stpauls

On the 99 Techno, the bleed nipple on the rear brake caliper has a ball bearing behind it, which acts as a sort of a valve seal. Without this ball bearing, it will not function properly. Apparently there is more than one type. I got one from BMV recently, but had to alter it a bit to make it fit. It did not come with a ball bearing, so I then had to find a ball bearing that would fit in the seat between the caliper and the bleed nipple. I found mine in the wheel of an old sack truck. Bleeding the bleeding rear brake is a real pain.

Hi I am not completely 100% sure, but I am pretty certain that I posted my original question about the reliability of the OSSA 280i in the "General Trials Talk" section, not the OSSA section. I was somewhat surprised to find that the posting had been removed from that forum, to the OSSA forum. I agree that a cynic might well suspect that opinions in the "OSSA" section could be biased - especially if there was an agenda, such as a person could have a (troublesome) bike to sell. I was speaking to the owner of an OSSA trail model (2011) last Sunday at the Golden Valley trial. He told me that he had experienced starting issues (now solved with a battery pack) and also gearbox issues, but I cannot recall what. Reading around, it appears that many owners have experienced gearbox failure, starting issues and several newish models recently have had swinging arm bearings replaced. Also, on e.bay at the moment there is a 2011 OSSA 280i that has had a new cylinder head and despite help from Birkett the importers, the seller is unable to get it running. Therefore, a 2011 bike is being sold as a non-runner! This could be unprecedented - because I have never seen a two/three year old bike being sold as a non-runner before (apart from a Voskhod - Russian rubbish in the early 70s). The lesson for the manufacturers is not to release models until they have been thoroughly tested for reliability. The lesson for potential buyers is imagine how you might feel in a few weeks/months time when you are unable to compete because your new (to you) bike has suffered a catastrophic and expensive mechanical failure. I like the design of the 280i but I am still nervy about buying one that could lead to upset and expense.

Hi Like the look of OSSAs. Worried about reliability issues. Faults? Would I regret buying a 2012/13 ? Thanks Tony

Hello All rapidly approaching retirement and now finding my old Beta Techno 250 a bit too heavy. I have been thinking about getting lighter, easier to handle 125, probably about 2010 - 2012, around £2500 ish. Any opinions on Beta, Gas Gas or Sherco 125s as being the better bike? Thanks Tony

Hello All Thanks for the replies. I leaned the bike over on it's side, then smeared a tiny bit of silicone grease down in, around the recess. It stayed in place until I refitted the cover. Thanks for the help. Tony

Hello I have just removed two of the clutch springs in my clutch, to try to give it a lighter pull. I am trying to refit the clutch inspection cover o-ring, which seals the case to keep the oil in. However, every time I try to put it in the recess, it just falls out. Is there a special way of doing this? Thanks in anticipation Tony