just got my head totally turned by a 2012 ossa factory by a local dealer who i know and trust
been looking at other ossas and other makes and models but for some reason i cant get that factory ossa out of my head had a go on it and found the rear suspension to be amazing (rest of the bikes pretty good to)going to call him on thursday morning to try to sort a deal out
i think a lot of your reply made really good sense(thinking mans choice)as its trick and good value for money and not to many riding near me
i think its time to man up and get some money out
thanks again
Racer
I think you should go and spend your money on the Racing - PDQ! (the weekend is rapidly approaching and you need to get out on it !)
If it helps you I know of a Racing thats just sold for £3850 - they are a stand out bike with that carbon silencer................wouldnt mind one of those myself !
Thanks guys I'm in east Lancashire UK at the moment its proving to be a real nightmare trying to find a good bike
Couple of dealers have got 2011/12 evo300s some factory spec some normal could do with finding out how snappy they are whatever I buy it has to be in fantastic condition as I'm known for owning mint bikes gotta stay ahead in my bikes better than yours friendly banter
If you have any more thoughts I'm all ears
Thanks again
Racer
The Ossa would be the thinking mans choice ! Having owned Sherco Gassers n Betas - I had a ride on an Ossa recently and was blown away by just how good it was overall.
Smooth predictable linear power - be warned tho the mainstream 300's ( GG Beta Sherco ) tend to tire you in the arms after a couple of laps the Ossa doesnt do this.
Very well thought out layout- radiator and air filter will stay clean !! and all very easy to work on.
Ohlins rear shock comes STANDARD - there is no better shock than this - FACT.
But its trump card is that its fuel injection, starts easy no matter what the weather, and runs in a very predictable and enjoyable way.
Ive just come away from a Beta and whilst it was a good bike - the Ossa is so much better and has moved the game on, i suspect that the other manufacturers will have to play catch up now to Ossa.
You will get far more Ossa for £3k than any other bike at that price (dont think you'll get a factory for £3k though !)
Ossa has a cool bike factor about them too and they are the only manufacturer who is currently expanding manufacture.
I'd alway try buy from a reputable dealer as he will look after you and will only sell you something that he is confident in build a relationship with him and he will alway be there to help you and advise you - buy private and you take your chance !
Good luck and enjoy your venture back into trials !
If you can afford £3k then my advice is to spend £3k - basically you pay for what you get. The newer the better rule applies.
There are lots of good bikes out there - but in my opinion (having recently tested out several new bikes) I have opted to buy an Ossa. ( I had a Beta previously and have owned virtually every make of bike out there over the years)
Ossa represent excellent value for money (either used or new) come with an Olins rear shocker which is fantastic and make the bike ride far better than anything else does with out spending extra to upgrade ! The Ossa is full of modern thinking and has moved the game on - whilst others have stood still.
Mechanically they make perfect sense - im an engineer and looking at the Ossa lay out to me is engineering sense in that they are easy to work on, everything is in the best position for ease of use / longevity.
But the best part is the engine which is fuel injected. They are so smooth and predictable and you feel fully connected with the bike, and for me makes it so easy to ride and focus on the hazzards to ride - not the engine !
All the early bugs are long sorted now on the Ossa (what bike out there hasnt had bugs anyway ? My last bike had for sure !)
I would suggest you buy from a dealer - and they will look after you not just on the bike but loyality gains rewards over time.
Several friends of mine have Ossa's and they say they would not ride anything else. I think as more people try them the more people will be won over and go out and buy them, you can jump the que so to speak !
Got one turning up to Club Trials in the Yorkshire Centre. Brakes have been changed to AJP as the rider wanted the feel back. The Shock was under specced for this particular rider so they fitted a tougher spring but that hasn't fixed it so a Ohlins is being built for it. The original rear Swing arm flexes and a new one is being fitted. Engine is ok and a Kehin was fitted which is an upgrade fitted to Ross Danby's bike. Generally it seems reliable and the work is being fixed by Jotagas as development for UK club riders. Generally the lad likes it and he's gettting the support from Jotagas.
I have ridden this bike to see what it was like. - Its VERY GOOD INDEED and if I were to consider a 2 Stroke then one would be a strong possibility.
The owner of this bike is winning on it and rides with a big fat grin on his pretty face (sorry mate - couldnt resist !)
The quality is there to see, the lay out of the bike is superb - you can get to everything it would seem easily. Modern bike with out being OTT with gizmo's and features. You can spanner this at home.
The looks are great and the ride is excellent.
Yes this one is modified - but I would expect some of these mods to appear on new bikes soon. Thats not to say the original stuff was wrong - just not to the owners preferance.
Summary - Excellent and well worth considering and will have some manufacturers looking over their shoulders I'm sure.
I have a 2011 Beta 250 4T with an Arrow back box - its very grippy, zippy and is fun to ride (I weigh 15 stone) Its well made and is overall an excellent bike with out the complication of efi. Its also 'affordable' as 4 strokes go !
Its the best bike I have ridden IMO. Not much to pick between the 250 and the 300 unless you open them right up !
I am sure the Mont is also an excellent bike - friends I know who have them like them but do comment that they can be hard work and be a bit firey
I personally do not think that there is that much to gain by having the 'Honda' engine over the Beta / KTM donk they are both proven and well made both start and run well - the Beta will have a price per part advantage over the Honda - should you need anything.
Either way I strongly recommend that you try both bikes before purchase and if possible over the same terrain so you get a fair and level comparison.
Its a win win with these 4 bangers - the fun bit is choosing your own favourite
ps Ignore Mr Bou's Mont / Honda - its from the planet HRC ! and as such is not like a normal earthlings Mont / Honda would be
A certain Spen Valley rider has managed to scam yet another ride in this event this year, PLEASE can anyone riding try to keep this individuals drinking flatulance and general personal hygene under a degree of control ? (and at very least keep him away from your French hosts ! ).
We cannot afford in these hard economic times an un-necessary international incident as a result of this individuals 'personal habits and hygene' - not least it would bugger up the spirt of the trial for all the other British riders taking part.
It's rumoured that he is currently attempting to learn 'pidgeon french' which is limited to how to order a beer, its understood that he will however expect his 'mates' to pay for it on account of his recent shallow 'victory' - read 3rd place in a Spen Trial !
The other Spen Valley riders taking part will no doubt do their level best and attempt to keep this individual under control, however a full on British effort in this regard will be needed - so please get involved !
You will know who this person is as he will be the one telling tales (loudly) of him getting this 3rd place (in a recent Spen trial) at the expense of some of his 'friends' - not excepting that he cheated and gave bogus tips on riding lines to use to one of his unsuspecting victims.
As this is his only significant placing in recent history - he is full of it ! (arnt you Martin ? ......Opps :-o )
Please help your fellow British riders when in France to control this individual, as the home office are un-able to revoke his passport in time to prevent him travelling !
After a big off how much engine oil would you expect to see in the air box ? after the weekend I found quite a big puddle in there. And before you answer don't have an off I just can't help it that's the way it is.
Are you sure it isnt a build up of foam filter oil thats dropped away from the filter into to bottom of the air box ?
If you think its engine oil - look in the carb for proof.
I wont say dont have an off - rather try to stay on the bike !
Eh op on my raga 300 there is two red switches on top of the radiator, I have been told it is a mapping switch for the engine.
Can anybody explain what it does and how to use...
Cheers
Push the button which you like the look of the most - rev the engine - drop the clutch and hang on like &uck ! It's a Raga 300cc for christ sake do you really need to provoke it even more than what it gives you already ? You do ?? Geesss ! You are brave mate ! Good luck !
(in gest ) - You can only 'feel' what they do to the tune of the engine by experiment over the same section in each position and/or a reet good blast up a hill climb - But don't expect massive changes in power - more likley subtle wickness increases
Some of you are saying Un-proven bike ? In what context ??
The brand is unproven - but with Tarres involvement and Steve here in the UK I would take a punt on one.
The Bike is unproven - Hardly ! You just need to watch the stuff on Youtube that Pol Tarres is doing on one to see that this could well be one of the most 'sorted' new bikes ever !
Once Steve has machines here and is winning (as he does) on it there will be lots of eager beavers I am sure !
EE Bah Gum ! And I thought that I was as tight as a knats chuff !
Get yer hands in yer pockets and get a new tyre bought yer skin flints !
Nowt like a new un ont back to make sure ya beat ya nearest rival
That way you are supporting (propping up) your local trials dealer (he cant live on fresh air tha' knows !)
Oh and you dont have to go to the lenghts my nearest rival goes to to (try) and beat me - 3 new bikes in one year just to get a new back tyre ! (true !)
Plus another new'un already this year !
For all the tight arses out there - make sure before you change you pirelli X13's that you can deffo see what looks like bird dirt on the tyre (in other words it's worn down tut canvas) - that way ya knows youve 'ad yer moneys worth
You'll know ya Pirelli is jiggered when ya cant find any more grip on the section at the sand paper yard !
The only Beta specific advice is the bit about the potential for corrosion in the water pump casing (which is spot on) - other than that the remaining advice would apply to all trials bikes.
Beta's in general are very robust and have an excellent spare parts supply line in place.
If the bike feels right for you and it is clean and not obviously bashed about (check the underside of the bash plate and the foot pegs for hints of what its done) then you should be ok.
Listen to the engine ticking over and also what it sounds like when running down in speed from a gentle blip of the throttle - any whirring or gravely sounds (as well as knocking of course) and walk away !
The switch to ally frame trials bikes seems to of been reversed recently with round section tubular steel frames ala gasgas/ossa being the new trend.
Are these latest steel frames lighter than ally or comparable weight but being more compact allow for a neater overall package. (or is it cost against weight saving)
Inquisitive engineer in me asking the question
Gas Gas / Sherco / Scorpa - I suspect use steel tube so they can produce (Likley in house?) at lowest possible cost
Ossa - more a case of the steel tube design working with the rest of their radical bikes features
Beta - Alloy frame made by subcontractor allows beta to retain the 'feel' to the bike an alloy rigid frame gives.
Nothing wrong with either steel tubes or Alloy - more a case of what you like and what the bike feels like to YOU to ride.
The Beta's design proves Alloy can be compact functional and elegant.
The Ossa design shows just what can be done with a steel / cast alloy combo.
The Gas / sherco / Scorpa are all excellent examples of tubular art excellence !
Some strong comments landing here for the Oset camp !
However......
The Mecatechno is the new kid on the block in the UK (and could well have the latest tricks) and so it should not be overlooked, both machines are obviously aimed at the same customer base and as such before you buy it would be wise to look at both machines. (remember the very advanced Mecatechno trials bike of the early 90's ? I was riding the Spen Valley trial this weekend and was talking to Mr PJ1 himself - Richard Thorpe who used to sponsor John Reynolds on a 'Mecatec'- he was full of fond memories and enthusiasm for the bike - so if any of that has carried over then I am sure they will be a very good machine !
I'm pretty darn sure that with the enthusiasm and experience of Caroline Sandiford (the former Montesa importer) that the Mecatechno machines and the dealer support will tick all the right boxes.
I'd certainly look at both machines and then go and enjoy your purchase !
I wonder what future 'Electric' championship will be called now ? - to accomadate both electric brands.
Good luck with whatever you choose and enjoy trials with your kids !
Quote - However, if (and it's a big if as it's totally unconfirmed at this time) these rumours about Laia and Bou are true then that would clearly indicate Honda/Montesa pulling out of Trials at a world level and if they do then it's the beginning of the end for the WTC.
If this is the case it could just be a blessing in disguise - as it will force a return to reality 'world trials' from a cost perspective. The world championship will continue but at the much needed realistic level it needs to get back to.
That is real bad to hear Garry . Hope you get the lads bikes back soon and I hope that the flies of one thousand camels arses infest the scrotes who took these bikes from you.
You must have a horn to be road legal and strictly speaking it should be a continuous tone.
Battery powered ones are available but surprisingly hard to find.
I wired up a cheap motorcycle horn (from ebay) to my redundant headlight wires. When I turn the light switch to on, the horn sounds. (I do only use this for MOT's as I don't ride on the road very often!)
I am told that Halfords sell the battery powered continuous horns
Best place and easy to do is re locate it just above the top of the clutch side casing - on a level with the carb. You can use the same mounting bracket too.
You gotta try the bike first to see if its right for you. Personally the 4 stroke would be my preferance but we are all different.
Or, see if you can blag a ride on one at a trial - remember people tinker with the gearing on the 4 strokes (dropping a tooth on the front sprocket for example) so take this into consideration. Try it on the slippy stuff for a massive grin when you find the grippability they have ! (Steady throttle - dont blip it !)
As for the Beta as a bike, as with all modern trials irons - so long as its been looked after it'll be fine - they are a good reliable bike with excellent spares avalibility should you need it. :-)
I'm looking at getting my new evo insured for theft. It's road registered as the dealer offered to sort all that out for me and i figured it may be best in the long run. At the moment I only want insurance for theft etc. My plan was to SORN it as soon as the paperwork comes through.
I spoke to Carol Nash today who said I need an MOT to insure it as it's road registered. Not sure if this is the case however if i sorn it?
Can anyone confirm as i don't want to pay out for an MOT if not necessary!
Thanks
Hugh
Dead easy this - forget Carol Nash or Benetts - contact MSN Insurance - they specialise in Trials Bikes ! Simples :-)
.
) - You can only 'feel' what they do to the tune of the engine by experiment over the same section in each position and/or a reet good blast up a hill climb - But don't expect massive changes in power - more likley subtle wickness increases 
. Hope you get the lads bikes back soon and I hope that the flies of one thousand camels arses infest the scrotes who took these bikes from you.
What Bike To Buy Budget Of 3K
in General Trials Talk
Posted
I think you should go and spend your money on the Racing - PDQ! (the weekend is rapidly approaching and you need to get out on it !)
If it helps you I know of a Racing thats just sold for £3850 - they are a stand out bike with that carbon silencer................wouldnt mind one of those myself !
Good luck