Motorcycle Trial competitions might just be the most entertaining motorsport to watch. Competitors maneuver their machines as if they were weightless. Wheelies, stoppies, bunny hops all look effortless, but make no mistake these riders have some serious skill. Riders must ride through an obstacle course with out putting a foot down. A point is added every time a rider puts his/her foot down. If the rider gets 5 or more points they fail.Trial bikes are designed to be lightweight and maneuverable as possible. They are characterized by bare bones aluminum frames, tiny fuel tanks and the absence of a seat are trademarks of the modern trial bike. In the 1970's trial bikes were little more than small street bikes with knobby tires. Today there is a cottage industry for these specialized machines. Companies like Gas Gas and Beta create special chassis with motors from manufacturers like Honda or Rotax. Trial bike competitions don't have much of a presence in the Untied States. In Europe however they are more popular.
Here's an excellent video by Graham Sapsford of Trial's legend Dougie Lampkin showing off to promote the Goodwood festival of speed.
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