(Extra) small package, huge fun!

By Michael Gilbert, cycleworld.com

What the heck is an Ohvale GP-2 190, you may well wonder? Let’s start with what it’s not. The Italian manufacturer is quick to dismiss the notion that it’s a minibike, pocketbike, or toy. Instead, it’s built as a miniature yet full-spec racebike aimed at providing superbike-level feel and experience in a cost-effective and approachable package. And according to the Instagram profiles of MotoGP superstar Álex Rins and American-racing favorite Josh Herrin among others, Ohvales are ridiculously fun and prominent training tools.

The GP-2 190 enters Ohvale’s 2021 lineup as an all-new halo model, boasting 12-inch wheels, a revised chassis, and roomier ergonomics than the GP-0 110, 160, and 190 platforms, which feature a 10-inch wheel setup and are all still for sale. Ohvale has positioned the GP-2 as a steppingstone for younger riders transitioning to full-size machines and a more enticing option for grown adults considering a taste of the mini experience.

A closer look at the Ohvale GP-2 190 reveals racing DNA from the contact patches up. Beyond the race-inspired fiberglass bodywork, the design philosophy replicates modern-day supersport technology. Ohvale claims to have studied everything from sprocket positioning to triple clamp offset and trail to construct a steel-trellis chassis, proudly marked “Made in Italy,” that achieves a 53/47 weight bias and ride feel similar to modern sportbikes.

And the details don’t stop there. The bike connects to the asphalt via Pirelli Diablo Rosso Scooter SC race tires, while a 33mm inverted fork with spring preload adjustability is mated with a fully adjustable rear shock to handle damping needs. Stopping power comes in form of a four-piston J.Juan radial-mounted caliper over a 220mm disc up front and a single-piston caliper at the rear. Factory-looking CNC-machined bits, like triple clamps, fork lowers, and rearsets, add premium touches. It’s serious stuff for a little machine.ADVERTISEMENT

The GP-2 is powered by a four-valve, air-cooled, 187cc single-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed gearbox. The engine is made by Japan-based Daytona, and one interesting feature is that it has neutral at the bottom of four speeds in the sequential shift pattern. Ohvale claims the 190 produces 25 hp, and while it sounds like nothing to write home about in nearly any application, consider that the GP-2 tips the Cycle World scales at only 167 pounds fully fueled. That’s a 0.15 hp(l)/pound power-to-weight ratio, identical to the last SV650 we tested—a popular trackday bike that’s heaps of fun.

Kickstarting (when’s the last time you heard that?) the Ohvale’s engine and settling into the cockpit on a thinly padded seat feels different than your typical racebike, for obvious reasons. The measured low 27.6-inch seat height means that piloting the Ohvale feels more like go-kart height than motorbike. The seat-to-peg distance is 16 inches, about an inch less than your average production supersport, and it’s an aggressive reach to the clip-on handlebars. All of that combined makes the GP-2 an undeniably small motorcycle, but who said it wasn’t? For what it’s worth, I’ll argue it’s a lot less cramped than anticipated for my 5-foot 7-inch stature, and stringing together 20-minute sessions came with only manageable shoulder and wrist discomfort. I suspect this can be somewhat mitigated via the adjustable clip-on positions.

Riding the GP-2 is a remarkable experience once you complete the game of Twister necessary to get comfortable. Of course, the small size and light weight makes this bike a slayer in the tight confines of the kart track, but what’s most impressive is the deep-rooted connection of the Ohvale’s chassis to the racing surface. The chassis communicates every nook and cranny through its tires; the brake lever allows a thorough understanding of how much pressure is being applied to the caliper. Likewise, the throttle connection is direct and, while the numbers may suggest otherwise, the power delivery is engaging—scratch that, the power is ridiculously fun. Plain and simple, it feels like a purpose-built racebike.ADVERTISEMENT

And that’s what makes the Ohvale GP-2 190 so enticing. It really does feel like a full-size motorcycle when pushed to the limit, but better yet it comes with a fraction of the risk. The experience earned on the Ohvale can undoubtedly transfer to your big-bike skill set or prepare junior riders for a transition to larger, more capable motorcycles. It teaches you to be smooth and precise with your body positioning, throttle inputs, and brake pressure, because anything else will overwhelm the GP-2 and rob you of precious lap time. Smooth is fast, just as it is on a 400cc, 600cc, or 1,000cc supersport.

Ohvale has made a worldwide racing push, including the birth of the Mini Cup, taking place at four MotoAmerica rounds in 2021. The series features classes for the 110, 160, and 190 platform for youngsters of ages 6 to 14, and the opportunity to race at the same venue at the same time as America’s finest, which is something I’d have killed to experience as a kid.

As invaluable as riding experience and skill set development are, the Ohvale isn’t cheap. Rise Moto, the US Ohvale importer, offers the GP-2 190 at a starting price of $6,499. Our test unit settles in just below $8,600, with accessories including the fully adjustable 38mm fork with Mupo internals, EVR slipper clutch, Alfano LCD dashboard with GPS lap time functionality, and Acerbis brake lever guard. Racer dads, relax—the even-more-junior-sized GP-0 110 Automatic retails for $4,099 while the popular GP-0 160 is $4,899.

Still, there’s something charming about the Ohvale GP-2 190. It’s focused in a way that most minimotos are not, because it isn’t one. It simultaneously offers true education and entertainment while looking and feeling the part of a true scaled-down racebike. Having become addicted to the Ohvale after only a few laps on it as a 24 year-old, I can only imagine what my parents would have had to do to pull me off of it.

2021 Ohvale GP-2 190 Specs

MSRP:	$6,499/$8,600 as tested
Engine:	187cc air-cooled single-cylinder
Bore x Stroke:	62.0 x 62.0mm
Transmission/Final Drive:	4-speed/chain
Claimed Horsepower:	25 hp
Fuel System:	28mm Keihin carburetor
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate
Frame:	Tubular steel trellis
Front Suspension:	38mm inverted fork w/ fully adjustable Mupo internals (as tested)
Rear Suspension:	Monoshock w/ piggyback, fully adjustable
Front Brake:	J.Juan 4-piston, radial-mounted caliper, 220mm disc
Rear Brake:	1-piston caliper, 180mm disc
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Aluminum alloy; 12 x 2.5 in. / 12 x 3.0 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:	Pirelli Diablo Rosso Scooter SC
Seat Height:	27.6 in.
Fuel Capacity:	0.9 gal.
Cycle World Measured Wet Weight:	167 lb.
Availability:	Now
Contact:	risemoto.com