1974 OSSA Explorer

[Lotus54]

I sold off the Honda TLR (trials) and for the same money got the OSSA.
From the original owner, low hours, pretty complete and pretty good conditon (considering).
No bolts are rusted up, only surface rust on stuff. 190psi cranking compression, runs pretty well.

Should be a fun project- I may just make it work and run well- leaving the original patina on the bike.

[BluK100RS]

Nice, and really brings meaning to "you've come a long ways baby". I keep looking at the craigslist offerings in trials machines and trials related machines like the Explorer and Alpina. For what I would use a trials bike for a vintage twin shock would fill my needs.

Art

[DougErickson]

Hey Mark, The manual is going to be a big help, Thank you!! Doug

[Lotus54]

Hey Mark, The manual is going to be a big help, Thank you!! Doug

You are welcome!
Keep me posted.

[Dragonknee]

Nice looking start to a really cool bike....

[GUZZME]

Hey! That thing looks good. Did you get that niftey little lamp to work?

[Lotus54]

Hey! That thing looks good. Did you get that niftey little lamp to work?

I haven't tried it yet. I need to make the wiring harness first (not much to it- no battery, no regulator, two switches.)

[Lotus54]

Since to make sure the crank seals were bad (and to assure I replace them correctly) I picked up a used 2-stroke leak down tester. To used it I needed to remove the exhaust head pipe (to plug it)
Since it is off, I looked into the cylinder.
Wow, the cylinder and piston (well, the back wall and front of the piston) look brand new! I have never seen one look so good.

It will be good to see how it runs with actual crankcase compression!

Mark

[Lotus54]

I replaced the mag side crank seal- then checked leak-down. Great! It held pressure really well.
So at least for now, I won't change the clutch side one.

I fired it up and it ran really well. Lots of bottom end power (no surprise there) and turned really well. Brakes...well I think it has some.
To be fair all the cables are 40 years old and I will replace them and some modern shoes. Hopefully they will be just bad then (instead of horrible). Modern brakes are just too good.
Same with clutches.

But it balances and turns great, runs great and sounds like a proper old air cooled trials bike.
Someone that knew how to ride could smoke me on a trials course without even trying on this.

Next, Caswell the fuel tank, replace all the cables, brake shoes at least rear tyre.
I have new decals for the tank and side covers, so I think I'll paint it (although tempting to leave lie, it is).
I need to make the wiring harness (not much) and little stuff.
Should be a really fun bike to ride and loads of fun to fix up.

Mark

[Dragonknee]

I stopped in and check it out, Its a cool bike and I would love to ride it...