Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/1522963
Vintage Resurrection Vintage Resurrection 1972 Ossa Pioneer 250 1972 Ossa Pioneer 250 By Kurt Flachbart By Kurt Flachbart 34 Trail Rider www.TrailRider.com The early 70s was a special me for off-road en- thusiasts with motorcycles evolving at a rapid pace with major changes happening not only yearly, but many changes/upgrades were released mid-year also. As a kid who grew up in this era, I remember well how the Japanese bikes swarmed the market introducing so many to the sport of trail riding. What a racted most beginners were rela vely low prices and ease of purchase and service through local mul -brand dealers. The bikes were reliable but were also somewhat fragile and unpredictable in the hands of a serious, more experienced rider. Those who were serious about their sport leaned toward more expensive European brands such as Husqvarna, Ossa, and Bultaco. The year of 1972 was also pivotal as it was the first year for the Chromoly frame Penton and Yamaha unveiled "Torque Induc on" their term for a reed intake valve on their Enduro and MX models. Inter- es ngly enough, it would be a handful more years before the Euro bikes added reed valves. '72 was also hot for Spanish marques with Ossa, Bultaco, and Montesa ba ling for the lead at events world- wide. Growing up in New England, the two popular Spanish brands were Ossa and Bultaco. Those looking for a "Professional" mount typically chose Ossa for its reputa on for reliability at not only lo- cal NETRA enduro's but the Olympics of Motorcy- cling itself, the Interna onal Six Day Trail held in a different country each and every year. Don Cutler, Charlie Vincent, Kevin Lavoie, and Max Markowitz made us New Englanders proud with their accom- plishments riding for the Ossa team. The bikes handled well and were reliable as a hammer. By 1972, the Ossa 250 Pioneer had evolved hand- somely since its introduc on in 1969. The chassis was borrowed from Ossa's 250 S lleto motocross- er, highly respected for its precision handling back in the day. The Pioneer also was graced with the S lleto 244cc piston port two-stroke engine with a five-speed gearbox although in a milder state of tune with a heavy flywheel for carrying mo- mentum and broad, flat power delivery through- out the en re rpm range. Gear ra os were also changed to suit woods riders with fi h gear being perfect for transfer sec ons and occasional road use.