Forum

[Matt]

I'm not really interested in competing, just recreational ridding but it's got me thinking. Are "modern" (say 1980's) Enfield Bullets allowed into Pre-65 trials events? I mean, they are essentially the same as the originals are they not?? Additionally I would imagine that there are plenty of Pre-65 British Enfields out there competing with Indian made parts fitted, no? Like I said, it's not something I am considering, just a curiosity really.

[Dennis C]

Hi Matt. ----- It would appear that the rules can be subject to discussion/bending, take a look here you should find what you need to know, http://www.yorksclassictrials.co.uk/#/rules/4543226075

[Matt]

Thanks Dennis. Is does often refer to "replica" items being permitted. Would that cover a 1980's Indian made Enfield? I guess it would.

[Dennis C]

Matt I think not the clue is in the heading, --------- "All machines to be of British manufacture".

[Alan R]

Hi guys ---------- just to throw the proverbial "spanner" in at this point}---- If all the chaps at the Chennai factory held British - or Dual Nationality Passports, then you could argue the point that ALL Enfields are of "British" manufacture ????? Only me being a bit flippant really------- I think that the usual frame registration rules would apply, perhaps ?? It's that old conundrum of "intrinsic spirit" versus "Technical actuality"..... Two identical trials bikes, one made and registered in November, 1964 and the other made and registered in March 1965 on the same LOT No. in the factory.....Depending on your point of view either one OR both can take part in Pre-1965 events.....There again, let's say that I have the original certified production drawings for this pre-1965 trials bike---- and were to produce one (or more) this year, would they qualify to take part ???----------- must ween myself of those magic mushrooms ( The pre-'65 ones, of course !!).

[John M]

I think that different clubs have variations of the rules, not all requiring bikes to be British. Despite this most competitive pre-65 bikes are so highly modified they bear little true relation to bikes used prior to 1965.
The biggest drawback with Indian Bullets is that they weigh a ton and wouldn't manage most pre-65 trials, however if you have an Indian Bullet and fancy a play in the mud then they are eligible for Classic Trials. The Classic part of Classic Trials relates to the format of the trial rather than the bikes and they are more like the trials of the 50's.
A good example of this type of trial is the Ilkley Classic Trial.-----------

http://hoits.smugmug.com/Classic-Trials ... &lb=1&s=XL

[Stringers Best Mate]

It's not such a silly question - I'd love to be able to have a plonk around in the mud in a semi-competitive, fun way! Trials entries in general are suffering with falling entries, maybe it's the current economic climate, maybe it's the confusing rules or anything else, so if you came up with a loose set of rules to cover Bullets I'm pretty sure you could have a days plonking around in a class of your own. Many clubs will allow you to run around with the genuine pre-65's but be ineligible for an award. The Classic trials are VERY hard on machines and bodies, especially the MCC long distance trio. Even a one-day one can be very demanding, and the gentler one-site trial appeals to me more as I get older!! Would anyone be interested in coming along to a one site play-trial if it was organised..?

[Matt]

I'd come along to a play-trial with my trail Bullet for sure. I'm in the South East. There's a good one in an old quarry near me that does pay and play on Saturdays I think, it's only a tenner. www.theoldquarry.co.uk It's just off the M25 near to Redhill (six a clock on the M25) I think. Where are you based S.B.M? Anyone else up for some muddy fun?

[rustygman]

Matt, i know little about trials (got plenty of my off road kicks mountain bike racing) but this club http://www.owlsmotorclub.org.uk/ use a farm just down the road from me and i often check them out when i hear their bikes. They ride all sorts of machines both old and new and look like they are having a lot of fun. Looks to me like you can ride whatever you like. Sounds like they are based pretty near you if you are in the south east so worth a look - even considered joining myself but got enough hobbies already.

[Stringers Best Mate]

Yeeeah!! Just looked up that Owls website from the link & they have the old 'Kickstart' music running as a theme! Good old Peter Purves, eh? Brilliant TV. They used to film up in the grounds of Easton Neston house, near Towcester (Easton Neston of course, was the home of Lord Hesketh, of F1 and motorcycle fame) and my girlfriend (now wife) and I went along to watch once. We had our dog with us, and take great pride in the memory that we stopped filming for a few minutes as the director wanted us moved into shot as it was more 'family friendly'..! Guess the smell of hot mud on exhaust has made an impression on me since..