Popping my Long Distance Trial Cherry

[APHezzer]

Hi,

Just entered the Exeter Trial which will be held in January .. I figured the best way to pop my Long Distance Trial Cherry was to enter myself and my '81 R80 G/S into the darkest, wettest, coldest of the MCC Events (planning on doing all three in 2025) ... currently starting the bike prep, would be very happy to hear ANY recommendations or nuggets you may have or be willing to share ..

One question I do have .. are there any 'non BMW' brake and clutch levers which fit, would like to preserve the original ones?

Changes I have made:

• New Rear Spring
• NOS Sump Guard which also protects the headers
• LED Headlight conversation
• Tyres are TKC80's (which are 'on the list' of approved tyres)

Changes I am planning on making:

• Upgrade to better front Springs
• Wind Deflector
• Upgrade battery
• Upgrade front brake to larger rotor
• Barkbuster handguards

Cheers
Andy

 

[mikeyboy]

Can’t say I’ve ever seen any pattern levers available,
I can tell you that the clutch levers and brake levers are all the same from @1980 through to @1991 regardless of model
So obtaining spares needn’t be difficult or too expensive

 

[Vulpine2]

Heated grips. heated seat, heated everything...

 

[mikeyboy]

Also,not much point upgrading battery if you don’t upgrade the alternator.
If you are running any extra lights/heated grips/clothing.
At low engine revs with a lot of stop starting through the night I’d want more than 240 watts output

 

[APHezzer]

Heated grips. heated seat, heated everything...

 

[Mad Hatter]

Definitely ditch the TKC 80s for a set of road legal knobbly tyres (eg Michelin trackers) if not you’ll remember this sage advice when you’re having a lie down in the mud

 

[Mad Hatter]

Ignore that sage advice, trackers are not allowed

 

[APHezzer]

Ignore that sage advice, trackers are not allowed

cuh .. you got me all excited that they might be on the list

 

[Vulpine2]

cuh .. you got me all excited that they might be on the list

I guess you'll have already been all over this??

https://www.themotorcyclingclub.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240830-MCC-Approved-Motorcycle-Tyres-List.pdf

 

[APHezzer]

I guess you'll have already been all over this??

https://www.themotorcyclingclub.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240830-MCC-Approved-Motorcycle-Tyres-List.pdf

I have indeed .. I also had a moment of utter horror as I realised how engrossed I became regarding the list, 'what have I become' .. am attempting to get Karoo 4's added as I have found these to be an excellent blend for greenlaning

 

[Vulpine2]

I have indeed .. I also had a moment of utter horror as I realised how engrossed I became regarding the list, 'what have I become' .. am attempting to get Karoo 4's added as I have found these to be an excellent blend for greenlaning

I've had a peruse - and I'm not even thinking of entering!
I did try to get along to view the Edinburgh this year but a bout of Covid got in the way. In the diary for 2025 tho.
It's local to me. I seem to recall doing one of the sections whilst on night patrol a few years back - the section had a 4WD on test so it would have been rude not to...
Pretty sure Tufty did at least one LDT on his g/s

 

[Pepsi]

Why are they so pedantic about not permitting Michelin Trackers or any other similar enduro type tyre?

 

[dean0n0]

Why are they so pedantic about not permitting Michelin Trackers or any other similar enduro type tyre?

Damage to the scenery, probably?

A greater test of rider skill?

Entertainment for spectators?

 

[Ken g/s Brooks]

I have indeed .. I also had a moment of utter horror as I realised how engrossed I became regarding the list, 'what have I become' .. am attempting to get Karoo 4's added as I have found these to be an excellent blend for greenlaning

Damage to the scenery, probably?

A greater test of rider skill?

Entertainment for spectators?

Yes, Exactly, All of that!