FULL OF TORQUE
The 300cc models available from all the manufacturers are very much the ultimate trials motorcycle you can purchase. We witness the world’s best riders launch them at what would appear to be impossible obstacles as they push the boundaries of man and machine. So the question is why you would want to own one if you were not going to want to scale the levels of performance witnessed from the top riders? I am a 250cc man at heart and I always have been, but on many occasions in the past when I have thrown my leg over a 300cc I have come away always asking myself the question shall I have one? The performances from the 300cc two-stroke engines have always impressed me but are they just ‘full of torque’? I recently spent a very enjoyable afternoon in the company of the official UK importer Steve Saunders and the TRS One 300cc model.
As part of the process of testing a trials motorcycle I always try and check out the specification first before I start the article. This gives me a good understanding before I ride the machine, and it was during this process that I noticed that the three model TRS ‘One’ machines, the 250cc, 280cc and the 300cc, all weigh the same. The other specifications all remain the same as confirmed by Steve Saunders. As I personally tested the 250cc in the previous issue of Trial Magazine I can confirm this to be true. Anyone who has read the 250cc test will know I was very impressed. Maybe the only thing I am not too sure about is the aesthetics as they look very bland despite the fact it does catch your eye with its distinctive low appearance. Even taking pictures of the machines in action gave a very plain look to the machine, although I must add that the factory rider Adam Raga certainly brings some action to the camera with his fantastic performances that have launched TRS into the limelight.
VERY STABLE
The TRS gives a very calm feeling as you approach the machine, as it appears very workmanlike. Our test machine was a brand new out-of-the box one, which Steve had run briefly to make sure all was okay before we arrived for the test.
The forged aluminium twin-spar frame accommodates the compact engine nicely, with nothing jumping out at you suggesting it’s in the wrong position on the machine. Starting from cold is an easy affair as a good strong ‘prod’ on the kick-start lever brings the single cylinder, liquid cooled two-stroke engine into life. I have heard one or two complaints about starting the TRS, but a good positive push on the lever eradicates this problem.
Once on the move you soon become aware that this is a 300cc as you open the throttle. I had a play on some small rocks to become more accustomed to the machine and I soon felt very comfortable and in control as the machine was very stable.
I am not a fan of five-speed trials machines but the smooth power delivery the five different ratios available provide works very well. I had a play on a hill climb with a sharp turn at the bottom, and the first three gears were fine with very little use of the clutch. On more open hill climbs it’s a definite use of fourth for the best results, with fifth gear most certainly aimed at open moorland and road use.
What was interesting during this hill climb test is how clean the carburetion was with no loading up as I opened the throttle. I then proceeded, as you do at any test, to make a section. It was quite long in a loose jumble of rocks with a decent sized step at the end, and this is where the fine handling attributes come into their own.
THE LIMITS OF ABILITY
One thing is for sure, on any 300cc trials machine you will soon find the limits of your ability. The TRS with its forged aluminium frame tracks like you would never believe, inspiring you to try harder — which I did, despite the constant banter from Mr Saunders! He was constantly telling me to slow the whole process down and let the torque from the engine work in my favour along with the suspension, which is Tech branded at the front and R16V hydraulic shock absorber at the rear, and which I did and with which came the desired result.
The superb diaphragm clutch is always at hand but in all honesty the engine’s characteristics allow you to focus and hold your line. I tried my chosen hazard in different gears and if I am honest I became very confident. The very ‘neutral’ feel encourages you to reposition very easily and, most importantly, buys you thinking time in the hazard. Just to push the limits of my ability Steve made me slow my riding right down to a virtual standstill before I used the full 300cc on offer to power up the step, which it did with ease. Full credit to the machine here as I was riding well out of my comfort zone!
As the test progressed I eventually managed to clean this hazard in all the first three gears. All the 300cc trials machines are impressive and after the superb tuition from Steve Saunders I am tempted to say yes to a 300cc. If I was purchasing a new machine I would encourage anyone wanting to take their riding to another level, and especially if you are entering nationals, to try a 300cc but with just one little word of warning; if you hold the throttle wide open and let the clutch out you will most certainly find out it’s a 300cc. You have been warned!
STEVE SAUNDERS: “The first year with the new TRS machines in 2016 has very much been a learning one and I would like to thank all the sponsors, dealers and customers who have supported us. We have had some excellent results from Adam Raga on the world scene, and of course Ross Danby and my other supported riders in the UK. As I am sure you can imagine, I have spent many hours riding the TRS machinery myself and it’s good to note that the factory in Spain has taken on board many of my comments, both good and bad. In all fairness for a first year in production we have had very few problems. It was good to listen to John Hulme’s comments on the TRS as he has been around a long time on the trials scene and I value his feedback.
“If anyone would like some trials tuition please feel free to contact me as it’s a service I still offer through my trials schools. The comments on the aesthetics have been addressed for 2017, as you will have seen with the launch of the new TRS One Raga Replica at the Milan Show in Italy at the back end of 2016. By the time you read this I am pretty sure we will have the new 2017 models in stock, making for an exciting new year.”