As in all motorcycling disciplines, in Trial there is no consumer profile with universal characteristics and needs. The bulk of the models offered derive directly from the competition and seek to seduce the consumer through an increasing technification of the product. However, there is a small percentage of consumers who are willing to sacrifice “pro” components for the sake of gaining comfort, versatility or simply being able to purchase the product at a more competitive price.
This segment, which we know as
Trial – Excursion
, offers very different alternatives ranging from practical models with less sporting aptitudes such as the ALP family of Beta -4T 125cc, 200cc and 400cc-, through a more trialist concept such as the Gas Gas Randonné -4T 125cc- to reach the maximum exponent of technification in the sector, represented by two very different alternatives: KTM Freeride 350 and Ossa Explorer.
LOGICAL RETHINKING
The Trialworld team has already carried out an in-depth test of the KTM – available at this link – with a truly satisfactory result. Its aesthetics, rather hard, do not give a glimpse of the good trial feel and torque offered by its valve engine, complementing in an outstanding way a generously comfortable set for long journeys.
Ossa’s bet is completely different to KTM’s. The clover brand has reformulated its TR280i to seduce the excursion lover, offering specific equipment to gain versatility and replacing “premium” components with others more in line with this type of use that, in addition, favor a cheaper sale price of the Explorer compared to the TR 280i.
The bulk of these modifications are concentrated in the cycle part; the 40mm aluminium Marzocchi fork has been replaced by iron ones, the Öhlins rear shock with independent reservoir gives way to an Ollé only adjustable in compression and spring preload. The handlebars have also been modified, now 25 mm higher, and the footrests, 15 mm higher and 25 mm forward. The rear brake lever is also newly made to make it more comfortable and accessible. Also noteworthy is the presence of Pirelli tyres instead of the usual Michelin tyres.
Regarding the modifications that affect its mechanical performance, we have an air filter box with greater capacity, motivated by a relocation of the injector control unit.
Aesthetically, the first thing that catches the eye are its shapes. The Explorer retains the TR280i’s signature tank, located in the natural position of the radiator, by adding a complementary 5-litre tank, for a total of 7.6 litres with 800cc of reserve. The rear end receives a subframe that sits on top of the TR’s original frame that allows for the coupling of a two-seater seat and a more robust rear fender.
AT THE CONTROLS OF THE OSSA EXPLORER
The first thing you need to know is that the Explorer starts with a lever. In other words, there is no magic button. Ossa has done a great job in this area since TR 2011, which was critical in start-up tasks. The latest models already offer high efficiency and the Explorer also incorporates a small power accumulator that makes it easy to get started. However, considering that all ALP models and the KTM itself do offer electric start, the Ossa has a point against it here.
Once rolling, what we find is a comfortable trial bike with a longer gear ratio. This means that with the Explorer in the mountains you can climb almost any trail, enjoy the trails peacefully and even entertain yourself in some purely trial areas to squeeze the undeniable sporty character of its roots.
Compared to other tougher alternatives, such as Freeride, it loses ground in behavior on fast tracks where high cruising speeds are reached. However, the Explorer is capable of driving smoothly at 80-90 km/h and reaching a top speed of around 110 km/h, although the latter is too forced for its chassis part.
The perfect habitat for our protagonist is rugged terrain, trails and winding trails. It also surprises in the purely trial areas, where its high possibilities are only limited by the weight – 8 kilos more empty compared to the TR – and the height of the seat. Outside of this context, his rivals are beginning to gain ground. For example, ALPs are more versatile off the mountain and Freeride on less winding terrain or open track.
In terms of range and depending on the type of use, the Explorer allows you to travel just over 120 kilometres on a single tank. It should be noted that we are looking at a Q2 that requires manual mixing at approximately 0.8% (due to injection). Would it be interesting if it had a separate oil tank and automatic mixing?
In short, this is a unique alternative (in terms of performance) on the market, highly recommended for Trial lovers who value versatility without moving away from the specialty or giving up practice in simple areas. Its price is around 5,900 euros (approximately 700 euros less than the TR280i) and, although both the technical configuration and the performance are very different, its great rival in the purely trial market, by price, is the Gas Gas TX 125 Randonné -3,578 euros-.
