You have a great looking bike there. lotsa bling. gold rims and bar clamps, titanium header pipe, s3 cylinder head, blue brake and gear ends, blue bars, all nice!
Chain is a bit loose - leave a finger width gap minimum between guide and swingarm.
Levers are different and angled weirdly, balance them up a bit and bring in the front brake lever on the adjuster - it'll tire the crap out of you way out there.
use the lanyard kill switch for wayward riding too! dont hit the fence especially with your missus!
Yes 2stroke4stroke, that was exactly what prompted the question. My friend said he thought his Montesa was about 19 20 hp and I thought the 2011 Ossa to be about the same now that its map is set how I like it. (Huge torque for a two stroker.) But 31 hp seems like a massive amount and I cannot imagine holding onto that without shoulder damage! Maybe it is ridiculously smooth and all in reserve but why?
Yep got it sorted at last. Laid the bike completely flat on a supporting piece of wood (just happened to the the wives teak sun lounger but hell, needs must) and with the fork fully supported I used a sledgehammer and gave it a serious tonk. It was seized inside through corrosion and came out fairly easily after that. Packed in a new one with mucho grease. Sadly the teak sun lounger wasn't as strong as it might have been and got a bit broken. "All that wine must have corroded the slats" I said. In hindsight lighthearted may not have been the way to go. But the bike is fixed, so what more can she want!? Ive put the lounger out on the street for anyone to take away as its just upsetting her now.
Frankly this is a problem area for Ossa from the sound of it. they grind and grinch even when new bearings have been inserted. I am thinking of tapping a grease nipple to ensure the whole thing is greased up tight.
I miss markers in sections often. Some of it can be blamed on just not seeing red in green.
There are five things I try to remember to make my riding consistent and in the groove.
I have to walk the section AT LEAST twice before knowing where the reds are and ensure that I have them all pointed out to me.
I have to make very sure of the markers in every section, and make mental notes of where they are, because I just don't see them.
Two I must drink lots of water, a litre per round, as I use it up but its also the fuel the brain uses for concentration.
Three, once I have picture in my head of where I have to go, LOOK AHEAD BEYOND, as you tire your concentration comes back to the immediate obstacle, but fully watered you can look ahead.
Four, and this I have to really work on, BREATHE. The number of times I see people and notice myself holding my breath is astonishing. I tell myself to breathe through my arms, weirdly it helps me not tighten up and cramp the forearms.
Five. Smile. I know it sounds stupid, but it works, to remind yourself that this is FUN and to raise your mood. It works, especially when we're a bit frightened at that horrible up and down....
There were some initial starting issues, and mapping changed that.
It now starts with one to three kicks from cold, no 9v system required.
I had some clutch drag issues that have been resolved.
And a noise at high torque low revs. All fixed.
That said I now have an excellent bike, reliable, light, lively, balanced and planted.
My friends envy my effortless loading and unloading. Mind you they are all Montesa wielders and huge musclebound weightlifting men. (ahem)
I love this bike. Would I buy another? In a heartbeat. They continue to improve and look even better.
BUT. Depreciation IS an issue. Most trialsters I know are not rich men, they require some return to step up to a newer model.
This is a problem as the bikes have been perceived as problematic, but frankly every other bike I have ever owned has given me more grief than my OSSA.
A lot of it is down to brand loyalty and resistance to new ideas and products. Some of it is snobbery and some plain old fashioned jealousy.
It is a handsome, light, nimble, powerful little ******* of a bike and I love it. Thats my 2 cents worth.
My OSSA 280i is close to 100 hours up after two years, which is not high usage.
I change the oil religiously and keep the bike in primo order but I do notice that there's a very weird low rumbly whine coming from the left side of the crankcase when under load in taller gears.
This is disconcerting and I'd like to know if its fixable?
It is not present all the time but most noticeable when the torque is loaded, perhaps its the lower e=rev range which enables me to hear it, or perhaps it disappears at higher revs, Any thoughts?
Boot Preparation.
in Trials Gear
Posted
I've just bought some new Forma Boulder boots to replace my Alpinestars which have given up after five years.
To be fair they have been soaked and dried very week with no further care.
I am keen to get the boots to last and have gone black instead of white which look like crap after a few rides.
The question is what product is best for the boot preparation, softening of leather and preserving etc.
Ive heard that Neats foot oil is good but others ay its full of petroleum which is not good.
Advice?