oldplugger

Hi, well I'm back, was out on Monty today. http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj9/mustpost/mon.jpg I bought one of the 1st in in the UK in 1976 and ran it for a couple of years, most of the comments here appear to be correct (according to my memory!)I rebuilt it a couple of times, it ran the big end roller bearing and some other interesting things. The Amal levers were just not suitable for robust competition and I replaced mine with nylon ones. Monty is not that machine sadly, but a very genuine bike I bought a couple of years ago - however he does now feature my original bars which somehow survived divorces, house moves etc. I have replaced a number of things (and I know the back box is not genuine) but I still have a pinkish rear guard (the nylon aged over the years - the original colour was cream/translucent). I recently picked up a NOS tank still wrapped in MCNews paper dated 1977, not fitted yet but great to see one unwelded/figlassed etc. If you're going to keep it for a v long time things to look out for would be exhaust bits, pistons (engine?), unbroken airbox - v rare, original pegs and the old chesnut - an unbent alloy front stay. I know mine is a Sammy Miller one, and I have a sump guard to fit, but I believe in contemporary after market stuff being OK. Good Luck! I obviously have a PDF manual, but I would guess you've found that.

OK Guys, oldie here..I split my first 348 in '76 to repair a cracked big end roller. AT THE TIME all I used was a 3-legged puller, carefully, evenly and gently applied - but I guess the that was then, this is now.

Hmm All very well and good - I have 3(!) Cota 348's 1976-7, and only 1 has a frame number on the headstock - the rest have none. Any ideas?? Mike

Hi Wobbler (and the rest). As can be guessed from the name I am reliving my yoof and now have 3 Cota 348s in - respectively - mint, very good, and a bit of an interesting old dog/barn find. Obviously I am keen on restoring/riding and now trading bits and bobs...please PM for any wants/help. The last one is available as spares/repair, and I'm open to suggestions. I had one of the first ones in 1976, had it for 3 years and have even found the original bars etc in the attic! I found the original parts book/manual pdf on the net (much to my surprise) and lots of other good stuff. Anybody want the link pm me - don't pay money on ebay for a photocopy. (PS guessed the clutch/box/fork specs OK - no old-timers disease yet then..) Now the questions - I want to V5 at least one, so need a speedo and cable - got 2 drives in good nick tho'. Also, regarding the doggish one - why would somebody extend the top frame tube by exactly 1" - strengthen the headstock - add a spacer for the tank assembly - remove the factory sump protection and replace with a bolted alloy device? Not very pro, but still OKish..I haven't a clue.. Cheers guys n gals