Ohvale's new GP-5 aims to be a more gradual stepping stone for riders looking to progress in their skills.If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn moreAs much as a trick slip-on exhaust can increase output and fancy brakes can boost stopping power, motorcycles are usually more limited by human ability than by their mechanical deficiencies.Accordingly, improved bike-handling skills are, for most riders, the ultimate upgrade. In a controlled environment with the right set of wheels, learning proper technique and finding the limit will unlock way more impactful gains than any ECU flash ever could.Ohvale's new GP-5 aims to bridge the gap between the GP-2 and the GP-7. - Credit: OhvaleIt's why companies like Ohvale specialize in smaller, more approachable motorcycles designed for training. In fact, even with several such models in its range, the Italian brand has just announced another to make the path to full-size performance even more incremental.A new size for OhvaleOhvale is calling the bike the GP-5, and it falls in between the company's GP-2 and GP-7. In other words, it's something of a Goldilocks offering in size and performance.The Honda CRF250R single gives the GP-5 enough motivation to get around full-size circuits. - Credit: OhvaleThat's chiefly because it rolls on 15-inch wheels. This makes the platform bigger than the GP-2 (12-inch) but smaller than the GP-7 (17-inch), so it's more accommodating of different rider abilities and body types.AdvertisementAdvertisementToward that end, Ohvale bills it as "meeting the needs of experienced riders," while also promoting the development of "young talents."For that same reason, it promises to be more versatile in where it can go. Though the GP-2 is sized for kart tracks and the GP-7 is a Moto3 stopgap for larger, full-size circuits, Ohvale built the GP-5 to handle both settings. You wouldn't expect 15-inch wheels based on the GP-5's full-size presence. - Credit: OhvaleAs such, it brings the same engine options as its older sibling. Ohvale is offering the GP-5 with an identical choice of 249cc four-strokes to the GP-7 and GP-7 Race: a Honda CRF250R or a ZS RR250.Equipped to performIn any case, like other motorcycles in the Ohvale lineup, the GP-5 brings it on the hardware front. The brand's bikes might be small, but it goes big on the spec sheet to create rides that promote good technique.Dedicated pit and map inputs give riders control at the touch of a button. - Credit: OhvaleFor instance, a complete Brembo system handles braking duties. The GP-5 rocks dual GP4 mini radial discs and calipers up front, along with a 15 RCS radial master cylinder at the rear.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe suspension setup is also impressive, and not just for the size. Ohvale's in-house forks and shocks offer full adjustability of spring preload, hydraulic compression and hydraulic rebound; assuming that's not enough, there are also options for an Öhlins TTX shock and an adjustable steering damper. Optional upgrades, like a steering damper, allow buyers to hone the GP-5's performance even further. - Credit: OhvaleRounded out by other performance-grade touches, like a standard Arrow (and optional Akrapovič) exhaust and a special Pirelli tire developed just for the bike, the GP-5 is made all the more focused because of its tech.Ohvale includes a dash displaying a manual lap timer, pit-limiter indication and other features. An optional AiM MXq unit takes the bike's data-gathering capabilities to another level. Availability and pricingAccording to Ohvale's website, the GP-5 will be available starting in October 2026. US pricing has not been announced, but the bike will reportedly start from €8,500 (~$9,900) in Europe.Ohvale GP-5 Learn More AdvertisementAdvertisementAbout the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he's not chasing the latest industry news, he's probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.
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