mboyd1

Looks good, hopefully it lasts better than mine. I sanded off the slick plastic outer coat and did my front fender with the same stuff and it looked great....until a stick got between the front tire and fender, flexing the plastic. The paint shattered and started flaking off. I am going to try it again using the plastic primer first. Mike

Lineaway Yes I am in the states, TX to be exact. I will check the restrictors for sure. Guys I had to use second on the vertical climb on the Monty because first would not generate enough speed. The climb was six feet or better and very steep. First made power when I revved it out, but it just did not generate enough speed or momentum to get me to the top. The Gasser had more than enough boost in first with no clutch. If I had used second on the Gasser I would have been shot into orbit.. This result makes me think even more about your suggestion to check the gearing. Thanks to all for the suggestions. I will investigate the restrictions, and checking the gearing was also a great idea. I hope to wake this bike up. I love everything else about it and if I can get a bit more power out of it I would be happy. Thanks again for all the responses, they really help. Mike

Hello I recently picked up a really clean 97 315. It starts and runs smoothly, but when I first rode it the power seemed super "smooth and manageable" in other words somewhat weak. The only other trials bike I have ridden is my 2000 TXT edition (non pro) 270 Gas Gas. I bought it new so I know it has never been modded in any way. The TXT just seems so much stronger running than the Montesa. Last weekend I was able to ride them both back to back. In a steep, no run in ravine climb, I had to use second gear, rev the Monty to the moon and slip the clutch to make it up. On the Gas Gas I just rolled up to it in first and blipped the throttle with no clutch to shoot up to the top like a rocket. My real question is are the 315s just normally that much smoother in the power delivery or do I possibly have a weak Monty. Most people I have talked to said the Montesa's rarely need top end rebuilds so I am thinking the piston and rings should be OK. Mike

Thanks for the input. Maybe the bike is OK after all. That would be a good thing since I just priced out a new piston for it (cough, cough). I know its trying to compare apples to oranges with the two bikes, but I guess I am just a bit paranoid about top end failures because I have seen moto bikes take real damage just because a guy waited too long to change his rings. I will get a compression tester and really listen for any noise. Thanks to all for the advice, it really helped.

Hello I recently picked up a super clean 97 315. It starts and runs perfectly, but I do not know if the top end has ever been freshened up. I have 25+ years with moto bikes but an new to trials. My question is, what is a ballpark lifespan of a piston/ring on a trials bike? These bikes run with so little load on the engine, it seems like there would be little wear. Would you recommend tearing it down and replacing them due to their age even though everything seems to be fine? Mike