Montesa

I have refitted the clutch onto the shaft but it rubs on the gear change mechanism, indicating that there should be 1 or more spacers. I have a parts book but it isn't precise with this matter, I have also spoken to Sandifords but the info they had was not conclusive, they did say it appeared to have a spacer but do not have it and could not give me the dimensions. Can any one shed a little light on this for me? Cheers John

Ok then I am rebuilding my 1980 Montesa 123 and i have replaced the points, condensor and all the wires from the stator. I replaced each wire as I took one off so I am pretty sure that it is wired correctly. I set the points and kicked the engine over - no spark. So i set about setting the timing using a dial gauge and ohmeter. Connecting one probe from the ohmeter to the single LT wire going to the coil and the other to an earth I get a constant beep. I tried all of the other 3 wires and got the same constant beep, I also tried different earth locations with the same result and still no spark. Any ideas what I could be doing wrong? Cheers

I have just finished tidying my Monty 123 so thought I would put up a couple of pics: And what it looked like to start with: I've got a Fantic 200 tucked away in the garage that needs a little tlc but going to have to sell the Mont first.

Hello All, After an absence of 30 years plus I decided to have another go at keeping my feet up. Back in the day I rode Bultaco's but could not find one to make my "come back" on so ended up with a 1980 349 Cota instead. I remember riding one in the early 80's although not as agile as a Sherpa (bit longer wheelbase) it felt stable, think I am going to need all the stability I can get! The bike is a black frame red tank model, but not the SSDT replica, my memory is not that good but I think the SSDT came out in to celebrate win before the white tank red frame World Championship replica which I think was 1981? My question is did the 349 come in…

I have a chance to purchase a 1981 Cota 349 in pretty good shape with the exception of one thing,the kickstarter has been known to not spring back. It will (for lack of better terminology) re-engage when lifted manually. My question is ----Is replacing the kickstarter a huge mechanical undertaking for this machine or something that can be done with average mechanical aptitude? I don't want something that is going to require splitting cases and chasing parts forever.It may be something as simple as a return spring or as difficult as a broken tab that the spring connects to. It's only about $600-$800 USD so I would not have a fortune in the bike. I would love to hear fro…

Hi, I have just acquired a Montesa cota 248. I’m new to the biking world so I need advice! Its in fairly good condition and has been stored in a heated garage for the last 20ish years. Firstly, the last owner told me the gear shifter turns 180 degrees once put into 1st gear. Is this a common issue? If not, is it easier enough to open the gearbox? I work in engineering so have a good technical background. Secondly, it hasn’t been started for years so what sort of maintenance should I do before starting it?

Just wondering if there is a code/name for the white paint of the fibreglass tank? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Hello to all you (hopefully) knowledgeable Montesa experts! I'm currently re-assembling a 1982 MH349 engine, and have been using the Trials Central forum (as a spectator) for information, however there don't seem to be any specific posts relating to my current source of anguish. The bottom end is complete on the bench, but I'm having great difficulty getting the bike to select all 6 gears consistently. When I rotate the clutch basket by hand it will occasionally select all gears beautifully, but mainly it seems to only want to select 1st, neutral and 2nd. If I rotate the gearbox output shaft by hand it seems to select from 1st through to 4th, but no further. When I ins…

Hi all you montesa riders , I've got a chance to obtain a 83 349 , kinda cheap ... but in rough shape . Are they worth the effort ? I'm thinking of it for my 18 yr. old and to use as a buddy bike ...(and he might be my buddy again ...) How is parts availability ? All thoughts appreciated , Glenn

In the process of restoring a 1983 Cota 350 (red fenders / silver frame) and I am looking for a source for decals. It appears each fender had a Montesa decal. The tank had a Cota 350 decal on each side, with a small Montesa decal at the top front of the tank. I've checked the following so far with no luck (In Motion, France Trial Classic, Vallmoto, Classic Transfers, Classic Bike Decals, Storm Grafix)

Trying to confirm the timing on a 1983 Cota 350 (European MH349). Searching this forum has been inconclusive as timing is given most frequently as 1.8mm BTDC and occasionally as 3.0mm BTDC. I know 1.8mm is correct for the 348's, and I think it also applies to the early 349's up through the 81 white wonder, but I'm not sure it applies to the 82 and 83 models. Can anyone confirm the timing for an 83 Cota 350.

Hi All. Were these any good? Any known problems? Are parts available (and where)? I'm looking at a well used one with a loud engine rattle - sounds like it's top end. Probably needs piston, rings and gudgeon. Thanks in advance for any replies.

Hello, new to this forum and have searched this subject but didn't find any info specific to my issue. Bike runs Ok on level and uphill but starves for fuel and quits on descents. It initially runs fine on downhill but after a few seconds runs out of fuel, pulling the choke lever brings it back to life. So, it looks to me like the float level is too low and as it runs downhill its burning off enough fuel to starve. I've pulled the carb and checked the float level. Spec is 23.5 to 24.5 mm. It's currently at 26.1 mm. So the difference between actual and high side of spec is about 1/8" (old school). Thinking this is likely the issue but wondering if there is anything else i…

Hello I recently picked up a really clean 97 315. It starts and runs smoothly, but when I first rode it the power seemed super "smooth and manageable" in other words somewhat weak. The only other trials bike I have ridden is my 2000 TXT edition (non pro) 270 Gas Gas. I bought it new so I know it has never been modded in any way. The TXT just seems so much stronger running than the Montesa. Last weekend I was able to ride them both back to back. In a steep, no run in ravine climb, I had to use second gear, rev the Monty to the moon and slip the clutch to make it up. On the Gas Gas I just rolled up to it in first and blipped the throttle with no clutch to shoot up to the t…

i have found a 98 315r that i am thinking of purchasing, is there anything that i should look out for about that year model bike? i have been out of trials for about 10 years so i dont know very much about the 96 on up bikes. any info would be greatly appreciated.

Hi all, Does anyone know what a 1998 250cc 315R is worth? Cheers, -John

Anyone able to advise of standard air screw setting (No. of turns out) and throttle stop screw setting (No. of turns out), for my '98 315R? Committed the schoolboy error of starting to make adjustments to each, without first determining original settings... DOH! Now things are all of the shop! Thanks in advance.

Now then all, new to the forum so apologies if this has already been covered. I am having a pretty specific issue with my rear brake (98 Cota). It bleeds up fine, pistons move ok, and push out no problem, and there's no fluid leak. However, when in use, the pistons push out no problem until the pads contact the disc (brand new disc+pads), and then when any more pressure is applied the system seems to 'jam'. Essentially, the pedal feel goes dead firm, and even when standing with all my weight on the pedal, I only get a small amount of pad movement which is enough to contact the disc, but not lock the wheel or give any major brake force. I can only think that some…

Well I finally after a few weeks on and off, got my late brothers 315 to tick over. Ticks over on the 2nd kick each every time now. I think my inexperience was the culprit besides probably a desperately needed carb cleaning. For all the new 315 owners out there.... The choke lever needs to be pushed up in the vertical position and not to assume pushing it up 1/4 of the way has activated the choke! Now that I have it running well, I have noticed the cooling fan is mostly always on when riding and only stops running when the bike is idling. Does this sound correct? How would I know if the bike is over heating? Thanks Fres

Hello chaps, my 99 mont has developed a worrying noise from the engine, only way i can describe it is 'a bit rattly' or 'a bit like an old tractor!' no difference in performance just a lack of the nice purring i used to have. Should i take the crank case covers off and see if the flywheel is loose - any other ideas? is it all gonna go pear shaped if i leave it?? (i dont want to do that i want it sounding nice again!) many thanks Dan