i am going to look at an 04 315 this weekend and wondered if there was any advice that anyone could offer on what to look for on this particular model.

I am not sure how common it is but I have heard that you sometimes get problems with clutch drag. I am sure that I read something about using different clutch plates or something to fix it. Can someone shed some light??

Well built bikes so just check the usual points as any used bike.

Front and rear wheel bearings,

Head stock bearings,

Swinging arm for excessive play,the bearings,bushes and seals are an exspensive item if they need replacing.

The clutches do tend to drag a bit but should be ok when warmed up.

Engine and gearbox check for excessive noise and smooth gear selection.

Change out the 3 paper clutch plates, and the pilot jet to a 36, that should take care of most of the common gripes!

My 1999 model had the standard clutch and it was awful regardless of the oil used. I was told by a bike mechanic that the plates stick together like two panes of wet glass for want of a better description. Every few trials I had to dismantle the clutch and emry paper the steel plates to remove the glaze - worked a treat.

Eventually I bought new friction plates from Haven (I think)

As advised check airbox first for cleanliness, check coolant level also, low means no maintenance, check also brake pads, all shock linkages should have grease and very little play. also check the inner side of the silencer for wear from the wheel. Check for the obvious bent levers, wheel bearings etc. Ask yourself "does this bike look like its been looked after"

As for the clutch, sureflex plates and silkolene pro SRG7 oil, or, if yer feeling flush, Elf

If its good nick, buy it, if not walk away, there are plenty of good ones out there

Edited October 19, 200619 yr by monty-python