Beschreibung
The trails bike presented here is an air-cooled c1988 Aprilia ‘TX311 M’ (single-cylinder / 2-stroke) in exceedingly well-preserved and original condition. From an era of engineering that was made to last, utilising quality componentry – ROTAX, Brembo, Dell’Orto, etc., these modern-classic bikes, especially the very capable more modern mono-shock examples, offer great value for the performance available. In the late 1980s through to the mid-1990s Aprilia were at the pinnacle of producing some of the best trials bikes available.
This particular TX311 M remains fitted with many original factory parts including its headlight and speedo (rare still to have in-situ) which shows a very low mileage, wholly in-keeping with the bike’s overall condition. I have also managed to source an additional original OEM seat unit (there are a few small holes in the one fitted – photos attached), plus an original (and again rare) OEM front brake cage and cover. Also accompanying the bike is a spare brand-new (unfitted & undrilled) GRP rear fender (taken from a mould of the original unit) as there are small (but stable) cracks in the unit fitted (from lifting it incorrectly). In addition, also coming with the bike, there is a copy of an 1987 ‘Moto Verte’ magazine featuring the TX311 M and an original dealers’ promotional leaflet for the model; both are in collector-quality condition.
I bought this bike in May 2022 from a renowned trials bike enthusiast/ engineer/ collector, and he bought it on condition using his years of experience. It was my first taste of off-road/ trials riding (having learnt balance and bike control on it), before passing my test in the intervening months and now an adventure bike is keeping me more than occupied, hence the TX must go. Lightly used over the last year, always in the dry and then stored in a garage, when I bought it, I was impressed with its overall condition, the obvious ‘easier-than-normal’ life it has led for a trials bike and was being sold by a chap with decades of trials/ motocross knowledge and experience.
The jewel-like and indestructible 276. 6cc air-cooled (easier to maintain). ROTAX-made magnesium-cased 17hp engine is sublime, always starting easily, with no rattles and has routinely been run (by the previous owner also) on high-octane (no ethanol) fuel and superior synthetic Castrol 2T oil at a 50:1 ratio.
Work done by the previous owner (in 2022) includes: the fitment of new IRC tyres, new fork seals (two per leg on this model), mono-shock fully serviced, including new O-rings and seals on linkage (these are all spherical stainless-steel bearings, so are much better than what is fitted to the equivalent modern-era bikes).
Obviously, it’s not perfect, being a 35-year-old trials bike, please study the photos, there being a few bumps and scratches; the addition of some new front brake pads is possibly required (not worn down, just chipped at the edges, and operate just fine). This handsome late ‘80s bike has real look to it, backed-up by some real cutting-edge technology of the time, a hugely capable machine, and the predecessor to the ‘TXR 312 M’ and the famous ‘Climber’ models of 1989 through to 1993, the latter being the model Tommy Ahvala rode to win the 1992 World Motorcycle Trials Championship.
This bike has clearly been well looked after by diligent owners over the years and has lots of riding fun still to offer. If you are considering switching to air-cooled mono class – and there are increasingly more events for this Class – this would be an ideal bike. I hope you enjoy it!
