lotus54

I fit the DID narrow to my Explorer. The original chain was junk- I ride in the mud a lot and often 40-50 miles of tight single track on a ride. Maybe loose a little power, but it has so much less than my 300 KTM that I didn't notice it. If you use a rivet link I think it would fit right in. The clip link is wider than the rest of the chain by a fair amount. I didn't have a rivet link, so I opened up the chain tensioner block a little- works great! I wish it had an enclosed chain...but nobody does that anymore.

How long did it take you? The 2014 model has the Easystart box under the seat - that would have to be moved someplace, I don't think your model has that- yes?

I had never even been to a trial, let alone ride one- but I've been riding for many years- but MX or enduro bikes until pretty recently. I went to give one a go- on my OSSA Explorer (trials bike with a full seat and fuel tank). It was super fun! The sections were quite similar to trails I ride all the time- but of course when out trail riding I am just trying to Make it and not fall down. I do try to keep feet on the pegs, but that is really because of much better control. I had no idea of rules or scoring or anything. But the first section I tired I cleaned it! Not to say I did that on the rest, but felt pretty good, learned a lot about places I need to work on (after 46 years of riding you would think I could do a basic turn). I need to work on keeping my feet on the pegs rather than taking a dab when I don't really need to. My #1 rule when out trail riding is to not fall down, I need to try a little harder to just keep them on the pegs! I highly encourage going- everyone was friendly and helpful, I just said I knew nothing! Lots of good tips. (I did win the class, which was very surprising to me since I didn't think I rode that well!) Mark

I don't know much of anything about trials- I only just did my first one. But I started learning to cover the front brake all the time (and my LHRB) on my KTM 300 enduro bike. For awhile if felt really uncomfortable and unnatural to me. But once I got used to it, I found I had better throttle control- the finger on the brake gave me a good reference point to turning the throttle. My 300 has a LOT more power, and I set it up for loads of bottom end, so delicate control on the throttle is needed if you don't want to end up in the trees. Give it a try while thinking of reference- see if that makes any difference. I've never heard anyone say anything about that before, so maybe I'm full of it and it's just me.

I have about 50 hours on my 2014 Explorer- the issues I've had are a broken chain tensioner spring ($5) and the wiring loom by the steering head was tie wrapped too tightly from the factory, breaking a turn signal wire. My bike is plated, so I need to keep those working. The factory chain is junk- and the rear master fills with mud. But I ride in the mud a lot and my KTM went through wheel bearings also (no, I don't pressure wash). At least I could buy off the shelf ones cheap. Very happy with the bike!

I was told you could buy the cables/software (I was given a price) - but it was quite expensive.

I've had great results with my 2014. From what I read, they did address issues from the older bikes. But all well known and upgradable mostly. Mark

I'd probably locktite them also. I do everything else on bikes...

I welded a rod on a socket. That worked very well (swapped the phony stock Explorer pedal for the TR280 one) I wouldn't mine the setup - if they included a wrench with the bike. Sure no need to supply major special tools, but removing the brake pedal can be a fairly common need. Mark

For the air filter, there is a kit available from OSSA to make the air filter change a snap. Newer bikes come stock with it (I think from 2012?) My Explorer has been delightful and no issues. It seems that early issues have been addressed and solved. I'd post more, but I've already gone on and on in other threads. Very happy owner!

I have a 2014 Explorer. The main part is the same as the trials (plus subframe, seat, extra fuel tank and a bit firmer suspension) It is wonderful! Like mentioned, the engine has very controllable progressive power. Mark

The Explorer has tube type rims. I am running the Tubliss system, so I can run Tubless Tyres. The best part? If I get a puncture, the tyre will NOT come off the rim. Mark

Thanks Steve, I didn't see any class II hitch carriers there... Guess I'll make my own, or keep using the trailer... For shorter runs I just ride the bike, but wouldn't be very fun for a 150 mile road ride! Heading up in the hills shortly. COLD!!! (Well, for whimpy guys that grew up around here, where below 40f is cold)

Thanks for the ideas. cooper won't ship to the states or klipinhoff. Looks like I'll just need to build my own.

Has anyone seen where this carrier is available? I don't know for certain if it would work on my SAAB (factory V.5 rated hitch), but it seems it or something like it may work. (To haul my OSSA Explorer)

Another video, from before the last one posted. What fun!

I've done a few long trail rides on the bike, what a blast! It works fantastic for the mountain trails an drought stuff. Last ride with with a group of good riders on single track- I didn't really have any issue keeping up. Plus I had it way easier on the difficult parts (none were very hard). If cold and doesn't start in three kicks, I push the kill button again and then it starts right up. The only time it doesn't start right up is when I don't kick it right. It does like a good brisk full kick. But it only has about 19 hours on it. I bent the brake pedal on something, now I can reach it. Hopefully the trials brake pedal will be here soon. I did 43 miles of single track and the low fuel lamp came on just as we got back. I think that is .7 litre left. But I haven't filled it yet to check. Have to time the whoops right, but it is so easy to wheelie that it is easier than it sounds. I really liked my 300, but this is so darn fun!!

My 2014 Explorer starts 2-3 kicks for cold (it was 37 degrees this morning ) and the bike starts easily when warm. I will sometimes push the kill button briefly to start it when warm if I'm in a tricky location. I'm not sure it it make a it start easier when hot or not, but hasn't burnt anything either. 95% of the time it is one kick when warm. The only time it isn't one kick is if I give it a half hearted kick. If I start it like I did my old GasGas, it fires right . The bike seems to be getting easier to start all the time (I up to about 15 hours). I have access to lots of test gear also (I'm an electronics tech ) but I haven't hooked anything is to the bike yet. I was told pressing the button charges the capacitor- if the bike used the capacitor to smooth out the power then that makes sense. I went out for a 40 mile trails ride today through so nastily roots, ruts, rocks, hill etc. bike was great! Worked realy, really well for that sort of trail . Mark

I recently signed on. I'm a very long time rider, although I've never done any trials competition and really have almost no 'trials' skills. (Learning things slowly) I bought a GasGas 280 TXT pro awhile ago. I had great fun with it, really riding trails mostly - and in the garage with the engine off, balancing it. It taught me a lot about what I'm doing incorrectly on my 300'KTM. But I thought it would be great on mountain trails I like so much. I also had a Aprilia RS250 track bike and quite enjoyed it. But then a very fast buddy of mine got very. Hurt on the track when someone took him out. I pretty much lost interest. So I sold the Aprila and GasGas and picked up a 2014 OSSA Explorer. This bike is great for how I want to use it- plus since it is really just the trials machine with an extra fuel tank and seat, should do darn well on trials, I hope to learn a lot with it and mostly have lots of fun! Mark

I believe on the new bikes with easy start it is a small lithium batt that is charged by the alternator. For the Explorer, pressing the kill button charges the capacitor (start within 30 seconds). No 9v batt on the new bikes. I send a PM, but will try to get more info together and send/post. Mark

You reach those by removing the skid plate? I'd better treat all my connectors, since I will be in the mud a lot. Took it out again today- what a kick!

Yes, the software and cables are avaliable, but about $850 US! I was guessing perhaps half that amount at the most- I can't swing it at this time, maybe later. Mark

If it is In the gearbox/clutch, they look to be really easy to pull. Pull the whole cassette and check all the bearings. They have made a few upgrades on the transmission, but I don't know what they did. Still under warranty?

ACF-50. http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/cspages/acf50.php Fantastic stuff. We use it of LOT of very expensive electronics and never had an issue. I think I'd better go put some on my Explorer now.

My bike starts from cold 2-3 kicks. I have the lights off, key on and press the. Kill button for about a second, then release. Promptly kick the bike and it starts right up. I understand mine started 2nd kick out of the the crate from Spain. If you sand on something it is easier to give a good kick- I do it like I did on my old GasGas. Take the slack up, then briskly kick it. NO TROTTLE. I understand if it gets flooded you can hold the throttle open and it shuts down the injection, but I have just heard they third hand.