Gymkhana, test skill of rider

  ‘Moto Gymkhana’ type event in Japan is open to debate, it most likely took place in 1964. Murayama Motors, a motorcycle dealer in Tokyo, had a club called the Tokyo Trail Club and ran the first time attack trial in their car park. The whole idea behind the event was to have fun with the customers, promote their dealership and, of course, sell motorcycles!

Equal parts technical time trial and motorcycle meet-up, the sport of Motogymkhana has been slowly but steadily spreading it’s wings across the world. Originally developed in Japan, it was quickly and enthusiastically adopted throughout Europe and Asia. Now it’s popping up around North America but our response time has been much slower.

One of the many skills that make this motorsport—one that is open to all levels of riders—not just a great challenge but also an excellent idea.

Circuits are comprised of an assortment of cones, set up across a large, flat area—usually a parking lot—that requires the rider to demonstrate their abilities at navigating their bike around tight corners at slow speeds (often staying in first and second gear) combined with little bursts of acceleration along the most efficient lines, to keep the time down. Throttle and braking control, weight transfer, balance, and timing are of the essence to successfully maneuver around a Gymkhana course.

1st round of the Gymkhana winter tournament on Vespa with skill tests, in collaboration with the Vespa Club Italia