We get behind the controls of the new Vertigo Nitro 300 of the 2023 range, a model that represents the second edition of the Nitro saga, which incorporates a series of key new features that provide a plus in performance and reliability compared to its predecessor.
For the Trialworld team it has been very interesting to be able to carry out this dynamic test for more than two months on different types of terrain and also with a variety of riders, which makes it clearer what the value proposition of Trialworld is. Vertigo Motors as a brand and what is the role that Nitro plays in the market.
This is the Vertigo Nitro 2023
Why was Vertigo Nitro born?
In 2015, Vertigo Motors began production of the Combat model and the limited edition Ice Hell. In 2018, the Vertical range was born, which incorporated improvements in the electronics, the crankcases, clutch cover and also in terms of geometries. This model already significantly improved one of the critical points of the first models: the start-up.
The evolution of the Vertical triggers the presentation of a new model, the current Nitro, in 2022.
The arrival of the Vertigo Nitro is the solution to structural limitations of the Vertigo Vertical, such as the lower exhaust system, which limited the useful travel of the rear suspension. At the same time, the heat from the exhaust compromised the correct performance of the electrical system, which practically rested on the silencer.
The Nitro, on the other hand, has a more traditional side silencer and the electronic units are perfectly located in the subframe, which in this 2023 edition has as a novelty the incorporation of a lithium battery, the meaning of which we will explain later. Another benefit of the Nitro’s exhaust system is to reduce the engine braking effect produced by the Vertical’s exhaust.
Mechanically, the Nitro also took a step forward compared to its predecessor, redesigning the water pump, working on the possibilities of its electronic injection and getting more out of it in terms of torque and useful power.
Vertigo Nitro vs Vertical Differences
Vertigo Nitro
- Hybrid Battery Start System
- New Motorcycle Electronics
- New frame and geometries
- Exhaust system with side silencer
- Redesigned crankcases, clutch cover and water pump
- Increased rear suspension travel
Vertical vertigo
- Battery-free pedal start system
- Frame and geometries Vertical 2018 - 2021
- Central exhaust system that doubles as a subframe
- Suspension travel limited by center exhaust
WHAT'S NEW AT NITRO 2023?
Vertigo Nitro Mechanical News 2023
- Battery-Assisted Vertigo Hybrid Start System
- Smaller, machined, detachable clutch cover
- Nitro Etched Collector
- Optimized dry and wet maps
What's New for the Vertigo Nitro Cycle 2023
- New coil holder with silentblocks
- Vertigo chassis in 25CrMo 4 steel in green color + subframe in 6082 aluminum
- Tech Factory 170mm fork
- Reiger 2-way shock with compression, rebound and preload adjustment
- Works23 High Quality Blister Adhesives, Stronger
- Filter box with dual air intakes, better performance at low revs
- Renthal Fatbar Handlebar
- High-capacity, 2.3L tank located in the central part of the Nitro
The Vertigo Nitro has reached in 2023 the level that was expected in the first edition of 2022.
There was no doubt that the new chassis was noticeably superior and the bike was more effective in all respects than the Vertical. Mechanically , the step forward in terms of performance was also clear, as the new side exhaust had already been successfully tested in competition in the last Verticals.
On the other hand, the start was still one of the points to improve. The fuel pump and injection need power supply to activate, something that previously ended up being achieved after several kicks without being able to start. Now, a battery-assisted hybrid start system has been introduced in the 2023 range, which causes an immediate activation of the entire electrical system with just a minimal slide of the kickstarter, providing the necessary energy support for a successful start. This battery also solves one of the most delicate points of the Vertigo, which was not working with a constant electrical voltage.
The battery-powered start model on the two-stroke models with electronic fuel injection is the only possible solution to ensure optimum performance. This is also the view of Sherco and Scorpa, which will present their new 2023 model with this power system. In fact, in the TRRS prototype with injection presented at the TRS Lovers 2023, we also see the battery on the front of the bike.
THE DNA OF VERTIGO MOTORS
When you have a Vertigo Nitro in front of you and you can evaluate it in detail, you realize that the quality of the product and the finishes is absolutely excellent. There is no other trial bike on the market right now with such a detailed finish; Wherever you look at it, it’s perfectly thought out, finished off and protected.
The scheme of its part, cycle and distribution of weights is unique in the market. From the outset, it opted for a central fuel tank (renewed) to concentrate this weight at the lowest point of gravity.
The air filter is at the front, guaranteeing fresh and unpolluted air , which also causes a very particular sound to the bike. Behind it, as we have said before, is a large part of the electronics.
AT THE CONTROLS OF THE 2023 NITRO
Once you get behind the wheel of the Vertigo Nitro, you perceive a very balanced bike, with a comfortable riding position and not excessively Racing. He’s kind in this regard. Dynamically, this feeling is maintained.
A curious detail, which happened to some of us and others not, is that perhaps the interior support of the boot on the side protectors of the motorcycle is somewhat uncomfortable, since it gives us the feeling that the boot does not support evenly; It’s a minor detail, but if you’re driving with a slightly rearward position it could be a bit awkward. The truth is that it is also a matter of adaptation and it is still an observation, not a problem.
It transmits a feeling of poise and constant control to the rider , with nobility in the front end and highlighting as one of the best aspects of the bike its ability to pull. In a way, it reminds us of the traction character of the Montesa Cota 4RT.
The Vertigo Nitro is one of the lightest bikes, but at the controls you don’t feel that light. As we said, that poise and nobility of the chassis, on the other hand, makes us feel less agile for a stop-type trial, with many changes of direction, especially in the rear end, where we miss more “flow”.
IN WHICH SEGMENT WOULD WE PLACE THE VERTIGO NITRO?
If we had to classify the Vertigo Nitro, we would place it in a segment where the Beta EVO, the Sherco and the Scorpa would be, understanding that the most “Racing” bikes are the GASGAS and the TRRS.
As always, the big question that we as users must ask ourselves is the classic one: am I looking for the best bike in the performance catalog or the best bike that suits my style and expectations?
In this area of chassis parts, the Vertigo Nitro is a very complete and high-quality motorcycle. The reliability of this set is also at great value, since the reputation of a delicate bike is given, mainly, by its electronics.
WHAT ARE THE MECHANICS OF VERTIGO NITRO LIKE?
Under a well-finished and small engine block, the Vertigo Nitro displays all its character and personality.
In general terms we are talking about a bike that is easy to squeeze, with a forceful but docile bass, which contribute to that good traction that we mentioned earlier, which continue with a medium in the same line and a high rev that for us is the real jewel in the crown.
If there’s one thing the 2023 Nitro surprises us, it’s its ability to over-rev. Its stretch is absolutely impressive, surpassing the 12,000rpm barrier and delivering almost 19hp of real power to the wheel. This translates into a very elastic engine that is easy to squeeze for all audiences. It is not a particularly direct and abrupt engine when opening the throttle, but rather smooth.
The test has been carried out on multiple terrains, with dirt, water and low-grip areas being where it performs best by far. For big obstacles and steps, you need to be well aware of their responsiveness in all regimes and not be afraid to open more gas than necessary, which is otherwise fun.
The clutch is correct, also progressive, something that fits with the character of its mechanics that we described. We missed, on the other hand, a softer feel of the gearbox, although it is precise, but somewhat hard.
The best
- Quality of finishes
- Chassis behavior
- Smooth engine with high over-revving
- Weight distribution
- Racing aesthetics
To be improved
- Somewhat hard gearbox
- Rear End Agility
- Price
- Uncomfortable support of the inside of the boots against the bike
VERTIGO NITRO 2023 TEST CONCLUSIONS
The Vertigo Nitro 2023 is a bike that meets what is expected of a bike that is in the high price segment (€9,200 rrp of the Works 300cc version). It offers technology, good materials and top-notch finishes. Today, it is for us, one of the most complete and recommendable motorcycles on the market.
What you don’t expect from a bike of these characteristics are problems with reliability in the start or the performance of its electronics, something that seem like ghosts of the past judging by our hours on the bike and the global vision as dealers of the brand. However, that fact has complicated the popularity of a brand that has been able to react in time, since no other manufacturer has been able to launch three different bikes within a period of just seven years.
Injection is the future and all manufacturers are proving it. In addition, this injection, of the GET brand, is the one that prevails among all brands, which will favor a future that already exists (with the
WIFICOM
system) to have autonomy in the management of power parameters, tuning and maintenance of the motorcycle.
In our opinion, the Vertigo Nitro has reached a desired maturity with its 2023 range and has the best arguments to seduce the most demanding user. Now, as we said, it is important to understand what needs we have and what model gives us the answer. As for the economic variable, it is a high-priced bike, but unfortunately all comparable models are in a range of less than €1,000 between them.
Finally, and as with all the brands that the Trialworld Store works with, this same unit that you see in the test is available for information and dynamic testing. You can contact us and expand the information you need.
Photos: MOTO VERDE / Ale Cubino
Action: David Quer – Trialworld
Equipment OF THE trial rider in the 2023 vertigo nitro test:
- Helmet: Hebo Zone4 Carbontech
- Boots: Gaerne Classic Trial Yellow
- Gloves: Hebo Nano PRO IV
- Protections: Hebo Defender H
- T-shirt: TW Brand PRIME T-shirt green
- Pants: TW Brand PRIME green pants
- Socks: Gaerne COOLMAX socks
Vertigo Nitro 2023 Datasheet
- Displacements: 250-280-300cc
- Engine: 2-stroke single-cylinder
- Power supply: electronic injection
- Gearbox: 6-speed
- Weight: 68 kg
- Price: ND €
- Front Tire: Dunlop D803GP
- Rear Tire: Dunlop D803GP
- Brakes: Braktec, with 185mm and 150mm discs
- Rear suspension: Tech 39mm
- Rear Suspension: Reiger 3-way
- Chassis: 25CrMo4 steel + 6082 aluminum subframe
- Fuel capacity: 2.3 litres
- Engine oil capacity: 400cc
- Spark Plug: NGK-R BPMR6A
VERTIGO MOTORS 2023 RANGE PRICES
- Price VERTIGO NITRO WORKS 125 2023: 9.070€
- Price VERTIGO NITRO WORKS 250 2023: 9.145€
- Price VERTIGO NITRO WORKS 300 2023 2023: 9.220€
- Price VERTIGO NITRO LAMPKIN REPLICA DL12 300 2023: 9.900€
- Price VERTIGO NITRO TITANIUM R 300 2023: 12.995€
