Monty Wise One

I’ve seen the reaction of the crowd too. Trials fans usually know their stuff and Marcelli definitely stopped or didn’t make progress. The observer looked frustrated after his decision was overturned.

I've received the ohlins shock and fitted it, had a day of practice in the wet and it feels much smoother and plush while responsive,came with a 75 spring fitted and once fitted was set to 80 mm sag. Nice responsive feel with measured resistance on bigger drop offs and splats. With the S3 pipe combined with a dual ptb it was instantly more responsive, much better power at low and mid range. I expected minor improvement but I'd say it excelled for just a front pipe. Next is an ally 2006 silencer, less restrictive but light and well made. Next will be improvements to me, I've got myself a nice bike now so no excuses.

Future or mitani from H&D Racing. I’ve got a black carbon cover, nice fit and great protection. There are dab products plastic ones on eBay but I’ve no idea what the fit and finish is like.

I’ve got an S3 front pipe fitted now, I’ll be testing it next weekend. I’ve fitted the heavier springs, rode a really messy muddy trial riding inter. It wasn’t a good set of results and i reverted back to the originals for a Wales 2 dayer at Wern Ddu Quarry. Definitely better response even though I’m 14 stone. Öhlins shock should be around in a week or two hopefully. That’ll give me something plush to test. One other thing, I’ve been riding with two clutch springs removed for trialling, removing the jerky on off clutch, it’s running htx. For the big stuff we rode in Wales I refitted them, the clutch was much more like a switch but regained the grip where the other setup slipped on long hill climbs. It’s getting better though, bit by bit.

Sorry for the late reply . I've gone for heavier springs front and rear,I've got ohlins on order but riding in Wales soon so changed the R16V to match the front temporarily. Bike is in bits as I type. Tech fork adjuster where it attatches to damper rod was cross threaded, on inspection the rod is off centre inside the fork so it's not hard to see why it was damaged. I've managed to drill out the cross thread in the cap approximately 3 mm to allow it to take up the remaining thread. New caps are available for £65 at splatshop in case anyone needs one. I started stripping to improve the bike and have been sidetracked with extra bits. Headstock bearings were rusting so we're changed, the fork cap being badly connected actually separated and allowed the fork to overextend and allow the stanchion holes to dump oil through the dust seal and out onto my workshop floor. The improvements will start tomorrow. Happy Easter everyone.

My description of a great bike isn’t to be confused with a bike for TrialGP, I’m thinking of great as in better equipment like a factory version. The PTB is from an older model and is a twin map. The oem unit has 2 maps but they’re not changeable, with the old TMPTB the variations with advancing and retarding the ignition and leaner or richer fuelling and the combination of both has a noticeable change on grip and delivery. The pipe will smooth out the delivery. The 280 kit will be the last addition if I feel I would like it. One of the Montesas I’ve ridden with a 280 kit feels much livelier but hasn’t lost any mild manners in tighter stuff , the mapping will be set up for that purpose. Currently one 2016 model 260 with PTB and mitani system is a much more responsive bike in the same sections. Definitely worth the work.

There’s a theory being checked that uses a larger winding on the stator. I’ve not seen the spacer though. I have noticed the Dutch site has closed. Shame.

If I start paying £500 for a spindle I’d need locking up. The big bore kit will add torque more than crazy power. The best fix would be a lower Idle speed that would not flame out.

As an added note. One of my riding buddies is rebuilding his repsol rt after it snapped the lug off the kickstart stop in the crankcase. New case imported from ?? Italy after a slow postal trip.more importantly it was half the cost of the same part from Honda UK. He is polishing the port on his head while in pieces, he’s well versed in CRF motocross rebuilds so I’ll see how it goes.

Well, my Öhlins is going to be supplied by Andy Dawson, just waiting for the correct spring from the factory. I’ve got the twin programmable throttle body and various maps and the option of making a map once I’ve ridden the existing ones and assessed what’s good for me. I’m thinking of perhaps an S3 280 kit to enhance it. The mitani kit from H&D looks good, very exotic and importantly light weight. I’m thinking long term as I improve ( if ) I will have a great bike to continue riding. It’s not a lesson in spending money, I was intending to upgrade to a new bike which was going to cost £2k. I had a work out for some nice parts and it works out better to spend on the 4rt. I see it as a sensible choice.

I'm improving my 4rt after riding it for a year as standard and knowing it can be turned into a greater bike with some nice alterations. First thing, I know it's already a great bike and Toni Bou could win on it but I want to make it better for myself, mr ordinary. I've got an ohlins shock sorted, I've already sourced a PTB, leads and software. Now I'm looking at exhaust systems to get the most out of it. I spoke to Trials enduro direct today to source an S3 titanium front pipe but they're out of stock for 4-6 weeks. I'm ordering a set of heavier springs for my tech forks as I'm happy with them apart from being soft for me. I'm not buying a Termi system as I'm not rich but Bharat anyone any advice.

That the second fat boy comment I’ve had today. I’ll console myself with a full English ?

I’ve got a standard 2016 260RT with the R16V shock which owing to its lack of servicing ability and need for a slightly heavier spring I am looking to get a replacement. A chap can read up on what’s the dogs danglies but I want to get something decent, I’m bang on 90kg and need the spring to give back some travel. I’d like a recommendation of a good supplier or service techie to set it up for my athletic physique. Thanks in advance, Sean

Bit late but, yes, I rode the Dragonfly and had a very good discussion with Jordi. His desire to build this bike but to make it arrive as a perfect bike is justifiable in the delays we've heard about. He talked about development issues,changes to parts,testing, retesting new parts,batteries. Thoroughly and intricately improving ready to launch. The bike has a switch to make it live and is silent, bear in mind it's my first ride on an electric bike. The version I rode had two gears but the final version will have 5. It has a clutch and brakes as per a normal Trials bike. Once everything was explained I pulled away and got a feel for the throttle,clutch and brakes and I'm surprised that the feel of everything is incredibly normal, I didn't have to adapt my riding to suit. The power is similar to a petrol powered bike,metered out beautifully and reacts with clutch and throttle just as you are familiar with other bikes. It weighed 57 kg but Jordi said the final version will aim to be 50 kg which is hugely noticeable weight difference. It has a battery giving 2 to 3 hrs and should come with a spare which can be fully charged to take with you ready to swap over. I rode with a friend who is an aircraft engineer and he is not easily pleased, after a ride he asked when he can buy one. Top secret was a world class rider had a test with us while the show was quiet, he mustn't be mentioned as he asked me to not post footage as he'd be in trouble with his team, I gave my word. His reaction was one to see, he really rode it and declared it absolutely brilliant. I'm just waiting to get one and luckily we have a local dealer in waiting for the UK.

Out of 5 riders I ride with, 4 have bought a new Montesa after riding other brands. They seem to be 100% reliable but need patience to alter your style to suit the bike and conditions. Don’t buy until you ride both bikes as one will immediately stand out as better for you .I own a Montesa 2016, fuel injection on the bike has a high 1800rpm tickover, so it tends to break traction easier on slippery mud which you will ride in Ardennes. Good luck with your choice.