Though I've never done trials before, I am a long time (43 years) rider on road and dirt, and have owned a large number of bikes (20 so far, two of which are still in the garage).
Not being familiar with the various competition levels, I've heard that owning an older trials bike will allow me to compete in an easier/lower level of competition.
The idea of an old bike interests me too, and among my past bikes were a Yamama 100 Ag bike, and an R5 350 (road bike).
Would something in the Yamaha TY range be suitable for me as a novice trials rider?
I'm thinking the 250, but maybe even a 175 could work.
My budget can stretch to the likes of the Gas Gas 250/280 types of things (just), but I think something cheaper and probably "gentler" would be better for me to start on.
I'm not scared of big cc bikes, 300cc compared to my 1500cc Goldwing is like a Morris Minor taking on a Ford GTHO.... but I know trials is not about size and horsepower, it is more about finesse and technique.
Pertinent information for assessment
almost 61 years old, moderately fit but with a couple of niggling issues that cause pain (but hey, hasn't everyone got those problems at my age 
), hover around 82kg > 85kg, about 5'10" tall in the old language.Current and recent bikes.. DR650, KLE500, DL650a V-Strom, GL1500 Goldwing, KLR650, BMW R1150GS.. and others.
So "getting a leg over" is not a problem
(oh dear, the old and bawdy jokes, the schoolboy humour.. I will never grow up, and have absolutely no intention of ever doing so 
)I have some reasonable wrenching skills, so again, an old bike does not make me tremble in fear of breakdowns (my lack of a workshop or decent work area causes me more stress than what I own in the way of machinery these days).
Looking forward to the opinions and input, thanks folks.
