The thing that worries me about the really cheap older bikes is getting the parts for them, I reckon that's why they all end up worth a few hundred quid, you can't fix them.
I'm thinking of something a bit newer, i recon it will work out cheaper in the long run. So ideally something late nineties up to maybe 2006, after that they all get too pricey for me to be throwing them at rocks
You should come along and have a go when i get one
It looks like it's in good condition. There is obviously a dealer mark up on it. Don't know how flexible they are.... actually I don't know anything about them
I hear great comments about the evo models, but they seem worth around £1850 and up, I was thinking of getting something one model back from the latest, and paying £1000 to £1300 depending on condition.
Im pretty open to ideas, but have been mostly looking at Scorpa SY's, Montesa 315's, Beta Rev3 or 4's or an older GG Pro. They seem to be the most bike i can get in good condition within my budget, and since i'm generally pretty kind to my bikes upgrading in future shouldn't cost me much if i really get the trials bug.
I am determined not to rush into it like i usually do when bike shopping too
The issue is unlike Japanese bikes, parts for trials bike can be impossible to find for machines beyond a certain age. Some parts will be more of an issue than others.
That is why certain bikes seem to be an incredible good deal, they might look in good condition but a 1993 bike might be one failed component away from useless, or you might never find a replacement rear fender etc. this can be ok if you can be inventive with parts and don't mind doing plenty of research
On your list the Aprilla, and beta techno would worry me a little.
With the gasgas you have txt models, but also txt pro models the pro being the latest line of bikes with spares galore. Older GG bikes are ok for mechanical bits but plastics etc. are difficult.
Montesa's are made by/with Honda and apparently have great build quality, but i would say you want the 315 model, which is one step back from the latest the 4rt
the best value while still being reasonably modern and repairable bikes tend to be approx 1998 to 2004, which is the sort of thing im looking for
-- Edited by Albert on Sunday 16th of August 2015 09:37:20 PM
I ended up getting a 2001 gasgas txt 280 "edition". It has the same engine as my pampera which is handy as i know it pretty well now, the extra 30cc certainly make a difference though!
plastics are a bit tatty but it looks like it has been well looked after, just needs a good service and i should be good to go!
Definitely worth the money, but its not without its issues.
Its annoying as a pretty immaculate one went in Lynton recently for about £700 on gumtree (you probably saw it) but the owner couldn't get it started. I would probably have bought that one if it hadn't sold by the time i got around to raising the cash.