Trials
Ever wondered what a Trial bike is?
Get the lowdown on the unique tool of the trade ridden by trials legend Dougie Lampkin.
Dougie Lampkin and his unique Vertigo bike in Goa
© Neville Sukhia/Red Bull Content Pool
Of all the motorcycling disciplines, the bikes ridden by drag racers and Trial riders definitely have the most distinct looks – not a surprise given the highly specialised nature of both sports.
Ever wondered why the tiny, spindly looking trial bike looks the way it does though? Here we take a look at what's what on the bike of the most famous name in Trials, Dougie Lampkin. Join us as we take a closer look at the Vertigo Combat Camo bike he used to turn Goa into his own personal playground recently.
Watch the 12-time world champion in Dougie Does Goa in the video below and then find out more about his unique ride.
3 min
Dougie Does Goa
Watch Dougie Lampkin shows off his trial riding skills in Goa, India.
So why is a trial bike so small?
Two reasons. Firstly, Trial is not a sport based on speed and power. The bikes use relatively small single-cylinder engines (typically 250cc or 300cc at pro level), tuned to maximise torque and traction rather outright horsepower, so designers don't have to try shoehorn a massive engine into the frame
Secondly, the sport is all about balance, poise and the ability to make a motorcycle defy gravity, so bikes need to be built to be as light and maneuverable as possible. A lightweight, small bike is thus much more suited to being ridden over obstacles than something based on motocross or enduro off-road machines.
But where's the fuel tank?
It's there, but because trials is a relatively slow speed sport and generally doesn't cover long distances in the course of an event, Lampkin's bike needs only a tiny 2.7 litre fuel tank. It's incorporated into 'U' of the frame so as keep the bike's centre of gravity as low as possible and maximise space for the rider. A normal 18 litre sportsbike tank wouldn't exactly do much for the weight and ability to balance easily.
Where's the seat as well? How does Dougie sit down?
The short answer: you don't really sit down on a trial bike. Trial bikes are buit for one thing, and one thing only – riding up, down and over incredibly difficult terrain that pushes bike and rider to the limits of physics and atheltic ability. Sitting down doesn't aid any of that.
A seat will only add unnecessary weight and, more importantly, while riding over obstacles, riders need all the space possible to contort into gymnastic shapes to urge their bikes to make it, especially when climbing up a huge rock step or such like.
Then, riders need to use their legs to cushion the sudden impacts, and a few feet of space between your backside and the bike is vital, the reason for unusual U-shaped frame design compared to a normal motocross or enduro bike.