Ossa Explorer v KTM Freeride

[george formby]

Two bikes I'm very interested in, which is moot because only the KTM is available here. Ossa 74 kgs dry, Freeride 99.5 kgs.
Ossa recommends a new cylinder, piston & rings annually:crazy: not sure how much maintenance the Free ride needs.
I also hope the Explorer is easier to work on than their latest trials bike, the 280i. EDIT, could be one & the same..
Check out how to clean the air filter..
http://www.ossauk.co.uk/users/UserFiles/File/air.pdf

Thoughts & ongoing info on this style of bikes welcome.

Hmmmm...

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gs7viGUdKcw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Night Falcon]

both great bikes! The freeride is new piston and rings after 80hrs according to the maunal- not what I thought it would be given its detuned engine. I have sat on the freeride and it was love at first sit, but shes too high maintenance for love to last :bye:

[Crasherfromwayback]

The freeride is new piston and rings after 80hrs according to the maunal- not what I thought it would be given its detuned engine.

Yeah but there's no way you'll need to do that. An RMZ450 is supposed to have a new piston every 12 hours. But who do you know that does that?

[White trash]

both great bikes! The freeride is new piston and rings after 80hrs according to the maunal- not what I thought it would be given its detuned engine. I have sat on the freeride and it was love at first sit, but shes too high maintenance for love to last :bye:

My manual is telling me piston at 120hrs.

[Night Falcon]

My manual is telling me piston at 120hrs.

My bad...120hrs. Average of 10hrs awsome riding a month = new piston every year. Ya probably would get lot more out of it but I have this fear of exploding an engine if I'm even late with an oil change so my brain would treat an extended piston replacement like Russian Roulette :2guns:

[NordieBoy]

Air filter on the Freeride is, open seat, pull dyson, clean filter...

[george formby]

Air filter on the Freeride is, open seat, pull dyson, clean filter...
My jaw hit the floor with that PDF file.. When I sank the DT up to it's eyebrows it was a side panel off & 3 screws to remove the twigs, tadpoles & mud.
I'm a bit gazzumped that a genuine go anywhere bike is potentially a real pain in the butt if you run out of talent. Mind you, it's Spanish. they probably have to import mud.

[gav24]

Jeez, I remember when cleaning the filter was a quick job that anyone could do...!:eek:

That Ossa's a joke!

Maybe this is a sign of things to come.... Like when everyone used to work on their own cars...

I remember when all this was just fields...back in my day...when I were a lad.....etc etc zzzzzzz:sleep:

[george formby]

There was a mint DT 175 on Trademe a few days ago, allegedly less than 10k on the clock & it looked original. A modified DT 175 (suspension & brakes) to this day is the best trail bike I have ever ridden. Might be better off getting one of those & doing the upgrades on forks, shock & different wheels with discs.

[NordieBoy]

I remember when all this was just fields...back in my day...when I were a lad.....etc etc zzzzzzz:sleep:

Oi! That's my lawn you're falling asleep on!

[pete-blen]

There was a mint DT 175 on Trademe a few days ago, allegedly less than 10k on the clock & it looked original. A modified DT 175 (suspension & brakes) to this day is the best trail bike I have ever ridden. Might be better off getting one of those & doing the upgrades on forks, shock & different wheels with discs.

Yer prob not to far wrong.... I still think one of the best dirt bike motors I have ever riden/owned
was a DT400..
One in late model running gear would be great bike..

[Trials Rider]

[QUOTE=george formby;1130463463]Two bikes I'm very interested in, which is moot because only the KTM is available here. Ossa 74 kgs dry, Freeride 99.5 kgs.
Ossa recommends a new cylinder, piston & rings annually:crazy: not sure how much maintenance the Free ride needs.
I also hope the Explorer is easier to work on than their latest trials bike, the 280i. EDIT, could be one & the same..
Check out how to clean the air filter..
http://www.ossauk.co.uk/users/UserFiles/File/air.pdf

Thoughts & ongoing info on this style of bikes welcome.

Hmmmm...

Also check out the Sherco X ride http://www.sherco.com/EN/Xride.html I rode one last week, neat wee bike, I could have lots of fun on that

[Lotus54]

[QUOTE=Trials Rider;1130465413][QUOTE=george formby;1130463463]Two bikes I'm very interested in, which is moot because only the KTM is available here. Ossa 74 kgs dry, Freeride 99.5 kgs.
Check out how to clean the air filter..
http://www.ossauk.co.uk/users/UserFiles/File/air.pdf
/QUOTE]


OSSA fixed that air filter issue and older bikes can be retro fitted.
The new system is very quick and easy- plus the filter element is quite high.
I know when I trail rode my GasGas TXT Pro trials bike it had huge issues with water. The filter is quite low and water got in there. One time I barely made it back to my vehicle.

I certainly like the light weight. New improvements for 2014 are in place, and I have one on order.
I was told 7 weeks (probably Spanish weeks).

I can certainly post up a review af any are interested.
I'm not selling my 300 XCW, I think they will compliment each other. I expect the OSSA will be fantastic on the mountain trails and really rough single track I like a lot. Not so hot on fast Two-track or open desert type trails. But I don't lie those as much anyway.


Mark

[gammaguy]

Yeah but there's no way you'll need to do that. An RMZ450 is supposed to have a new piston every 12 hours. But who do you know that does that?

And last time I worked at a franchise Suzuki dealer I'm pretty sure the boss was trying to get me to sell them new valves at the same time as the slug was renewed at 12 hours

When I left there was still a nice full box of new ones nestling hopefully in the corner:bye:

[gammaguy]

My bad...120hrs. Average of 10hrs awsome riding a month = new piston every year. Ya probably would get lot more out of it but I have this fear of exploding an engine if I'm even late with an oil change so my brain would treat an extended piston replacement like Russian Roulette :2guns:

So what kind of oil change would that be then?

[NordieBoy]

Now the Ossa vs the new 250 FreeRide?

[Oscar]

Gas Gas Pampera, man!:banana:

[Lotus54]

The Pampera is lighter than the 350 free ride (I think about the same as th enew 2-stroke Freeride) but much heavier than the OSSA.
Of course it is probably more rugged also...

[george formby]

Gas Gas Pampera, man!:banana:

Good ones are like hens teeth. But, yeah.

[Crasherfromwayback]

And last time I worked at a franchise Suzuki dealer I'm pretty sure the boss was trying to get me to sell them new valves at the same time as the slug was renewed at 12 hours

When I left there was still a nice full box of new ones nestling hopefully in the corner:bye:

I used to do 'em every 12 when I was road racing the thing...but never in the dirt. Doing the valves springs is fucking important though!

[Lotus54]

Here is the new air filter setup. Looks good.
There is a kit to upgrade older ones, it moves the ECU out of the airbox, so I don't know how much (new wiring)

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm256/lotus54/motorcycle/46f65aefcb629f7079bcc0b9a84f8a24_zps2c33d19e.jpg

Mark

[Lotus54]

I just got my new 2014 Explorer.
What a blast!

Air filter very easy to service, a few screws, tilt the upper tank back , one wing nut and out comes the filter.
From what I see so far most things will be easy to service.

I Can post up impressions if anyone is interested.
Mark

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm256/lotus54/motorcycle/33c190a3ac62226b7b03d2e7b802a66a_zps576febb0.jpg

[NordieBoy]

I Can post up impressions if anyone is interested.

Do Tim Shadbolt. Always good for a laugh.

[george formby]

Do Tim Shadbolt. Always good for a laugh.
Quick, very quick.:laugh:

Post away Lotus, I'm keen to read your opinion on it.

[Lotus54]

Only one mild break-in ride.
Very much trials bike with gearing, geometry etc. BUT a seat if you mess up (or ruts are too deep to stand) and more fuel.
I've been riding with a Rekluse and LHRB, so I have to remember how to use a foot brake and the clutch.
Fortunately the rear brake has a lot more feel than my KTM has.

The bike ran perfectly, very smooth, linear power and of course very responsive I engine and chassis. Starts very easily. I like it!

What I don't like;
Fuel cap. Small and leaks.
Can't tell how much fuel is in it- although I think it may have a low fuel lamp (?)
Need to add a rear damper guard to keep the mud off.
Rear subframe could be recessed a bit better. Maybe nobody else notices, not a huge deal.
That's about it!

Here it is muddy.


http://youtu.be/UX6MEUIleo4

[george formby]

Is that the exhaust under the rear guard, behind right side, side cover?

[Lotus54]

Is that the exhaust under the rear guard, behind right side, side cover?

Yes, it is full width.


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm256/lotus54/motorcycle/f09873b6d362b7613620c325e76df6d1_zpse55ff5bb.jpg

[george formby]

How do you reckon that will handle streams & thick, gloopy, wet clay? I have a bad habit of finding the biggest puddle or deepest rut..:whistle:

[Lotus54]

How do you reckon that will handle streams & thick, gloopy, wet clay? I have a bad habit of finding the biggest puddle or deepest rut..:whistle:

I think it will be fine- the air intake is quite high and exhaust is high. I suppose going too quickly through a crossing could tend to toss it up on the exhaust outlet.
It wouldn't take much to add and extension out the side or a deflector.
The green thing is a spark arrestor I added.

Mark

[Ocean1]

How do you reckon that will handle streams & thick, gloopy, wet clay? I have a bad habit of finding the biggest puddle or deepest rut..:whistle:

Same detail as the TR280, works fine.

[Ocean1]

They do have a penchant for weird zorsts. I like that.

[Lotus54]

To service the air filter- just a few screws and tilt up the upper tank.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm256/lotus54/OSSA/180afef8b0498490aa1022fc8756b61d_zps69507503.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm256/lotus54/OSSA/57bd37be4a85d0a56e2d7a5e172f5fc1_zps6325b084.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm256/lotus54/OSSA/e42cfb3f68f7379fc72fbb283fbb7489_zps593a6fb8.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm256/lotus54/OSSA/91c9a3233f2c89842bb1c5f57fbb365d_zpsbb8db2ca.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm256/lotus54/OSSA/08ba2ccf94a5b7879e0c2d42b877ed5b_zpsac98e0a5.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm256/lotus54/OSSA/e219a7b7dfd686a007754becab667ee8_zps68c057b0.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm256/lotus54/OSSA/1c6d57e708e36705b9fd5cb2df7b4e0f_zps0fca13ab.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm256/lotus54/OSSA/fd2eb62268edadc69fde06d1129a3c82_zps6a639638.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm256/lotus54/OSSA/6a7f33bd8a5b21447fc05962cf1356d6_zps04909910.jpg

[george formby]

Bajillions of wee star shaped fasteners & very compact design. Keep us up dated, I'm keen to see how your new relationship develops.

[NordieBoy]

I like it :yes:

[gwynfryn]

Is that a Ferrari?

[Lotus54]

Is that a Ferrari?

Lotus Elan

[Lotus54]

http://youtu.be/96nIDXOkOt8

[george formby]

http://youtu.be/96nIDXOkOt8

Shertainly sounds like a trials bike. I love trails like that.

[Lotus54]

Bike is running great and I really like it so far.

Did a 53 mile trail ride in the mountains here on the Olympic Peninsula.
It as excellent on the tight trails, with rather narrow and steep side hills.
Used 1.5 gallons of fuel (US gallons)

The brake pedal is dumb, I'm changing to the trials bike one- it should have come with it in the first place. The stock one is too far forward and the tip doesn't fold.


http://youtu.be/psff2AJhWKg



http://youtu.be/rqUiimCyb_U

Mark

[Lotus54]

The OSSA is working fantastically!

A 43 mile ride Saturday.


http://youtu.be/JDwfk8Ud89c

[andy mac]

That was nice flowing singletrack that your 300 would be great in also. What were the other bikes you were riding with?

Last week I tried a Freeride 350 and after 15 minutes I was riding up steep climbs that are challenging on my 300. I really enjoyed it but question if the Freeride or Explorer are too specialised?

[Lotus54]

Yes, I've ridden that with my 300 and it worked great.
But I had more fun on the OSSA.

Various bikes
300 (x2) 450 KTM, 410 Husky, 250 Honda F, YZ Yam

All much bigger, more powerful bikes with at least twice the suspension travel.

So far I can climb at least as hard hills with my 300, but it is really setup for nastily tight hills. I'm getting better on the OSSA though- I think on e I figure it out I will be able to do much more difficult stuff.

It isn't that great for really fast stuff, but I moved right along on the quicker two- track. Just didn't slow down too much.

A bit more even for the gearbox might be nice. But so far it really isn't an issue.

Think about 75 lbs less than a 300!

(I do miss the e-start sometimes and the LHRB)

The 300 has a LOT More power, but the guys with all that extra power were not leaving me...
I think I was going about the same speed as my 300- but maybe a bit quicker in the super tight stuff. Of course I was trying to learn the bike and also keep my feet on the pegs all the time and keep in total control.
I think I did that much more than I would have on the 300 for some of the tricky places.

Mark




That was nice flowing singletrack that your 300 would be great in also. What were the other bikes you were riding with?

Last week I tried a Freeride 350 and after 15 minutes I was riding up steep climbs that are challenging on my 300. I really enjoyed it but question if the Freeride or Explorer are too specialised?

[Lotus54]

I went on a 50 mile ride yesterday (I think 4.5 hours actual running time, I'll check).
Started on HWY 101, off to power line, gravel roads, single track, tight single track, NO track through clear cuts (lots of log hopping etc), ice, hills - great day!
The OSSA did fantastic! Cruised down 101 easily, 50mph was around 4500 rpm in 6th, I'm sure 55-60 would be easy. Harder to shift sitting down (trials gear lever, move your foot to shift- works great standing, not as well sitting).
Of course it was the best in the places where there was no trail at all- the more difficult the better. I'm getting to know the bike more and trusting what it will really do. I had by far the easiest time (I think) in the really nasty sections.
The low fuel lamp came on just as we got back, so 50 miles with a small reserve. I brought a litre of fuel along, but never used it.

For fast, rocky sections, it certainly isn't as easy to ride fast as my 300, but I did just fine. Some places I'd be a little faster on my 300, but as I get used to the bike more I don't think much of the time it makes any difference. I try to ride about 60% of my max anyway! number one rule- don't fall down! (I was the only one yesterday that didn't.

I installed some KTM adventure plastic handguards- I used them on my Ducati and liked them. Quite light, flexible and not expensive. Worked great for the brushy sections. Before I kept doing stoppies as brush hit the front brake and clutch. Plus probably a bit warmer for my hands.
I am planning of getting some of the twisted Engineering flex composite bars, so these should flex ok with those bars (I think).

I really like the peg location and weight distribution of the bike. Even with modest power output it is easy to loft the front wheel at speed- a quick preload of the front and weight shift with a bit of a tug and it pops right up over mud holes, ditches etc. the rear seems to do just fine hitting those as speed, I haven't noticed any bottoming yet. Forks work darn well also. Lewisport fixed me up with the trials rear brake lever- perfect! Nice hinged pedal and in the perfect location. If you buy one of these, buy this lever also.

I'm very happy with the bike so far. Incredibly fun to ride and I feel like I'm improving my skills. Standing properly on hills most of the time now. The bike really rewards standing, since it is so much easy to move weight around and absorb shocks from logs, rocks etc.
It runs super clean, the guys behind say it is like riding behind a 4-stoke, except it smells great!

I'll pop up a short video later.
But I would encourage anyone to check these out. The light weight is fantastic!

Mark

[george formby]

I hope Santa is good to me.:laugh:

[Night Falcon]

A few low priced freefiddies on TM at the moment....tempting very tempting:yes:

[george formby]

A few low priced freefiddies on TM at the moment....tempting very tempting:yes:

Linky goodness?

[Lotus54]

http://youtu.be/Os92dLs7wAA

[Lotus54]

Bike is working great!
I started it last night when it was about 18f- started third kick.
Started well, unless I give it a half hearted kick. It liked a good firm kick.
New sparking plug makes it start with less of a kick.

This was a BIG group, but lots of fun!


http://youtu.be/Yms-s9zhUxE

[Lotus54]

Another update.
OSSA is working great with no issues. Well, the chain tensioner spring broke, but the dealer had it in stock and it was cheap.


http://youtu.be/NvgJAmvHduM

[Lotus54]

56 hours. Just serviced the linkage- good shaper but I'll probably do it sooner next time with all the mud/water I ride in. Pretty easy- removed the swingarm- damper- linkage in one piece, chain and all.
I changed to an O Ring narrow chain- cleaned the air filter, although it was super clean.
Only failure is the tensioner spring- but I also lost the bottom screw/bushing for the Kickstart, it still worked, but not as well. I lock-tited it and will keep and eye on it.

I have almost everything to convert it to a trials bike when I use it for that (done two- a blast!).
Only takes about 15-20 minutes to convert at the most.

Here is a video a riding buddy made on one of our rides. Pretty funny to compare the two- plus I always get a good laugh from his narration

I like it so much I sold. My KTM (and I really liked that bike)


http://youtu.be/tHQI2_U8OWw

[Night Falcon]

cool video. that's fun riding. would like to try the 250 freeride on that terrain :corn:

[george formby]

Love it. Magic carpet.
That's my kind of riding. I love the gnadgery. Sums up why I want a trials oriented bike rather than an enduro. Cheers Lotus.

[NordieBoy]

My sort of trails :D