JOTAGAS 2015
Jotagas invited selected trade and press representatives to travel high up into the hills of Catalonia for the first viewing of their 2015 machines. The location for the event was to be the excellent Pascuet Offroad Centre run by ex World Championship rid
After landing at Girona airport there was a three-hour drive until we would reach our destination but with British Jotagas importer Steve Saunders at the wheel of the hire car, it was nice to be able to do some sight-seeing through the passenger window. Almost as soon as you leave the airport you start to climb up into the hills and you can see why Spain has produced so many world-class riders in the last forty years. Everywhere you look is massive rock steps, and technical section terrain is no more than a few metres from the side of the road.
SURPRISES
The major surprise for most, and the first thing we saw, was the appearance of two new Enduro machines and a prototype ‘Freeride’ style machine.
The Enduro models were available in two engine configurations, a 250 two-stroke and a 250 four- stroke, both with JTG engines fitted. The machines present were pre-production models with handbuilt alloy fuel tanks and airbox parts and very little in the way of graphics. Although there was nothing that could be called ground-breaking in the designs we expect to see more development and full production details in the coming months.
A very popular machine on the day was the freeride-style prototype. Based heavily on the 2013 trials model it is fitted with the Marzocchi forks, and the frame is modified around the fuel cell area to allow a much larger capacity for longdistance riding, as is the fitting of a larger, and more comfortable, enduro seat.
Superbike rider and recent trials convert Leon Camier rode this machine for an extended period and expressed his liking for the setup. It was more than capable as a trials machine, a fact proved by Jordi Pascuet riding up and over some very large rocks and also completing a huge hill climb section, as well as performing very well on the tracks that that twisted around the hillside.
Jitsie man James Duxbury also had an extended ride, and returned saying that he would actually consider riding the SSDT on one of these machines as it sacrificed very little in the trials front but would make the road and moor crossings a much more enjoyable experience.
2015 TRIALS
The 2015 Trials models at first glance looked like there may have just been a new set of graphics fitted. The new white base-colour of the standard model gives the machine a light refreshing look that somehow makes it look even smaller and lighter in weight than it already is. But dig a little deeper and there are some detail changes to be seen.
The Gold Tech forks are much the same as the 2014 model but they are now held in place by black yokes. Along with the black handlebars and white
clutch and brake master cylinders it gave a classy view when stood in the riding position.
The work of art that is the aluminium frame has now been finished in what could be called a Raw Cast look — I never picked up what the treatment is actually called in English but it does look very ‘works’ like. The graphics on all the models are now produced in the slightly dimpled material that has been used with much success on motocross and enduro machines for some time and proved to be incredibly tough.
The most visible change, owing to the unusual location on the right of the machine, is the use of a new rear shock absorber from Canadian company Elka. They feature easy-to-reach adjusters for compression and rebound, and the pre-load is changed with just a single collar that has a locking screw arrangement to prevent any slacking off whilst riding. Several spring rates were fitted to the test models, so it looks like you will be able to fine-tune them to whatever set up you prefer. One machine was also fitted with the Öhlin’s unit that may still be available as an optional extra.
There will also be a ‘racing’ version of all the Trials models available and these will have two colour options to choose from. There is the bright and lively yellow/green version, as seen in the image here, and another with red and black, which sadly wasn’t ready to view on the day. The full spec for the racing model is still being finalised but rest assured we will have full details when available.
DEMONSTRATION
Jordi Pascuet and James Duxbury took several of the new trials machines out into the yard to show us what is possible on a bog standard model. Jordi in particular made skipping around on the rear wheel on top of large, but not very wide rock slabs, look incredibly easy.
The engines have more than enough grunt at any revs for just about all of us and he also demonstrated the machine’s climbing ability by easily cleaning a very steep and rocky hazard up into the trees. He also launched the machine from a standing start up a
vertical two-metre concrete step with absolutely no bother at all. The excellent rear suspension just soaked up the hit and allowed him to drop very gently off the other side.
James Duxbury took to a combination of riding some rock sections and then a bit of freeride jumping on the prototype; once again it handled all that was thrown at it … with the bonus that if you slipped off the pegs you had a nice comfy seat to land on! The Pascuet family organised a lovely lunch break in the main house and then sadly it was time for the three-hour trip back to Girona — at least taking a different route back gave a chance for more section spotting.
SENSIBLE
Jotagas have sensibly avoided a huge major change to their machines, they are, after all, only into their third year of production and have stayed with minor changes, tweaks and improvements.
Anyone who has ridden a previous year’s model will get on the 2015s and find themselves completely at home, and the machine has quickly gained a reputation as an incredibly easy one to ride, no matter what your skill level is or what engine size you go for.
By the time you read this Steve would hopefully have had some machines to show off at the British World round at Penrith, and more details of the Racing model. If you have never tried one then drop him a line at Jotagas UK to arrange a test ride.
It is also worth mentioning that the Pascuet Offroad Centre is open to visitors. You can come to ride and also to have lessons with Jordi and his helpers. It is a stunning location and is fully set up for all types of riding.