Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/127751
FIRST LOOK 1996 Trials machinery By Donn Maeda s 22 teams from around the globe converged on Markt Piesting, Austria, for the 12th Annual Trial des Nations, three motorcycle factories used the occasion to debut their new trials motorcycles. On display at the September 25 event were the latest offerings from Gas Gas, Beta and Scorpa. (Above) Seven-time World Champion Jordi Tarres and the machine he will use to chase after his eighth title. The JTR Is basically the same as the bike he used throughout the '96 season. (Right) A new skidplate protects the underside of the new motor. Though this engine was s 250cc version, production bikes will boast a 270cc powerplant. The new frame spars are much stronger than their predecessors. [ias [ias JTR T (Above) The rear subfrsme Is now a small support that Is hidden under the rear fender. In addition to saving weight, the new design is said to lower the center of gravity. (Right) The Gas Gas-made front forks ant secured by • set of new triple clamps. Every '96 model will felltunt the new forks. he Spanish"buiJt Gas Gas JTR aordi Tarres replica) was actually a mock-up, boasting the frame, suspension and body work of the new bike, but lacking one of the actual 270cc engines. The display bike also lacked a fuel tank and the small plastic panels that reside on each side of the bike behind the radiator. The new bike features a new-style frame that features the same downtube design that was used by seven-time World Champion Jordi Tarres in 1995. While the new downtubes have a solid, beefy look, they're actually stamped pieces that are hollowed out in the back. Towards the rear of the bike, the familiar bolt-on subframe has been replaced by a sleeker unit that is hidden under the rear fender. At first glance, it appears as if the bike has no subframe at all. In addition to the added displacement, the new 270cc engine has new crankshaft and cylinder head specs, as well as a new exhaust manifold, header pipe and larger muffler. The engin.e will be complimented by a new-style Dell'Orto carburetor with an oval diffuser. The radiator design is all new, as the bike has a rear venting system that sucks the hot air ou t from behind the radiator. The same design was tested on Tarres' machine throughout the '95 series. The airbox is larger, yet the overall seat height is two centimeters lower. A new set of triple clamps hold the Gas Gas-built front forks, which have also been revised internally. Cosmetically, the bright-red plastic is accentuated by black-and-gold decals. For the first time in many years, an overabundance of sponsor decals does not come embedded in the rear fender's clear coat. The Gas Gas JTR270 will be imported into the United States by Gas Gas USA. For more information, contact them at 7801 Eastside Dr., Kansas City, MO 64152,816/741-7615.