I'm speaking out of school , BUT, do we think that access might have a lot to do with declining numbers?? A type of machine that can only really be ridden at a purpose built circuit does make it hard for the average punter to get an opportunity to try riding one, unlike other bikes they're not the sort of things you can drag out of the shed and take up and down the street... Maybe some "come and try" days are In order to be organized by folks with the bikes and the knowledge, I'd love to give everyone the opportunity to see my gumby, uncoordinated backside on a slider and would enjoy any chance to do so, I don't think id be alone either.
I think these are all valid points.
When sliders first appeared on the short circuit (dt) scene they were immediately taken up by the upper echalon of riders because they had two big advantages over the then current crop of race winning duplex Beezas Triumphs and JAP engines in everything from rigid 3T Triumph frames to duplex BSA.
The advantages that I saw were better power to weight ratio and superior steering and handling in a slide.
In those days the better ones were fitted with the best performing power available, JAP, ESSO JAWA.
It seems to me that the modern motorcross/trail machines have become so improved in power and handling where as there has been none of the machines like the modern long track coming out to the dirt track events.
Could it be that the don't know how to go 'round a right hander? Chicken??
There has been a few of the up'n comers fronting up on slider type machines powered with engines that fit the mould of 'recognisable brand'as mentioned above mainly on 250s,
If some machines turned up with modern Yamaha , Honda etc larger power plants say 450s it could become very interesting.
pancho
