
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.