1971 OSSA Pioneer 250

In Dual-Sport, Spain by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: This Pioneer was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown.


Ossa was a Spanish firm that offered a wide variety of dirt bikes to cover anything that an off-road enthusiast could want to do. The Pioneer was OSSA’s enduro bike, though realistically the pavement experience was limited to putting around in town. In the dirt, it was quite capable for something that was street legal. In fact, in a 1969 Cycle World review, a “staff member was so impressed with the test bike, he bought an identical OSSA of his own.” I’m impressed with this one for a different reason – it offers up my favorite pairing for an older motorcycle: original paint and a mechanical restoration!

Per this later (1971) Cycle World review hosted by Ye Olde Cycle Shoppe, the “Pioneer is really OSSA’s 250 Stilleto scrambler in drag.” The ’71 model got a few upgrades, including Betor suspension front and rear and a 5-speed transmission to deal with the output from the 244cc two-stroke single. Other basic specifications include a top speed of 73 mph, 42 mpg, 21 horsepower, and a curb weight (with half a tank of fuel) of just 257 pounds. That Cycle World review could be summed up with one quote: “Fast or slow, rough or tight, versatility is what this machine is all about“.

This example is offered by a seller who bought a different one new in 1971 and has owned “several more over the years.” This bike was originally sold in California and stayed around Santa Barbara its whole life. The seller calls it a survivor, noting the original paint and finishes and saying that it could be a solid starting point as a restoration. I hope the next owner keeps it as is! When the seller acquired the bike it had not been ridden in years, so he rebuilt the top end, refreshed the clutch, replaced the carb with a rebuilt unit, cleaned the chassis, replaced the Akront rims with DID aluminum units, and installed a set of rebuilt Curnutt shocks (replacing the original Betors). There’s a few missing pieces (speedometer/cable/holder) and the handlebars aren’t original, but it’s offered with a clean California title and the seller runs Vintage Moto Factory if you want him to restore it for you…

Find this Pioneer for sale in Santa Barbara, California with a BIN of $4,100 or best offer here on eBay.