Behind Jotagas there is a beautiful story of passion starring the most popular and successful Trial rider of all time, Jordi Tarrés, who after two years of idyll in the market has ended in a disgraceful rupture between the board and Tarrés’ entourage for the reasons that you can see in this statement.
Ahead of the launch of the 2014 model we could still see Marc Aranyo, then Director of Marketing and Sales, posing with a new edition with more surprises than most of us expected. His relative youth and the experience accumulated in competition has been the point and followed that the JT needed to consolidate itself in a very competitive market with rivals of the highest level.
One of the great novelties has been the launch of a new version with a 125cc engine that, as usual in the market, takes advantage of the entire cycle part and engine block with its older sisters, the 250, 280 and 300.
WHAT ARE THE SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE JOTAGAS?
Before getting into the nitty-gritty, let’s review the structural and thermodynamic points that determine the personality of this model.
The Jotagas is a bike designed in a clever way. Under elegant lines, the JT has evolved from a sober aesthetic to the accentuated sporty mood that we see in the 2014 version, very much in line with the market trend (a lot of anodizing in components such as cylinder head, screws, seatposts or crown, black wheels, aggressive contrasts between black and white…), but maintaining its personality in certain sections that have differentiated it since its arrival on the market.
The new Tech fork is the most important novelty of the new modelBasically we are referring to its frame, which integrates the fuel tank, and especially the swingarm. The latter, made of 6061 forged aluminium, receives interesting and infamous inserts in its central part, providing a feeling of lightness and exclusivity that is accentuated if you observe its shapes from the right side, where the rear suspension system called V3 is anchored (three linkages, three bolts and three movements on a single axle).
We could say that this rear suspension system is the JTG’s most drastic bet and one of the main points of differentiation. Conceptually, this position has been designed with the aim of exerting longitudinal pressure on the main tube of the chassis and on the higher profile of the swingarm. The shock absorber itself is signed by Ollé.
The engine doesn’t hold any great mysteries. This is a 2-stroke engine that is offered in a wide variety of displacements and a performance that we will talk about later.
WHAT’S NEW
As we anticipated, the list of new features in the new Jotagas is important. We especially highlight the new Tech fork with aluminum bars, a suspension system that is currently the market benchmark in production motorcycle performance. It is an improvement that can be seen (aesthetically it has a great prominence) and felt.
The JT 2014 receives new Galfer discs and Bracktec brake master cylindersOn the other hand, we have new features that arise as a result of evolution and reliability tests. It was necessary to check the gearbox (the first ones gave problems) and so it has been done. Another weak point, the exhaust, has also been revised and the frame in the footrest area has been reinforced.
For the rest, new brake discs signed by Galfer, Bracktec pumps, screws and new aesthetics of the set.
AT THE CONTROLS
Thanks to the selfless collaboration of our friends at T3 Moto, the new trial bike shop in Argés (Toledo), we were able to premiere a Jotagas 2014 and collect the impressions that you will find below.
The first feeling when contemplating the Jotagas is very positive, especially if the model is new. The finishes are of a good level and you can see how the small details are taken care of, positively evolving all those components that in the first editions left evidence of their excessive youth.
It should also be said that, as we have been able to see in some previous versions, the rapid aging of certain components, such as the exhaust and the rear shock absorber (it permanently rubs against the boot and wears aesthetically with use), make the image of the bike excessively affected by the passing of the years.
At the controls it is comfortable, breathing familiar sensations from the first moment and narrow, leaving evidence that the narrowness of its shapes will be synonymous with lightness when the bike starts rolling.
Starting up is not difficult at all and a bronco engine quickly comes to life, forceful at the slightest hint of the throttle and a personal sound, but which reminded more than one, saving the distances, of the Beta EVO.
The performance of the JTG in the zones is amazing. We could say that this is one of the best chassis on the market; It perfectly combines lightness, rigidity, poise and nobility. Consequently, the JT is a very easy bike to ride and effective in the zones for a rider of any level.
We still like the rear suspension for a number of reasons. Firstly because of its sweetness, thanks to which the rider feels that the bike perfectly matches the terrain, without dry bounces. Then because of the lightness provided by the rear end, allowing movements with little effort and receptions with aplomb.
The Jotagas continues to offer great performance and the 2014 model has benefited from improvementsThe perfect complement to this V3 damping system is the new Tech fork with aluminum bars, whose performance is truly outstanding in any scenario and we only have points in favor of its behavior and homogeneity with the rear axle. This is a very balanced and grateful set with the rider whatever his level, as he feels how the bike helps to compensate for possible technical deficiencies in riding, making you feel that “everything comes easily”.
ENGINE 300 IMPRESSIONS
In our opinion, compared to its rivals, for a 300 engine it is very smooth and noble. This premise fits perfectly with the character of its chassis and the key to making it a bike suitable for all audiences. However, for contrast, we would have liked to have had the opportunity to also test a 280 and 250, since the latter is the ideal displacement for 80% of enthusiasts.
The engine stretches hard, is forceful and competitive. However, once again based on the fact that a bike of this price and level must be demanded the maximum, we consider that the 300 should come standard with a Keihin carburetor to satisfy the higher level riders, although they know that it usually forces them to be on top to find the ideal set-up. For the others, there are already 250 and 280.
CONCLUSIONS
The Jotagas 2014 saw the light of day before the internal crisis. Consequently, it combines the fruit of the work carried out during a good part of 2013 and the experience acquired in competition. Throughout 2014, with the new board, Jotagas has been heard very little and it is not usual to see her in the regional races in Spain.
It is true that, to its credit, it has many followers in the United Kingdom, and its importer, Steve Saunders, is doing vital work for the brand as an ambassador in a large and solid market. The Jotagas has also taken part in the toughest competition of all those held on a Trial bike, the Six Days of Scotland, with Jordi Tarrés at the controls, finishing in the first positions.
The V3 damping system is one of its great featuresThe Tech fork with aluminium bars increases the level of the 2014 range significantly
Therefore, expectation and good skills dominate a bike that adds sauce to a very competitive market, where having a good product is only the beginning. Consumer confidence is key and that is something that Jotagas, sooner rather than later, will have to work on if he wants his JT to set to the expected levels.
