2016 Vertigo Combat

There will be a new player on the local trials scene in 2016, with new Spanish marque Vertigo to make the leap from racing prototypes to marketing a new production model — the Combat.

The machine will be unveiled in Spain in September 2015, complete with a compact, 300cc two-stroke injected engine (31hp and 48Nm) with an electric water pump. There's a six-speed gearbox which includes four 'trial-related' ratios while the top two gears are designed specifically for the road or open trails — delivering a top speed of 110km/h, which is unique in trials land. All six gears have four different injection maps to provide 24 separate power options.

The frame is a mix of steel and aluminium, while Vertigo claims that by having the fuel tank in a low central position "fuel load plays no part in changing the feel or operation of the bike". Plus, it's also hidden from damage, which is a bonus.
There are two Combat models set to be released: the Ice Hell and Camo. The former tips the scales about 3kg less, thanks to weight-saving parts such as a titanium manifold rather than stainless steel. Full Australian availability and pricing for the two models will be announced later in the year.

Vertigo has two riders competing in the 2015 world outdoor championship: James Dabill and Francesc Moret. Dabill is currently running in seventh behind five Spaniards and Japan's Takahisa Fujinami, with six rounds remaining.

Former multiple world champion Dougie Lampkin — the world's best-ever rider before current juggernaut Toni Bou arrived on the scene — is the man tasked with Vertigo development, and it appears to be paying off in spades…