lotus54

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.

Press it FOR 30 seconds? Hmm, they just told me to press and release, then start within 30 seconds. I'll have to try holding it also.

First break-in ride. I took it out on some local trails to break it in a bit and try it out. Just trail riding. Of course the bike felt very 'trials like' which makes sense. Steep, quick steering, minimal suspension. (Although worked wel) gaps to upper gears. Clutch and brakes have great feel, engine ran perfectly cold to hot. Very smooth, predictable power- very controllable. I have to get into the mode of riding this type setup on the trail,I've been riding a KTM 300 XCW set up for woods (Rekluse, LHRB, tons of bottom end, very low pressure mich trials tyres etc)- and of course it is much quicker. But if not TOO rough I think the Explorer will move along quite well. Things I like. Super light, responsive Great power and control With bar risers, comfortable for all day standing. What I don't like. Gas cap is small and leaks Pirelli tryes don't have the grip of the Michelins Have have to learn how to use a clutch! (And foot brake) The foot brake does have much, much better feel than the one on my KTM, but still nothing like the Left hand rear brake. Of course, without an auto clutch using the LHRB all the time is rather difficult. I've figured how to use the Rekluse and still keep very good control- using brakes to slip the clutch. But of course the 300 has a lot more power, plus the manual clutch still has more total control I think. I need to lean to slip the clutch for nasty, long hills- since I'm used to just having he Rekluse do it. It was harder for me to climb some really muddy, slick, long hills than my KTM . But I'm sure part of that are the tyres and the rest is leaning the balance on this bike (I've got a lot of hours on the KTM) and more time with clutch. Overall I really like it and should be great fun for the tight mountain trails I like so much. Having a seat is nice for when I get out of shape and revert to sitting, or the ruts are so deep that there is no way to keep feet on the pegs. Seat heigh is much lower than the KTM, but still a very comfortable position to sit. The bar risers gave a lot better standing all day position for me, although I'm sure I loose a bit of control- but my neck would ache after all day with the stock setup. Here are a couple of videos. First is just walking around it, second is just cruising along an easy trail.

The easy start is used by pushing the kill button and releasing. The. Kicking within 30 seconds. This charges a cap to assist starting. Seems to work quite well. Before I knew about it it was much harder to start. Yes, I'm pulling that grab bar right away- the passenger pegs also. I'll put a soft strap on it instead.

I just received my new OSSA explorer! first 2014 in the country! Great looking bike, lots of interesting and neat details. Once I was told how to use the 'easy start' it fires right up. Air filter is really easy to service, good access for most stuff from what I ca see. I like the under seat storage and simple key remove seat. Clutch felt great, brakes work well with lots of feel. Seems very smooth progressive power. I have ridden it much yet, so I'll tell more later. I'll have to raise the bars for the riding I'm doing with it (standing all day)- but everything else feels pretty darn good. I'll post up some reviews as I get some time on it.

I would do a few things (you may have done these before, but I'd do them again) 1. Sparking plug wet or dry when it won't start? (New plug?) 2. If dry, make sure adequate fuel flow through petcock, any filter and into float bowl. Also check vent hose in fuel tank and on carb. 3. If wet- then put a spark checker on it. Ones of the ones that you can extend the gap. Test against your brothers to see if sparks similar distance. 4. Very closely inspect wires- it could be a little crack in the pickup wire, or on the coil in the magneto that generates the primary. Swap if you can. 5. I think your secondary earth wires are a good idea, make sure good between stator and HT. Coil.

Do you mean the interface cables and required software? If so, I am interested also. I at least want to get the FI software for troubleshooting/adjusting TPS etc. US dealer is a long way away. I'll be checking with the dealer, but no word yet. Please keep me posted on what you find. Mark (2014 Explorer on order)

Does anyone know the cost of the software/ cables to check/adjust the ECU? I live quite some distance from the closest dealer (300 miles or 900 miles) and it would be better just to have it for the long run. I know the combo for the Ducati wasn't that much. I do repair work part time and having such tools is. Must to properly service these bikes. I will check with the importer on those, but thought I'd ask and see if anyone knows. I don't have one yet, but looks to be pretty soon! (Explorer for me, but I understood all the running gear (sans suspension) is the same. Mark

I have downloaded the file with no issues. I could send it to you, or look up something. What is the problem? Mark