Forward thinking
TRS UK importer Steve Saunders has a well-documented successful trials career under his belt and continues to impress at events throughout Europe. He has a legendary reputation for great skill in slippery difficult conditions, and finding wheel grip in the most extreme of trials conditions is his trademark. His involvement in the realisation of the Spanish TRS trials models has been reflected in the development process of the new 2018 machines. They are a forward thinking manufacturer, and the one thing that shone through on this ‘Quick Spin’ is that the riding technique synonymous with Steve can be found in the development of the engine and suspension of this motorcycle.
The 2018 model range is very much a case of fine-tuning the previous models and implementing small improvements in the new ones. Very few problems were found when the brand was introduced to the trials world as a production machine in 2016. World number two Adam Raga has proven the credentials of the machines in the Trial World Championship over the past two years, and in the UK Ross Danby has showed its worth in the British Championship and on the national scene. Our regular test rider Phil Disney was one of the very first people to actually see and ride the pre-production machine in the flesh, on a trip to Spain accompanied by Steve in late 2015. With the launch of the 2018 model it seemed the ideal time to get Phil to put the latest 300cc model through its paces on a very wet English summer’s day at Hawk’s Nest in the Peak District.
NEW FOR 2018
ENGINE: New Design Combustion Chamber — Optimisation of the chamber to improve its performance, thanks to the experience and tests developed in the TrialGP. Revised Crankshaft Tolerance — The engine will work with improved freedom for both increased smoothness and power. Crankshaft Bearings Teflon Coated — Specific for motorcycles, it provides better crankcase friction qualities. CDI Connectors — Improved quality and external finishing on the connection areas. Hard Anodized Kick-Start Lever — The new design improves the pedal operation incorporating a strong anodized finish. Homologation to Euro4 — All models are produced subject to the new Euro4 homologation standards.
FRAME: Improvements — High-level tests over many months to improve toughness and precision in certain areas of the frame. R16V Rear Shock Adjustments — The new setting offers a softer feel on compression and better control on rebound. New Fuel Tank — Designed to increase strength and fuel capacity with a new design fuel tap for easier operation. Plastic Rear Brake Hose Guide — The new guide provides better auto adjustment on the rear brake hose when tightening the chain. Forged Footrest Support — New design to increase strength and durability. Graphics — The new location of the graphics on the TRS One and its aluminium frame give detail and provide a more racing look. The new graphics also act as a frame protector. Rear Sprocket Guard — Stronger and a more flexible material.
QUICK SPIN
PHIL DISNEY: “In such a short space of time the TRS has established itself as a trials machine that comes with a good reputation in both performance and build quality. It both looks and feels very low in appearance, and the new 2018 graphics make the double-cradle forged aluminium frame stand out. The 2016 models when launched were instantly recognisable with the yellow and silver, and the addition of the black and red graphics now bring the aesthetics to the fore. A nice little attention to detail is the black frame protectors on the area of the frame around the swinging arm pivot where the riding boots rub against the frame, a small but thoughtful change. The exposed areas of the aluminium frame and swinging arm do not easily show signs of use when the TRS has been ridden. This adds to the overall style of the machine and turns into an extra positive when looking to trade your machine for a new one.
A LABOUR OF LOVE
“Whether hot or cold it starts very easily, but I always like to warm the machine up first. It’s actually worth waiting until the cooling fan has been activated before using a motorcycle to its full potential. This was a brand new 300cc TRS that Steve had carried out the pre-delivery inspection on and tested. The diaphragm clutch and gearbox action was, as expected, smooth and precise. After a quick ride around to familiarise myself with the 300cc I was eager to put it through some more serious paces. It was a rainy, wet day and the Gritstone rocks of our test venue at Hawk’s Nest were very slippery, and I was keen to see the 2018 model’s capabilities in this environment. I had my eye on a practice hazard I wanted to test the machine on that consisted of tight turns and rock steps. Two options could be taken; one was to ride it and rev it in first gear or I could use second gear and ride it at a much smoother pace. I preferred the second option as the torque from the engine allows it to run smooth, making it easier to take the time to pick your chosen line letting the engine labour more.
PERSONAL PREFERENCE
“Aluminium frames tick the box for me as I like the good solid feel they give you, letting you move your body around comfortably. As a personal preference I would want the TRS set up slightly ‘longer’ for me, with the handlebars a little further forward. A dealer would help with this at point of purchase as everyone does have their own riding preferences. The front and rear suspension arrangement is very good and both are easily adjustable. The more riding, the more these improve. With plenty of rainfall the river was flowing well. When you cannot see what’s under the rocks you need to be confident in the machine and the feedback was very good. Using second gear was my preference and, as with all diaphragm clutch systems, when needed I felt very at home. Before the close of our ‘quick spin’ I was very confident and attempting some quite difficult hazards. I thoroughly enjoyed riding the TRS and it comes strongly recommended across Europe and the UK, so maybe now is the time to throw your leg over one and have a test ride.”