lotus54

OSSA did sell the cables ( software is free) - but it was VERY expensive! I got the BTWICE setup for a resonable cost, it works very well. I think OSSA should have made it an inexpensive option or standard with the bike. But of course some people would just muck it up with the software. Matk

I have a BTWICE throttle body (and cables) but I have no idea which throttle plate it has. Seems to work well - a little stiffer spring, but I don't really notice it.

1974 and 2014 Explorers

I sure hope they do start producing again. (I know a certain person will say that they will never be back and they are crap) We will see! But I certainly hope so. I'm over 255 hours now- only twice setting the TPS and it runs great all the time. How can you not like that? I've never had any carbureted bike that good (even smart Carb). I'll be hoping! Mark

I have the diagnostics cable, software and maps. Very easy to do. They did produce bikes after the merge- parts were worse, OSSA did a lot better job than GasGas (but got ok after awhile) I bought one new (2014 Explorer) and it is wonderful. I would buy another if I had cash, but I'm prepared for a bit. More time on some parts (so far no issues) Anyone not prepared for that I wouldn't recommend buying one.

I've had my Explorer (same as 280i) to about 60mph and it had more- cruises 50mph easily. I run 100:1 and have around 250 hours on it. not very fun on the road, but I do have it street plated. mark

With the 2014 map I can idle mine all day with no issue. I run Motorex full synth at 100:1 Mark

I have a SAAB, so know what you mean. I also have a couple of 1970's OSSAs and can still get parts for those. I did buy a few things to have, Lewisport bought a bunch from the factory. I'm going to guess some things will be harder to find, many are standard trials parts.

Yes, it comes with software/maps/manuals. I can send those to you if you like.

I 'flashed' the newer firmware on my 2014- it runs better and starts even easier. I did mess about a little with baseline mixture - I run 100:1 Motorex full synth. Non- ethanol fuel (makes a difference, but probably not an issue there?) I run a hotter plug then recommended, I've never seem any sign of it being too hot. I found the bike is a bit touchy for likeing a clean sparking plug. I run a spark arrestor and need to make sure it stays clean or it runs like crap. I have something like 250 hours - still runs great. It seems to like a TPS reset every 100 hours or so. If I notice a bit rich, I just reset and everything is fine.

I got the cables/software at Trials and Tribulations. See if they can get more http://trialstribulations.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=31&products_id=2716 I found I have needed to reset the TPS about every 100 hours. Easy if you have them. I also updated the firmware to a newer version, and installed the BTWICE throttle (adjust idle without resetting anything) But if a dealer is in reasonable distance you don't need them, Bike is very, very reliable. Maybe the first year or two had issues (most bikes do)- but by 2014 the build quality is excellent and no problems. Features like cassette gearbox, FI, rear facing exhaust, high intake and radiator that never gets clogged in mud are something nobody else has. (Well, Vertigo is FI and the Montesa). For me, sine I trail ride it 99% of the time all are really worthwhile, Just yesterday I had to go through waterholes that would have flooded out most trials bikes with their low intake. Mark

I already said many reasons why sales were low that had nothing to do with the bike. I also don't know the figures of unsold bikes vers bikes produced. Dealers still have spares. Out of the 150+ bikes I've owned over the years, it is at least as well made as anything I've ever had. Of course, that is just my observation from my experience- I don't claim to have the inside scoop on all the factories and know about all the bikes I've never owned or worked on.

Along with name, a supurb design that has been developed and now working very, very well. Certainly a fully developed design is worth quite a lot. Not to mention spares 'in th system' already. Plus many don't ven know that it went down. I certainly wouldn't presume to know what tooling, parts, bikes etc they still have. To be successful I certainly think they need a bunch more $$$ to do marketing, supply etc. Hope it happens. Mark

No problem with spares from what I've seen. I'd buy another if I had the cash. I still say low sales volume had nothing to do with the bike- and everything to do with marketing, number of dealers, and capacity. I have under good athority that many, many more could have been sold in the States if they could have supplied them. The deal with GasGas was claimed to give more capacity and cost savings. Who know how much was political? Of course a lot of that is down to $$$ and how it was all managed. I wouldn't say the Spanish companies have had the best record In The workd there-- but of course their economy was hit VERY hard also. Only time will tell. Sure would be cold if someone with loads to invest put it in and they came out with a properly engineered/developed version of thenEnduro bike along with the trials. (I believe it was Colin Chapman at said devlopement was the result of poor Engieering) But of course I'm not neutral, since I like my Explorer so much. Most fun bike I've ever owned. And I've had a LOT over the last 46 years I've bee riding .

I'm hopeful someone will get them going again. Very innovative and I thought build quality was at least as good or better than the KTMs I've owned. I did buy some parts, just in case- and Adrian bought a fair amount of spares. So I figure I can keep,it going a long time reguardless

These engines don't have reed valves. So the intake side piston skirt is the intake timing. It is important.

Here is my 1974 OSSA Explorer. Engine has never be touched.

From what I've been told- at least in the States a LOT more could have been sold, but the factory couldn't supply them. Also, very few dealers around. That will stop many people. I've had oddball stuff most of the time, so it didn't bother me. I'm not sure the bike itself had a lot to do with lack of numbers at all. In fact I would suggest that the bike is so good is the only reason so many were sold at all. (Or perhaps just to wierd guys like me that like something different) Too bad they didn't have the funding to build supply more bikes and expand dealer network. Plus if they could have actually built (with proper development of course) the Enduro model I think many of those would have sold. IF they could have kept the weight down and kept performance and reliability. Mark (Edit: I think what I'm saying is I don't believe how bad the OSSA was had much to do with not huge amounts being sold. I actually think how good it was had to do with how many were sold even with all the other reasons to not sell)

My OSSA is still going strong ( some 250 hours) and I like it more all the time. Yes, the diagnostics cables should have come with them. I got a set of the aftermarket ones, work great and easy to load a new map and make any needed adjustments. I have a 2014- I understand the early ones had a few teething problems, but loads of new bikes do. Mine starts well, runs fabulous and is very reliable.

Dang- Of course there is no woodruff key on the primary side. I just had two of them apart to replace crank seals too! Jeeshh!! (I'm an idiot! ) So I fully agree with Stan. Pop it all apart and make sure all is good. Chain, cluch, Cush etc.

I did see you said there was no issue- but that sure sounds like it! Did you check the woodruff key? Primary chain? I would think if the gear dogs or drum had an issue it would make a big sound when re-engaging. Sorry- guess not much help! I do have a 74 MAR gearbox on the shelf- but I'm afraid any pics wouldn't help much.

Sure sounds like a cush drive problem. Any noise when the drive resumes?

The throttle body works as advertised. Spring is a bit stiffer, but I really don't notice when riding. Idle speed is just a screw turn. Might be a big difference if the bike wasn't running quite right and I needed to raise idle or something. Or someone just like it higher and is riding it. Mark

I think I tend to go too slowly. Although I seem to do better than a lot in my class when it comes to slick hills. On my Enduro bike I got pretty good at really slow, steep, twisty slick hills I couldn't go fast, bit figured how to get good traction. I still struggle a bit standing and getting max traction- other bike I would sit and move my upper body and control throttle. Getting better though. If I go faster I don't feel as much in control- although before I changed my style I used to just blast over/ through everything. But I'm very much a novice. (Been riding 48 years, but still working on doing a proper turn!)

I have the BTWICE throttle body. It looks pretty nice. I have not had time to fit yet- but will do a report. First one Trials and Tribulations managed to actually get. Since I trail ride my bike 99% of the time (only one trial all year so far) if I'm way up in the boonies and the idle were to get low- having a quick adjustment should be nice. Plus it is alloy rather than plastic. Plus I like, to try stuff...