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From Ron Busch
Martin, I can tell you the Montesa is all you said it was. I took it up to Red Rock with another friend and his trials bike and we rode some sections we had set up over the years. One loose section was easy to clean even at slower speeds, that four stoke engine really keeps the traction. Getting the front end up was so easy to get over big rocks I couldn't believe it, just lean back and just a little throttle, you don't have to work at it with this bike. I still can't believe how it burrs at idle. I let my friend ride it and he said it was cheating to have a bike like that. I am very satisfied with the bike and can't wait to get it up to Oregon and Idaho this summer and get into some wet slippery stuff, that we don't have in Vegas very often.
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From Bob Masse
First kick, then it just sits there and puuuuuuuurs, like a kitten I am enjoying the trials site, especially the chit-chat.... I see some people got there bikes in november...damn, I had to waite till mid-february...not fair! what I notice, is that everyones talking about the engine, but what doesn't get mentioned, is the great chassis....I can balance much better on this machine! when your going down a hill, it can be any engine, running chassis is great.....but really, its chugging up a hill without consern for stalling, that really makes it
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From Gordon Bowden
Hi Martin. My bike arrived and I picked it up Tuesday, cranked it last night, sounded so quiet while it idled (for the 2 min required to set the sensors). Then I gently rode it around.
I am very impressed with everything the whole bike is a work of art. I spent a lot of time just looking!!!!!!! and that bark !!!! we will be able to hear who rides smooth and who is on & off the gas. the motor is just power all the way through, like a turbine ( a small one ) reminds me of the old days when a well tuned single cylinder 4 stroke on alcohol could use almost any gear and did not require constant attention to were the power was. Thanks! I can't wait to finish checking it out and breaking it in on some familiar terrain . Will keep you posted
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From Matt Liberatore
Martin, we rode the 4RT in PA yesterday. Since mine is going in the upcoming Cycle World show this weekend, didn't want to get it dirty so I brought the 300 Pro demo for comparison. Both Craig Fish and Dave Carl let me ride their bikes.
The bike really has a better riding position before. not sure if it's in the frame or the footpeg mounts but it's not as cramped for taller riders as the 315 was. Both Brock and Craig noticed that too. Firing it up is great, but it's strange to not have to look for the petcock or choke anymore! The sound is awesome, but would like to quiet that bark down some. It looks like that will be easy because of the bolt on end restrictor.
It's a blast to ride, the suspension is noticeably better, the rear feels like it has an inch more travel but it must be the valving and/or spring rate change, it's also plusher as if that was possible! The front suspension feels better but think that's because there is a little more fork rake perhaps? There's more fork lock, hooray! The bike will turn tighter than the 315, that was always one of my complaints of the 2-stroke. It steers better too, and I always liked the way the 315R steered with no pushing, no tuck under very neutral, but the rake of the 4RT makes it even easier to make tight turns, on off cambers it's not as critical to weight the back wheel for grip in the wet stuff.
The gearing is too high for me, Dave agreed, it reminds me of the first 315s before they went one tooth larger in the back for 01. It's OK with the 41 tooth rear but the bike just picks up too much speed in first for me. I remember in Spain Miguel Cirera said all club riders should go one or two teeth in the back.
The most amazing thing about the bike is there is really no adaptation required coming off a 2-stroke. No real abrupt engine braking like the old 4-stroke Honda RTLs of the 80's. I thought for sure it would take getting used to but after riding Dave's bike for about ten minutes it felt as if had been on the bike for a long time, it was weird!
The best thing about the bike is without question the unbelievable grip the thing gets in slippery conditions. We tried the bike on a slick hillside section last (where we were when called you). Nothing fancy, just multiple lines with several sections. You know how muddy the terrain is here in the east this time of year, so this was perfect for testing traction. Coming off the 05 300 Pro, as with all the current crop of 2-strokes (315R included!) with their power deliveries you have to aware of body position for grip, the weight needs to be down and back depending on the bike, using bar and peg pressure.
With the 4RT, it's almost like you don't have to think about that, just be smooth on the throttle and the thing will find the grip, it's almost like you have to TRY to break traction. Absolutely amazing. Hey, the good riders will find grip and not really think about it, it's people like me who struggle in the slippery terrain and do the wrong things at the wrong times, this bike will definitely help club riders like myself.
It's heavier than the Pro of course, but everything is, the Pro is like a toothpick compared to it, but Brock and I have always agreed you should ride a bike seeing how you like it, don't pay attention to the weight. The thing I like most about the Pro is how stable the front end is and the overall feel, I don't care about how much it weighs. Besides on the 4RT the suspension is so forgiving and plush, it makes up for any weight disadvantage.
Last thing, the 4RT is just plain a blast to ride! The feel, the sound, it makes you want to ride more! It's great just starting it, no petcock gymnastics with the index finger turning on the fuel like the 315, no choke, just kick it through quick, let it sit and warm up, watching while it purrs like a sewing machine, no belching noxious fumes, then away you go. What people need to do is try the bike, not form an opinion based on what anyone says, or some prejudice of 4-strokes as some seem to have. Just get on the bike and ride it. This thing is going to open a LOT of eyes!
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From Tracy Zentz
Hi Martin, I rode my 4RT for about 4 hours last weekend, it is incredible! first of all I think it's the most beautifull trials bike I've ever seen.
The day we rode the temp. was about 35 degrees, a little chilly but I could'nt wait ! The bike started and idled, that's nice, and just a note, we are at 6500 feet elevation.
For about the first hour the 4RT seemed to be about 12 inches ahead of my reflexes, it has incredible throttle responce that it put directly to the ground! I realized after a while that this thing feels like it will climb anything where traction is limited, we were playing on some sandstone bluffs with a lot of loose dirt, my buddies on their two strokes were spinning and struggling in a few loose sections and the 4RT would "cruise" effortlessly to the top.
2nd and 3rd gear ratios are very close together, I soon realized that any section I could ride in 2nd could also be ridin in 3rd, there is plenty of low end to pull the gear, this will come in handy for the lower class riders who are not comfortable with your finger on the clutch.
If you're an upper class rider, all you have to do is ride this bike and it will speak for itself! it is AWESOME!!!
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From Brock Sattelmeier
Martin,
I had a chance to ride Chris' bike this weekend. Obviously the new four stoke motor is what people initially drawn to, but I was equally impressed with the chassis. FWIW, here are some of my impressions.
The bike is extremely comfortable with a great bar/peg relationship and neutral feel. The trademark plush Showa suspension is retained from the 315 with an even better feel and performance from the rear suspension. (They seemed to have improved something back there -- new shock perhaps?) The front end feels more planted, solid and secure than any bike I have ever ridden. No tendency to tuck under or push -- again, very neutral and confidence inspiring.
Matt and I both agree the bike is easy to jump on and ride - with little time required to adapt to the 4 stroke characteristics. The fuel injection is worth it's weight in gold! No hard starting on a cold morning or cleaning out a loaded up motor!
The bike looks even better in person than in the photos -- I can't imagine changing a thing. The aluminum tank top looks terrific and reminds me of a works part. The muffler cover is a great idea and the rear fender should be required on ever trials bike made.
Montesa has a winner with this sweet bike. My pick for bike-of-the-decade!
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From Adrian Lewis
Martin,
I rode for about an hour --very carefully of course!!!!-(not my bike!)-- absolutly loved it!!
What an EXCEPTIONAL tool for the mud!!
I did try it with each restrictor and personaly preffered it with none --although i do see what you mean about the noise--it is a little raspy!!-i have put the rear restrictor back on and explained to Richard exactly what i have done and the way that it rides etc etc.
The whole bike appeared very neutral and did not feel big in any way--even after ridding the pro for the last year--also was pleasatly suprised how "trick" ridable it is--i have several sections here in the mud and with creek beds and wet logs of various sizes-tried each bike back to back and would undoubtably say it will be a LOT easier for the average rider to manage in any kind of wet conditions-if the rider does,nt know how to ride the mud it is still very forgiving--just let it plonk through it and leave the clutch alone!!--No big power shocks -just nice and progresive
We put on the jitsie linkage (at Richards request) and the bike rode just the same -just sits 3/4inch higher at the rear--performs the same.
Thanks for all your help on this first bike--hope we can make a differance this year here in the sac pits club--look who else liked it!!-(see attachment)
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From Scott Head
Martin,
Unpacked my 4RT yesterday.
Fit and finish is spectacular. Aluminum tank was a suprise. No headlight. Initial reality check: where is the fuel petcock and choke? Now obsolete. Runs incredibly well. Super smooth with excellent low end response. 4-stroke engine braking will require some adjustment. Suprised me even though I expected it.
Turned down the idle speed 1/2 turn.
I have a few rocks in my back yard. Rode it there. Very slippy conditions. Seems to have phenominal grip.
Will try it at my practice area today if it drys out enough. Have not removed any baffles yet. Want to evaluate power with baffles in because I like the sound level.
Overall first impression is very positive but having switched to a four stroke off-road bike years ago I sort of knew what to expect. I would like to hear some imput from folks who have never ridden a four stroke.
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By Charlie Rowlett
I just rode the new 4 stroke Monty! IT ROCKS BIG TIME! At first I thought I was experiencing a Viagra overdose, but then realized that it was just the new bike! Wow!
Added gas...to start: no choke to pull, no fuel valve to turn on, no throttle to turn. One kick (w/ no throttle) and the bike starts and idles perfect........ purrrrrrrrfect!
The low end manners and smoothness of this engine is simply amazing. Wick open the throttle at idle at it revs instantly. And it's very difficult to stall.
This is going to be fun!
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By Oli Thordarson
I got my new bike. It is very sweet. ...worth every penny. It is hard to believe they got a 4-stroke to run the way it does.
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From Jack Betty:
I really had resided to just keep my 300 pro this year, let the four-strokes have a year to work the bugs out and see how they perform.
I had also convinced myself, with what I thought was logical reasoning, that there is no way this new 4rt could match my 300 pro.
After all, the 300 pro is a) one of the lightest bikes out, b) has one of the smoothest motors from the bottom with all the power one would ever need, c) I felt very comfortable on my bike, and enjoyed the lively feel and how it went up obstacles. d) There were no real big changes on the 05's so my bike would be just fine for another year. e) And finally if by some small chance the 4rt perform slightly better in some areas, there was no way that the cost difference in the 4rt and the Pro could be justified.
I really thought my buddies were nuts and they would for sure give it a year and be back on the lighter 2-stroke bike next year. I officially called myself a fence sitter.
The 4rt's came in first thing Monday morning, the boys had them in the dirt in two hours flat.
After work I went over to see Kirk's new ride. I rode the bike on Monday in his driveway. As I expected the fit and finish was all I expected from Montesa over the years, excellent. It looked small compared to the 315 Montesa. It had very nice styling, better in person than the flyer. The ten minute ride, really just confirmed my expectations. I did the front wheel and rear wheel lift, yeah it's heavier than my bike. Oh good, I am safe just to keep my Pro for another year. Still on the fence but I still knew I wanted to prove it in some sections.
Dennis Sweeten invited me over to his house to give it a try on Friday. You know I was not all that excited to even try it, I knew it had nothing on my 300 with it's gobs of torque. I even told my friend Kirk, "there is no way that 4rt can be smoother than my bike."
After a couple offers I said ok I'll just try it in this level creek section I had been riding with my Pro. I might have cleaned the advance line on my Pro. I jumped on one of the three 4rt's, just dropped into the creek turned it and it felt very solid, not like my old 315, were you had to plan your turn. I just completely took my hand off the clutch, just like I was riding my old Bultaco Sherpa T in 1979.
But this was no old school bike. The bike just rode very smoothly up the line, cleaned it. Tried it again, cleaned it. You know I was really trying to keep a straight face, but the guys watching just said my smile got bigger the further I got into the creek. Dang it, they noticed it. I thought this thing works pretty well, but we are riding in this level creek which we really don't have too many trials in these days and besides my forearms were pumping up. This isn't good.
Talking to Dennis he said he noticed he was hanging on too tight when he first started to ride it. I thought I must be doing the same. I did notice I was trying to ride it like my Pro keeping my weight back for traction. I noticed the 4rt pulled much more than my Pro, also keeping from using the clutch I tended to go too fast and my body lagged behind. It was like I was hanging on to a chin up bar. I was still not convinced even though I noticed my buddy looked very smooth and seemed to be getting traction on these small volleyball size stones section and I seemed to be working at it more to get the same score. I kept my mouth shut as I thought I must be cold and did not want to give him clues I noticed.
We took a break and went up to a favorite section of Dennis's, never really one of mine. The section is a moderately steep rocky stream bed section, at 30 degrees temperature and wet, kind of slick today. I did my usual three dab up this section on my Pro. Maybe got it down to a two on my third try. Mind you this is a moderate advanced line. I jumped on Odus's 4rt, clicked into second and dropped down into the section. There was a 180 out of the water turn at the bottom the bike just felt plush absorbing everything, foot steered so easy, it really did not feel any heavier than my bike. I just motored up the line. Yeah I cleaned it again, and again, and again. 2nd gear, 1st gear, whatever. It was stupid easy, like I was on a trail ride, certainly not a trials section. I could go as slow as I wish, and motor up over this greasy spot you could not stand on. OK this is a fluke.
I jumped back on my 300 pro got up to this greasy spot, stopped, foot down, slid on my side. OK I am a believer. This gets better traction than anything I have ever ridden. Also I could ride it half the speed as my 300 pro because it seem I no longer needed my old friend name mo'mentum. No arm pump as I was just staying centered, knees bent and motoring with not more that a 1/8-¼ throttle, I swear.
Ok, now to try the expert line I fived on my Pro and about passed out getting out of the section. Got a one the first and second try on the 4rt. Wow, unbelievable! Truly amazing. Damn it I can't let Odus and Kirk have one of these things, it's like cheating. All I could do was shake my head and smile, no sense hiding it now.
The thing I noticed I was really excited and having fun, where I was struggling on my Pro on the slimy stuff. I am not kidding compared to the 4rt, my torque monster 300 felt like a 200. 250cc's is plenty.
Ok, I said to Dennis, how it do on the big steps. He said follow me, we rode to his big rock sections. He was going up rocks, with wet ground, better than his 315 in dry summer time. Odus and Dennis graciously let me try there bikes. I picked out a safe one, as I did not want to put any first dings or scratches on the new bikes. I was in first gear, wet grass approach, 4 foot step, with wheelbase room on top. No problem, on top, stop balance, wheel lift and soft landing. I love the motor braking and was no problem to adjust to, it tends to make you stick like glue on top of a rock and going down slick mud slopes is just smooth.
I tried one rock you had to carry the front wheel off the drop on the other side. No problem. No problem again. The third time I tried I got so much traction on this rock I about looped it out off the backside. By the way this was after I had dragged mud up on it. Plenty of power all I would ever need. Believe me. I quickly gave it back to Dennis before I became the first one in America to break a fender.
I have spent a total of an hour on it I would guess, for me very, very easy to adapt to. As Kirk said this bike is different to ride than two strokes. Not just apples to oranges, but more like fruits to vegetables.
You know I had to come home and tell my wife, I really did not want to like this bike, there was no way I expected this. It just does not compute. It's not logical. I already had it all planned to stay with my trusty bike.
Dennis is right in a few years, it won't be that manufacturers can't make two strokes; they will be discontinued because no one will want them. The displacement advantage they handicap in the motocross world for the four strokes is not even a factor in the trials world. 4 strokes is a major paradigm shift the sport of trials.
Like you said Martin, just ride it. Nothing else will convince you.
Other things I noticed:
1) Rear suspension is better for a +200 lb. rider than the 315 is.
2) The rear wheels hops seemed easier than the 315, and a Sherco, not quite as easy as the Pro. Only after a handful of attempts.
3) Bike is much easy to stay on line, very stable feel.
Ken Leven's called me this morning; mind you he must have ridden it a total of fifteen minutes. He said I can't believe how well that bike worked, I did not expect that. I said, yeah I know my words exactly.
Dennis, thanks for putting my name on one.
Jack Betty
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From Pam deBruin
Hey Martin,
Ask me how much I love my new bike. Go on ask me.
After all the rumors and hype I was really worried it would not live up to my expectations. Well, I just want to tell you I am really shocked at how much I like it! I have ridden & raced motorcycles most of my life, but I have never owned a 4 stroke, the few times I did ride them they felt uncomfortable at best. I figured it would take me a while to get used to this new bike.
Within a couple of hours I felt like I was home! I can't believe how easy it is to start, how much power it has, how well the rear wheel hooks up, how easy it is to move the front end around, how smooth the power is or how easy it is to balance. I really feel this is the perfect bike for any club rider. I am absolutely giddy right now! Viva Montesa!
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From Carl Walker
Martin,
This bike is as sick as a hospital! At first I was afraid to ride it because I thought that this bike was ment to be delivered to a museum. It is beautiful. Just looking at the bike you can find countless trick little billet aluminum pieces. Truely a piece of art. When you start riding you quickly realize that this bike will pull harder than any two stroke trials bike.
The added torque is unbelievable. the bike even makes power in places that I had never imagined, right off of idle is an amazing feeling. If you are riding with other trials bike line up at any hill you want and see who can go further. I was told
that this bike would have much better traction than a 2 stroke but when I was riding on the first day I learned what they were talking about.
The Cota 4RT pulled straight up loose rocky and sandy hills that left my buddy's BETA spinning half way up. This was even taking it easy on the throttle as it was still day 1. The bike is expensive but if you are going to spend 6500 for a new bike why not just bite the bullet and spend 7500 on a bike that will leave you with less maintnence, no more pre mix, a great sound, and even better traction? If you can afford it there is no reason the buy anything else.
Thanks again Martin. I had another great ride today. Plus I got the fan put back together and got practice taking the tank, throttle body, and injector out like you said. Not too hard, now I am not
worried about changing out that tank.
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From Paul Oswald:
Hi Friends,
News comes from the northern regions of our great state that the debut of the Montesa four stroke at SCTA's Romoland trial was less than inspiring. Simply put: Not So! Whoever started these rumours was apparently unable to summon the courage to be seen testing the Monty, and instead resorted to playground name calling.
I can tell you as an objective evaluator of some of man's most complex inventions, that I was impressed with the Montesa 4 stroke. Allow me to thumbnail a test ride for you.
Lowell Bellis was kind enough to allow me to ride his new bike for an hour during Saturday set up at Romoland.
Overall quality is typical Montesa/HRC as in legendary. The bike is built stoutly with fine materials, and excellent welds. The new color scheme is easy to match to any number of Hawaiian shirts. The motorcycle is a fine blending of very new technology like the electronic fuel injection, with a very competent foundation of proven winning technologies from the previous iterations of the bike.
The fuel injection system is self powered, compensates for altitude and temperature, tapers rather than shuts off fuel flow to control compression braking effects.
All Montesas feel a little husky (like your author) when compared with other makes. Truth is they all weigh nearly the same, and any illusion of heaviness disappears the moment you roll forward. Width is not an issue, as the all the bikes are within 3/4 of and inch of each other. The Montesa feels an order of magnitude more stable in the section than any other bike. The suspension and geometry of the frame (and it's rigidity!) make for a compelling argument For attention to detail!
The engine is a work of art. Very little mechanical noise is evident, at idle or full tilt. Induction howl is nil. The exhaust has the luscious smell of pure race gas being consumed at an always stoichiometric mixture. Not too tart, not too sweet, just electronically perfect. I was worried that the exhaust sound was going to be something like a Dodge Dart with a crushed tail pipe. I am glad to report that The Monty four stoke has a very professional sounding bark, manly enough for most, and may be adjusted through the use of flow modifiers in the exhaust system. You can keep it quiet as you would like, or make the woman scream, men cry and dogs howl if you like (exceeds all known limits and standards, yessssssss!) For those of you who have seen it, yes that is a spark arrestor at the very end of the tail pipe. Yes it is!
I rode the bike in all of the intermediate traps. I rode the lines in each direction to work in the section for competition. I was surprised at how very familiar the bike felt right away. The differences are actually very subtle in the way the bike ride in the section proper. An enormous amount of very controllable torque is available from idle through the mid range of RPM with out feeling jumpy. Yet nice revs and flywheel are available for those especially daunting obstacles. It was easy to precise with the grip and power management. It will take me another hour or so to get things properly smooth just from the tiny differences.
The Montesas have always enjoyed a great reputation for reliability and prowess. This bike will surely be able to raise the standard even higher. The engine and it's perfect powerband is reason enough to abandon that sorry equipment you ride now. That motor coupled with the nearly flawless geometry and execution of the perfect trials frame make this machine a must have for every serious trials rider.
Are you serious?
Adios,
Paul Oswald
liability statement: Not all riders may qualify for a Montesa, due to history, finances, family problems, or global warming. Special financing will not be available on select models and none is expected, ever. Red is and always will be Montesa's color and there is nothing anyone can do about it. Please, please , please fly American Airlines so I can buy a new motorcycle. Barely used 2002 Monty for sale, see Captain O. All opinions expressed here are just opinions expressed here. Author reserves right to express more opinions here.
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By Richard Dillon
After watching Owen Gwilliam ride the 4Rt for an hour non-stop it was my turn, but first I'll comment on my impressions of watching Owen. He is certainly a very impressive rider this young bloke!
He went straight into nose wheelies and several wheel stand hops using the rear brake with the front in the air and flip turns as if he owned the bike. Then a few warm up sections: small steps, launches and hops. He stopped while Tarp made adjustments to the bars and rear suspension to better suit Owen's style & skill level and to try a couple of different sections: a log step was first. We were all surprised, including Owen, how easy the rear lifted and landed on the log: the suspension seemed to work well .
The traction up a slippery slope looked impressive, the ability to stop on the rock and take off again was a clear indication of the 4stroke traction, just power and go, no clutch fiddling required. After watching Owen, it was my turn and it was going to be a hard act to follow, but I was keen to sample this 4stroke that we've all been waiting for.
Straight into a familiar section: a very tight and technical one, (always have difficulty on my 315 with it), down a rock face, small step up onto an off camber rock slab, turn bike into a 90 degree left turn, then one bike length to a half metre step and on landing another 90 degree left turn: cleaned it first go! Couldn't believe it, tried again, another two cleans.
Ok, now that my confidence is up, it was time to try a more difficult 1.5 metre rock step. Line it up, first gear, just keep the power on all the way: I didn't need to back off until I was way over the ledge. Strange feeling – made it, didn't think I could do it ! Everything I rode seemed to only require half as much effort and run up, the power can be dialled very late as there is virtually no wheel spin.
In all instances its surprising how much traction it gets. This traction allows you to keep control right through the section. I found that I needed to change my approach to sections: no longer do you need to rev heaps before take off, now you can power right through the obstacle. I have my order in! Can't wait till it arrives. It has inspired me to spend more time riding trials.
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By Owen Gwilliam
I was lucky enough to spend an hour or so on the 4RT yesterday. The bike sure is different to anything else on the market, but I was able to feel quite comfortable after setting up the handlebars and levers. The gearbox is excellent - positive shift, never misses a gear. The clutch is also excellent, perfectly smooth and consistent engagement, although a fraction heavier than my gas gas pro - but not too heavy.
The engine is fairly amazing - you have to get used to the different engine note (thumper!) to work out how many revs to give it for steps and climbs, you also have to leave the clutch alone and just roll the throttle on as you approach obstacles - even for splatters you just roll the throttle on, no need for revving and slipping the clutch - this thing just finds traction and puts the power down. My opinion is that there is plenty of power, you just sort of don't realise how much power your putting down because you don't break traction...strange sensation.
As expected, the 4RT is heavier and bulkier than the gas gas pro that I ride. I was still able to hop the bike around, but it required more body input - and as I am only 70 odd kgs it can get tiring. I feel that heavier riders, or those used to the weight of a 315R or Rev 3 will not be bothered by the extra bulk. So, A grade sections are certainly possibe on the production bike (proven!), but the riding style is different, and the extra weight can be a bit of a hinderance for tight technical sections. I think a lot of riders however could well benefit from the ultra smooth power and traction.
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By Peter LeGrove
what a beautiful machine, waited a long time to see and ride this new 4stroke, the ride...just aim it in the section and it goes, 1st or 2nd gear didn't matter, it just kept going just grips and keeps going, this thing will not stall. gear change is smooth as they come. love the exhaust note ! It barks ! can't believe it, sounds like a works AJS from the 60's! love it. so easy to ride can't fault it.
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