Honda Montesa 4RT260 (Update)
Honda Montesa have announced mild
updates to its Cota 4RT260 and Race Replica 2017 models, which will be released
at the beginning of September.
The biggest technical difference is the
longer kickstart, which should make the starting stroke a little more reliable.
The current bike’s stubby kickstart takes a real knack to prod the engine into
life, and a longer one should improve the progressive sweep required. Kick it
sharply like a two-stroke, and it just won’t start.
The more obvious changes are to the
colour schemes, with the Montesa trademark red being ditched in favour of a
predominantly white scheme with the red and blue details on the aluminum tank
and mudguards.
The TECH fork on the standard 4RT now
gets a chromed tube and a black fork lowers, while the fork itself is
essentially unchanged. The Race Replica – in Repsol colours – will also feature
some minor changes to the paintjob, but you’d be hard pushed to spot them – and
continues to feature premium front and rear Showa suspension.
The engine remains the same, using a
tractable 260cc four-stroke single which has already seen a boost thanks to a
new fuel pump that gives the motorcycle more fuel flow. The motor also uses a
clever engine braking system that employs a crankcase decompresser so that
engine braking is minimal on a closed throttle, making the Cota feel lighter
and easier to control.
The first opportunity for the public to
get a first glimpse is this weekend in Andorra, in the paddock of the 2 Dies de
Trial d’Encamp competition, and they will be available for purchase at the
beginning of September.
