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Motorcycle Trials, termed Observed Trials or Observed Motorcycle Trials, is a non-speed event on specialized motorcycles. Trial motorcycles are distinctive as they are extremely lightweight, lack seating as they are designed to be ridden standing up.

Popularity
A popular sport among trial bike riders though the spectator side is not so avid. Mainly because of where courses are and terrain it covers. There are indoor venues which attract quite a good crowd.

Location
Some trials are over man made courses, whilst others are located in forest terrain and mountainous regions. Some locations are in special sets built indoors.

Age
A sport that attracts all ages with events to match age and ability.

Ability
You will require a good sense of balance as some of these trials are extremely slow in pace. You will also need to be able to throw a machine around like a standard BMX bike deploying virtually all the same tricks.

Description
The event is split into sections where a competitor rides through a natural obstacle course while attempting to avoid touching the ground with the feet. In many local observed trials events, the sections are divided into separate courses to accommodate the different skill level of riders, who compete in skill-rated classes. In every section, the competitor is scored by an observer (hence the sport's name) who counts how many times the competitor touches the ground with the foot.

Dedication
A great deal of dedication is required for this sport, and is as much a personal challenge as a competition one. With the point system it leaves little room for error and penalties being put against you. Your machine needs to be tuned and incredibly reliable as the requirements of your machine is really stressful to bike, engine and rider alike.

Potential
There is a world indoor and outdoor championship, as well as indoor and outdoor national team world cups In addition to the world championship events, there are other major events, such as the Scottish Six-Day Trial (SSDT)

Closely Related Activities
Related activities include fitness training, mechanics, on field repairs and Self discipline.

Further Reading
There are magazines available as well as club news letters.

Cost
It is impossible to create any cost index or guide here as the variables are as great as there are machines available. Modification costs and racing insurance all bodies of cost; that vary from club to course. Further cost can be found by researching clubs in the Hips directory.

Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.

Energy

Arms

Legs

Sight

Hearing

Speech

Learning

Please be advised that this record has not necessarily been reviewed by people with the expertise required to provide you with complete, accurate or reliable information. The information and images for this activity are supplied by the general public, Please contact us if there is a breach of copyright or you wish to improve the data.