models Judging by the proliferation of new Trial brands and models, we are arguably in luck. At a time when mountain access laws are hitting hard, federation licenses are increasing in price, motorcycles are more expensive and the economic crisis is wreaking havoc, it is rare the year where we do not see important novelties at the Milan Motor Show.
For this reason, my most sincere congratulations to all those who make an effort and do their bit to maintain the enthusiasm of the fans and contribute to revitalizing the sector.
From here I also encourage you not to fall into obvious mistakes that other brands have made to you, since the fans themselves are among the big losers.
WHAT WE NOW HAVE
Until 2010, the range of makes and models was better known to all enthusiasts. Beta, Gas Gas, Sherco and Montesa shared practically the entire pie. Scorpa, with its popularity and visibility at a minimum, became a “low cost” version of Sherco, equipping the 2009 engine of the latter on a chassis as efficient as it was obsolete.view Scorpa SY 280R- test
THE OSSA CASE
In 2010 Ossa was reborn after 30 years. The The media expectation is sensational and its exclusive technology (2T + injection) marks a course hitherto unexplored. The project made sense, as Montesa and its 4T, already in decline, had demonstrated the virtues of the injection, despite the difficulty of implementing it in Trial due to the low revs at which it works.
The The result of such an interesting project has been a bike that goes almost unnoticed. The haste in his release, ignoring his lack of maturity, coupled with the discreet debut in competition with Jeroni Fajardo, has caused the Ossa to be a bike that occupies a place in dealerships without the expected glory.
Probably, if it had been tested long enough and its debut in competition had been delayed by a year, we would be looking at one of the most popular bikes in the industry.
THE JOTAGAS CASE
A bike designed by the most successful rider of all time, Jordi Tarrés, ridden by his nephew, Pol Tarrés, and the dream of winning a world title in his first year.
From a sporting point of view, it all came down to a victory in the Japanese GP and the breakdown of the tandem at the end of the2012 season . The signing of Pol Tarrés by Sherco gave way to a period of greater sporting austerity for Jotagas, as well as a subsequent business crisis after the arrival on the scene of Josep María Pibernat (ex Gas Gas) and the lack of understanding with Jordi Tarrés and his entourage.
The result is that a brand and model with good projection today is in the dry dock, waiting for someone,after the departure of Jordi Tarrés last summer, to pronounce himself.
the Jotagas 300 There are fans who have paid €6,300 for a Jotagas who today do not have the information they deserve as customers. As a result, its second-hand market has plummeted, with some 2013 units being seen for half their original price. [Ver en comentarios la respuesta de JOTAGAS]
THE XPA CASE
Xispa, a brand that began its journey in Trial with children’s models, launched its XL model, the X250, in 2007, at which time Sherco initiated lawsuits against the brand for unfair competition and slavish copying.
In 2009 Xispa was convicted in 2009 and was forced to withdraw all motorcycles from the French market. Following an appeal by Xispa, that decision was annulled in 2010.
With the support of a new investment group, Alta Motor, Xispa was reincarnated as XPA and presented itself at the 2012 Milan Motor Show with another model with the same “low cost” philosophy: the XPA 250 Racing.
Since then, nothing has become of this model.
ELECTRIC TRIAL MODELS
On the other hand, I’ve lost count of how many years I’ve been watching videos of XL electric motorcycles, especially the Scorpa 5.7. The other alternative, manufactured by Gas Gas, we have had the opportunity to test it – see Gas Gas TXT E 4822 electric test – and at least one unit has been sold in Spain throughout 2013.
While the children’s market for electric motorcycles continues to proliferate and is a success (Oset Bikes was joined by Xispa, Mecatecno and Gas Gas; now, Clipic and Beta have new models), in adult models the market is completely stopped.
MORE SUPPLY, LESS DEMAND
On the basis that we also have a player who has arisen from its laurels in 2013, Montesa, The outlook for the 2015 models (they are being launched earlier and earlier and could be on the market in June 2014) is frankly broad, especially if we consider that there will be new surprises.
All of this represents a huge attraction for the fan. However, the lack of means and involvement of brands, which do not see beyond the competition, means that the fan is practically forced to choose blindly. Trialworld is the only digital magazine that strives to test as many bikes as possible to help you with your choice, but getting test models is a difficult and sometimes impossible task.
Recently, we are the only ones who have offered an extensive test of the Montesa Cota 4RT 2014 for free and the Gas Gas TXT Pro Factory.
NEW VERTIGO MOTORS WITH DOUGIE LAMPKIN
As a result of his passion for Trial, the entrepreneur Manel Jané has embarked on an exciting project about which there is not much information in the public domain. We do know that it has Dougie Lampkin for the design and evolution of the model, in addition to the fact that the new Vertigo could be presented this year.
Manel Jané himself, through the Trial Noassar area, is sponsoring riders such as Jeroni Fajardo and Toni Bou, showing the good relationship he has with them.
Both riders have contracts for 2014 with their respective brands, but it would not be unreasonable to think of seeing a “top” rider in the 2015 World Championship at the controls of a Vertigo.
JORDI TARRÉS’ NEW PROJECT
With Jordi Tarrés completely disassociated from Jotagas, the legendary pilot of Rellinars andHe is immersed in a new project with the aim of presenting it at the 2014 Milan Motor Show. It would be a completely new brand and possibly by the end of this month or beginning of February we will have more information about the details of this new challenge.
As you can see, 2014 – 2015 is going to be exciting. From here, my best wishes to all the new projects and strength to all the brands that continue to fight for their place in the market. Just one piece of advice: the key to success is in the fan. Professional riders don’t buy motorcycles.
Text: David Quer
