Montesa Cota 301RR
- 298 cc
- 2 variants
- 3 Montesa models with four-stroke engine
- Cota 301RR: 298 cc, also as Race Replica
- Cota 260: 259 cc, light engine
- 4Ride with seat, lights and 4.3-litre tank
- 310 mm ground clearance on the Cota 301RR
- Pro-Link rear suspension on all three
What defines a trial bike
In trial, the aim is to master obstacles in marked sections, if possible without putting a foot down. For this, trial motorcycles are light and narrow, have plenty of ground clearance and suspension for precise control at low speed.
Riding is mostly done standing, with the motorcycle moving beneath the body. Balance, fine throttle control and a good feel for the clutch are decisive. Strength and speed take a back seat.
Choosing a trial motorcycle: competition, training or touring?
The Cota 301RR is developed for trial competitions and is aimed at ambitious riders. The Cota 260 relies on a light four-stroke engine with even control and suits riders who train regularly. The 4Ride combines trial technology with comfort and is intended for tours away from busy roads and longer rides.
Whichever trial motorcycle you choose, trial requires patience. If you are just starting out, it is best to practise on easy terrain and increase the difficulty step by step. Also ask the dealer about the differences in suspension, equipment and intended use.
The Montesa models at a glance
The Montesa Cota 301RR has a four-stroke engine with fuel injection, four valves and 298 cc. A flat piston with three rings is intended to provide more torque at low revs. In addition, there are 310 mm of ground clearance, a 39 mm Showa fork, Pro-Link rear suspension and a double-profile aluminium frame. Besides the standard version, there is the Race Replica.
The Montesa Cota 260 works with a light fuel-injected four-stroke engine and 259 cc. It also has Showa suspension, Pro-Link and a double-profile aluminium frame, plus a side stand and aluminium engine guard.
The Montesa 4Ride has a 259 cc four-stroke engine and a 5-speed gearbox whose ratios also allow faster sections. It is light, holds 4.3 litres of fuel and offers a comfortable seating position, storage space under the seat as well as a headlight and tail light.
Technology in detail: suspension, engine and equipment
On the Cota 301RR, according to Honda, the breather system and ignition mapping are intended to reduce engine braking. Preload and compression damping of the suspension are adjustable at both ends; there are also a milled triple clamp and brake and clutch levers with just one fixing screw. Carbon protectors for the clutch cover are available as a parts kit for racing.
The Cota 260 also offers plenty of ground clearance and adjustable suspension; its silencer is intended to deliver more power in the mid and upper rev range. The 4Ride uses an Ollé fork with long travel at the front and an adjustable Pro-Link shock at the rear; according to Honda, its exhaust system meets Euro 5+.
Tips: advice, test ride and off-road training
With trial motorcycles, advice is particularly important because use and riding skills vary greatly. Honda Motorrad Zürich has the Montesa models in its range and helps you find the right version; ask there about a test ride too.
You can gain off-road experience at the MX-Academy in enduro training or in a motocross course. A complete package already includes a rental motorcycle and protective clothing, and because riding takes place on closed-off grounds, you do not need a licence. Basic equipment includes a helmet, boots, gloves and body protectors.
Frequently asked questions: Trial motorcycle
What is a trial motorcycle?
A light, narrow off-road motorcycle for skill riding over obstacles such as rocks, steps or tree trunks. What matters is balance and control, not speed. At Honda, these models come from Montesa.
What is the difference between the Cota 301RR and Cota 260?
The Cota 301RR has 298 cc and is developed for competitions. The Cota 260 has 259 cc and a light four-stroke engine for even control. Both have a Showa fork, Pro-Link and an aluminium frame.
What is the Montesa 4Ride intended for?
For riders who want to combine trial technology with comfort: tours away from busy roads and longer rides. It has a 4.3-litre tank, storage space under the seat as well as a headlight and tail light.
Do the Montesa models have a two-stroke or four-stroke engine?
All three – Cota 301RR, Cota 260 and 4Ride – have a four-stroke engine. On the two Cota models it works with fuel injection.
Where can I learn to ride off-road?
At the MX-Academy, for example in enduro training or in a motocross course. Riding takes place on closed-off grounds; a rental motorcycle and protective clothing are included in the complete package.