1975 Other Makes OSSA Super Pioneer

310072

Clear

1975 Ossa 250 Super Pioneer History of the Ossa Super Pioneer: The genesis of the 1975 Super Pioneer model was in the 1974 Phantom. Ossa introduced the all-new 250 Phantom in to rave reviews. It was the lightest MX bike of the year, handled really well, and had a potent racing engine. It was well received by both racers and the press for motocross. For off-road riding, the sturdy, dependable, but heavy 250 Pioneer had become a little dated. Ossa had a brilliant solution. For 1975, Ossa took the light-weight Phantom chassis, suspension and wheels, and mated it with the more trail-friendly engine of the Pioneer, to create the "Super" Pioneer. The new Pioneer was a great success, and I think it is one of the best off-road bikes that Ossa ever produced. About this bike: This 1975 Ossa Super Pioneer was purchased new and originally owned by Sharon Clayton - co-founder of CYCLE NEWS newspapers. Sharon and her husband Chuck started the publication in the living room of their Long Beach, CA home in 1965. Over the years, the now iconic newspaper grew to be one of the largest selling publications in the motorcycle industry. It was known by many enthusiasts for it's detailed and thorough coverage of both local and international motorcycle racing events. If you've been around motorcycles a while - then you know of, and maybe even loved the weekly CYCLE NEWS newspapers. Sharon's Super Pioneer was titled and received street-legal tags in CA in 1975, and was ridden 1,368 miles before being put in non-op (non-operation) status in 1977. The bike was drained of all fluids and put into storage in the shop at the CYCLE NEWS facility where it stayed until August 2010 - the month that CYCLE NEWS closed it's doors. Two good things came out of the closure. First, CYCLE NEWS had a "quiet" sale of some assets in the weeks prior to the closure - including the motorcycles that were in storage in the shop. I drove down to the CYCLE NEWS facility in Orange County, CA and was able to purchase the founders' Ossa on-site. I felt fortunate to have been able to save the bike from a very uncertain future. Secondly, Sharon Clayton was able to eventually sell the remaining assets of CYCLE NEWS to the MAG Corporation, and within a year, CYCLE NEWS was re-born as an on-line publication under the new ownership. So it was a happy ending for everyone. I took the Ossa home and carefully re-commissioned the bike after it's long rest. The bike was in surprisingly great shape both mechanically and cosmetically. The bike is very low mileage and highly original. Sharon had changed only the grips, handlebars and rear shocks. Kudos to her for selecting the Curnutt shocks, as those were (and still are) an excellent off-road shock. The only other change I have made to the bike is to replace the original tires. I also replaced the fiberglass front fender with a period-correct Hoss plastic fender, but still have the original. The bikes runs and rides great. I have ridden it a few times during the last 3 years, most notably in the vintage only "Divide Peak POS" Dual-Sport ride here in Santa Barbara County. The bike now has 1,436 mile on it. It has a "grandfathered in" CA street legal license plate that cannot be revoked. The bike has a Clear Title in my name and is currently DMV registered until August 2014. This bike has a solid provenance and I hope it will go to another good home. I am not under any duress to sell - just trying to make room for a new bike. I restore vintage motorcycles for select private collectors, and usually don't offer unrestored originals for sale - but this is one nice unrestored bike. If you are interested in my high-end vintage restoration work, please visit vintagemotofactory dot com for more information. FYI - The last two photographs in this listing show two restored vintage Husqvarnas that I just completed for a private collector. They are not included in this sale but both are available for purchase. The first is a 1968 250T Commando once owned by actor Dennis Hopper (Easy Rider movie). The second bike is a 1968 360 Cross raced by Bengt Aberg (x-World Champion). Serious inquires only please. I also have a listing for a very nice, newly built 1976 Suzuki RM250A - race, ride or display this bike. A $500 deposit is due within 48 hours and is non-refundable. Shipping costs to the lower 48 States should run $150-450 depending on your location. Arranging and paying for shipping is the responsibility of the buyer, but I do have some good shipping contacts I can share. The bike can be stored for several weeks (if paid for) while you arrange your transportation. International buyers are welcome as well. Any questions, feel free to call. Thanks, Bill. (805) 708-1129 Check out my other items!