1997 315R Power Delivery Question

[mboyd1]

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

[lineaway]

A Montesa is not a Gasser. After eight months you have not found a fellow rider`s opinion. Yes super smooth. Montesa generally have always been that way.

[zerorev3rev4]

Has it got a flywheel weight fitted

[tail]

Montesa were very cunning and some of the very early ones have several restrictors, first check the header for a ring and there's also an insert in the small part of the mid section, it can be seen when you take of the silencer.

Once all those are removed, purchase a Keihin pwk28, same carb as on the ktm85sx fit a JGH needle, 45 pilot and 120 main jet, drop that carb on and the bike will pull like a train in the mid range, a completely different bike.

after that you'll need flywheel weights and advancing the ignition, but if your going to go that far buy a 4rt

still looks a tidy little 315 you've got there

[guys]

Why did you have to use 2nd gear on the Monty and 1st on the Gasser? Maybe the gearing isn't right?

Edited September 5, 2014 by guys

[lineaway]

That bike is very clean. It could have all the restrictors still! It ran like a 125 without these removed. You have to take off the header, as there is a washer plugging the pipe. The air box had a lid that stopped most of the air flow. And the least of all was the end off the mid-pipe which had to be ground off with a dremel. Are you in the states?

[mboyd1]

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