Ossa (motorcycle)

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Ossa was a Spanish motorcycle brand made originally by Orpheo Sincronic Sociedad Anónima (O.S.S.A.) and later by Maquinaria Cinematográfica, S.A., founded by Manuel Giró, an industrialist from Barcelona.

The company got its start in 1924 making movie projectors for the Spanish market. After World War II, they began producing two-stroke-engined motorcycles with their first mass produced model being introduced in 1949. Ossa reached its highest production levels in the 1960's with exports to the European and North American markets. Their motorcycles gained a reputation for reliability among their customers. Although they produced beautifully crafted and rugged bikes, the firm suffered from a disorganised dealer network in the important American market.

The Ossa firm was a strong supporter of all forms of motorcycle sport including: road racing, motocross, enduro and observed trials. They achieved their greatest successes in Grand Prix road racing competing with an innovative monocoque-framed bike designed by Giró's son, Eduardo and ridden by Santiago Herrero. Herrero won four 250cc Grands Prix with Ossa before he tragically died while competing at the 1970 Isle of Man TT. The loss of their star rider affected the Ossa team so much that they withdrew from road racing altogether. They turned to observed trials and with Mick Andrews riding, Ossa captured the 1971 and 1972 World Trials Championship.

In the declining years of the Franco Era, the Spanish government steadily converted Spain's economic structure into one more closely resembling a free-market economy. The arrival of cheaper Japanese motorcycles into the local economy as well as a crippling employee strike in 1977 spurred the downfall of the Ossa company. In 1979, the company merged with Bultaco but this wasn't enough to stave off financial problems. By 1982, the Ossa factory closed down for good.