Is the new OSSA best MAR none?

By TMX Archives on 19th Nov 10

Colunists

This week JD takes a look at the recent flurry of new trials models and applauds contemporary design...

ITS been a long time coming but the last couple of weeks has at long last seen a resurgence in contemporary trials bike design. The re-vamped 2010 Sherco has been rapidly followed by the radical new Ossa TR280i while Marc Tessiers new venture (or rather his original venture re-visited) Scorpa has risen, like a Phoenix from the flames, with a blitz of new models, although admittedly they are more traditional than his new Sherco and positively pedestrian compared to the Ossa. Nevertheless, it is good to see another manufacturer back in the fray as good, healthy competition is of course at the heart of the sport.

Traditionally, trials lags well behind other sports when it comes to development. Its a plain fact that road-racing sets the development pace with the hotbed that is MotoGP at the head of the list, followed by race-replica road-bikes, then motocross and finally, several years later, by trials. Through this traditional route we have seen the accepted norm of water-cooled engines, monoshock suspension, aluminium chassis, USD forks (motocross), efi and a myriad other updates.

In truth, as with most things in life, theres actually nothing new under the sun. For instance, want to see a bike with an under-seat fuel tank and a water-cooled two-stroke engine? Try a Scott, circa 1914. Thats the best part of 100-years ago chaps so how much progress have we really made...?

So what do we make of the Ossa? Firstly, its just really good news to see the brand back in the news. The Spanish factory is most famous for its 1970s MAR (Mick Andrews Replica) trials model which has become an icon and if rumours are true the new Ossa factory plans on building brand-new replicas of the MAR. I say new Ossa because all that remains of the original is the name and logo but as I say, great to see it back on a motorcycle than lying covered in dust in a drawer.

The TR280i? Well, where do you start! Designer Xiu (Shoo) knows his stuff as his innovative and very clever Gas Gas PRO engine shows and no surprise really that his new Ossa engine pushes the boundaries even further. The rear exit exhaust will of course need some clever work in order to get a tuned length into the system while the efi is new-ground on a two-stroke. Most manufacturers have got it cracked on four-strokes of course but no-ones really tackled a stroker yet.

Then theres the fuel tank where the front down-tubes would normally be. The jurys still out on that one I reckon... And USD front forks? Thats been tried before on a trials bike and just didnt work. My money says that a couple of the more radical parts of the design just might disappear in the development phase. Easy for me to say but with his radical engine, Id have been inclined to stick that motor in a conventional chassis and get that right first. Then you can get stuck into the unknown... But all credit to the designer for his vision and all credit to his backers for coming up with the cash. Look forward to the development curve with mighty interest.

Then theres the Sherco. A week before the Ossa made its debut we were all talking about the Sherco with its all-new chassis and rear-mounted fuel tank when the 2010 model was launched at the Dirt Bike Show. It still remains a talking point (mainly by people on forums who havent even seen the bike!) and again the proof of the pudding will be in the riding. And we wont have that long to wait.

Finally, the Scorpa. Marc Tessier has certainly had a busy couple of months not only overseeing the 2010 Sherco but rushing the rejuvenated Scorpa into 2010 life. You can see the pics this week in this paper and judge for yourself. But for the purpose of this piece, the Scorpa pushes no technical boundaries and relies on good old-fashioned tried and tested technology. It will do exactly what it says on the tin. Its as safe as houses, which is exactly what Marc needs as he gets Scorpa back on its feet.

Back to the Ossa and the original point of this weeks column. It is unusual to say the least to see trials pushing the boundaries of design and for this we all ought to be thankful to Xiu. It is back to the good old days of with all due respect one guy in a shed taking on the might of the worlds motorcycle industry. Ossa did this once before with Spanish rider Santiago Herrero taking on the Japanese factories in 250cc Grand Prix road racing, with a unique one-off machine.

The TR280i treads in those footsteps...

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