2021 WORKS 21
As the COVID-19 restrictions on travel were lifting in October 2020, Trial Magazine managed to visit the last FIM Trial World Championship round in Italy. Watching young talent mature into world champions is always good to see, and was particularly the case with Spain’s Pau Martinez. He gave the green Spanish motorcycle manufacturer Vertigo its first world title, much to the delight of the team manager, Great Britain’s Dougie Lampkin. Watching at the hazards in Italy, I spotted one of my old travelling partners who is now retired from world trials, Michael Brown. Still active in the ACU British Championship trials on the new Electric Motion, he was on ‘minding’ duties for the young Harry Turner. The FIM Trial 125 class was, as always, very competitive, and while we were talking, he mentioned that he would not mind having a ride on one of the current 125cc machines as they looked and sounded so good. It was time to make the Vertigo 125cc test happen as we found ourselves in deepest Yorkshire with the 2021 ‘Works 21’ model with our test rider Michael Brown.
Finished in the traditional Vertigo green, this 125cc 2021 ‘Works 21’ model is an evolution of what is still a very new machine in the trials world. As a manufacturer, Vertigo only appeared on the trials scene in 2015. It is easily identified by its trellis-type frame constructed with smaller lengths of tubing welded together to bring a compact and lightweight fabrication. Even the engine is used as a stressed member with an aluminium sump protector.
Vertigo’s other distinguishing and exclusive feature is the two-stroke water-cooled fuel-injected engine. Vertigo is the only two-stroke trials manufacturer to use this electrically controlled measurement of fuel into the cylinder barrel, allowing for easy and accurate adjustments in performance to suit individual rider needs.
Vertigo’s range comes with a variety of engines sizes, including 125cc, 200cc, 250cc, 280cc and 300cc, making it a machine to suit all riders. Many of the engine components have been updated, providing an improved response and power delivery. A new cylinder head is one of these components which, for 2021, has a redesigned combustion chamber to provide greater control in this vital area of performance.
The throttle body has also been improved to provide the rider with even more progressive and precise throttle response. The dry and wet maps have also been updated, offering much better traction and power delivery in all conditions. The map switch is now located on the airbox cover, allowing the rider to change between maps quickly and easily while on the go.
A new induction tube provides a better seal between the airbox and the throttle body for improved reliability. It comes equipped with the fully adjustable Tech aluminium black front forks and the Reiger shock at the rear which is adjustable in compression, extension and spring preload.
With quality suspension components linked to the multitubular frame combined with the smooth, tractable and powerful engine, together helps optimise performance in all areas of riding.
In the showroom, it will stand out. The machine’s aesthetics are complemented by black and white to provide a stunning combination. It provides an overall aggressive and modern look, with many detailed and high-quality green anodised components, such as the new billet wheel hubs, to provide an added touch of class to this attractive-looking new model.
Our test machine had been used by Dougie’s son Alfie and was well run-in, ready for it to be put into the capable hands of Michael Brown.
A FUEL INJECTION FUTURE
Michael: “Whether you like it or not, fuel injection has to be the future in a world so aware of keeping emissions controlled. Agreeing with the majority, the 125cc Vertigo model does look very ‘Works’. The combination of its low, contoured look has got winner written all over it. It’s quite suitable that it took Pau Martinez to the FIM Trial 125
World Championship as it does look fit for a king.
As you would expect from the official UK importer Dougie Lampkin, the machine was set up and ready to ride.
“Even in the cold, it started very easily, and after some small adjustments to help keep me comfortable on board, we were ready for action. As you would expect, throttle response is crisp and clean. It’s good to be able to adjust the performance when on the move. The changes are noticeable, but the setting I was using was just a general one to suit the majority of riders.
“Being a 125cc, you rely on some ‘grunt’ from the engine and it is delivered very smooth and strong. To get the best from the engine, I liked to get the power off the bottom and then rely on the strong torque from the engine using the throttle, as opposed to ‘blipping’ it, for maximum performance. I am a good-old throttle control man and like to use the power to my advantage. I prefer to make a controlled approach before ‘nipping’ the clutch and releasing it smooth and sharper with a controlled burst of power before feeling for the grip level.
“The torque of the engine was incredible. It allowed the use of third gear on a slippery, steep climb we found. On the Vertigo, you notice a sucking induction sensation when you rev the engine hard at the bottom end of its performance band as the air filter intake is up around the headstock.”
“I loved the suspension combination; the feedback to the rider just tells you it’s quality in all areas!”
LAMPKIN’S INPUT
As you can imagine from a rider who has won just about everything in the trial’s world, Dougie Lampkin has spent hours riding and refining the Spanish machine, and it comes with very good stable and positive handling. Dougie: “There are no surprises as it holds the line very well with controlled aggressive riding but is just as happy being jumped around to find the line in a hazard. I loved the suspension combination; the feedback to the rider just tells you it’s quality in all areas.
“You have a lot of freedom on the machine as the riding position is very open and you do not feel cramped, allowing you to position yourself very easily where you want to be. This feeds back confidence to the rider because when you do arrive in a difficult situation, and rider input is the only way out, you can maximise your effort into the machine’s performance to rescue the ride.
On any 125cc machine, rider input is massively important. It’s true what they say, the more you put in, the more you get out!
“Gear selection is crisp and precise with four trials-based ratios and two for the open moorland and tracks connecting the hazards. The diaphragm clutch is superb with no ‘drag’ at any time, and it functions in a very smooth and positive way.
“I really enjoyed this ‘Quick Spin’ on the Vertigo. I kept asking myself what is there not to like? I am almost sorry to report ‘nothing’. Yes, if I am totally honest, nothing; the high point being the strong torque of this 125cc engine.”
Dougie has been around a while and won everything there is to win, which has been reflected in the Vertigo. We’d give the Vertigo a ‘V’ for victory.”