October 27, 200619 yr Very nice job, lovely looking bike complete with period cow-horn bars... One of those was my first proper trials bike and I have one in the shed waiting to be rebuilt like that - one day... Woody how many bikes do you have, it sounds like you have the bug as bad as Big john vinnied
October 27, 200619 yr Well it's fair to say that I do love and live for my off-roading so I've gathered a few over the years, but all cheap knackers on the whole which I will rebuild bit by bit as time and funds permit. I'm not into the concours thing, I'd like to rebuild them to good condition but ultimately want to ride them all at some stage, in different and suitable events, therefore they have to be 'riders' rather than 'lookers' so I'm not fussed about 100% originality. As time marches on I get more enjoyment out of riding the twinshocks than modern stuff so the 4RT will be going due to lack of use. I'll ride twinshock in most events, couldn't care less whether they have a twinshock class in them or not, but have my old TYZ if a modern bike is ever required. I'm also rebuilding a Birkett NBT framed TYZ that I bought and rode in the SSDT this year but unfortunately blew it up... but it had had a few years hard work before I got it. The 70s was my favoutire era for trials but I could neither afford a new bike back then or get to ride in many events at all. My favourite bikes are from that era which is why I enjoy riding them now and my aim is to have some nice examples of each, mainly the Spanish 'big 3' to ride as often as possible. Although I like my Majesty, I need to get the Ossa rebuilt for next years ACU Classic as I miss riding it. I'm currently messing with a Seeley which has a RS/RTL 250 motor like the 'works' bikes and as soon as that is finished I can get back to the imprtant one - the Ossa
October 28, 200619 yr Is Poweroll (the stroker kit co.) still in operation ? have a look at the TL125 page, you'll find lots of links http://www.kaila.net/tl125/ including for Powroll; Powroll their big bore kits are probably a little more solid than the Sammy Miller ones.... Also, have a look at this months (November 2006) Classic Motorcycle Mechanics and their finished TL125 will the Miller frame, as ridden at the Kendal classic weekend
October 28, 200619 yr Woody get your teeth into that OSSA! you know it makes sense!!! i like your ideals on doing the bikes up to use and not concours!!! im doing up x2 ossa mar's ones going to be near show quality and the other nice but to use! just wish i had more time (dont we all ) what with doing 65-70 hrs a week plus having my kids every other weekend plus a new baby on the way, times AND money's at a prenium!!!! oh well ?
October 29, 200619 yr This my current project, was going to be for this years Talmag!! looks like it won't be ready for next years! It is an early and very original C15T, still has the 20" front wheel, standard rests, steel tank (not the one shown) and exhaust on the outside of the frame. Alas most if these will have to go if it is to be remotely useable now, together with cutting down the rear subframe, now I have put sensible length shocks on. These will be the only obvious mods, and once done should be a staight foward resto (famous last words!) as the engine seems OK bar a rebore and everything else seems to just need cosmetics. The second owner was Vic Eastwood who has confirmed his dad bought it for him.
October 29, 200619 yr Its interesting to hear people talking about restoring Ossa mars, Ive always liked the look of this bike since I was young but have been put of buying one to restore, as i was told parts are really hard to come by. Is this the case. Mark
October 29, 200619 yr ossa mar - no problems,all engine parts are available from keith lynas in san diego,big ends and pistons are better quality than originals,petrol tanks and mudguards from sammy.motoplat ignitions can be re- worked to give better output than when new. these bikes are great fun to ride and can still be competitive, selling mine was a big mistake!!! much better than a gripper.
October 29, 200619 yr Go for it, ossa mars are great bikes spares come up on ebay quite a bit! dont be scared of buying coz there different or less common than sherpas or cotas thats the whole point of having one in the first place!
October 30, 200619 yr I have been looking through some old pics and have found this of my old MAR hope you like it. also found this one,my old cota 247 1971 vintage,not a patch on the ossa.
October 30, 200619 yr Nice bikes. The Mont is especially stunning but I agree the Ossa is the better bike. Penny's just dropped as to who you might be - if so, have you got any pictures of the 305 copy Honda you did some work on (belonging to ??? Nixon?) that you could post. It appeared in CCN with the Ossa and Mont if memory serves.
October 30, 200619 yr guess again woody!,talking of bikes featured in mags my pre 65 sprite was in one a couple of years ago.
October 30, 200619 yr Go on dude, show em the SWM......reckon its one of the nicest one's around Martin
October 30, 200619 yr hi martin,lost the disc with swm pics,will take some more tomorow,unless you still have one of it.
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