barney

Going to look at a '00 315R soon and was wondering if there are any things that I should look out for that might show signs that the bike is in need of a large amount of dollars spending or has been poorly maintained. Thanks in advance. Barney

Thanks for the advice guys. Unfortunately the Beta is down in Melbourne which is about 800 miles away for those not familiar with Australian geography, where as the Monty is fairly local in comparison. So having a ride might not be as practical as I would like However looking at the dollars and cents and with helmet and boots etc to buy, the Monty might be the better option as it is quite a bit cheaper. I'm an exiled yorkshireman and that's one thing that Britain has over Australia is trials and its availability of bikes and number of clubs etc. How frustrated would you be in England if you had to travel from Plymouth to Glasgow to test ride a bike? Now I'm not saying that trials is not good over here, just not as readily accessible as it is back in Britain. As you said Dixie, time to buy a bike and get riding. Thanks Barney

From reading through the forums I seem to get the impression that the Monty's are pretty reliable. This is a trait that I like and I have come across a 2000 315R, ( Montesa's are pretty rare in these parts) that I'm going to cast my eye over. I was after peoples opinion as to whether they think this is a suitable bike for a beginner? The alternative I'm looking at is a 04 Beta 200 Rev3 but this costs a few more bucks. Any guidance or thoughts would be most welcome. Thanks Barney

Telecat, Thanks for your input. Trust somebody from Leeds to reply, I'm originally from Horsforth!! Was going to ask regarding the Beta what sort of problems the faulty stator cause and how you can tell if it's been replaced? Also what is involved in the carb mod. I'm leaning towards the Beta as I've been able to locate a couple of second hand ones. Thanks Barney

Hi all, I realise this question gets asked alot and I don't want this to turn into a 'my bikes better than you bike' slagging match. I've always fancied trying trials and now I'm a bit older and have a bit of cash I figure why not? The decision I have to make is 'what bike to get'? We don't get many Montesa's down here in Oz so that pretty much rules them out but I was advised on another forum to look seriously at a 200cc bike as they improve your skill level and are good to learn on as you do the work not the bike. I'm 6 ft 4 and about 15 st, would a 200 be enough for somebody of my size? We also suffer from a lack of bikes down here when compared to the UK so can anybody recommend a particular 200, (or maybe one to avoid such as the first year of a new model). Ideally I'd like a Beta Rev3 200, Sherco 200 or Gas Gas Pro 200. Are there any other recommended bikes for somebody starting out with little mechanical knowledge,(i.e. would prefer a bike I don't have to spend hours working on in the garage). As I mentioned above, I don't want this to turn into a manufacturer bashing topic, just some recommendations for somebody starting out. Thanks Barney