The Serow is a very good trail bike and less fragile than the Beta Alp, which is also good.
Lots of Serows have been imported so lots of spares available.
Both bikes have a low seat hight and are popular for Long Distance Trials.
The Serow has grab handles on both sides and the front, indicator lenses which pop on and off without breaking, a bash plate as standard, folding tip brake and gear levers and is light and agile. Goes anywhere.
I have had a Mk2 Alp 200 for since 2009 and apart from brake pads, one set of wheel bearings and some sprockets and chains, it has been trouble free.
It's done 3,000 miles and is only used for trail riding and long distance trials - it's ideal for the devon lanes, especially the harder ones. Have fallen off and dropped it many times without damaging anything apart from a brake lever.
It's not too tall and is one of the lightest bikes. Engine has enough power but not too much, and being a standard Suzuki DR200 is very reliable.
One oil and filters change a year, and that's it. Easy spares availability through John Lampkin.
If you would like to have a look and a test ride let me know (near Ottery St Mary).
The Serrow isnt a quick bike however for technical and climbs its superb and robust. They are easy to fix and most seem to go on and on without serious problems. I know of one which has hardly ever been serviced and still goes on whatever so a hardy bike for sure. A really good green lane bike which speed isn't important but they are quick enough to have fun. Ive struggled on some lanes when my 440 is too much and watched the Serrow sail past up the climbs with little effort
I've got a Serow and it handles my size and bulk with ease. True it is slow on the road but it's amply fast enough for back road tarmac between the muddy bits where it excels - think of it as a more civilised and comfortable trials bike but with Yamaha reliability.
Not intending to 'flame' you bud but like you wish to express an opinion - one of the most 'inspirational' things I have witnessed in recent years was a bunch of young lads who completed the Exeter Trial last year (24 + hours, in early Jan over 250+ miles) on Honda C50's and they certainly didn't appear to be bored. A few weekends ago I was in the Hardy trial in Dorset and watched some 'old dudes' on their 'crappy old bikes' ride 100+ miles over some of the most tortuous terrain I have encountered - I thought they were pretty dam inspirational and again I don't think any one of them found it boring - For me its not what you ride but how you ride, where you ride and who you ride it with
Be a boring old world if we all liked the same stuff - me I like old crap and new stuff in equal measure!
Not intending to 'flame' you bud but like you wish to express an opinion - one of the most 'inspirational' things I have witnessed in recent years was a bunch of young lads who completed the Exeter Trial last year (24 + hours, in early Jan over 250+ miles) on Honda C50's and they certainly didn't appear to be bored. A few weekends ago I was in the Hardy trial in Dorset and watched some 'old dudes' on their 'crappy old bikes' ride 100+ miles over some of the most tortuous terrain I have encountered - I thought they were pretty dam inspirational and again I don't think any one of them found it boring - For me its not what you ride but how you ride, where you ride and who you ride it with
Be a boring old world if we all liked the same stuff - me I like old crap and new stuff in equal measure!
Just seen this from Muddy Wheels. Might be useful:
With the purchase of a Beta Alp 200 and a Kawasaki KDX220 I am getting a little closer to being able to offer Trail Riding sessions in the beautiful Devon countryside again. I use to run these experience days from Okehampton a few years ago and it proved very popular. This time I shall be running the Trail rides from our base in Torbay. As with all that I/we do, it is about giving riders the opportunity to try it before committing to buying a bike and all the kit. So please do register your interest if you would like your riding to become a little more adventurous. It will only ever be small groups (2-4 max) and the final price for this is to be finalised but will be in the region of £150 per bike (including safety kit). Please comment with your name below to register your interest.
