sawtooth

Hmm ok so how should I heat it up? So if it starts easier with it heated up then I could have a weak spark for whatever reason?

Thanks, but I've checked the tap, and when its off no fuel gets passed. It's about time I cleaned the carb anyway, but will this even help as the tap seems to be doing its job? Thinking about it it may have developed this issue at around the same time i fitted a new plug, i'll try the old plug if I've still got it around.

Bike: '04 280 Pro Had the bike a year, always started first or second kick when cold or hot, new plug fitted and gapped within the last month or so, new fuel, sparking OK etc. But, the last 3 times I've gone to take it out it's refused to start from cold, its taken 30+ kicks and when it finally does go its all bogged down and smokey like its flooded. When it first happened a couple of weeks ago I took the plug out to check the spark and the plug was wet, so guessing its somehow flooding itself while sat in the garage?! So last week I shut the fuel off (usually leave it on and its been fine), but went to start it again this week and ended up with the same problem as above? Worth noting that once it has finally cold started, it hot starts fine for the whole day with zero running issues. So what could cause just cold starting to play up? should I try a different plug gap? Or could the pilot jet be blocked?

Thanks guys, I'm glad I asked the question first, I'll avoid that then and wait for a normal 280 to come along then :-)

Looking at a 2012 280 Racing, is there any reason a standard bike might be better, or is the Racing the one to go for?

Just checked and yeah it is a 280.

If I see a 300 local ish I'll go have a look. Hard to tell where I fit in really, currently ride a 280cc with no flywheel weight and a quick throttle and I find it fine. Unless of course mines not actually a 280, am only assuming as it has 280 written on the air filter cover, any other way to tell?

Bit too far for me to come try it then. I'm 250 miles away!

Whereabouts are you?

I'm in the UK lol

I would but I can't find one!

Well thats confused me even more then cause I ride a 280 with quick throttle and like the power delivery/snappyness.

Can anyone comment on how the two engines differ with regard to riding? Currently on the hunt for a 2011 280 (as I currently already have a 280 and get on well with the engine) but can't seem to find many for sale. However I do keep seeing the odd 300cc for sale so wondering if I should get one? If the power delivery and overall weight of the bike is similar to the 280 then i'd be happy, but I'd rather not get one if its going to be a different beast to the 280.

Thanks :-)

Thanks, had the idler gear go on mine so know about that. Good tip on the frame though, will look out for that also. Looks like it'll be an '11 bike I go for then. I'd rather have a tidy '11 than a battered '12 unless a mint '12 comes up at a good price. Also whats with the brakes?

Thanks yeah my current '04 does it and also my 2014 Yamaha MT09 road bike also does it!

Thanks yeah, the general feeling is that I'm happy spending anything around the £2600 as that should be a good balance between new and old (plus I just spent £7200 on a road bike, and am moving house in a few weeks so the wife would go mad if I spent 3 or 4k on another bike!), just wondering if there's a preferred year for any reason as sometimes you hear about things that were changed on a bike just for the sake of it and turn out to not as good as the previous year etc.

I don't 100% agree with this, if your ever going to learn anything about bike mechanics then a 2 stroke trials bike is the best thing to learn on as its a simple engine in a very lightweight open frame. I've learnt everything I know so far by finding info online and doing it myself. Just concentrate on one thing at a time, say for example spend a few days online researching how to set the carb up on your particular bike then when you feel you've read enough about it go take take it off and have a go. Then move on to the next issue, and so on. I do agree 100% though that having someone who knows trials bikes have a quick look at it to see if they can start it etc is a good idea, that will eliminate whether or not you just haven't got the knack yet. If you have any local trials clubs you should get down to one and see if anyone can take a quick look.

Looking for a newer (to me) Gas Gas 280, aside from whichever pops up at a good price/condition etc is there any particular year to avoid? I was thinking of getting a 2011 purely because it's not too new that I won't want to ride it properly for fear of scratches etc and not so old that it'll be falling apart. So if any 2009, 2010, 2011 or 2012 come up which should take preference?

Thanks yeah that does help, think I'll stick with the 280cc also then :-)

Anyone else who's ridden both able to give me some info?

Thanks guys, will tell him to stick some rings on then :-)

A bit (im an engineer so don't understand that, I need measurements) No (none at all in any direction? ) Same as what they came off (I don't think he checked before undoing them so need values)

As above I'm fine on the 280cc, I want to know how the 280 & 250 differ?

Also what torque for the cylinder head bolts and cylinder base bolts?