sir dabs alot

Just picked up an '06 4RT with low hours and just wondered if there are any issues or setup advise anyone would like to offer up? I noticed while tinkering with it that the rebound knob on the top of the right fork leg seems 'stuck', it will not turn. Any ideas on what's going on and more importantly, how to fix the probelem? Thanks!!

I have a 1983 Montesa Cota 242 in need of new shocks. I have on my short list; Works Performance dual rate, Rock Shocks, Magical dual rate or Falcons. I want the best ride possible and being able to change ride charachteristics as well as something with a reputation for reliability. I have little knowledge about the Magicals but perceive them as a qualty product. I'm a big guy and live in the US if that matters. Oh yeah, anyone know where to purchase heavier rated springs than what comes stock? Anyone know standard oil viscosity and volume from the factory?

Where do you get specs for either?

Great topic for me too since I just sold a Rev-3 and looking hard at an EVO. Eyeing GG and Sherco too but really love Beta's solid build and engines.

I'd make more of an effort to go to a national if Dougie were in it. As it is, I couldn't afford to go be a spectator....

Good point! I guess it really takes more than plug in wheelbase x, heangle x and swingarm x and ride. Offset and rake for forks, fork length, motor position fore and aft, peg position and on and on make it hard to put in a neat nice package for all.

I've never measured them but my Beta swing arm looks several inches longer than my KT or Cota and grips better by a long shot than either of those bikes.

Could it be the quality and functionality difference of rear shocks?????? I have measured peg to rear axle, peg to front axle and wheelbases on different bikes before trying to set one up to react like the other. Even though the swing arm is longer on the Gas Gas is the rear axle closer to the pegs???? I'm just throwing things out there because this is an interesting topic to me and I have had the same questions before. I've read articles on older bikes and the comment about long swingarms was that the bike stayed on line better and the front wheel stayed down instead of having to fight it to keep it on line and planted for steering.

With Mt bikes, shorter chain stays equal more traction. Reason being that the rear wheel is more directly under the weight of your body. If chain stays are long, the rear wheel bites pretty well until you lean forward to keep the front end from coming up then the rear wheel will loose traction and spin so a good balance of front to rear weighting keeps things optimal for traction as well as stability (keeping the front end on the ground). I recently bought a Cota 242 from a guy who also had a Cota 200. The 200 turned noticably better than the 242. My initial thought was that the head angle was steeper on the 200. He told me it the 200's head angle was actually slacker than the 242 and that a shorter swing arm on the 200 was the reason for the better turning traits. He said the only downside of the short swing arm on the 200 was that it had a tendency to wheelie out from under him on steep uphills. After riding both bikes back to back, I have to agree with him. I noticed in a trial I rode with him that he had a time keeping the front end down and he is a VERY accomplished rider.

Ridgrunr, that's great!!!!

Maybe the 350 he plans to ride will be lighter.......

I've seen guys that wouldn't consider a modern bike because of High cost scoop a vintage bike right up because the initial outlay of cash was minimal in comparison. Granted these were older guys that remembered old bikes fondly from back in the day. A lot of enduro riders seem curious about what trials can do for their off road skills after seeing former trials guys dominating their sport. Probably a good time to tap into that given that timing is everything. Seems like it would be really hard to draw in younger riders without the assistance and knowledge of a relative to move them along.

Sandiford's says they've been out of these for over ten years.

When you say you can get a new kick start from in Motion, do you mean kick start gear? What is In Motion?

Maybe they should have a World Round there. Plenty of terrain and the locals seemed very impressed.

I'm about to buy an early '80s Montesa Cota and the only negative I have heard about the bike(s) is that the kick starter gear or shaft/assembly is prone to breaking with very few sources for replacement parts. Does anyone know where to obtain these, the cost or if it is possible to have whatever it is that's breaking made? Thanks!

Great info guys!!! I have a friend with a blue framed, blue tank one. It was advertised as an '81 model I think. Ergonomics feel good on it. The big torquey motor would take a little getting used to. I tend to prefer less power in general so a 250 would be great. I'll have to say though, I'm not sure I've ever seen one in the US, not that they're not here, I just don't remember any.

I'm trying to figure out what the differences are between a 1978 Sherpa-T (the red ones): http://ventura.craigslist.org/mcy/1897363687.html and the 1979 (blue with blue frame) 199A?: http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/mcy/1861908943.html And the blue tank, white framed Sherpa-T (199B?) Is it just colors or are the frames, geometries, engines any different? Thanks!

This should be the most beginner friendly event of the year. Lots of sections but none too tough.

Yeah, trials guys are hard to beat. I bought my Beta from Jim. We are supposed to have a beginner training day at Tom's soon so keep in touch with him/us and get in on the fun. I think Tom lives near Shelby, nice guy too. Here's Metrolinas site if you haven't found it already: http://www.metrolinatrials.com/ I live pretty much between the two clubs events so can go to either pretty easily.

Where in NC are you? Is Tom the guy you know? Here's a link to some info: http://cvotc.org/joomla/index.php?option=c...=16|18|19|20|17 There are places you can ride without being insections if you want to come out and watch/ride. Hope to see you there!!!

Everything is marked and ready to roll. the "scarey" bridge has even been widened. Here's a map & some info about the event that Jim E wrote about the event: http://cvotc.org/joomla/index.php?option=c...=16|18|19|20|17

We have an event in Bunn, NC on Sunday and Axton, Va the 19th, Morganton, NC Oct 3. CVOTC.org & Mtrolina Trials Riders. See USA events for info.

Great video!!!

Well Stated MotoVintage!!! Hat's off to Pat as well. He's awesome and probably raised the level and expectations of trials in the US for years to come! It will be nice watching these 2 duke it out and others raising their games to try and catch them for the next several years. Maybe with the popularity of Enduro-X and the fact that most people realize the top riders in that sport come from a trials background, trials will get some long desrve respect, recognition and $$$ for those talented enough to be at the top!