I have developed target fixation on Montesa 4Rides, to such an extent that I've had a look at a few, bulging wallet at the ready.
They are little and light and, with the right gearing, could keep me riding the lanes for a few more years. Downsides are a one gallon fuel tank and kick start.
The first one was at St Blazey MX. I ducked in during working hours (I can explain that concept to Gentlemen of Leisure if required) and, although it was lovely and had the S3 electric start mod fitted, my wallet didn't bulge sufficiently to acquire it.
The second one was in Abergavenny and also had the magic button fitted. But it failed to start the bike, much like Sam's KTM and Dan's Beta. I was rather disappointed.
The third one was in Plymouth, required linkage bearings, a new front tyre and had no MOT. Pricing of parts put me off that one.
So here we are. I'm still 4Rideless, but still looking.
Anyone care to try to talk some sense into me?
Above is the Abergavenny one that I didn't buy, just to illustrate what I'm on about.
-- Edited by Tim on Wednesday 16th of April 2025 06:14:29 PM
Never buy a used bike from Wales.
How much is the leccy start kit, new 4Rides are only just over £5k if I recall correctly.
I wouldn't consider one without leccy start if riding with people who do.
I've never ridden one but know a few that had them for a short while and moved them on but they were serial new bike on the block buy and sell types.
Better suspension and a lot quicker on road. More capable on trails and can be picked up cheaper.
Later 350s are 4t if you're adverse to 2 stroke. Leccy start standard. Mine is earlier 2 stroke that had starter issue but a heavy duty starter and lithium cures that nonsense.
Mine is 92 kg, 350 is just shy of 100.
Montesa might look significantly lighter but Honda tend to use non wet weights and the starter kit will probably add a few kilos, plus weight or lack of can work against you on rutted lanes, I wouldn't want a lighter bike, the Kawasaki and husky 450s I had just ploughed through ruts but was too heavy and not torquey enough
Welcome to try the katoom
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Walk a mile in another man's shoes. ...and you will be a mile away... and have his shoes..
Apart from the lack of battery and starter and a miserly 4.4 litre tank you have a short wheelbase and also quite skinny forks, coupled with a 5 speed box all of which will make riding road and faster trails tedious. The short wheelbase will make it very lively on ruts for sure.
I considered one of these 4 rides and actually looked for a Pampera but I think any Pamperas about tend never to get sold. I reasoned the freeride was the better option.
If you factor in extra fuel and starter kit and proper Mx tyres which are heavier than trial type which are standard on the 4 ride, I reckon the 10kg difference between my freeride and this would quickly disappear
They are also slow on top speed, 45 is about it and it'll be revving it's tits off. My freeride can pull 65 but is best around 50.
Mine is a 250r btw the 250f is a later four stroke.
The f will be a longer lived engine but of course you have the faff of more maintenance.
Brakes are better on the later ones but the extra weight starts edging towards the Yamaha weight btw it's looking fine at Tremletts 😉
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Walk a mile in another man's shoes. ...and you will be a mile away... and have his shoes..
Rob was one of the people I mentioned who I thought had bought and sold very quickly, he runs trail tours on GasGas Pamperas and has tried many light weight bikes but found nothing to replace his aging fleet of Pamperas
There are a couple of local riders that have GasGas Randonne's that they rate highly, Yamaha 125 4T engine with kick and leccy start, also has the option of large bore kit for more go.
Have you considered a Beta X-Trainer 250, I rode with a friend recently who had one to replace his Pampera and rated it.
Sam, do you have the leccy start 200. I've always thought the 200 enduro bikes are the best trail bikes, maybe not so good on the open road but really good on the trail. So I'd throw in any of the 200 Enduro bikes as they're mostly built around smaller and lighter 125 frame parts.
Snaf I do indeed have the 2014 KTM-200 enduro and apart from my poor battery choice it has been great, I’ve considered selling a few times for a Beta 200 or x-Trainer but never followed through.
I think you should consider Cunnilingus 250 or 520 as an alternative HM. Investment low with potentially high returns. Latin sounds like a redundant language it is however not at all redundant. Can you not see yourself in ten years?
Apologies Tim - for messing with the thread of your Montesa fantasy, particularly as the Pontiff has snuffed it on Easter Monday....life gets in the way of saying your CRF is superb why do you want to change it?