best Greeves rider. One week later he would move to Ossa for the Hoad and Perce Simon trials.

Classic Trial Magazine • Winter 2020

Alan Lampkin (Bultaco): Setting the fastest time Alan did not let a puncture and a broken throttle slow him down, seen here at Bridge End. The day after this he won the national Travers Trophy Trial in front of Rob Edwards.

on the cards; a 65-mile battle-royale was to be played out across the Yorkshire Moors. After watching a few of the early riders leave the start area near the Ken Wallis family farm at Feldom Lane, high above the market town of Richmond, we set off to watch the action.

EARLY WATCHING

As anyone who has ever attended this iconic event will know, it’s a case of picking two or, if you are lucky, maybe three vantage points to watch from. We chose Washfold Splash, and by coincidence, some of these superb pictures were taken there. At all Scott Trials parking is usually on the side of the road, but even back then, the only standard rule was making sure that vehicle wheels were well off the road. Arriving at the hazard riders were dropped into the bottom of the river, where they would pass through the begins-cards before attacking the intimidating rock step in the middle. Early attempts have to be very wary with the green moss on the flat top of the stop which would see

Brian Hutchinson (Sprite): Imagine taking on the challenge of this prestigious event on a small-engined ‘Micro’ machine. Finishing fifth was no mean feat!

some of the riders dumped in the river for an early bath. The riders arrived as the expected time. Soon it was apparent who was on a charge as the later numbers were mixing it with the early ones. At number 38, Gordon Farley was riding well away from the later starter, Sammy Miller with number 146. He parted with a solitary single mark as he fought the slipping front wheel of the Montesa. Alan Lampkin hit the step hard, which needed both feet down to keep forward motion as Bill Wilkinson looked strong and confident as he executed a clean. Number 129, Martin Lampkin, was well up on time as he caught and passed number 71, Paul Whitaker, in the section. As Sammy Miller arrived, the crowd edged forward. Looking very calm and collected, he paused at the section begins-cards to wait for a clear run at the step. He was immaculate as he attacked the rocky outcrop with the feet welded on the footrests, looking very confident, to record a clean. After Miller had passed through the ends-cards, it was a rush to the car to try and take in one more group of hazards.

Geoff Chandler (Bultaco): Showing traditional ‘body lean’ and making it four Bultacos in the top six, Geoff also took the award for the Best First-Time rider.

Project • Beta TR34

PART TWO

IT JUST GOT BETA

What a difference a month makes! No sooner had the last edition of Classic Trial Magazine arrived, I received the delivery for the repaired front exhaust; I could now finish the Beta TR 34 project. Carlos Galvez is a master of exhaust fabrication. He was the man who produced many of the HRC Racing exhausts in the two-stroke Grand Prix era. He had done a brilliant job of rescuing the flattened and deformed lower curve of my front pipe. This, of course, meant that a rear silencer was needed – with mine being still in many parts after I decided to split it to clean and re-pack. Luckily, my riding buddy, Graham Wignall, had recently taken delivery of a well-used Beta ST model and its rear silencer was at least useable. At last, it would give me a chance to run the machine without annoying all the neighbours! Words: Heath Brindley and R2W Trials • Pictures: R2W Trials and Francisco Ramniel

Winter 2020 • Classic Trial Magazine

Beta TR34 • Project

SUPERHERO

It started with the first kick.

Local engineering superhero, Trevor Miles, popped into my garage after work one evening and took away the silencer parts and measurements for wheel spacers. A week later I nipped onto the M5 motorway just one junction down to collect the finished items. The joint of the front and rear pipe just relied on a single ‘O’ ring inside the silencer entrance, but 30-odd years of movement meant that I wasn’t happy this was going to be enough to make a good seal, so I found a Viton ‘O’ ring. It would not be affected by the heat. I then applied an exhaust jointing paste. The area of the joint was also very close to the seat-tank unit, and if you look under most TR 34 models, you will often notice a melted rubber pad or some heat deformation in the plastic. To help with a better seal, and protect the plastic around it, I used some exhaust heat wrap and kept in place with some nice stainless ties. I also fitted some rubber padding on the frame rail near the seat end. It would help the fuel tank stay a little higher. I then had to find some fittings for the front of the fuel tank — the round slidein bits that fit to the frame. Good-old social media groups came up trumps again; ask in the right place, and someone will know a trick or tip! It appeared that the fuel tank locators from a KTM 85 motocross machine are exactly the same size. On eBay, I bought a pack of four new ones for under a tenner – bargain! Fitting them completed the Beta rebuild, or as much as I am going to do for now. It’s now quieter, although many will remember that back in the day they had to fit WES silencers to get it through the FIM noise levels, so it’s not whisper-quiet. The engine is not overly mechanical noisy. I am guessing that I as am so used to the lack of noise you have with a modern water-cooled machine these days, to me it probably sounds worse than it actually is!

Local engineering superhero Trevor Miles popped in to the garage and took away the silencer parts and measurements for wheel spacers.

uch to my surprise, the Beta fired up on the third kick. Given the reputation of the old ignition fitted to these machines and the old carburettor, I was amazed it started at all! At this point, I discovered that the borrowed silencer had obviously blown most of its packing out sometime over the last 30 years — the exhaust was making a great impression of a FS1E with a Micron pipe fitted! Noise aside, it ran and rode okay. I had used a couple of large washers to space the front wheel correctly to at least allow me to hop around my drive for five minutes.

To help not only seal better but also to try and protect the plastic around it, some exhaust heat wrap was used and kept in place with some nice stainless ties.

Classic Trial Magazine • Winter 2020

I think you will agree it is a little ‘cluttered’ around here!

International • 1970

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

TORRENT TAMER THORPE I remember it like it was yesterday when Dave Thorpe (Ossa) scored his first international trials win at the very wet Hillsborough Motor Cycle Club Trial on 29th November 1970. It rained heavily all day, turning the sweet and innocent-looking rivers into raging torrents as the heavens opened, but this article had a strange surprise to it as I was soon to find out. To say that life is full of surprises is nowhere better demonstrated than in the search for the results for this article. The Hulme family had gone to this trial as we wanted to watch the riders attempt the formidable ‘River Kwai’ hazards just on the outskirts of Sheffield. My father had told me to look out for the foreign riders, and one, in particular, caught my young eye; it was ‘Papa’ Lejeune from Belgium. As he struggled up the ‘River Kwai’ on the four-stroke twincylinder Honda, he had a companion who was helping him, also, by the sound of his voice, from Belgium. It turns out that I had met my good friend, Charly Demathieu, 50 years ago – yes, it was Charly; he spoke to us, gesticulating about the rain! Would you believe that all those years ago the ‘Guardian’ of motorcycle trials made his first trip across the channel from his base in Belgium with the Lejeunes to the European round in Great Britain? It was Charly who provided the results and championship positions; yes, our very own ‘Guardian of Trials’. Words: John Hulme • Pictures: Malcolm Carling

t’s quite hard to believe in 2020, as I generate this article that this trial started at the Sheffield Wednesday Football Ground located on the Penistone Road, Hillsborough, Sheffield, South Yorkshire but yes, it did. The football club opened its doors to the world of international motorcycle trials with its wide range of facilities including the hot showers,

changing rooms and even the restaurant. The event would head out from its base to cover a single-lap 43-mile course taking in 50 sections. It was the first time that the European Championship had visited the north of the country. It certainly raised a few eyebrows with its abundance of rivers, rocks and muddy bank sides.

Martin Lampkin (10) on the newly acquired Jim Sandiford sponsored Bultaco speaks with Rob Edwards (8). I think the hooded child on his left is my good self, John Hulme!

Winter 2020 • Classic Trial Magazine

1970 • International

Dropping into the cold winter water is the eventual winner Dave Thorpe (Ossa-GBR) at Spoon Lane. The handlebars are some of the very early aluminium products from Renthal.

In the past, foreign riders visiting Great Britain for the European Championship round had been much more used to the mud and steep climbs found in the south of the country.

A DAMP START

Outside the football ground, we wandered around and witnessed, for the first time, the new pre-production ‘Slimline’ Bultaco Kit Campeon models. After they first appeared at the ISDT in October, one would be ridden by Geoff Chandler with the other two in the hands of Ignacio and Oriol Bulto. With a new red seat and tank unit, they looked superb, despite the rain. We had a quick chat with Mick Andrews, who had the prototype Ossa with him and his father, Tom. The new Ossa looked so much physically

One week after this event Gordon Farley (Montesa-GBR) would win the first of his two ACU British Trials Championship titles. He was an early leader in this European round before slipping to third.

Classic Trial Magazine • Winter 2020

smaller than the old ‘Pennine’ model which Dave Thorpe would be riding. My father had a quick chat with Bill Wilkinson who, in his own words, confirmed the new Greeves Pathfinder was useless and that he would be riding an Ossa from now on! Younger brother Mick would remain with the 175cc Puch engined ‘Pathfinder’ model. As the clock hit 10am sharp, the entry of 75 competitors left the start area to head out of the comfort of Sheffield City at oneminute intervals.

PERSISTENT RAIN

The cold, damp air soon turned to rain before it started to hail down, before slightly receding to persistent rain. Along the way, many hazards, that are still used today, would be ridden including Ughill, Hall Broom, River Kwai

Another Renthal handlebar rider and eventual European Trials Champion, Mick Andrews (Ossa-GBR) holds on tight in the deep water at the top of Ughill.

and Hill House. These hazards, along with so many others, are predominantly rocky rivers surrounded by steep muddy climbs on the many banksides and wooded hillsides. As the rain came down, the rivers filled with water, and the banks and climbs became more slippery. The opening hazard was at Spoon Lane, was where we first observed the action. It consisted of a drop-down cambered bank into the fastflowing river. We watched as some of the riders had an early bath, going over the handlebars as they dropped into the cold water. One good thing about the rain was that it kept the riders moving! After watching some clean feet-up rides from the likes of Rob Edwards (Montesa), the crowd watched Mick Andrews (Ossa) take a precautionary ‘dab’ whilst Dave Thorpe (Ossa) stopped on the slippery rock exit.

Turning on the style: Lawrence Telling (MontesaGBR) on the muddy bank at Spoon Lane.

Special • Montesa

SPECIAL

BECKER MONTESA The legendary Becker Montesa, built by Helmfried Riecker and Paul Erhardt, certainly pushed the boundaries of the twin-shock motorcycle trials machine. It is perhaps the most spectacular Montesa ever made, and on a par with the unusual Montesa creations of the world-famous Spanish motorcycle constructor Antonio Cobas. Integrated into the large, round top-tube of the central tube frame is the fuel tank. The air filter box is located in the upright, square rear frame. The footrest mountings run through the swingarm, and it already had a mono-shock rear suspension before it existed in motorcycle trials. Words: Hans Greiner and John Hulme Pictures: Hans Greiner

This Becker Montesa provides a riding experience that can only be classed as ‘Rolls Royce’.

Winter 2020 • Classic Trial Magazine

Special • Montesa The modified 100cc Adler motocross machine.

he Becker Montesa not only has some spectacular design features and an exceptional appearance to offer, but it also provides a riding experience that can only be classed as ‘Rolls Royce’. Indeed, in comparison to the trial machines of its generation in the early ‘80s, it was, shall we say, very different.

Already a competent rider, Helmfried moved his thoughts to building this heavily modified 250cc Montesa Cota.

Yes, this is a 125cc Montesa Cota with single shock absorber rear suspension cantilever technology applied!

MODERN MACHINE

Designed and built at the beginning of the ‘80s, during a very transitional period for machine development, it rides much more modern than you would expect. This is mainly due to the rear suspension and the meticulous and conscientious approach to detail and tuning. The 173.7cc Montesa air-cooled, single-cylinder, two-stroke engine performs amazingly well; which was extensively revised for use in the Becker Montesa. With stronger engines available, it was obviously not chosen for the power output instead for its perfect characteristics. Offering a silky-smooth throttle response, it provides direct power without pulling your arms out of joint but is always controllable, and intended for one purpose only – to provide the rider with the best possible way of finding rear-wheel grip. To understand why someone would go to so much trouble to build a trials motorcycle like the Becker Montesa, it takes some background information to find out.

HELMFRIED RIECKER

The instigator of the Becker Montesa project, Helmfried Riecker, lived and breathed a racing atmosphere from his earliest childhood days, as he grew up in the Stuttgart wildlife park and thus directly next to the Solitude race track in Germany. The former race track, named after Solitude Castle, was the venue for several Formula 1 races until it was closed in 1966. However, the track, which is still legendary today, is a challenging circuit with 26 left and 19 right turns and a 2.3-kilometre high-speed straight for the motorcycle races that took place on it. Would you believe that in 1954 an unbelievable 435,000 spectators are said to have lined the 11.4-kilometre-long circuit? Seventysix special trains were commissioned by the Deutsche Bundesbahn railway company to bring the masses of visitors to the race circuit in the west of Stuttgart! Classic Trial Magazine • Winter 2020

Spectacular design features are a part of the Becker Montesa.

Locator • Find your parts dealer

PARTS LOCATOR TRAIL AND TRIALS UK Tel: 01334 840414 Email: john@tytrials.com Web: www.tytrials.com Location: New Gilston, KY8 5TF

2T-OFFROAD Tel: 01592 772867 Email: trials2t-offroad@hotmail.com Web: www.2t-offroad.com Location: Kirkcaldy, KY1 4DE

ANDY METCALFE MOTORCYCLES Tel: 01287 638030 Email: andymetcalfemotorcycles@gmail.com Web: www.andymetcalfemotorcycles.com Location: Guisborough, TS14 7DH

AG BIKES Tel: 01748 886356 Email: gebrownson@f2s.com Location: DL11 6NH

BIRKETT MOTOSPORT Tel: 01229 716806 Email: nigel.birkett@talk21.com Web: www.birkettmotosportukltd.co.uk Location: Broughton in Furness, LA20 6EZ

RAS Tel: 01487 711720 Email: andrew@rassport.com Location: Brighouse, HD6 1LH

TRIALENDURODIRECT Tel: 01298 766 813 Email:sales@trialendurodirect.com Web: www.trialendurodirect.com Location: Buxton, SK17 9JL

JOHN LEE MOTORCYCLES Tel: 01933 312827 Email: johnlee.mc@btconnect.com Web: www.lee-motorcycles.co.uk Location: Higham Ferrers, NN10 8BP

BVM MOTO Tel: 01453 297 177 Email: sales@bvm-moto.co.uk Web: www.bvm-moto.co.uk Location: Stroud, GL5 5EX

TWINSHOCK SHOP Tel: 01395 514287 Email: sales@thetwinshockshop.co.uk Web: www.thetwinshockshop.co.uk Location: Sidmouth, EX10 9DN

RCM TRIALSPORT Tel: 01209 820896 Email: rcm-trialsport@hotmail.com Location: Redruth, TR16 5PN

Winter 2020 • Classic Trial Magazine

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Classic Trial Magazine • Winter 2020

TRIALS M A SUPERB

NEW!

From Spanish model manufacturer, TrialReplic, in association with Yoomee, present its range of 1:6 scale size replica trials motorcycles exclusively for sale in the UK. TrialReplic is a family business that was created out of a passion for our wonderful sport of motorcycle trials. The company is dedicated to the manufacture of 1:6 scale replicas of motorcycle trials models, using both metal and plastic materials in their production.

The current model range includes Honda, Montesa and Ossa. More models are lined up for the future. Sold as display models for the collector, they make the perfect gift for the motorcycle trials enthusiast. Get yourself along to the website: www.yoomee.co.uk and start collecting these exciting models or call: 01663 749163 for more information. Each model is priced at £69.99 including FREE P&P – UK only. Order before Christmas and you’ll receive a FREE S3 neck warmer worth £11.99.

ORDER BEFORE CHRISTMAS AND RECEIVE A FREE S3 NECK WARMER WORTH £11.99

Honda TLR

Very much a part of the classic trial’s scene in the modern world, this machine, the Honda TLR is the starting point for many of today’s highly modified fourstroke machines.

Ossa Mick Andrews Replica

This Mick Andrews Replica model is a fitting tribute to the man who developed the Spanish Ossa, ‘Magical’ Mick Andrews.

ORDER YOUR MODEL TODAY!

MODELS B CHRISTMAS GIFT Honda RTL RED

Honda RTL WHITE

Montesa Cota 247

Cota 247 Ulf Karlson Replica

We all remember the winning years of this machine in the hands of the FIM World Trials Champion Eddy Lejeune from Belgium and ACU British Trials Champion Rob Shepherd.

With a long sporting history of over 75 years the Cota 247 is the trials model that put the name of Montesa on the road to its worldwide trial’s success.

In the USA, the four-stroke RTL ‘Team’ machines carried this white and red colour scheme as ridden by the late Marland Whaley.

A fitting tribute to the man that this Montesa replica model is named after, Sweden’s Ulf Karlson who gave Montesa early European success.

www.yoomee.co.uk/product-category/trialreplic or call: 01663 749163 TO ORDER OVER THE PHONE Yoomee Ltd, 48 Albion Road, New Mills, Derbyshire, SK22 3EX

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 MOTORCYCLE RETRO REPLAY MAGAZINE

EDITION 01 | YEAR 2018

NEW

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

EDITION 01 | YEAR 2018

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

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

A PICTOR IAL HISTOR Y OF MOTOR CYCLE SPORT S

THE GOLDEN AGE 1965-1985

A PICTORIAL HISTORY OF MOTORCYCLE SPORTS • THE GOLDEN AGE 1965-1985

Take a step back in time to 1965– 1985. A golden age of motorcycle sport. A4 Size. 132 Pages. £10.98 inc. P&P

05 SAVE YOUR COLLECTION WITH A CLASSIC TRIAL MAGAZINE PROTECTIVE BINDER

ISSUE 01: 2018 • UK: £8.99

ENDURO

Motorcycle Retro Replay Issue 1.indd

•

MOTOCROSS

•

ROAD

RACING

•

TRIALS

1 31/10/2018 09:52

06 CLASSIC TRIAL MAGAZINE GYM BAG

Whether it’s going to the gym or carrying that waterproof riding kit this drawstring bag is ideal for the trials rider. £9.99 inc. P&P

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

FOR THE LATEST PRODUCTS AND DEALS, HAVE YOU 96

Winter 2020 • Classic Trial Magazine

In the world of Trials • Superstore

GREAT GIFT IDEAS FOR CHRISTMAS

FROM ONLY

£9.99 EACH INCL. FREE UK P&P

TO ORDER

Order securly at www.trialmaguk.com/shopfront/ or fill the form below and return to: Trial Magazine, 48 Albion Road, New Mills, High Peak, Derbyshire, SK22 3EX. Tel: 01663 744766 or email england@trialmag.com 01 n DVD: 2019 Classic Review 02 n Motorcycle Retro Replay Magazine 03 n A Complete Guide to Motorcycle Trials 04 n Motorcycle Competition Scotland 1975–2010 05 n Classic Trial Magazine Protective Binder 06 n Classic Trial Magazine Drawstring Gym Bag 07 n Lochaber Scottish Six Days Trial 1909–2011 08 n DVD: The 2019 Pre-65 Scottish For Europe and Worldwide P&P, please place your order at: www.trialmaguk.com/shopfront/

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VISITED OUR ONLINE SHOP AT TRIALMAGUK.COM? Classic Trial Magazine • Winter 2020

#take it to the line

CHRIS KOCH -

KIA NATIONAL TWINSHOCK CHAMPIONSHIP HILLSBOROUGH