Ossa Explorer Fuel Tank

[Tony T]

I'm jumping the gun as I haven't picked up the bike yet, but thought I'd ask the question just in case they're hard to come by.
Would anyone have a fuel tank for a 250 Ossa Explorer kicking around?
As I'm new to this Ossa thing, I don't know the exact year, but it's not an MAR.
Any advice gratefully received. 

[Iain Cameron]

There is a Ossa guy in Vic that makes f/glass tanks , I got one of him years ago top quality stuff . I think his name was Bruce Rennie someone on here will no dought will know of his contact details . Iain

[matcho mick]

03 9584 1642

[euro bikes]

They are the same tank just different colours.

[David Lahey]

Explorer tank is fatter and higher than the MAR tank, but both are similar shapes.
Second-hand Explorer fuel tanks are relatively plentiful and unwanted, due to the MAR tank being better for trials use, and because there were quite a few Explorers sold yet not many being resurrected nowadays, except a few as MAR "replicas", there is a surfeit of Explorer tanks around.
Similar situation with Alpina tanks because Alpinas are not a popular resto choice.
If you want to use your Explorer for trials, a newly-made MAR tank ex the UK or second hand original MAR tank would be a better choice.
What I'm trying to say is that you will have no problems getting either sort of OSSA tank if you get that far with your bike resto.

[Tony T]

Thanks for all the info.
The plan is simply to turn it into a good ride for fun. I don't have any plans to compete on it. (Might be the perfect bike for cruising around Vinduro courses to take photos though  ) 
I won't be pedantic about it being original, but I won't fit a TY tank either.
So a decent, stock Explorer tank is on my shopping list.

[monte34]

Is this the Explorer that was on a trailer at CD9 today?

[SPANISH ARMADA]

tony ring a guy by name of charlie 0419355462 ( kyneton way) he brought the one i had for his mate whos collecting all ossas and parts he is into british bikes himself cheers

[Tony T]

Is this the Explorer that was on a trailer at CD9 today?

Yep, it would have been.  
A couple of members from here were good enough to help me out in getting in down my way and the change over was done at CD9.
Thanks to Feetupfun, I've now got a tank lined up for it but I think there's probably a fair bit more work to be done.  

[Tony T]

Thanks for the contact Mr.Spanish Armada. 
I've never owned an Ossa or any trials bike before and it's amazing the knowledge that's out there when you start looking.

[matcho mick]

borrowed your top coil Tony for a substitution check, ,mine dropped spark on the way down to wang in the van ,(was sparking when i left  ),thought i should check,(while yours was sitting there doing nothing  ) it didn't help,but at least yours sparks,bit of a project you scored mate  , 

[Tony T]

Your welcome..... 
Seriously, no problem at all Mick. Sorry it didn't fix yours though. 

Yeah, I'm under no illusions as to what it might take to get mine happening.

[EML]

Got a couple of these myself so will be watching this thread for inspiration.

[David Lahey]

ignitions for the MAR/Explorer are available from a couple of places:
original type from www.francetrialclassic.com
new modern design from someone in the UK but I can't remember who - maybe www.electrexworld.com.uk

a common cause for loss of spark in MAR and Explorer is the wires get squashed between the bashplate and the motor. Commonly seen fix is to reroute them via the RH front downtube after drilling hole in engine case. Can supply photos from when I did mine if required.

[Tony T]

Thanks again for all the info, fellas.
The stig picked the bike up for me at CD9 and also organised a tank and a source for some other parts without me even having to ask! 
Sounds like we're on the way.......... and I haven't even seen the bike yet.............