Help me fix my trials bike!

Greg

Greg

Strength and Honor!
Admin
Location
Grand Junction, CO
I picked up another project... :greg:

It's a '95 Scorpa 280 Easy. It's not running, due to no spark. The previous owner thinks it's either the coil or the CDI... I think it could be the stator. I know parts are going to be very difficult to find, this has the Rotax engine.

These bikes are known to have stator issues, but I don't know the best way to diagnose what is working and what isn't.. Anyone able to recommend the best way to diagnose what's not working? Or what is, and eliminate the good and figure out the bad part?

I bought this to have a trials bike to play around on, start building trials riding skills and transfer those skills over to dirtbiking. I also want it to be a fun bike that buddies can play around on and not be afraid of beating it up. Hopefully I can bring is on future RME rides and we all can tool around on it! It needs a front tire, fork seals are a little weepy and the muffler needs help... otherwise it's in decent shape for a '95!

Here's a pic after a bath... :)

P1010113-XL.jpg
 
Last edited:
awesome! Those rotax motors are great, but the stators are impossible to find. I hear they can be rebuilt with success. That will be an incredible learning tool.
 
That thumpertalk brings up a good point to check, check the kill switch. If it's shorted, it will (obviously) kill all spark. We had that happen to a buddies YZ250 while on a ride. It took us a little bit to finally find the problem, but we did.
 
Thanks for the help guys, good ideas!

I've found a guy in Canada that repairs stators on this exact model of bike, he is well known for doing a great job. I've already sent him an email... hopefully I will hear back soon!

I read about the kill switch earlier, I'll be sure to check it out.

Cheston, this is going to be a great loaner bike! Just have to figure out how to carry 2 bikes now.
 
Spork said:
I believe I got mine at Oreilly's they are great for a quick spark test.
Click to expand...

I went ahead and ordered it from Amazon, I'm not in a huge hurry.


Tonkaman said:
Oh boy that boulder in the cliffhanger parking lot has finally met its match! Can't wait to check it out!
Click to expand...

For sure! Then UP the jersey barrier!


sixstringsteve said:
I need to find a cheap older trials bike. Even the old ones aren't cheap though. :(
Click to expand...

Non-running trials bikes are cheap... :D
 
I'm surprised a trials bike uses that engine. Those also came in the ATK LQ models and they were nothing short of a rocket. I loved mine and aside from the random stator issues they are bulletproof :cool:

The stator will be an SEM and they can easily be tested with a multi-meter. You'll be looking for resistance through the exciter coil. Its likely it will read open or OL. Not doubting the guy you emailed but I don't think just anybody can rewind these... They are very odd/unique and it looks like it would be a total pita to me. Fwiw KTM's for sure and possibly Berg/Husky used this stator in the early 90's and I've heard several reports that they swap right in.

http://atkmotorsports.com/atkbb/viewtopic.php?t=1042

http://www.uk-motoplat.com

I know Lee in the service department of ATK has a few odds and ends for them mostly sprockets, cables and shift levers. He knows more about that engine than the guys that built it. Phone: (801) 298-8288

Keith might be able to find you engine parts as well... Worth looking into anyway http://americandirtbike.com

EDIT: I dug around my house for an engine manual but I couldn't find it. I think you can print them off ATKs site.... I'll keep looking.
 
Last edited:
^ I was going to say the same thing about checking the stator as above^

We rewound a snowmobile stator with success ourselves. All you really need to do is match the gauge and # of wraps.

Also I would check continuity from stator to the ignition (coil/ CDI) while bending each wire back and forth. I've seen them cracked just outside of the stator cover where they bend and flex.
 
This is the SEM. Too me it looks difficult (at best) to rewind unless you had all new plastic and the right epoxy, tooling etc. If it looked like a normal stator there would be a lot more options for repairing/replacing.

You'll need a dial indicator for the spark plug hole to get the timing set. I don't know the specs but it will need to be set based of what code is stamped on your coil. Most are not set at TDC...

images.jpeg


$T2eC16FHJHoE9n3Kd5odBQw6uEQ9EQ~~60_35.JPG
 
Last edited:
You guys are going to get a laugh out of this... I mixed up some gas last night, poured it in and kicked it a few times with nothing... then let it sit over night. The gas wasn't flowing into the carb, it has a clear filter between the tank and carb and I could see there was nothing in the filter. Fast forward to now... I sprayed a shot of starting fluid in the air box, gave it a kick and it fired right up! :freak: :wtf:

I rode it around, the idle hangs up pretty bad, it's leaking coolant somewhere and the muffler tip is totally missing so it's louder than hell. I aired up the crusty front tire and took it for a spin up and down the street! The engine does have a LOT of torque, the gearing is insane! The shifter is about 12" in front of the peg and not easy to shift. I realize it's a trials bike, but it's very different.

The previous owner was an idiot, apparently... he told me how he and his buddy kicked it for 4 hours once. Wonder if he had any gas in the tank!

I've got a lot of work to do, but at least it's rideable! I'll pull the carb off and clean it out real good, find & fix the coolant leaks and possibly adjust/play with the clutch. I need to check the motor oil too... hahaa! :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top