New to motorcycle trials?
Getting started.
You do not need to know everything before your first event. Manchester 17's Dead Easy trials are designed to help newer riders get involved safely and enjoyably.
Before your first event
Three good first steps
If you are unsure about entering immediately, come along to a trial first, watch how it works and speak to riders or officials.
Come and watch
Walk a few sections, see how riders move around the course and consider helping an observer. It is one of the easiest ways to understand a trial before riding one.
See next events →Practise legally
All land belongs to someone. Only ride where the landowner or venue operator permits it. Ordinary Manchester 17 trial venues are not practice grounds.
Approved practice venues →Start Dead Easy
Manchester 17's Dead Easy format is aimed at riders who have basic machine control but little competitive or off-road experience, with an easier route and a more challenging option.
Find a Dead Easy trial →Bike & riding kit
What you need
You do not need the newest kit, but you do need equipment suitable for motorcycle trials and a safe, well-prepared machine.
Rider equipment
- A properly fastened motorcycle helmet suitable for road use.
- Long motorcycle boots; trials boots are strongly recommended.
- Body and legs covered; long sleeves and gloves are especially important for youth riders.
- Choose clothing that allows movement and gives sensible protection from falls, rocks and vegetation.
Bike basics
- Trials tyres and a mechanically safe machine.
- Ball/round-ended levers with no loose parts or sharp edges.
- A working kill switch; a lanyard cut-out is preferable and is compulsory for youth machines where required.
- Make sure the bike is ready before you arrive — machine safety remains the rider's responsibility.
Ready to enter?
Sort the paperwork
Manchester 17 trials use online entry. Make sure your club membership and ACU registration are in place before entering.
Club membership
Join or renew Manchester 17 membership through the club's membership page.
Membership information →ACU registration
You will also need the appropriate ACU trials registration/licence for the event you are entering.
Auto-Cycle Union →Enter online
Watch the Trials page for the next Dead Easy or suitable event, then use the entry link provided for that trial.
Trials home page →On the day
What to expect at the trial
Your first trial can feel daunting. Arrive in good time, listen to the briefing and ask if you are unsure about anything.
Arrive & sign on
Aim to arrive around 30 minutes before the start. This gives time to sign on, get organised and look at which route suits you.
Wait for the start
Once signed on, avoid unnecessary riding around the parking area. Do not ride sections before the official start.
Listen to the briefing
All riders are called together before the trial. The organisers will explain safety points, route marking, section order and the expected number of laps.
Respect the observers
Wait until the observer is ready before entering a section. If a section is unmanned, follow the organiser's instructions and never record your own score.
Walk the section
Check the route you are riding, understand the turns and obstacles, then ride within your own ability. Ask the observer if the route is unclear.
Keep moving
Dead Easy events are meant to be enjoyable, but observers and organisers still need to finish. Take sensible breaks, then keep the day moving.
Observation
Understanding the score
Manchester 17 uses the ACU stop-permitted trials rule (TSR 22A) at these events. The observer records marks lost while you are in the section.
Look after the sport
Observers, landowners & other riders matter.
Trials only happen because landowners allow access and volunteers give their time. Be courteous, follow the marked route, take your rubbish home and never ride or practise on land without permission.
Read the Trials Etiquette leaflet →More help
Useful links
Training, practice venues and club information for new riders.
The most important bit
Enjoy the day. Stay safe.
When you finish, return any club number bib, thank the observers, take your rubbish home and let the organisers know how you got on.
Back to Manchester 17 Trials →