Triumph Motorcycles today confirmed its acquisition of electric off-road motorcycle company OSET Bikes to target youth riders and provide an entry-point into its upcoming motocross and enduro line-up.
The purchase of OSET, a leader in small electric fun bikes which distributes to 28 countries including Australia, will strengthen Triumph’s electrification capabilities and afford it access to the children’s motorcycle segment.
In a press release published today, Triumph explained that the acquisition of OSET will give young riders a starting point into the Triumph brand.
“Triumph’s philosophy, ‘For The Ride’, played an important role in the acquisition of OSET as it enables the Hinckley-based brand to inspire future generations of riders by providing them with the perfect starting point to develop their passion and dreams,” the press release reads.
“OSET Bikes offers products that are suitable for any rider, starting from three years of age.”
The British bikemaker has already confirmed its entry into the off-road category with new motocross models expected in early 2023, and enduro bikes to follow shortly thereafter.
While official details are scarce, INFO MOTO understands that the new Triumph dirt bikes will use bespoke engines rather than borrowing from an established off-road manufacturer like KTM and Husqvarna, most likely 250- and 450- class four-stroke units in its motocross line-up, and potentially a mid-sized two-stroke in its enduro range.
Triumph and OSET will remain separate companies for the time being, however, a statement indicates that the tie-up will see Triumph-branded electric bikes that build on OSET’s existing platforms “as part of its wider plan of offering a full range of off-road motorcycles”. A range of small electric Triumph dirt bikes could bridge the gap to its full-sized petrol machines.
OSET (Oliver Smith Electric Trial) was started in 2004 by Ian Smith and has since sold more than 40,000 bikes utilising in-house-developed electric powertrains.
“When we built that first ‘garage’ bike for my son, Oliver, I had no idea it would lead to this moment,” said Mr Smith.
“We are all very excited for what the future holds for OSET as part of the Triumph family.”
The OSET MX10 electric mini bike, which is designed for riders aged 4-7 is now available in Australia from $5100, and it plans to release four new models next year to cater for riders from 7-11 years and older. OSET bikes are currently built in Taiwan, although it may move production facilities under its new Triumph ownership.
Triumph has rapidly grown its market reach in recent years, launching new learner-approved entry-level motorcycles like the Trident naked bike and Tiger Sport 660 and taking a serious bite of the booming adventure bike category with its three-model Tiger line-up. It does not compete in the fully faired sportsbike category, perhaps due to dwindling customer interest, though its Moto2 partnership (supplies engines) and track focussed Speed Triple naked bike keep it somewhat relevant in the fast-bike arena.
Already the brand is well into development of a new electric sportsbike platform, with its TE-1 prototype set to preview future Triumph electric production motorcycles when it is revealed on July 12.
Norton Motorcycles is the most recent to announce its entry into the electric sportsbike space, while heavyweights BMW and Ducati (among others) are quietly securing their share of the pie.
With a road-going electric bike platform, new off-road chassis’ and electric dirt bike resources via OSET, Triumph may be among the best positioned of the legacy bikemakers to future-proof its entire portfolio.
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
