OSSA

350 Super Pioneer - 1976

An off-road big single

Becoming more and more specialized in off-road motorcycles, Ossa responded to the arrival on the market of the 348 and 363cc Montesa Alpina and Frontera, 356cc KTM GS Enduro, Suzuki TS 400 and DT 400, and XT 500 Yamaha with the 350 Super Pioneer.

The Same, Only Different

Over the years, Ossa's enduro models (Pioneer 2 and its competition derivative, Desert) had evolved substantially without losing the simplicity of the original models or abandoning the marque's praiseworthy regard for standardization. Compared with the previous Pioneer 250s, the 350's recipe was much the same, even though virtually everything was new, starting with the 302cc engine, which developed 33 hp and was noteworthy for its deeply slotted cooling fins.

The Search for Exports

The double-cradle frame was new, and gas-filled dampers were specialized, mounted at a steeper angle. Oddly enough, the offset brake drums were smaller (4.7 inches instead of 6.4 inches), to save weight. The Ossa weighed 232 lb, as opposed to the 265-324 lb of its Japanese rivals. Faced with the desertion of some of its Spanish customers to the new small cars that were arriving on the domestic market, Ossa and the other Spanish makers were forced to look to exports, particularly the US. In France, Ossas imported by Marcel Seurat and ridden by Vernier and Costes won the 1976 regional and National 250cc Enduro Championships.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 302cc (77x65mm) air-cooled single-cylinder

Power Rating: 32 hp @ 4200 rpm (torque: 32.6 lb/ft)

Valves: two-stroke

Fuel System: carburetor

Transmission: 5-speed, chain final drive

Suspension: telescopic forks (front); swing arm with gas dampers (rear)

Brakes: 4.7 inch drum (front); 5.9 inch drum (rear)

Wheels: 3.00x21 inch (front); 4.50x18 inch (rear)

Weight: 232 lb

Maximum Speed: 87 mph

The engine of the Ossa Super Pioneer had distinctive deep-slotted cooling fins. This particular bike lacks the usual gas-filled dampers.