The Ossa TR280i, how good is it?

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Shawn James
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The Ossa TR280i, how good is it?

Postby Shawn James » Thu Oct 13, 2011 9:12 pm

I've been looking the one for sale on this site for a bit now, and are torn between a Sherco or a Ossa.
I've always been told "Never buy the first model of a car/bike. let them work out the bugs for a couple of years."
So you people out there who took the plunge, whats the verdict?
Shawn


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Re: The Ossa TR280i, how good is it?

Postby David Lahey » Thu Oct 13, 2011 10:07 pm

If you are worried about buying the first model of the OSSA, why not just buy the 2012 model?


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Re: The Ossa TR280i, how good is it?

Postby Steve Holzhauser » Thu Oct 13, 2011 11:14 pm

Hi Shaun,
The advice you have been given concerning new models is normally a valid concern. If you are tossing up between a Sherco and an Ossa you would best be advised to spend some time on each to get a feel of each of the machines very different characteristics. Best thing about the choice of both the bikes you are considering is they are sold and back by one of the most reliable of dealerships in Australia. Im sure Scott Carpenter could organise a test ride for you if you give him a call.
I had a test ride on an Ossa back in March this year an instantly felt so comfortable on this new machine. I was laid up for three months after that test ride. Having just acquired the new Ossa 12 weeks ago it did take a few weeks to settle into the different power delivery it produces but the most noticable factor to me was the beautiful balance of the machine and its ability to put down power with out breaking traction in all conditions. Their have been a couple of problems in the 2011 model but nothing that Don or his distributors have not jumped on and had fixed immediately. I think Scott is having a riding day in early November which I will be attending with the new 2012 Ossa, you are welcome to spend some time on the new one if you can make it down.
regards
Steve.



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Re: The Ossa TR280i, how good is it?

Postby sdeane01 » Fri Oct 14, 2011 7:48 am

I had that same question earlier in the year. Concerned about a new model. But if i bought the Sherco i would have spent at least $700 on an ohlins shock, the same price difference. I went with the Ossa and am glad I did. There were a few little niggles but compared to what i had heard about other new models very minor, and the shipment of Ossas later in the year had fixed most of them.

Personally the worst thing about the Ossa is the torx. I hate them, but that is a personal thing. The air filter on the sherco is a big positive over the Ossa but that is where I feel the sherco has the only advantage. The grip that is provided by the rear shock on the Ossa is amazing.
Takes a bit to get used to and the airfilter change would be the second worst point on the bike, but after a few times you work out how to change this without too much concern.

The comforting thing about being a new bike and any issues was the fact that there is a 2 year warranty!!! Surely that is unheard of. I do feel the build quality of the Ossa is better. It is little things like having a braided front brake hose compared to the Sherco which does not. I feel the forks on the Ossa are second to Showa and the rear shock has got to be the best, if not outright then equal. That said have not tried the new Gasgas shock.

I mirror Steve's advice, ride them both. Both are fantastic bikes and obviously you know my preference. That said i have also ridden the shercos for about 4 years so it was not easy to go with another brand..

Hope this helps.

Shane



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Re: The Ossa TR280i, how good is it?

Postby Will » Fri Oct 14, 2011 3:20 pm

sdeane01 wrote:Personally the worst thing about the Ossa is the torx. I hate them, but that is a personal thing.
Shane


Easily replaced with internal hex I'm sure.

I have a personal dislike for phillips or God forbid flat head screws on bikes. :wink:



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Re: The Ossa TR280i, how good is it?

Postby Neo » Fri Oct 14, 2011 6:01 pm

sdeane01 wrote:It is little things like having a braided front brake hose compared to the Sherco which does not

Nothing to do with the Ossa as I love'm but Sherco's do have braided hoses ... But cover them in black plastic.

Best of Balance
Neo.


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Re: The Ossa TR280i, how good is it?

Postby Sherco Qld » Mon Oct 17, 2011 2:50 pm

Hi Shawn,
If you would like to have a ride on a very tidy 2011 Ossa, you may ring Mark Casey in Toowoomba
on 0407174573 he has offered to let you have a test ride. Also we will be having a "come and ride the new 2012 Ossa's" at Connondale :QLD: on the Saturday Afternoon 5th of November 2011. Details will be posted soon.

Cheers

Scott


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0408716428
www.Sherco-Qld.com.au

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Re: The Ossa TR280i, how good is it?

Postby Neo » Mon Oct 17, 2011 3:04 pm

Will wrote:Easily replaced with internal hex I'm sure.
I have replace many of my Hex bolts on my Sherco with Marine grade Stainless Steel and I can say from experience that it might be harder than you think. Getting the right bolt lengths (some are non standard) and blank area lengths correct can be a challenge. :(

So for the Ossa it would be much easier to buy all the torx tools you'll need I think. :wink:

Best of balance.
Neo


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"TRIALS....It's not life or death....It's much more serious than that!!".....

Shawn James
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Re: The Ossa TR280i, how good is it?

Postby Shawn James » Tue Oct 25, 2011 10:16 pm

Thanks everyone for your input, reason for a second hand and not a new one, Dollars.
I had a good long chat to Scott last week about this and many other non related bike things, and getting on one will be an advantage,
plus their a shit hot looking machine!
Its going to be a toss up between a Sherco or the Ossa.
Thanks Steve, Shane, David and Neo, oh and you too Scott.
Shawn


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Re: The Ossa TR280i, how good is it?

Postby Markjw » Wed Oct 26, 2011 6:51 am

Hi Shawn
I am lucky to have had a 2011 OSSA and now own a 2011 Sherco 250 SSDT
Also at present sitting in my garage next to the Sherco is a new 2012 OSSA, (on run in duties)
So I can give a reasonable view between both, from a clubman point of view.
I think that both bikes are awesome, with the Sherco easier to work on.
Clutch - OSSA Heavier but better feel
Balance - OSSA in tight turning, slow speed and off the clutch
Lifting the front - Sherco
Rear end -OSSA (by miles)
Slow bottom end power - OSSA
The new OSSA is a real leap forward in technology but has a really awkward air box and hard to get at air filter.
Spark plug really easly to change on the Sherco
Suspension adjustment - Sherco limited and OSSA needs a partial guard, etc removal to get at the rear to adjust
Things I don't like
Sherco - long trips it at times refuses to start - no fuel tap - no reserve - odd fuel filler - constant minor adjustments of the carbie - on-off (but very light) clutch
OSSA - sometimes hard to start and odd angle of the kick starter - crazy air box - heavier and constant creep from clutch

I think that you will love both bikes as they are both awesome - and for the record my next bike will be a 2012 OSSA
If you want a choice between the 2011 Sherco and 2011 OSSA - the OSSA, well run in, will be better - just check the rear nylon bearing
Regards Mark




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