Celebrating a rich history that goes back even longer than that of Honda, Montesa marks its 75th anniversary with a special edition of its elite trials machine, which gets a new look to commemorate the occasion. Manufactured in the trials hotbed of Barcelona, Spain, the Montesa Cota 301RR now has a red fuel tank in a tribute to early Montesa models, as well as a gold “75th Anniversary” emblem that adorns the fuel-tank cover and fork legs. This is a competition-focused model that adopts most of its components and technical solutions from the machine of 28-time FIM World Champion Toni Bou, and it boasts a powerful-but-tractable 298cc four-stroke engine and advanced Tech forks with aluminum stanchions.
ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN
- With bore and stroke figures of 81.5 mm and 57.2 mm, displacement is 298cc, the maximum allowed in the Trial2 World Championship.
- Power is biased to the low end and midrange for the smooth, tractable delivery that is vital for maintaining traction in technical conditions, even with the sudden bursts of acceleration common in trials riding.
- The three-ring piston and specially designed crankshaft reduce vibration.
- Programmed electronic fuel injection for smooth running in varying conditions.
- Lightweight aluminum muffler with a large-diameter inner tube and great overall volume, for maximum torque across the rev range. A carbon fiber exhaust shield is incorporated for protection.
- The light-but-tough carbon-fiber guard protects the clutch, on the engine’s right side.
- The decompression system features a large, 2.3 mm crankcase breather tube for reduced engine braking, helping to maintain traction during deceleration.
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
- The 39 mm Formula Tech fork is light, in part because of its aluminum stanchions.
- The Pro-Link® rear-suspension system with single Showa shock absorb trials sections’ gnarliest obstacles.
- Lightweight aluminum frame and swingarm for nimble handling.
- Aluminum wheel hubs minimize unsprung weight for easy steering and predictable handling.
- Petal-style rotors front and rear, for optimum braking power and modulation. A four-piston front caliper offers strong, predictable braking, and it’s protected by a plastic guard.
- A large aluminum skid plate with a rubber cushion protects the engine from the impacts against rocks so common in trials.
- An aluminum side stand lets the rider easily park the bike when waiting for his or her turn to enter a section.
- Aluminum fuel tank.
- Rear fender flares out at the end to better protect the rider from mud and water in transfer sections.
- Minimalist LED headlight adds illumination in dark conditions (not road legal).
