Sep 16, 2016 – TORRANCE, Calif.–Capping off a season that saw Repsol Honda trials rider Toni Bou land an incredible 20th World Championship (10 outdoor, 10 indoor), while U.S. Montesa Honda rider Marc Freixa landed the AMA/NATC MotoTrials National Championship, American Honda announces its lineup of 2017 Montesa trials motorcycles. Between the exclusive Cota 300RR and the capable Cota 4RT260, Honda Montesa has something for trials riders of every level.
“No one is more passionate about their pastime than trials enthusiasts, so it’s gratifying to continue supporting these customers in the U.S., particularly given the success Honda has enjoyed this year in international and domestic competition,” said Lee Edmunds, Manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications at American Honda.
Montesa Cota 300RR, $9999
Introduced last year, the Cota 300RR was- made for competition (the “RR” suffix stands for “Race Ready”) and is the production model most similar to the prototypes used by factory Honda Montesa riders. For 2017, the 300RR is even better, with new ECU mapping that improves engine response in the low and middle rpm ranges that are especially important for trials motorcycles. Another aspect that contributes to engine response is the new three-ring piston (up from two), which helps prevent leakage and improves durability. The piston is now lighter and has a flatter top, reducing vibration and making combustion more efficient at low rpm. The cylinder has also been redesigned to match the new piston, further improving engine efficiency. The chassis has also been updated, with new, suppler settings for the Tech fork, similar to those used by factory riders. Finally, the muffler is more robust with reinforced mounts, and the rear-brake pedal has been shortened to avoid impacts and allow the rider more freedom of movement.
Color: Red
Price: $9999
Availability: December 2016
Montesa Cota 4RT260, $7899
A cutting-edge machine that is attainable both for trials enthusiasts and those looking for a cross-training tool, the 4RT260 was first introduced to the U.S. market in 2015. Now offered in a striking new White/Blue/Red livery, the 2017 version also has the longer kick-start lever from the 300RR, making starting easier. The aesthetic changes can also be noticed on the fork, now included with a chromed tube and black leg. The 4RT260 retains the reliable 260cc four-stroke engine that was improved last year, boasting a strong power curve, with an emphasis on bottom end and midrange. A clever crankcase decompressing system reduces the engine-braking effect at closed throttle, improving handling and making the bike feel lighter. Also standard is top-level suspension, with a fork from Tech and a shock from R16V—both well known in the trials world.
Colors: White/Blue/Red
Price: $7899
Availability: November 2016
Both Cota models use an aluminum chassis with a gorgeous finish, showcasing the classic lines and the impeccable manufacturing quality. The Cota 300RR also features new, suppler settings for the Tech fork, similar to those used by factory riders. The muffler uses reinforced mounts, and the rear-brake pedal is shorter to avoid impacts and allow the rider more freedom of movement. Now both Cota models feature a longer kickstart lever, helping ensure easy one-kick starts.
Both Cota models feature fuel-injected power that’s easy to modulate, for the surgical power delivery so critical to trials riding. Specifically tuned for low-rpm response, they’re also extraordinarily flexible, with plenty of power and torque all the way through the rev range. A bigger cylinder bore and longer stroke means the Cota 300RR increases its displacement to 288cc, while the 4RT260 retains the reliable 260cc four-stroke engine. A high-pressure fuel pump helps give the engine a stronger power curve. The Cotas’ Honda engines use battery-less digital ignition systems, and include a bank-angle sensor to switch off the ignition when the motorcycle is lying on the ground. The Cota 300RR also incorporates a magnetic kill switch.
The 300RR and 4RT260 both feature a handlebar-mounted mode switch that lets you choose between two maps/modes to change engine power delivery. For 2017, the 300RR is even better, with new ECU mapping that improves engine response in the low and middle rpm ranges.
For 2017, the 300RR features a new three-ring piston for better sealing and improved durability. The piston is lighter too, and is designed with a flatter top, reducing vibration and making combustion more efficient at low rpm.
The Montesa Cota 4RT260 offers an adjustable 39mm TECH fork and R16V shock for the Pro-Link rear suspension. The Cota 300RR features a TECH fork with lightweight aluminum tubes and a Showa rear shock.
Both 2017 Montesa Cota models are equipped with a four-piston monoblock front-brake caliper. Each Cota uses 32-spoke wheels. The rear wheel features an innovative system incorporating central-adjustment spokes for a significant weight reduction, and which also allows the Cota to fit tubeless tires. The Cota 300RR comes with premium Michelin X11 tires, laser-engraved hubs, and light DID aluminum rims.
For more information on the 2017 Montesa Trials models, visit http://powersports.honda.com/trials.aspx.
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