Trials, also known as Moto Trials, is a competitive sport which is participated in across the world at different levels, from junior grades to World Championships. Within South Australia there are eleven grades available, these consist of:
- Trial 1 (Expert)
- Trial 2
- Trial 3
- Trial 4
- Trial 5
- Trial 6 (Entry level)
- Sidecar A
- Sidecar B
- Junior A
- Junior B
- Mini trial
The discipline of
trials is very different to any other motorsport as it is a non-speed facet. Points are given if a foot is place on the ground, the motorcycle moves backwards, the rider falls off the bike, bike exists the section by crossing over the tape that surrounds it, or by not following all arrows. Therefore, the aim of the sport is to lose the least number of points. At a typical ‘trial’ there will be 4 laps of 10 different sections with an entry and exit gate. The purpose of the sport is to enter the section (at the entry gate) and follow the arrows which correspond to the grade you are riding, upon completion of this you will exit the section (through the exit gate). Points system is implemented as such:
A foot touches the ground once – 1 point
A foot touches the ground twice – 2 points
A foot touches the ground three or more times – 3 points
Bike exists the section by crossing over the tape – 5 points
Rider falls off the bike – 5 points
Bike rolls backwards – 5 points
(There are other complex rules, however these are the most common)
Throughout the course of a year there are annually between 11-12 trials held, as well as practice/coaching days concluded across both summer and winter series’. Full year licenses and one event licenses are available on Ridernet. There are 5 motorcycle clubs within SA that include trials, these are:
- AJS Moto Trials Club
- Keyneton Motorcycle Club
- Gawler Motorcycle Club
- Juventus Motorcycle Club
- Velocette Motorcycle Club