Vital MX Forum QNA: Dave Osterman

DMG
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US
9/8/2015 2:18pm Edited Date/Time 9/8/2015 2:18pm
Did you ever slap Bell in the ass when he was changing into those sexy red undies in the van?

Did you and Tim Buck ever debate over who had the more beautifully prepped afro?

Ozzy
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Santa Clarita , CA US
9/8/2015 2:21pm
DMG wrote:
Did you ever slap Bell in the ass when he was changing into those sexy red undies in the van? Did you and Tim Buck ever...
Did you ever slap Bell in the ass when he was changing into those sexy red undies in the van?

Did you and Tim Buck ever debate over who had the more beautifully prepped afro?

Nope & Nope!!!
Sandberm
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Location
Pasco, WA US
9/8/2015 2:36pm
Did you ever go to Europe for any races?

Any observations or stories from any over seas races? Countries you liked/disliked? Culture shock moments?
500guy
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AZ US
9/8/2015 2:48pm
Are you going to be at the USGP?

The Shop

HenryA
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Location
Stockholm SE
9/8/2015 3:12pm
Did Townley ever ride Chads CRF450 and if yes, how fast was he on it compared to Chad?
How was it to work with Oscar and Lars? Who is the real Viking?
Homey55
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collinsville, OK US
9/8/2015 4:13pm
GuyB - Really cool feature that you started, thanks!

Ozzy - Where do you see the future of suspension going? It seems riders are still switching back and forth between air and spring, why is that?
Adam43
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WF
9/8/2015 5:33pm
You've been on the inside of a lot of high-level teams over the years.

At any one of them, did a sponsor or OEM ever show you any sales numbers of their products that were directly attributed to the team's efforts?
Ozzy
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1113
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Location
Santa Clarita , CA US
9/8/2015 5:57pm
Sandberm wrote:
Did you ever go to Europe for any races?

Any observations or stories from any over seas races? Countries you liked/disliked? Culture shock moments?
Yes, I've been several times.
It's a unique experience each time.
My most memorable is our 1st MXoN Win.
OShow, LaPorte, Hansen & Sun killed it.
What also made that Special was that Mike Bell & I were there too to race the 1st ever SX race in Europe held in Amsterdam a day or so earlier.
We Won that & it was awesome, then to Win the MXoN was unreal. Felt great & weird at the same time. As Mike & I walked around the Lommel course that day we felt like we had horns on our heads. To say we stood out was an understatement.
Ozzy
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9/8/2015 5:59pm
500guy wrote:
Are you going to be at the USGP?
Not planning on it.
Anything at Glen Helen is a deal.
Passes are hard to come by even for me,
So I don't think so.
friday10
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Northridge, CA US
9/8/2015 6:01pm
Crush wrote:
Thanks for doing this Ozzy and welcome back!

Tell us a good story from being a mechanic back in the day... Something funny from the road!
Ozzy wrote:
I've got so many...
Too many!
Someday I'll write a book.
Any stories from Unadilla?Wink
Sandberm
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Location
Pasco, WA US
9/8/2015 6:08pm
Sandberm wrote:
Did you ever go to Europe for any races?

Any observations or stories from any over seas races? Countries you liked/disliked? Culture shock moments?
Ozzy wrote:
Yes, I've been several times. It's a unique experience each time. My most memorable is our 1st MXoN Win. OShow, LaPorte, Hansen & Sun killed it...
Yes, I've been several times.
It's a unique experience each time.
My most memorable is our 1st MXoN Win.
OShow, LaPorte, Hansen & Sun killed it.
What also made that Special was that Mike Bell & I were there too to race the 1st ever SX race in Europe held in Amsterdam a day or so earlier.
We Won that & it was awesome, then to Win the MXoN was unreal. Felt great & weird at the same time. As Mike & I walked around the Lommel course that day we felt like we had horns on our heads. To say we stood out was an understatement.
Thats good stuff! Thanks Dave.

A good motocross life you have livedSmile
Ozzy
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Location
Santa Clarita , CA US
9/8/2015 6:09pm
HenryA wrote:
Did Townley ever ride Chads CRF450 and if yes, how fast was he on it compared to Chad? How was it to work with Oscar and...
Did Townley ever ride Chads CRF450 and if yes, how fast was he on it compared to Chad?
How was it to work with Oscar and Lars? Who is the real Viking?
BT101 was a huge bummer.
For Ben & for us.
That injury couldn't have come at a worse time for all.
Ben never made it here.
We were totally ready to go but it wasn't meant to be!!
Lars & Oscar are great.
I miss my crew.
TwoTwo was a unique deal.
I wish ALL my guys well.
I'll see them all soon at Lars wedding.
They're both real, haha...
They both have Swedish parents, & I've met them, great people!
Oscar was born there & Lars here.
They're both real to me especially when they spoke "Swinglish" in the shop at times.
Lars Dad is the famously known Gunnar Lindstrom. I've know Gunnar since HS when I met him working for Al Baker R&D.
Gunnar Gasser Fame!!
MR. X
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North Tonawanda, NY US
9/8/2015 6:16pm
Do you have any projects that you are building/working on for yourself when you aren't working in the industry?
Markout
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1/20/2012
Location
CA
9/8/2015 6:17pm
Hey Dave, thanks for taking the time to answer the questions.

Do you think there is/was any PED use in MX/SX ? Not asking for names just your opinion.
Who would you say was the most gifted rider you have worked with, and who was the easiest to work with?
Ozzy
Posts
1113
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Santa Clarita , CA US
9/8/2015 6:18pm
Homey55 wrote:
GuyB - Really cool feature that you started, thanks! Ozzy - Where do you see the future of suspension going? It seems riders are still switching...
GuyB - Really cool feature that you started, thanks!

Ozzy - Where do you see the future of suspension going? It seems riders are still switching back and forth between air and spring, why is that?
Up & down!! Haha...
In the mtb world air type suspension is widely excepted.
Downhillers still use spring type rear suspension.
In Moto, I feel it was rushed.
Sales & Marketing 101.
There's benefits too.
Less weight, less cost, etc.
I believe the performance will come, but it's a time thing.
The down side to that is results or a lack there of & possible injuries.
That's why you see what we're seeing.
The rider needs to feel confident to push hard, to Win.
To each his own!
It depends on the team & their resources.
Ozzy
Posts
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Joined
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Location
Santa Clarita , CA US
9/8/2015 6:21pm
Adam43 wrote:
You've been on the inside of a lot of high-level teams over the years. At any one of them, did a sponsor or OEM ever show...
You've been on the inside of a lot of high-level teams over the years.

At any one of them, did a sponsor or OEM ever show you any sales numbers of their products that were directly attributed to the team's efforts?
Up & down!! Haha...
In the mtb world air type suspension is widely excepted.
Downhillers still use spring type rear suspension.
In Moto, I feel it was rushed.
Sales & Marketing 101.
There's benefits too.
Less weight, less cost, etc.
I believe the performance will come, but it's a time thing.
The down side to that is results or a lack there of & possible injuries.
That's why you see what we're seeing.
The rider needs to feel confident to push hard, to Win.
To each his own!
It depends on the team & their resources.
Ozzy
Posts
1113
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Santa Clarita , CA US
9/8/2015 6:28pm
Adam43 wrote:
You've been on the inside of a lot of high-level teams over the years. At any one of them, did a sponsor or OEM ever show...
You've been on the inside of a lot of high-level teams over the years.

At any one of them, did a sponsor or OEM ever show you any sales numbers of their products that were directly attributed to the team's efforts?
Nope.
But racing's tied not only to Engineering but plenty of times its under the Sales/Marketing budgets.
Racing helps for sure in several directions.
Ozzy
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Location
Santa Clarita , CA US
9/8/2015 6:34pm
Crush wrote:
Thanks for doing this Ozzy and welcome back!

Tell us a good story from being a mechanic back in the day... Something funny from the road!
Ozzy wrote:
I've got so many...
Too many!
Someday I'll write a book.
friday10 wrote:
Any stories from Unadilla?Wink
Really??
You traveled with me some!! Haha..
Ozzy
Posts
1113
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Santa Clarita , CA US
9/8/2015 6:35pm
Sandberm wrote:
Did you ever go to Europe for any races?

Any observations or stories from any over seas races? Countries you liked/disliked? Culture shock moments?
Ozzy wrote:
Yes, I've been several times. It's a unique experience each time. My most memorable is our 1st MXoN Win. OShow, LaPorte, Hansen & Sun killed it...
Yes, I've been several times.
It's a unique experience each time.
My most memorable is our 1st MXoN Win.
OShow, LaPorte, Hansen & Sun killed it.
What also made that Special was that Mike Bell & I were there too to race the 1st ever SX race in Europe held in Amsterdam a day or so earlier.
We Won that & it was awesome, then to Win the MXoN was unreal. Felt great & weird at the same time. As Mike & I walked around the Lommel course that day we felt like we had horns on our heads. To say we stood out was an understatement.
Sandberm wrote:
Thats good stuff! Thanks Dave.

A good motocross life you have livedSmile
I hope it continues??
Ozzy
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1113
Joined
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Location
Santa Clarita , CA US
9/8/2015 6:38pm
MR. X wrote:
Do you have any projects that you are building/working on for yourself when you aren't working in the industry?
No, not at the moment.
I hoping something turns up?
I feel like I have more in me.
It's all about opportunity?
snakebite
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Location
West Covina, CA US
9/8/2015 6:38pm
Last motorcycle you purchased for yourself with your own money?

Year you last participated in a motocross race?

Any motorcycles in the garage now?

Your favorite dirt bike?

Are you the collector type? Have stuff, parts etc from the 70's 80's 90's 00's?

Oh my I just name 4 decades
Ozzy
Posts
1113
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Location
Santa Clarita , CA US
9/8/2015 6:50pm Edited Date/Time 9/8/2015 6:51pm
Markout wrote:
Hey Dave, thanks for taking the time to answer the questions. Do you think there is/was any PED use in MX/SX ? Not asking for names...
Hey Dave, thanks for taking the time to answer the questions.

Do you think there is/was any PED use in MX/SX ? Not asking for names just your opinion.
Who would you say was the most gifted rider you have worked with, and who was the easiest to work with?
I'd like to still think Lance was clean.
I don't dwell on any of that.
We should Test.
But PEDS don't give you talent.
Whatever the case is or isn't, the sanctioning bodies better get better prepared. To me, the whole JS7 thing was handled wrong.
I think they brought in the Testing for all the wrong reasons 1st.
And look what happened.
If your gonna throw the ball, you better be ready to catch it!!
Next....
I've been around so many legends & so much talent. How about, Bobby Jones, Kenny Zarht, Mike Healy, Jeff Jennings & generations of others. It's a long long list....
Ozzy
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Santa Clarita , CA US
9/8/2015 6:58pm Edited Date/Time 9/8/2015 7:00pm
snakebite wrote:
Last motorcycle you purchased for yourself with your own money? Year you last participated in a motocross race? Any motorcycles in the garage now? Your favorite...
Last motorcycle you purchased for yourself with your own money?

Year you last participated in a motocross race?

Any motorcycles in the garage now?

Your favorite dirt bike?

Are you the collector type? Have stuff, parts etc from the 70's 80's 90's 00's?

Oh my I just name 4 decades
I think my sons CR85.
He had a PC Kawi 125 Mitch let him use
& a YOT 250F he used also.
Perks help...haha.
I think my last was a CR250?
I ride mtb's.
Less hassle just as fun & I think hospital free?
Maybe in the future I'll ride again, my son too.
Funny, I was the last guy I thought wouldn't have a dirt bike!
I'm a walking history lesson..haha
I loved ALL my 2Strokes!!
9/8/2015 7:13pm
Is your posting style on purpose, or are you just a man of (very) few words in general?
Arkmx
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Location
35 miles west of PHX..., AZ US
9/8/2015 8:37pm
.

Hello Dave,
Did you work at Answer back in the late 80's - early 90's with Eddie, Stella, Cindy and the A-Crew? For some reason I remember your name there.. Rider Support maybe? It's been awhile. LOL.

As for the "Fro" that beast rivals anything Hedgie (Ryan w/ Oakley) has had a year or two ago. Sure you two are not related? LOL...

What ever happened to the Picnic Table Cloth fiasco? (I think GuyB did it....)

Thank you for all you have done in the sport and hope a new door opens back up for you soon!

Cheers!

Jim George.

.

wpark89
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1158
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Location
Mattawa, WA US
9/8/2015 8:50pm
Dave,

Thanks for taking the time to answer all these questions. Very cool for us but time consuming for you.

2 things that haven't been discussed that interest me. .

Can you tell me about your time with Cagiva (I'm a Cagiva collector)

Also interested in your company WOR. Those mxa seats were awesome and sletchen made really good pipes. Obviously it didn't work out for the long term, but how was business?
snakebite
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Location
West Covina, CA US
9/8/2015 9:17pm


Are their uninsured riders out on the track or does the sanctioning body require it? I've seen mechanics in pit row get injured. Do the teams provide insurance plans for the crew?
Ozzy
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1113
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Santa Clarita , CA US
9/8/2015 9:20pm
Hman144 wrote:
Is your posting style on purpose, or are you just a man of (very) few words in general?
Dude, if you only knew!!
I'd literally talk your ear off.
See, I'm a talker.
Got a 1001 analogies too, haha.
Ya that's my style.
If it's not for you..., can't help that!
(Not sorry!!)
I'm not a novelist.
This is a cool format GuyB & Co. have put together.
I think it works best if your between things like me, cause it's a week long deal, but it's cool people have interest, so it's also my privilege.
Ozzy
Posts
1113
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Santa Clarita , CA US
9/8/2015 9:29pm
Arkmx wrote:
. Hello Dave, Did you work at Answer back in the late 80's - early 90's with Eddie, Stella, Cindy and the A-Crew? For some reason...
.

Hello Dave,
Did you work at Answer back in the late 80's - early 90's with Eddie, Stella, Cindy and the A-Crew? For some reason I remember your name there.. Rider Support maybe? It's been awhile. LOL.

As for the "Fro" that beast rivals anything Hedgie (Ryan w/ Oakley) has had a year or two ago. Sure you two are not related? LOL...

What ever happened to the Picnic Table Cloth fiasco? (I think GuyB did it....)

Thank you for all you have done in the sport and hope a new door opens back up for you soon!

Cheers!

Jim George.

.

Jim,
Howdy.
Nope, never directly employed at Answer.
Was I always there? Yes.
Household name there, I think so.
Eddie & I have been friendly forever.
A lil down time in between but it's all good.
The Fro, never gave it much thought.
People get a kick out of it.
My folks hated it!!
Being young, haha...
Tablecloths were a joke on me.
Earlier I touched on it.
At the end of the day it showed I'm passionate in my job & Outdoor Security improved.
Ozzy
Posts
1113
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Santa Clarita , CA US
9/8/2015 9:45pm
wpark89 wrote:
Dave, Thanks for taking the time to answer all these questions. Very cool for us but time consuming for you. 2 things that haven't been discussed...
Dave,

Thanks for taking the time to answer all these questions. Very cool for us but time consuming for you.

2 things that haven't been discussed that interest me. .

Can you tell me about your time with Cagiva (I'm a Cagiva collector)

Also interested in your company WOR. Those mxa seats were awesome and sletchen made really good pipes. Obviously it didn't work out for the long term, but how was business?
Cagiva North America.
I was there a year.
Great bikes actually which in itself was amazing.
We had Doug Dubach, Mike Healy & AJ Whiting.
Totally underfunded, zero parts, pretty lean!!
Many times I felt like a fish swimming up stream.
We killed it in the Golden State Series & made a splash in the Outdoors.
WOR/Wide Open Racing was a multi yr
business I had. I imported some products from Europe.
MXA Seats & Graphics from England
Slechten Exhausts from Belguim
We did motor & susp mods too.
Actually it did work out for yrs.
We sponsored Factory Kawasaki USA
I sold it to my partner.

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