author: DAVID QUER
Co-founder of Trialworld. Instructor at Trialworld School. More than 20 years as a trial expert in specialized motor media.
Faced with the constant proliferation of trial models with two-stroke combustion engine models and the establishment of electric propulsion, Montesa responds faithfully to its principles, increasing its range of models with valve mechanics.
Although it is not the only brand on the market that is committed to four-stroke engines (a Beta EVO 4T is also marketed), it is the one that leads this segment with force.
To fully understand the Montesa trial range we have to go back to 2016. In that year the trial catalogue went from incorporating the two traditional models (standard and Race Replica), to adding a third “vitamin” model called Cota 300RR, precursor of the current Montesa Cota 301RR. The range is completed with the Montesa 4Ride, which takes the mechanical basis of the Cota 4RT and receives nuances at the chassis level to configure a more versatile variant, known in the market as trial-excursion.
MECHANICAL HIGHLIGHTS
- Keihin Electronic Injection Molding
- 260cc 4-stroke engine
- 5-speed gearbox
- Reduction in engine braking effect compared to 2019
- More progressive power and torque curve
ASPECTS PART CYCLE highlights
- Completely redesigned bodywork
- Newly designed fuel tank
- New front optics
DIFFERENCES MONTESA COTA 4RT 2020 RANGE
Montesa has kept the Cota 4RT in its catalogue since 2005. Since then, significant improvements have been introduced, such as the increase in displacement in 2014, the progressive reduction of engine braking, new electronic configurations and adaptation to the requirements of European regulations.
In 2020, engines receive a further reduction in engine braking and settings that seek a more progressive response throughout the rev range.
Two models of the 4RT range remain in the catalogue: the Cota 4RT 260 and the Cota 4RT 260 Race Replica. The differences between the two are purely in the field of the chassis and finishes. The most important thing is the suspensions. The Race Replica maintains its trust in Showa, while the standard model follows the interesting line marked in 2014 with the Tech – R16V set.
There are also small differences in terms of brakes: the Race has a more powerful front caliper, the Braktec powerparts. And as for the finishes, it should be noted that in the Race we will find certain protection components in carbon fiber: forks, clutch and clutch cover.
Several editions ago, it was also common to find carbon on the ignition cover, the silencer cover, the fork bridge, or the front optics.
As absences, in none of the models do we find the “man overboard” stop device or the homologated rear crown, nor the homologated closed rear disc.
On an aesthetic level, the entire Cota range receives a new bodywork this year. The tank is newly designed, as well as the optics and rear fender. These changes are also common to the Cota 301RR.
MONTESA COTA 4RT STANDARD
- Tech fork with steel bars
- R16V Shock Absorber
- Gold-colored anodized rims
- Aluminium collector protector
- No fork guards
- No clutch cover protector
- Double-body Braktec front caliper
- Dunlop D803GP Tyres
- Steel S3 footpegs
- Handlebar S3
MONTESA COTA 4RT RACE
- Showa fork with aluminum bars
- Showa Shock Absorber
- Orange anodized rims
- Carbon fiber manifold protector
- Carbon fiber fork guards
- Carbon fiber clutch cover protector
- Braktec powerparts front brake caliper
- Michelin X11 Tires
- S3 Hard Rock Footpegs
- Renthal Handlebar
The key to understanding the differences of the Cota 4RT range is having the opportunity to test them together. And so we did. When you make one pass with one bike, and the next with the opposite, you can draw very interesting conclusions at the level of the chassis part.
Aesthetically the most “basic” model, the standard model looks somewhat decaffeinated, something that may even be done on purpose so as not to steal the limelight from its big sister. The reality is that by resorting to the auxiliary industry and placing fork and swingarm protectors in carbon, the bike already gains a lot. It starts to lose that sobriety and gives it a more racing touch. Otherwise, the color scheme is very stylish.
In both cases, we are missing key aspects for any regional competition , such as the man-overboard stop device and the homologated crown.
Otherwise, as we will tell you later, the components of the standard model are actually top quality. The differences are more about how the bike responds depending on the terrain conditions and the type of riding.
MONTESA COTA 4RT 260 STANDARD
When you see that you are getting on the “basic” model, you have two options: you suggest yourself or you open your mind so as not to prejudge before your time.
If you choose the second option, you realize that with that idea of making a more affordable and sober model, Montesa has actually found a truly brilliant motorcycle. Yes, surprising, but the reality is that its strong point is how well balanced the bike is.
IT SURPRISES THE CONTROLS MORE THAN FOR ITS AESTHETICS
The key is in the suspensions. Its fork under that spartan aesthetic, without stickers or colors on its bars, is one of the best on the market. Not surprisingly, it is technically similar to the one carried by the TRRS RR. The poise it brings to the front end, together with the precision of its response, give it an amazing performance. It is more agile and livelier than the Showa.
Same philosophy for the rear shock. The Ollé isn’t popular in name nor does its aesthetic invite you to think that this is a top-of-the-line product, but dynamically it’s the perfect match to the Tech fork. That liveliness and agility we were talking about, makes the Montesa Cota 4RT 260 feel lighter and easier to take off from the ground than its Race Replica sister.
The rest of the components, such as the front brake or handlebars, work well enough that you don’t have to put replacing these products in the buying equation.
"Montesa has achieved a bike with excellent performance, capable of competing in price and performance with the best 2-strokes, even despite its sober aesthetics and little racing. It makes you fall in love more when you drive it and get rid of all your prejudices."
The best
- Agile and fast suspensions
- More affordable price
- Reliability and low maintenance
To be improved
- Certain trim levels
- Absence of mandatory safety features for competition
- Excessively sober aesthetics
Montesa Cota 4RT Race Replica 2020
The catalogue cannot miss the mythical Repsol version, called Race Replica. Just as there is a model in the range that entrusts the suspensions to Showa, which is one of the most distinguished elements of the bike.
Its aesthetics are more striking, although perhaps with too much white this year, and the black frame gives it a very obvious racing touch. Continuing with the visual review, the carbon accessories give it another plus to get that crush on the bike. Without a doubt, she falls in love more than her little sister… but not all of them.
IS THE SHOWA SET BETTER?
As we mentioned before, the The key is to compare bikes in the same area. While the Race with the Showa is able to trace the line for you or climb obstacles without losing a millimeter of the line, The standard 260 is more naughty, more two-stroke style in terms of agility. With the Showa it is more difficult for you to take off the ground and blow the bike away.
We tried on various obstacles where we wanted to fly directly with the rear wheel. With the same rider, same mechanics, making the step right after, on a 1.5 meter stone we were able to climb about 15 or 20 centimeters higher.
Where is the Showa team gaining ground? Well, as we said before, with everything related to traction zones, with mud, water and everything that is driven by tracing.
Consequently, everything that is more route or interzone, you notice that the Showa has much more sensitivity and copies the terrain perfectly. Interestingly, at the other end, it’s a team that also wins in strong receptions, where it allows you to drop and perfectly maintain the trajectory.
"The Race Replica is more appealing in terms of aesthetics and the claim of the Showa brand, although dynamically there are territories where its sister defends itself better. We miss more "pro" components, like there were in previous editions."
The best
- Racing aesthetics and PRO components
- Poise & Stability
- Quality of the suspensions
To be improved
- Absence of mandatory safety features in competition
- Difficulty "getting it off the ground"
- Aesthetics with too much white color
Conclusions
