(http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/9252/ossa002g.jpg)
(http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/4497/ossa008g.jpg)
Spanish marque back with a trick-looking trials bike
It's been a long time coming – a quarter of a century in fact – but Spanish bike maker Ossa (which stands for Orpheo Sincronic Sociedad Anónima) has unveiled a very shiny new model.
The Ossa TR280i trials bike is due to hit the streets in July 2010, and was unveiled in Milan at the 2009 EICMA motorcycle show.
Powered by a fuel-injected single-cylinder two-smoker, the TR280i looks the part, with a standout design that won't go unnoticed.
Interestingly, the layout of the engine is at an unorthodox rear-facing angle, leaving room for the fuel tank, airbox and radiator towards the front of the chassis. There's also an ultra-short exhaust pipe exiting the rear.
The Ossa TR280i's powertrain components are secured within a cast aluminium-steel frame, while the suspension is a combination of custom-made Marzocchi forks and an Ohlins rear shock.
The Spanish brand was started in 1949 and rose to fame via trials and off-road racing (Desert Phantom anyone?), having fought with the likes of Bultaco in the 1970s, winning its fair share of silverware along the way.
However in 1985 the Ossa factory was shut down, but with its first new model in 25 years -- and one that looks the business -- the Spanish motorcycle company would appear to be on the comeback trail.
The relaunched Ossa company has an all new website with some incredibly cool old footage of its bikes from the seventies.
They're expected to also launch a road-based trail bike next year according to sources.
The firm also has a range of retro clothing including a Belstaff-style trials jacket that is a replica of the one worn by British trials rider Mick Andrews, the 1971 and 1972 European trials champion.
Check out the website at: //www.ossafactory.es
http://www.trial-club.com:80/ossa.3274.0.html
http://www.zonatrial.net:80/noticias1.asp?Codigo=1192
http://www2.solooffroad.com/noticia.asp?ref=23173
Looks like a "super thin" MAR Trials! Love the colors too, vintage. Funny, Dirt Rider previews the new Yamaha as the first to turn an engine around and yet Cannondale, years ago, and now Ossa has a bike out with the same configuration. Cannondale was way ahead of their time and deserves Kudos as well as Rokon with those funny disc brakes and spoked wheels. Nice photos Gary
Wow, someone ought to forward these pics to Don Cutler.( I don't know how) Very impressive bike !!!
Raymond
Down East Pentons