what makes difference between Montesa bikes

[ioan_vapi]

Hi,

I want to buy a Montesa 315 250. The seller says it is 2003. Also, I saw pictures with models from 1998, 2000, 2001. They all seam to look the same but there must be some particular differences between models. Since the seller doesn't have any document, how can i determine the production year for a bike? I'm interested in years: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003. Usually, I should use frame serial number but I don't know how. I'm sure this works for cars.

This is very important because in case I have to buy some spares I have to provide the correct production year, otherwise, it's possible to buy the wrong spare which won't fit the bike.

Anyway, you got my point. What's your opinion.

Thanks.

PS: as everybody knows, we cannot take plastics into account since later models fit most of the time the earlier ones.

[jimmyl]

Model was upgraded in 2001 with different brakes, front forks, carb etc.

Minor changes from 2001 to 02 then basically the same until end of manufacture in 04.

The frame No will tell you the year - Number in the middle I think and seem to recall the frame No is a year out from model year but could be wrong.

[bigfoot]

Get the frame number and post it on here. Someone will then tell you the year and model.

[pedronicman]

Ring Caroline Sandiford (ex Montesa importer for 30+ years)

tel 01706 230396

[wherry]

315 frame numbers. Martin Belair is the man you need.

Martin tells us about frame numbers

[mark1984]

stick some photos up and i can tell you roughly what year it is

[perce]

stick some photos up and i can tell you roughly what year it is

Don't think 'roughly' is what he wants.

[ioan_vapi]

Thank you guys for answers. Martin's post is clear.

[munch]

major changes to bike in 03 then 04 bike different plastics caroline , martin , both helpfull