Finding a hobby you crave daily is an incomparable feeling that has a positive overall impact. Your desire for progress and improvement will transfer to drive success in other aspects of your life. Yet, when circumstances out of your control affect your ability to participate in the main activity that brings happiness and motivation to your life it can be frustrating to change your lifestyle and cut down on your hobby due to regulations where you live.
Any offroad motorcycle enthusiast has considered hitting the street at least once. Depending on the person, they might take their trials bike on the road whether it’s technically legal or not. This isn’t a necessary risk – especially with options to make a trials bike street legal. The real question is “Which trials bike is easiest to register as a motorcycle?”
Perfect for technical riding
Vintage Trials Bikes Look Nothing Like Their Modern Counterparts
Almost all modern trials bikes come stock with no seat. Obviously, this is due to the lack of sitting required while riding trials competitions since the key to success is based 100% on the rider’s ability to maintain control and balance. This causes debates to arise in determining which era of trials motorcycles are the best for functionality – the classic style with rider endurance in mind, or the modern body designed purely for performance. This debate really boils down to one question… Which terrain will you be riding the most?
Sure, having a seat with a larger gas tank makes road and mellow trail riding more comfortable while offering a wider range of use for the bike. The downside is competition capabilities drop significantly due to added weight and overall size, making bike predictability less than ideal for consistency. If consistency and maneuverability aren’t as high of priorities, a classically styled trials bike will fit exactly what you need to ride technical trails without compromising on comfort.
Most riders today prefer a bike with high mobility to aid them in being as competitive as possible. Long rides and comfort aren’t prioritized when the main focus is on who has the best balance, who can overcome the highest obstacle, or who can make it through the entire course without assistance from their spotter. Hence, why modern trials bikes rarely come from the factory equipped with street legal parts, a seat, or a gas tank larger than necessary for short competition runs.
Trials Bikes Today are Highly Advanced
Over the past 40 years trials has progressed into an incredible spectator sport filled with adrenaline and class. Progression in the sport can be credited to the technological developments given to us by reputable gas powered trials bike manufacturers like Gas Gas, Beta, Montesa, and Scorpa. With trials popularity highest in Europe, it makes sense why the majority of leading developers are European based companies.
Even the next generation trials bikes manufacturer Electric Motion was founded in a small French town. In 2010, electric trials bikes seemed like a thing of fantasy or “a bad idea”. Fast forward 13 years later and electric motorcycle popularity is growing while only gaining momentum. Sure, it’s doubtful that gas powered trial bikes will ever go out of popularity, facts can’t be skewed, but it’s hard to compete with the instant power delivered by a high output electric motor.
Whether your personal preference is a naturally aspirated or battery powered trials bike, it’s certain any of these options will provide the durability, longevity, and performance expected in a premier competition motorcycle. Even if you buy a used model – as long as it’s been properly maintained, you’re certain to have a nice bike that will hold up to anything thrown at it. If you do buy used, make sure the VIN is clear by running a VIN check.
Top Trials Bikes Today
The most recognizable trait of any modern trials bike is the rear monoshock compared to the outdated twinshock commonly used on classic trials bikes. This key update lowered overall weight and made for a better balanced motorcycle. All of the bikes you’re about to see are equipped with a monoshock. Sure, each manufacturer has their own specific design, but one thing is certain… any of these options are sure to be a reliable choice to fit your specific needs.
GasGas TXT GP 250
GasGas has been a flagship motorcycle manufacturer since the ’80s. Their roots are based on trials riding and they have expanded their horizons from there. While many models of bikes have come and passed since the company's inception, they all lead to the current TXT Racing 250 – the bike GasGas calls “The Roots of The Brand.”
Known for their low end torque and nimble characteristics on a highly durable platform, it’s no wonder why this is one of the best bikes no matter your skill level. Beginners can learn the ins & outs of a trials bike with controllable power while leaving plenty of room for pro level riders to compete at a world class level, knowing their bike will carry them over any obstacle they’re capable of riding.
Whether you intend on competing or just riding for a weekend escape, this is one of the most user-friendly platforms with a wide range of use. Wide range 5th and 6th gears make this a great bike to commute between trails if you have to ride on blacktop for a few miles. Just make sure it’s registered for street use when you’re going on roadways.
GasGas makes great bikes!
Beta Evo 2T 125
Almost 10 pounds less than its competitors, the Evo 2T 125 weighs in at a lean 145 pounds making it the lightest bike on this list. With such a low dry weight, this is the perfect bike for young riders working to level up their skill or for the weekend warrior that wants a fun lightweight bike capable of the same terrain as larger displacement trials bikes while maintaining a more manageable power output.
With the Evo 2T 125’s dimensions matching the specs of a 300, this allows amateur riders to feel out a big bike without the awakening of big bike power. Riding a full size trials bike powered by a 125 can also benefit the most skilled riders by putting the focus back on finesse and proper body positioning instead of relying on the power to make up for small mistakes.
Whether the bike is for daily training, riding with friends, or a second bike purely for enjoyment… it’s certain you’ll be picking up a solid platform that lives up to expectations with the Beta Evo 2T 125. With such an extremely reliable platform, it’s no wonder why many riders select this bike to ride offroad and have enough faith in the machine to take it on roadways after obtaining a registration and license plate.
Beta bikes are beautiful!
Montesa Cota 4RT 260R
The only true trials bike on this list that’s a 4 stroke makes you wonder why they’re less common than their 2 stroke counterparts. Much like OG dirt bikes, trials bikes gained their popularity while operating with a lightweight, fast revving 2 stroke engine ever since the 80’s. This has caused many to become partial to 2 stroke bikes – even passing down the 2 stroke fever to their children and grandchildren.
Montesa went entirely against the grain by developing their 4 stroke Cota 4RT 260R. While it holds a few more pounds than almost every other bike in its class, Montesa makes the weight near unrecognizable thanks to the ergonomics, Showa suspension, and power delivered by the torquey SOHC 4 stroke engine. The low end grunt and added weight is unmatched when riding hard pack or slicker sections where you want to maintain traction while driving the power to the ground.
Making this trials bike street legal is a breeze, especially if you can find the homologated version equipped with key street legal parts included from the factory including a headlight, taillight with integrated brake light, blinkers, mirrors, and a license plate bracket. Pictured below is the Montesa Cota 4RT 260R homologated.
Montesa has a wonderful lineup!
Scorpa 300SC
While dirt bikes are typically known for going full send over every obstacle they face, trials is much more calculated, focusing on balance and finesse. Disciplines such as enduro and cross country have many style commonalities with trials. It’s no wonder why many dirt riders train with trials to enhance their low speed technical skills.
Those taking advantage of trials training will want a high-output machine equipped with parts from industry leading brands so they can focus on riding and know what to expect from their trials bike.
Scorpa provides all this and more with their premier 300SC. It’s hard to beat a bike with a lineup of quality parts included directly from the factory. Here are a few parts found on a 2023 Scorpa 300SC:
New 2023 graphics kit
3 position adjustable diaphragm clutch system
BRAKTEC brake system, master cylinder, and clutch slave cylinder
REIGER rear 3-way shock absorber with new settings
TECH Aluminum fork
Michelin tires
New Scorpa footrests
It’s hard to pass on a well-balanced race-ready bike from the factory, and having such a large engine at your disposal should help when you ride on the road after getting street legal.
Montesa 4RIDE
In a world of motorcycles designed for specific disciplines, Honda’s Spanish subsidiary Montesa decided to sprint in the opposite direction while developing the Montesa 4RIDE. Being built on the same chassis as the Montesa Cota 4RT 260 leaves high expectations for the capabilities offered by the Montesa 4RIDE.
For someone that favors the classic trials bike looks, like a Honda TL125, this modernized hybrid is the perfect bike. While it may not be the lightest or have the most impressive performance numbers, one thing is certain – this is the ultimate bike for anyone wanting the control of a trials bike while maintaining comfort and useability.
When it comes to making a trials bike street legal, a seat is a welcome addition. The Montesa 4RIDE is one of the few modern trials bikes that will let you rest your legs while you ride back home on the road.
Montesa 4RIDE is the best of both worlds.
Electric Motion Escape
Battery powered trials bikes have gained unexpected traction in the community, and as time goes on it seems the public only falls in love with them more. Electric Motion had no way of knowing 100% that the trials bike industry would change course so heavily towards electric powered bikes, all they knew was it’s possible to build a powerful, reliable, and lightweight trials bike without all the complexities of internal combustion.
If you’ve seen any of the recent electric bikes, you know it’s uncommon for an e-bike to have a clutch… commonly, the clutch is removed and replaced with a handbrake. While the Escape doesn’t have a traditional gearbox, the clutch still works the same as it would on a gas powered bike. While the throttle alone can be used to propel you over obstacles, the clutch provides the rider with a more enhanced level of control over the power delivery, making it predictable instead of hoping you give the *perfect* amount of throttle.
The Electric Motion Escape is definitely a hybrid trials bike thanks to the ergonomics of its cockpit, but nowhere near the same style as vintage trials bikes. Just like their E Pure competition trials bike, there’s ample power to propel you over any obstacle. You can even ride on a moto track thanks to the seat giving you the ability to sit in corners with proper positioning. The seat is the biggest plus in making it a versatile option no matter if you’re riding intense terrain or commuting to work on your street legal electric trials bike.
Electric Motion offers the silent killer.
Which Trials Bike Is Best for Street Legal Use?
How you plan to use your trials bike will determine which bike style, engine type, and ergonomics fit your needs best. Taller riders tend to like Scorpa thanks to its larger cockpit from the factory, while shorter riders don’t have to be as picky since they can conform to the styling of pretty much any big trials bike.
Unless you plan on buying 2 bikes, it’s good to consider all the best options available before purchasing. The last thing anyone wants to deal with is buyer's remorse, especially on a few thousand dollar purchase.
If you’re leaning towards electric, the most crucial consideration is how far your commute is to trails or the office – whether you plan on using the bike for an urban city hopper or solely to weekend shred roads on the way to a local trail, ensuring the battery range fits your loop will be the difference between making it home or being stranded, unless you have a portable charger to lug around. Plus, it’s a nice added bonus to not have to worry how long the bike is on its side or how long it’s been since you last changed the oil – and of course they are nearly completely silent so you can ride just about anywhere at any time.
Even if you go with a gas powered option, it’s important to consider all requirements, especially if you opt for a 2 stroke trials bike. 4 stroke engines are relatively easy to maintain with longer intervals to change fluids while 2 strokes need lubrication through oil mixed in the fuel. If you intend on going for longer rides with your bike, carrying enough premix to refuel multiple times while riding is a must.
How Does Your Style Fit In?
At the end of the day, it really comes down to personal preference. Whether you choose your favorite color, the best body lines, the most functionality, or the lightest weight, you’re sure to have a solid bike if you select one of these options.
The biggest issue you’ll face with any of these bikes is that none of them actually come branded for street use from the factory. While some states pay no mind to this branding and register the bike for road use without issues, a select few states refuse to allow them on roads no matter how many inspections or checks you’re willing to complete.
Even when you’ve installed the last required street legal part, it’s still impossible to convince DMVs to register an off road bike if the state has regulations in place not allowing it. Sometimes when you try, you’ll think it’s going to be passed, only for them to deny the inspection after you’ve already paid fees and wasted valuable time.
Luckily, there’s a simple user-friendly service to register your offroad bike for road use without the stress of inspections, SMOG, or ever needing to visit the DMV. You can get a license plate, title, and registration for on-road use of your trials bike, fully remote without ever needing to call or email a DMV representative.
Dirt Legal has supplied thousands of people like yourself with the required documents to ride your bike on roadways stress-free. If you live in a state that has strict regulations on the amount of fun you're allowed to have, reach out to us to find out how it’s possible to ride your bike in your home state today!
We are not attorneys.
Caleb Hysell has been around dirt bikes, 4 wheelers, side x sides, drift cars, and diesel trucks from a young age. He began stunting and racing moto at 14 which created a lifelong passion for motorcycles. When he's not writing he can be found bringing positivity to the community by riding his supermoto.