NEW SHAPE OF MINI GP: Ohvale Unveils All-New GP-5 250 in Guangzhou
Ohvale Introduces a "Honda Powered" GP-5 250cc
We attended an Ohvale presentaion in China and followed the Ohvale Guangzhou Supercup held at the Guangzhou Conghua International Circuit. Alongside watching international youth talents battle it out, the main event was the world premiere of Ohvale's newest track weapon: the Ohvale GP-5 250.
Ohvale GP-5 250: Quick Specs & Key Highlights
- Bridging the Size Gap: Features 15-inch aluminum wheels (wrapped in bespoke Pirelli Diablo Superbike slick or wet tires) designed to bridge the missing link between 12-inch mini bikes (GP-2) and 17-inch full-size race bikes (GP-7).
- Honda 250cc Powerhouse: Powered by a 249.4cc DOHC 4-valve liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine ("Powered by Honda", derived from the CRF250R platform).
- Alternative Engine Variant: Also available with a 249.8cc ZS RR250 engine paired with a 46mm Dell'Orto throttle body for varied racing categories.
- Precision Chassis: Built around a newly engineered aluminum perimeter frame and lightweight aluminum swingarm designed for maximum rigidity and direct front-end feedback.
- Brembo Dual-Disc Brakes: Outfitted with dual 240mm front brake discs, twin Brembo GP4-Mini radial 4-piston calipers, and a Brembo 15 RCS radial master cylinder.
- Pro Transmission: 5-speed transmission equipped with a standard upshift quickshifter and an optional STM slipper clutch upgrade.
- Race-Ready Suspension: Ø35mm USD fully-adjustable OHRACING front forks and link-actuated rear shock, with an optional Öhlins TTX rear unit available.
- Exhaust & Instruments: Comes standard with a twin-silencer Arrow exhaust (optional Akrapovič available) and full digital race instrumentation, including a manual lap timer, dual-map selection, and pit-lane limiter.
- Ergonomics for All: Ergonomically designed to comfortably accommodate both fast-growing junior racers stepping up to bigger tracks and adult track-day riders wanting full-size machine dynamics on smaller layouts.
Team Philippines at the Ohvale Guangzhou Supercup
Young talents gathered from around the world at the Ohvale Guangzhou Supercup in Conghua International Circuit, with Team Philippines as one of the main competitors.
- Vaughn Catalan represented the Philippines in the GP-0 110 Auto class.
- Anderson Debnam in the GP-0 160cc 4S category.
Having Filipino riders lining up at an official global showcase like this shows how fast the local MiniGP scene is growing thanks to the help of Alvin Nazal's BRAP Training Academy and Ohvale Philippines. Watching from the livestream, seeing the PH flag represented in two distinct classes was a massive point of pride for our homegrown grassroots racing scene.
The Future of Mini GP: Bridging the Final Gap
For years, the progression pathway in motorcycle road racing had a giant physical and psychological leap. Riders would hone their body positioning and throttle control on 10-inch or 12-inch MiniGP bikes, only to be thrown directly onto heavy, 17-inch Moto3, Supersport 300, or Talent Cup machines.
The introduction of the GP-5 with 15-inch wheels fundamentally alters that transition:
- Realistic Dynamics at Safer Speeds: 15-inch wheels behave much closer to a full-size race bike in terms of gyroscopic force, lean angle velocity, and tire feedback under trail-braking, making the transition to 17-inch wheels seamless.
- Accessible Training for Adults: It isn't just for kids. For adult track riders and professional racers using mini-tracks for offseason training, 12-inch bikes can sometimes feel cramped. The GP-5 offers proper ergonomics and high-end Brembo/OHRACING running gear without requiring a full GP circuit to enjoy.
- The Next Championship Benchmark: Expect national federations and private cup promoters to integrate 15-inch 250cc classes into their feeder programs.
