The new Montesa Cota 4RT 260 2014 and the Cota 4RT 260 Race Replica 2014 have just been presented in Italy, coinciding with the scoring event for the Trial World Championship. Expectations have been high since Montesa revealed the existence of this new project, which is the continuation of its ambitious commitment to four-stroke engines in 2005.
Full stop
Since its appearance, the Montesa Cota 4RT model created a revolution in the world of trial, a discipline completely dominated by 2-stroke mechanics, engines of relative mechanical simplicity and at the same time extremely compact that, however, penalized by a high level of polluting emissions.
So much so that, anticipating the anti-pollution regulations that were to come into force in 2006, Montesa, in close collaboration with Honda Motor Co., developed the Montesa Cota 4RT, an advanced trial motorcycle equipped with a compact and revolutionary 4-stroke 4-valve engine powered by PGM‐FI electronic fuel injection, being highly efficient in terms of the level of pollutant emissions as well as its significant torque and power values.
In addition, the chassis also turned out to be certainly innovative with the adoption of a lightweight aluminium frame and the use of a set of SHOWA suspensions of the highest quality, highlighting the successful design of the rear suspension system. From the get-go, The performance of the amazing 250cc engine amazed to be able to compete head-to-head against the superior 2-stroke machines of similar displacement.
The Montesa Cota 4RT stood out for its exclusivity in terms of technological solutions, but also for being a model of the highest quality and more than proven reliability, aspects certainly valued by the brand’s customers. However, as the years went by, The tastes of trial fans have changed as has the global economic situation. So much so that in the scale of values of a good part of trial enthusiasts, the economy has an important specific weight when deciding to buy a motorcycle.
Development Concept
Based on the new priorities of trial enthusiasts, Montesa Honda has developed a completely new Montesa Cota in which it maintains its main hallmarks: advanced 4-stroke PGM‐FI technology and the lightweight aluminum frame.
Similarly, to increase the level of competitiveness against the still popular 2-stroke engines, the development team opted for a new engine, increasing the displacement to 260cc in search of a clear improvement in performance.
To meet the expectations and needs of today’s customers and with the firm will to reach a wider range of customers, Montesa launches 2 versions of the Cota 4RT model, the 4RT260 version and the Race Replica.
Dimension 4RT260: A model developed with the valuable participation of the Repsol Montesa Honda team and which, without sacrificing a high level of quality, as well as a remarkable increase in performance, is presented as an economically comparable option to motorcycles equipped with 2-stroke mechanics.
Cota Race Replica: For the most demanding customers, for those who expect a product of the highest quality, the Cota Race Replica offers the exclusivity provided by its high level of equipment and the image of the motorcycle that dominates with authority in all competitions in the world: the Montesa Cota 4RT of the riders of the powerful Repsol Montesa Honda team, Toni Bou & Takahisa Fujinami.
Like its predecessors, the production of the two versions of the new Cota 4RT will take place at Montesa Honda’s modern facilities in Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, Barcelona, ensuring the very high quality standards with which the Cota 4RT model has always been characterized.
Design & Plastics
Broadly speaking, the new Cota 4RT in its two versions, 4RT260 & Race Replica, It presents a modern and fluid line in which the new design of the fuel tank stands out, much more stylish and compact, but maintaining enough capacity to be able to enjoy a long day of trial.
The new rear fender design continues the fluidity of lines marked by the tank and finishes in a more elevated and streamlined finish.
While the Race Replica version inherits the powerful image of the world champion’s motorcycle, the 4RT260 returns to the Montesa red color with which the manufacturer dressed its most emblematic Cota models. A red color that is also present in the wheel bugs in perfect combination with the beautiful black anodized rims.
The 4RT models have always stood out for their high quality finishes and the excellent level of components that keep their properties intact over time. As it could not be otherwise, this is an aspect that is maintained in the new Cota models with the adoption of plastic and adhesives of the highest quality.
Engine
Maintaining the compact thermodynamic base of the Montesa Cota 4RT, the already advanced 4-stroke engine receives numerous changes, including an increase in displacement to 260cc.
However, Montesa Honda has not been satisfied with a single increase in displacement, since for To achieve the maximum balance of performance derived from this change, the camshaft has also been redesigned in order to adjust the timing diagrams in favor of better engine response to any regime.
In the same way, the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) incorporates a new injection and ignition map inorder to optimize the changes applied to the thermodynamics of the new engine. With this new map, a remarkable increase in traction capacity is obtained, especially on unfavorable terrain, a condition that is also maintained in more critical situations such as when cutting off and opening gas in the middle of an area. With this particularity, the new Montesa Cota 4RT shows all its efficiency and provides greater control to the rider.
The implementation of all these changes has a clear impact on a clear increase in performance. The engine now stands out for its greater stretch, while the low-end response has been improved in favour of a greater engine feel. In general, the engine is much more elastic as it is more usable throughout the rev range, presenting higher torque values from mid-revs until the ignition cut-off. In this sense, it is worth highlighting the perfect connection between the throttle control and the final transmission, a key aspect in the top-level trial and in which the exquisiteness of operation of the PGM‐FI electronic fuel injection system is of vital importance.
Another highly noteworthy aspect is the clear reduction of engine braking, a feature of 4-stroke engines that has been cleverly solved by Honda engineers by incorporating a crankcase gas decompression system. Through this system, when the throttle is cut, the engine only has a minimal engine braking effect, making the motorcycle feel much lighter and more controllable.
With the application of all these solutions, the new Cota 4RT tackles the areas with greater power as well as greater control by the rider.
Cycle part
The new Cota 4RT260 & Race Replica relies on a lightweight aluminium frame and swingarm with proven reliability and performance.
In the Race Replica model, the frame‐swingarm set has the same black anodizing treatment as the official Team Repsol Montesa Honda machines.
However, in the 4RT260 version, both components feature a formidable polished aluminium finish. A treatment that allows you to visualize the beauty of lines and even the perfection of the different weld seams that do not hide the high level of quality of this model.
Another improved aspect is the adoption of new footpegs. They are now wider, a feature that allows the rider to master the bike more while gaining greater control of the machine. On the other hand, as they are wider, they accumulate less mud and maintain a higher level of grip.
In addition, the new footpegs have a certain adjustability by simply changing thicknesses that allows the rider’s position to be slightly advanced or delayed in favor of greater comfort and control of the machine.
Suspensions
Race Replica: The model maintains the prestigious set of SHOWA front and rear suspensions of the highest quality that continue to be a benchmark in trial.
Dimension 4RT260: Aware that not all trial enthusiasts need exquisiteness and supreme quality of Showa suspensions Used in the Race Replica model, the Cota 4RT260 features a new set of high-level suspensions, but at the same time with a much lower cost.
The front suspension is signed by TECH, while the rear end relies on a lightweight R16V multi-adjustable shock absorber. Both manufacturers have extensive experience in supplying suspension assemblies to various trial motorcycle manufacturers. However, by the close collaboration between Tech engineers and R16V and the more than proven experience of Montesa Honda’s test rider, Amós Bilbao, multiple days of testing were dedicated in different areas and trial zones in search of the most appropriate settings for a machine with the characteristics of the Cota 4RT260.
As a result, the Cota 4RT260 features a highly efficient suspension package that results in a greater lightweight feel. With this suspension equipment, the new Cota 4RT260 is able to absorb the irregularities of the terrain with great ease while standing out for its ease of adjustment in favor of a more Racing use or, on the contrary, in search of greater retention and comfort.
More news
Another aspect in which both versions of the Cota stand out is the adoption of a new braking system signed by Braktec. The master cylinder is now much more compact and lighter, which also improves performance. Specifically, the braking system offers greater bite and a much more precise feel.
In this same section, the brake hoses and their travel are also new , being now much more integrated, forming a more compact set.
At the same time, the clutch system continues with its previous hydraulically operated configuration and also relies on a new, more compact and lighter clutch pump from the same firm and which provides greater operating precision.
Equipment
While the main changes to the model focus on the engine, bodywork and suspension assembly (Cota 4RT260), it is worth noting the deep remodelling of the model with the adoption of 70 new components.
However, despite the numerous changes applied, both models maintain their high level of equipment, highlighting the advanced electrical system that dispenses with The battery is able to power, among other things, the injection system or the ignition coil itself. Also Of particular note is the use of a tilt sensor that switches off the ignition when the motorcycle is lying on the ground with an incline of more than 65 or for a fraction of time greater than 7 seconds. With this device, the risk exposure by the rider is reduced while protecting the engine, especially in situations where the engine may be revved.
The rims maintain their 32-spoke configuration and the rear the innovative system that incorporates centrally adjustable spokes achieving a significant weight reduction, easy maintenance while allowing the mounting of tubeless tires, which in turn contribute to weight reduction.
Special Parts
Only for the Race Replica model is a highly exclusive kit of HRC parts made of carbon composed of:
*Suspension bottle protectors.
* Front suspension bridge.
*Clutch cover protector.
* Exhaust elbow protector.
* Exhaust silencer protector. In addition, the kit includes:
* A set of OF3 aluminum footpegs.
* A complete set of stickers with the image of Team Repsol Montesa Honda.
* A lightweight headlamp face shield for competition use only.
On the 4RT260 model, a headlamp face shield is supplied as an optional accessory for racing use only.
YOU CAN READ THE IN-DEPTH TEST OF THE TWO MONTESA COTA 4RT 260 2014 MODELS IN THIS EXCLUSIVE REPORT
TEST MONTESA COTA 4RT 260 2014
If you are one of those who believe in love at first sight, you probably won’t have a crush with the new Cota 4RT. To find its attractiveness, it is not enough to judge its shapes, but you will have to stop and admire the quality of its finishes, valuing that it is a practically immortal companion. Its elegant lines, sharper at the rear and round at the front, leave you almost as indifferent as you are calm, with the feeling that it will surely not be the center of attention of all eyes, but it will not go out of style either.
The Cota 2014 continues to bet on conservative lines, without any surprises. Elegant by nature, small tweaks do give a more agile and fresh air to its rear; The tank, less bulky than its predecessor, although not flat, contributes to improving the overall aesthetics of the whole. Of course, sacrificing fuel capacity to obtain a maximum of 1.9 liters.
Honda is Honda. Starting from an undoubted overall quality, in the series version, perhaps because it is a “pre-series”, we have detected some details that could be improved. For example, the finish of the hubs, in red, seems to be quite improvable; In fact, one of the unused units already had some paint raised. The headlight is of a new design, but in this model it seems excessively sober and with some sticker in red it would be a more attractive set. Finally, we find it very curious that the throttle cable passes directly behind the handlebars, instead of in front, since as it is placed it is easy for the bike to stay accelerated when hooked, for example, with a branch.
AT THE CONTROLS
After seeing Fujinami and Bou in action with the production models, it was time for the press. We were in the first turn and we started with the Race Replica version. As the chassis is identical to its predecessor, including the suspension equipment, we took the opportunity to put our five senses into understanding the sensations that the new mechanics gave us.
First of all, start-up. Soft kick, without accelerating. Perfect operation. The sound hasn’t changed – remember that in 2007 we worked on mitigating it – and everything is, a priori, familiar.
The new clutch pump, also signed by Braktec, maintains the optimal line of the previous AJP, with the particularity that in this test unit we have noticed it noticeably harder – something that did not happen later in the Cota 2014 as standard.
As soon as we started, we took advantage of a few meters of the road to start engaging gears and closing the throttle to make a First assessment of engine retention. Sure enough, the bike is already It doesn’t nail so blatantly and, without losing the driving effect of a 4T, Allows for a more linear and smooth ride. There are no changes in its gear ratio, which despite having a gearbox of only five speeds, the good bass of its engine confirms that it is the right thing to do.
We get to the zones. We found a somewhat slippery and limited terrain for a mid-level driver, with no real opportunities to squeeze the engine on steep hills or steps “without cheating”. It is what it is, so we pay attention to see if we notice those 10 cc of extra cubication. The truth is that under the regime the difference is minimal, But from the In the mid-rev range, there is a little more punch and ability to reach over-revs with useful power, although we already told you that the limitations of terrain invited more to work under revs and we could not draw further conclusions.
The most obvious improvement in the areas, as we anticipated, is in the Reduced engine braking. Driving is now more agile and intuitive; The bike flows naturally within the zone and, unlike the previous model, It’s not as stubborn or tending to dig into itself when you make a fist of gas. In short, everything is easier and more logical, favoring non-stop piloting and those areas where a very sweet touch of gas is needed to be technically effective.
In short, On a mechanical level, the improvement over its predecessor is real. but in general terms it maintains the same tone and You won’t be in for any big surprises. If they don’t tell you all this, you’ll notice that it’s easier to drive and the engine is fuller, but you’d have a hard time guessing why.
MORE ACCESSIBLE
At the end of the 30-minute test with the first model, we shared a few minutes with the director of the Montesa competition team, Oscar Giró, to share these initial impressions. His words helped us to better understand the positioning of the Cota 2014.
The big news about the new model is perhaps not the launch of the new model itself, but that Montesa now offers a more accessible alternative in economic terms and that aims to compete against the competitive Q2 market. Now that we are clear about the points that have been dealt with to get this 15% discount on the current price, we get behind the controls of the “basic” version of the 2014 Cota.
Passion red. As it could not be otherwise, the corporate colour is the flagship and protagonist of this new model in combination with an elegant black. Obviously, all the carbon fiber that dresses its sister disappears here for the sake of more humble components that, to their credit, do not detract at all from the performance of the whole. The difference in weight is also not appreciable.
With the homework of understanding its mechanics already done, with this model we change our approach to the test: we go to the water. A nearby river at the foot of the areas will help us to put the suspension equipment and the traction of the Dunlop tyres on trial.
The first sensation at the controls of the basic model has been surprising. Although we have not been able to test it in strong obstacles where the Showa set is probably more stable and competitive, in simple and mousetrap areas the result has been highly satisfactory. The first thing we noticed is that these suspensions are faster, bringing an extra joy and agility to the set, giving us the feeling of being in front of a bike more awake and eager to play in the areas.
While the Tech fork was already familiar to us from previous tests – it has been fitted by Sherco, Gas Gas and Jotagas – we were expectant to see the result of the R16V on the Montesa. The conclusion is that we are facing a homogeneous and balanced set, remarkable in performance, but for us it is an unknown in terms of performance at a higher level trial. On the other hand, it confirms that one of the key points in the performance of the suspensions on the Cota 4RT is in its linkages, which suit almost everything.
As for the Dunlops, frankly, we can’t draw any big conclusions. Being new, in 30 minutes of testing, the difference in performance is appreciable, but not atomic in this scenario and time. It will be a different thing in another habitat and demands. In any case, historically the Dunlop is a harder tyre than the Michelin and the feel of its knob is more plastic. If you’re looking for durability, the back isn’t a bad option. However, we recommend in any case to always opt for the Michelin.
Although we haven’t mentioned it before, the weight doesn’t vary from its predecessor, stopping the scales at 73 kilos.
KIT HRC
Optionally, Montesa continues to offer the possibility of acquiring a programmable ECU through a computer system, with the capacity to store two different curves that vary the behavior of its injection and ignition. In this way, the user can, based on his needs or those of the terrain, customize the response of the engine. This alternative, which we have not tested on the 2014, can be interesting for the most demanding riders.
CONCLUSIONS
The Cota 4RT has never ceased to exist, it has simply gone unnoticed since 2009 in an environment where lightness, handling and performance are the workhorses. Montesa can’t compete here. This is also not to say that it should be automatically discarded from the market, but rather that its role should be understood and judged by its attributes, not its limitations.
The 4T continues to have its market and since 2005 there are users who jealously guard their valve bikes. They are part of this potential market. Also those who are looking for a reliable and low-maintenance motorcycle, capable of sacrificing idyllic figures in its technical sheet and looking for a fun alternative to access the mountains by motorcycle. Its road-going approach – don’t forget a petrol supplement – or its ability to satisfy the average user is another of its attributes.
To be honest, we find the “basic” model more interesting because of the price-performance ratio than the “Race Replica”, whose cost is disproportionate in relation to what you can find comparable in the Q2 market if you are looking for greater performance.
In any case, in the coming months we will carry out a dynamic test again in our usual scenario and we will be able to draw more accurate conclusions. So far, this is what the 60 minutes we have been at their controls have given of themselves.
Text: David Quer
Action: David Quer
Photos: Montesa-Honda
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