Ohvale is an Italian brand that makes purpose-built mini racing motorcycles. These machines feature high-spec components, are not road legal, and are designed for young riders to practise and race on. You may have even seen MotoGP riders practising on these little bikes at go-kart circuits, as they offer an excellent and unique way to hone riding skills. The fundamentals of riding never change, but these machines can provide a very different challenge to master when compared to a full-size motorcycle.
Theline-up in Indiacomprises the GP-0 in 110cc automatic and 160cc manual versions, along with the GP-2 190, which is available in two variants. Official power figures are unavailable, but the 160 is said to make approximately 15hp.
Small but Mighty
I started with the GP-0 160, which gets 10-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli slick tyres. To put things into perspective, weighing 70kg, I found this little 160cc motorcycle much quicker than I had imagined. Luckily, I have a relatively small and light build, but I still felt cramped as soon as I got astride it. The footpegs are properly rear-set, while the clip-on handlebars position you forward.
It takes a few minutes to get used to the bike, as every input you make has a noticeable effect. The front end feels twitchy, thanks to the small wheels, so you need to keep your grip on the handlebars relaxed. As fatigue sets in, you tend to grip them tighter, and that is when the bike can give you a scare. Tip it into a corner with tense arms, and you will find yourself fighting the front end rather than flowing through the turn.
On a regular motorcycle, you can often get away with sitting in the middle of the seat and still carry decent speed through corners. On the Ohvale, however, you need to get half your butt off the seat before entering a corner to achieve a smooth entry and exit. It quickly teaches you the importance of positioning your body correctly.
Then there is the all-four-down GP shift pattern. If you aren’t used to it, getting acquainted with the gearbox takes some time. Fortunately, the layout of the go-kart circuit did not demand too many gear changes. The bike had more than enough power to get around in second gear, with the occasional shift into third.
Once you get comfortable, the GP-0 160 becomes immensely rewarding. Finding a rhythm and gradually pushing harder to see how much faster you can go is great fun. The catch, however, is that a session of around 20 minutes leaves you more exhausted than you might expect.
The Ohvale’s cramped riding position had me feeling spent, and the dry Pune heat only made matters worse. I needed a long break before I was ready to get back on track.
A Step Up
After recovering, it was time to try the GP-2 190. This motorcycle immediately felt roomier thanks to its slightly larger dimensions and 12-inch wheels. Having already spent time on the GP-0 160, I was also able to adapt much quicker.
The differences were immediately noticeable. The throttle response felt snappier, the brakes were sharper, and I had to adjust my lines through the tighter sections of the circuit. The GP-2 was the more natural-feeling machine, primarily because it wasn’t as cramped.
However, it still demanded respect. Turn-in initially felt gradual, but once the bike passed a certain lean angle, it seemed to tip in much more quickly. You need to understand how far you can push and where, rather than blindly carrying more speed into every corner. On both motorcycles, the Pirelli slick tyres did an excellent job of providing grip. With the right technique and some confidence, these little machines allow you to explore the limits of cornering in a controlled environment.
Little Bikes, Big Lessons
The range launched in India is priced between Rs 7.30 lakh and Rs 12.75 lakh, making them expensive propositions. But it is nice to see that we finally get these in our country as they will help young Indian racers develop and improve their skills. Crucially, the Indian importer House of Machines states that it will support customers with replacement tyre availability, both for slick and rain tyres.
These bikes are far more than just mini-bikes for fooling around. They are serious machines, and their compact dimensions, committed riding positions and responsive handling demand precision from a rider. There is little room to rely on brute force or compensate for poor technique, making them excellent tools for developing proper riding skills.
The GP-0 160 was a thrilling introduction, although its cramped ergonomics and demanding nature took some getting used to. The GP-2 190 felt more comfortable and natural to me, but both motorcycles delivered plenty of fun. For anyone looking to improve their riding technique, these pint-sized racers offer an engaging way to do so. Just don’t let their size fool you into thinking they’ll be easy to ride.
