What Is Moto Trials?

The dirt biking universe has a lot to offer especially when it comes to dirt bike racing.

If you’re familiar with how motocross works, you may have already encountered the Moto Trials. If not, then you are up for a treat.

Moto Trials is an event encompassing a motorcycle trials competition, a dirt biking sport focusing more on the rider’s skills than speed. It is also called observed trials as judges evaluate the rider’s control, balance, maneuvering techniques, etc.

With that, you won’t be competing with other dirt bikers on the field.

Find out more about moto trials, how to get into one, and everything you need to know in between.

What Is Motorcycle Trial Riding?

Motorcycle trial riding is a non-speed motocross event typically divided into sections. It is considered the simplest form of dirt biking as well as the safest. Young children who have been riding dirt bikes can join the competition.   

Unlike other dirt biking competitions, trials are not technically a race for the fastest. You won’t be competing on the tracks with anyone except yourself – as cliché as that may sound. It is still a competition as the winner is determined through a point system.  

Within the entire event, observers are placed in each section to give you scores based on a rubric of standards.   

One exciting aspect of a trial competition is that you have the freedom to choose a category or level you’d like to join. It is entirely up to you to assess how ready you are for the next level of the competition.

You can also skip the novice or amateur level if you think your skills are at par with expert riders.

Trials are available for young and old dirt bike riders. Classes for youth and seniors are available in well-known events like Moto Trials.

Nonetheless, organizers of these events put safety measures above all. Therefore, you will have to comply with the required equipment and gear before entering the competition.

The organizers determine the venue for the event. Section obstacles can range from natural to man-made elements. It is not uncommon to encounter obstacles like logs, trees, mounds, hills, rocks, and boulders.

How Does a Motorcycle Trial Riding Work?

Trials are divided into sections that contain natural or man-made obstacles. Balance and control are two of the skills primarily assessed during the event.

Scoring for each section often adopts the 5-point system, with five being the highest. Thus, your overall score is the total of all the points you accumulated during the entire trial.

The rules focus more on riding through an obstacle without your feet touching the ground in the process.

Your aim is to get as many points as you can. However, if your feet do reach the ground by any chance, a point will be deducted each time. This violation is referred to as prods or dabs.

What Are the Benefits of Motorcycle Trial Riding?

Unlike other dirt bike sports events, trials are open to anyone. So whether you’re an amateur or a veteran in dirt bike riding who is just looking for the thrill of a challenge, you can take part in this event.

Most trials are inexpensive and often promote healthy and ideal riding habits. It also provides an avenue for family support and togetherness.

A trials event is also an excellent opportunity for young beginners to get their initial exposure to dirt biking sports. That is why events like the Moto Trials provide classes for riders over ten years old.

What’s the Difference Between Trials and Motocross?

The main difference between trials and motocross lies in the nature of the competition. As you may know by now, Trials do not evaluate the competition based on speed or who finishes first, but instead is based on the rider’s skills.

On the other hand, the point system for motocross depends on your rank in the race. The higher you finish, the more points you gain, with a maximum of 26 points for the first placer and 1 point for the rider that finishes last.

Joining the Moto Trials

Moto Trials are organized and spearheaded by the American Motorcyclist Association. Unlike other trials competition, the requirements for Moto Trials can be more elaborate to ensure that joining riders are above the amateur level.

First, you need to be a member of the AMA. The registration is pretty easy as you can do it online on theirwebsite.

It is highly recommended that you consider joining the Moto Trials if you have enough experience in dirt biking and the sport itself. That’s why, before taking part in this event, you should establish a record of competing in local competitions held by the trials club.

Once you have your record with you and master the dirt biking skills evaluated in the Moto Trials, you can now enter the entry-level Clubman class.

While most local trials competitions allow you to choose the level that suits you best, in Moto Trials, initial assessments of the skills are often conducted.

Nonetheless, the class you will compete under is not just determined by your riding abilities. Your age and your dirt bike’s engine size are also critical factors.

Technical Requirements

There will be a technical inspection of the motorcycle to confirm your eligibility. The following aspects or parts of your dirt bike will be evaluated:

1. Absence of broken components
2. Functioning front and rear brakes
3. Approved spark arrestors
4. Installed front brake disc guard
5. Presence of pad for handlebar cross brace or mounting plate

Safety Garments

Moto Trials, like any other dirt biking sports, require the appropriate attire and safety gear. Riders are encouraged to wear a long-sleeved jersey and back protection. Moreover, the helmet to be worn during the event needs to be approved by the AMA.

Faults and Penalties

Footing is the primary fault that will cost you a point or more in each section. In Moto Trials, when your foot has contact with the ground or an obstacle like a rock or a tree for support, it warrants a deduction.

One point will be taken for foot rotation. Two points are deducted when both feet touch the ground simultaneously. And three points will be lost if you slide one foot.

Other faults and failures include the following:

1. The dirt bike begins to move with or without foot support.
2. Accidental or deliberate displacement or damage of markers through direct contact with the dirt bike or rider.
3. Dismounting the motorcycle or removing their hands from the handlebar to reposition the motorcycle.
4. The rider skips or misses a section.
5. Showing offensive or unsportsmanlike behavior during the event.
6. Going past the allowable speed limit during the entire competition.

How To Prepare for a Motorcycle Trial Event?

There is no doubt that practice is an essential part of preparing for a motorcycle trial event.

If you have a large backyard, then you’re lucky enough to hold your practices there. Otherwise, find a dirt bike park or a designated area for off-road motorcycle riding nearby.

Here are some of the key skills you need to master before joining a trial competition, especially Moto Trials.

1. Balancing
2. Body positioning
3. Smooth throttle
4. Clutch control
5. Breaking and leaning
6. Tire grip
7. Riding along logs
8. One-handed balancing
9. Climbing over obstacles
10. Steering with your feet

Aside from the physical training needed for competitive trials, you also have to gain the right confidence in yourself. If you are a beginner, expect that you can’t perfect your executions right away. 

Nevertheless, you get better as you continue to practice, and you begin to trust your skills and instincts.

Summary

Observed trials are great opportunities to showcase your dirt-biking skills. In addition, events like Moto Trials have become the steppingstones for many dirt bike racing champions.