Hi, i just recentky recieved a 2009 txt eco 280, and this is my first trials bike. Ive noticed a coupke things that seem odd.

1) with the front brake locked up the front tire will rotate back and forth about 1/2". Upon closer inspection, it is the rotor which is rotating due to play between the fastener washer-spacers and the rotor bolt holes. Take a look at the video below. Is this normal or do i need a new rotor? The gentlemean that sold it to me informed me that all Models do this. Seems very strange to me as the bike clunks back and forth due to this. Please let me know.

2) there appears to be a bit of a crack in the weld where the exhaust silencer attaches to the mid pipe, presumably from being lifted by the silencer. Is this something i should be worried about? Ive got a bit of spooge leaking out of it.

3) the swingsrm will move up and down just a bit more than id like so i think the pivot bearings need replacing. Also the bottom out bumper on the shock is torn. Is this a simple remove and replace or is there something unexpected that I should be aware of.

Thanks a bunch!

Forgot to mention that the bars feel really low to me. What is the preferred method.. Bar risers, or a new high bend bar?

The play in the front rotor is normal. Compare it to other bikes when you get the chance, if it's about the same, no worries.

If the leak in the exhaust bothers you, get it welded, otherwise ignore it.

A little up and down play in the swing arm bearings is normal on a GasGas but you should check if all the bearings (swing arm and it's dog bones, wheels and headstock) are greased properly and not corroded.

Replacing the bottom out rubber isn't that easy, you need to remove the spring and the upper mounting eye of the rod.

Regarding the bars: how tall are you?

Thanks for the reply. Ok so i have a ktm300 and a cbr1000 and neither of them do anything similar. If you hold the front brake in and push back and forth you can feel a clunking and the front tire rolls back and forth about 1/2".

Copy on themuffker and shock

Im about 6'. The bars are very similar to the ktm low bend bars. Not sure if thats stock or not. It feels wrong to me to bend down that far but maybe thats correct.. Not sure. Ill try to get a profile pucture of me on the bikr

Your KTM will have a solid disk so no movement. The CBR will have only a tiny amount of movement which you will not feel. The Gas Gas disks move alot. As said, it's normal. Its called a floating disk.

Gasgas uses a floating disc. This is normal.

Freeplay in the rear. For some extent its partially normal however bushing/bearing rebuild kits area available. Try taking the suspension apart and lubricating everything. Then put it back together. dusty/rusty bearings? well there you have it they need to be replaced.

I am also 6' 215lb and have a 5 inch rise which works best for me. Also make sure that both the rear and the front drop equally when you step on the bike. If the front drops first you have too much spring tension. visa versa if the rear drops first.

mid muffler cracked? well... join the club. imho its a bad design... one bad design in a great bike (i am completely biased here). Clean it off with brake clean wire brush it and find a welder. had mine done last year... will have it redone this winter. If you really really want to eliminate this find a 2003 steel version and your all set. Those are rare. Another thing that i have done is cut down the rear muffler just to the outer edge of the rear seat. Gives less leverage on the mid muffler and helps keep that pesky tire rub down to a bare minimum. Keep your mid muffler bolts tight as well.

--Biff

Thanks for the reply. Ok so i have a ktm300 and a cbr1000 and neither of them do anything similar. If you hold the front brake in and push back and forth you can feel a clunking and the front tire rolls back and forth about 1/2".

Copy on themuffker and shock

Im about 6'. The bars are very similar to the ktm low bend bars. Not sure if thats stock or not. It feels wrong to me to bend down that far but maybe thats correct.. Not sure. Ill try to get a profile pucture of me on the bikr

I meant compared to other trials bikes of course, sorry.

You're only about an inch taller than me so normal handlebars shouldn't be a problem.

Edited December 6, 201411 yr by guys

Bar risers will be one of the best mods you can do. 12mm seems optimal for 6 foot. You can make some spacer plates to raise them and also flip the clamps round 180 to move the bars more forward. You will need longer bolts for anything over a 6mm spacer.

Easiest way is the S3 risers but they are not cheap. http://www.motomerlin.org.uk/s3-gas-gas-bar-risers-81-p.asp

Once you have raised the bars you will put less strain on your arms and lower back, also will help with grip too!

A good mod what ever level you ride at if you are taller than average.

Ok, Thanks a bunch for the tips

The exhaust is weldable by somebody with a good welder, make sure it is in the correct position for mounting and then weld it. Otherwise it will snap later again. (it does happen from time to time).