lotus54

The trail between sections is something to consider for cross checking also. A trial I did last year one of the Marshall's knew me and mentioned he was glad I was there- for doing observing for the afternoon, higher grade riders. He knew some of the novice would have problems with done of the loop trail- but knew I would really enjoy it. Indeed, some guys had a very hard time even making the loop- I had a blast doing it, since it was like lists of the trails I like to ride. I certainly didn't clean them, but some were pushing.... I guess I should really appreciate our club- they really consider the Novice and kids riders and make it fun for all. Plus all really helpful without a bunch of ego getting in the way. Mark

I just started last year. I rode all year in Novice, did very well. I didn't want to move, since I felt I wasn't getting the really tight turns right. Lots of times I noticed the intermediate had less tight turns and Geiger obsticles. I could clean lots of sections in novice and usually 1st or 2nd place. So this year I thought I'd give intermediate a go. Only one trial so far, I did struggle the first lap a lot. After that I started getting into the groove better and improved. I still was down the list and could have rides better- but I'm very cautious and don't lime to fall down (or perhaps get hurt). I think it was the right move- I'm feeling a lot better about tight turns (still need to work on it) and the obsticles are good practice. Loads of times I would put a foot down- just to be safe. But most importantly I had lots of fun. One of the guys I rode novice with last year also moved up, so it was fun to ride with him and talk about how we saw it. Our club does a very good job of keeping Novice safe and resonable for a Novice I think.

Yes, if you look in the OSSA exhaust outlet on the cylinder it sweeps up to clear the transmission. The actual port is lower and like mentioned, works great. Having both EFI and carb two strokes, give me a good EFI any day. I think they have it down pretty well now. I remember when everyone said CDI was un-repairable in the field and better to stick with points. I remember points too well! (Still have one bike with them). OSSA was a pioneer in CDI. They got it to work with almost never a failure. Do CDI units fail? Sure! But points/condensers failed a LOT, LOT more. I certainly understand where those that are skeptical are coming from. I wasn't too sure either until I got one. Getting close to 160 hours, runs wonderfully !

Are are essentially describing the OSSA system. Add a small Rechargable batt (AAA in this case) and solves the start issue. It works very well. What could they do better? Have a BTWICE setup for idle adjustment. Have a cheap cable diagnostics setup, maybe even with a 'bare bones' version for people that don't really understand. I have setup a couple of them, they are very easy. There is a 'rich/lean' baseline adjustment you can do also. I've never changed it because the bike runs so well. Mark

I have 4EEEE wide feet. The Gaerne oiled balance fit me really well. A LOT less protection and MX boot. Like not much more than walking boots. So I wear them for trials (where I've already seen where potential toe jammers are) or sometimes for certain slow trails where I'll also be walking a lot. I trail ride my OSSA mostly, so use my Gaerne SG12s. Not much feel but I'm always hitting hidden stumps. I'm new also- just riding the bike taught me loads- it will tell you if you are wrong in a hurry. The local club members are really helpful- giving lots of good advice without making me feel like a dope. (Well, anymore than I usually am anyway)

I have a 2014 OSSA Explorer (same bike as the TR with some more junk added on) FI has been wonderful, much less hassle than the carbs on my other bikes I've had/had. I did have to reset the TPS at around 100 hours- took about 5 mintues. Still trying to get the aftermarket cables (I have the software)- the factory ones are way too much $$$. I borrowed the dealers cables to reset it. I have around 150 hours on it, it always runs great, freezing, 90f, sea level to about 8k feet. It starts very well (unless you touch the throttle, it doesn't like that) and I like the way it wokrs better with a one step hotter sparking plug. On the OSSA, the injector goes directly into the crankcase- points right at the rod bearing. (So some call it 'semi-direct'). Mine is street legal and works just fine on the road, quite smooth actually. Not much fun with 3psi in to be tyres and sitting- but for connectors and getting to the local trails I like it. I don't know how much the fuel pump costs, I've had no issues and I believe the importer has not sold any. Pain to get to it though. I know they has issues with some of the earlier bikes- but the map I have is quite nice. I've never has issues with my FI street bike (2005 Ducati Multi), or my cars since way back I the 70's. (My Lotus is due for new injectors, I have the ira box) I ran the APT Smart Carb on it 300 KTM, it took some fettling (I had a rather earlier one) but once sorted it worked really well (better mileage also). I think they have a 27mm also. The OSSA is very, very linear in power- I don't know how much the injection has to do with it. I'm quite happy with it. Mark

I lived right near there for a few winters - hoping to make it there. I've never seen a world trial. Heck, I've never even been to one before I competed in a club even a year ago. From what I remember, try to stay on the west side of 295 and 95 for least traffic. I see a number of motels listed.

ProGrip 714

It is best to call them. They could use some work on email responses.

I forgot to mention I needed to replace the AAA rechargeable battery in the Easystart box. It was about shot, but another was cheap and easy to fine. Made it better.

I have. 14 Explorer (same bike with extras) 142 hours- great! See my recent post, but I trail ride mostly so perhaps some different impressions. A hotter plug and a good kick results in quick, easy starting. I did have to set the TPS at about 100 hours. It was running rich and harder to start. Mark

I have not had anything like that experience. Bike has been great and only one part took a bit to get. And I think that was just because nobody else had broken that one. I understood parts were worse after thenGasGas deal. But seems getting better. I certainly hope they keep going- they are great bikes. Mine Is very well built- fit and finish is excellent and everything (except fuel cap) is top notch. I have 142 hours on it- still runs great (see my posts). I'd probably try and get a 15- but are they here?

I tried regular mineral oil and that was too thick and held bubbles. I bought some Motorex mineral clutch fluid, bled it in a few minutes and still working great. Mark

Update. 142 hours. Still having a blast on the bike. It has been very good. Around 100 hours I did need to reset the TPS- it was running rich and herder to start. A reset solved it. I broke a suspension link- but my fault. A few things I've learned. 1. I run a hotter plug, works much better. 2. Run A mud flap over the spark arrester (aftermarket). Mud will clog it otherwise. 3. Keep an eye on the fitting in the top of the main fuel tank cap. It can leak. 4. Fuel cap is still crap. 5. Clake 2 is fantastic! 6. Fit the trials brake pedal stock is horrible. 7. 100:1 Motorex has worked great. 8. Zip tie the one corner of the side covers, they won't fall off and it works fine. 9. Clean/lube rear suspension fairly often in the mud. 10. Keep an eye on the kick start screws. 11. Michelin x-11 Tubless with the Tubliss system works fantastic. 12. Check and replace AAA rechargeable batt in Easystart box. Loads of fun!

I run 100:1 Motorex full synth. About 105 hours so far.

I run those same risers on my Explorer. Much nicer for long trail rides. I did install a longer throttle cable, but I'm also using Twisted Engineering flex bars. Barnett should have the number.

It is there on my Explorer. Let me take a look and see if I can find where the sensor is located, then you can see if you have it.

Sounds great! Keep me posted. Do you have a copy of the manuals? I can send them to you. Mark

It would be nice if the factory could get him more bikes. From what I understand almost all are pre-ordered or sold quite rapidly. I rode a TR300 that had the factory upgrades. Definately snappier power (even on the 'soft' power setting) over my 280 Explorer and the TR280 I've ridden. I liked the suspension also (rather short ride). I've changed my Explorer to an Ohlins from the TR- too much money but much improved. I would have liked to order it with the full TR suspension- but was in too big of a hurry. I think it should be a standard option. Mark

I don't have any good tips (a heat gun on the hub may help) but I understand there is an upgrade kit to change to a full bearing like the later bikes. Mark

Keep an eye on the Lewisport page for a new, reasonably priced option. I head that hopefully in 2-3 weeks. When I get it, I'll post up full details. Mark

So Vipr, how do they compare?

The Isis chains are pretty bad. I'd ditch the whole chain and get a decent one. As mentioned above, the gearbox breather should be extended up near the headstock. Run full synth oil and change it a lot. Mark

For the OSSA, I would get a 2014 instead of a 2013. Many big improvements. I've been very happy with my OSSA Explorer (same basic bike as the TR). Mark

Any tips for removing the old ones? I changed out a couple of the rocker arm bushes, the 2nd side is easy- 1st a bit of a hassle. I couldn't grab it with a bearing puller and get it to slide out. Mark