mick annick

I'd overlooked the T Ride - I'm looking for something to do LDT's on, so far considered the Beta Alp 4.0, Kawasaki KLX250, CCM SR-40 and sticking lights on my '75 Ossa MAR... I'd prefer a triasl style machine to the an enduro type, though there's not much choice out there.

Tried sending you a pm but your inbox is full... Could you let me know where you got your springs made please? Mike

Anyone tried these yet? http://www.bytoto.com/hfs/node/5 I need stiffer springs, but these may be worth a try. Mike

Thanks Dabber, but can't find it

Thanks - I hadn't heard that before so will check it out. What events have you ridden? Mike

Other than the tank and seat, what is the difference between an Explorer and an MAR please (I'm thinking '75/76 here)? I fancy having a go at long distance trials and don't want to mess with my current MAR so am looking for another bike, but Explorers are rare, so it may be easier to modify an MAR if it's just bolt on parts, then I can always undo it to keep the purists (me!) happy. I've been toying with a new machine but nothing inspires me - CCM SR-40 - expensive, fragile(?), Beta Alp 4.0 - heavy, little ground clearance, Kawasaki KLX250 - a bit lightweight? I don't want an enduro style machine so have ruled out everything else, hence thinking back to an Ossa... Mike

Jim Track down Kevin Nolan - he and a few others ride in the South East and can help you; Alton Club occasionally run a sidecar route if Kev's gang are around Mike

Steve Sorted the binding wheel - I hadn't driven home the sprocket-side bearing far enough - took out the screw-in collar, pushed the bearing home a bit more and all was well. I've only ridden it round the car park but it feels great, and started it second kick which was a surprise. Mick

It's finished... Thanks to all the following: Engine rebuild - Eddie Bull Parts - Tim @ Gordon Farley Motorcycles, Mike Pearce, Trials Bits, Julian Wigg Wheels & tyres - Central Wheels , Coleshill Frame Paint - D J Hook, Smethwick Sorry the phots aren't very good Mick

Thanks simon Everything is new - wheel bearings, brake shoes, hub and backplate repainted (though I've ground most of it off again to try and resore the clearances). I don't think it's the brakes binding as if I slaken the spindle off a turn it spins freely, and the brake is working OK. The new inner wheel bearing is slightly recessed into the hub, so is amybe a little thinner than the orginial? I'm going to try a washer between the bearing and the backplate tomorrow... Mick

Another problem... Back wheel in, but when I tighten the spindle it locks solid - looks like the backplate is binding on the brake drum. Any ideas as to what I've got wrong? If someone could tell me how to post photos I'd show the spacer I still haven't found a home for too. Mick

Central Wheels have just done my Honda wheels - stainless spokes, new rims and painted hubs, cracking job but not cheap... Mick

The top mount spacer is present and correct, though it's not a stepped one, I am a bit baffled... Mick

The rebuild is moving on nicely, though I've found a part I don't have a home for - anyone know where it belongs please? Ah, don't know how to post a piccie, so I'll describe it for now: stepped collar 18mm o/d 10mm i/d, 20mm long stepped half way - does that make sense?? Mick

I've got the engine back in the frame, but the flange head bolts look rather scabby - has anyone managed to source new ones, preferably stainless? I've tried several local bolt factors as well as loads of websites to no avail. Mick

I've left the frame untouched - I put it up against an original frame and I can't tell the difference so maybe it is right and my memory that's wrong. Does anyone know if the front plastic sprocket cover is available anywhere, or have a part number so I can try the likes of David Silver? Thanks Mick

I've got one of his swinging arms and am well chuffed with the quality Mick

honda tlr That's the one I have... majestyman340 And Farley's is where I got it...! Mick

The wheels are now at CWC at Coleshill for new rims, stainless spokes and hub repainting, topped of with Michelin tyres and tubes. All the chrome bits have gone to Marque Restore at Coventry for replating. I've managed to source most of the bolts needed in stainless steel and am looking forward to putting it altogether. The only things I now need are a proper gearlever - short alloy one rather than the nasty steel folding tip one I have - any ideas? I could also do with a new front sprocket cover... I'm off to Tokyo in a few weeks and have my son scouting around for bits out there but he's not managed to turn anything up yet, but I live in hope. Mick

I'm starting to rebuild the bike now, but might have a problem... The taper roller steering head bearings supplied are not both the same, unlike the old ball races. A mate said he'd fit them as he has a press, but I think they're the wrong way round - does anyone know how they should go in? One has a shallow outer race with a raised part to the centre race, the other looks like a conventional bearing and has a deeper outer race. Thanks Mick

Bultaco49 A slimline kit campeon is my dream machine, enjoy it! Mick

When I was a mechanic 'EP90' and 'light gear oil' were very different things Mick

Thanks Simon, I'll see if my painter can work from that. Mick

Just got the frame back form the painters but I'm not happy with the colour match, and now don't have anything to compare it with. Does anyone know of the right paint code or match I can use? Thanks Mick

Woody Had a reply from Ossacels today - he's happy to ship to the UK, though I hadn't considered the exchange rate - the US might be a better bet. Mind you, I've still got my original mudguards which are pretty tidy, as you know... Anyway, the TLR rebuild is taking up all my time and money at the moment, so the Ossa won't be getting many presents but might just get ridden occasionally. Mick