andrewb

Thanks guys for the replies. No lights fitted from new, which I know could be had, probably as an option. The reason I bought the bike was because it was the exact model, colour etc that I learned to ride on (in 1st gear) when I was 10Y/O. I have a photo of my dad's bike which he used to commute to work on, and he only had the bulb horn, front number plate (as this was required I believe at the time) and his rear number plate, both black backgrounds and white numbers/letters. No lights at all.

Recently purchased from the original owner, a 1975 Bultaco Sherpa 250. The bike was registered in Northern Ireland and I have brought it back to England. I have sorted out the registration as it only had the original hand written document issued in NI. So, a new V5C has been issued after DVLA sent an engineer to check it all out. The bike is exempt from road tax and MOT, and as no lights were fitted when new, it does not have a brake light. I realise I can only use this bike (on the street) during daylight/good visibility, but would anyone know if I have to fit a brake light. I have read elsewhere that if the brake light wasn't fitted from new then it is not needed. But this was a classic bike forum and not specific to trials/off-roaders. I know for safety it would be good to fit one, but this detracts from the originality. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Thanks for the info. 👍

Thanks for the quick reply Majesty! I have a list of parts for the company you mentioned, so I'll give them a try. Thanks again

Hi, It's been a while since I last posted. I am finally getting round to rebuilding my Cota 349 1979/80 (an early one). It's only been stripped and in boxes and drawers for the last 12 years, so I'm moving quickly on this one🤪. Can anyone let me know the correct piston ring gap for the standard bore please? The bore is good, not oval, and has hardly any wear, so I am just putting new rings in. I have the new rings but wanted to check the gap before assembling. If I remember I'll post some photos along the way. I've already rebuilt and re-spoked the wheels, frame powder coated, new shocks and forks rebuilt and fitted. Going to have to do the forks again though as I've realised the previous owner missed a couple of parts out. So I'll be ordering new internals. Here's a quick peek at the story so far (if you're interested). Thanks!

Hi, there is a well known Spanish company (Vallmoto) who supply replacements at €57 - 58. I think I saw a complete wiring loom on their site with the switch.

Hi Have you looked at vallmoto in Valencia, Spain. Excellent stock and most parts available.

Hi ndrtrials, The only numbers I have are the engine and frame numbers (51M 18186) no other info available I'm afraid. I really didn't want a Q plate if at all possible so if the bike already has a number assigned then great, but if not I may go down the £95 route as suggested by Woody, Any info you may be able to supply would be very welcome. Thanks all Andrew

Thanks Woody, All good info there. I've got to agree the £95 option does sound tempting. Andrew

Hi, Need a little advice if possible. I have a 349 Cota which I've had for a few years now and have decided that this year I'll get the bike finished. It's still in bits but I've contacted Sandifords for an age related certificate which they cannot issue now due to not being authorised by HMRC. Can the bike be registered without this document? I don't know if the bike was ever registered as there were no documents supplied with the bike when I bought it. I'm pretty sure it's a Mark 1 349 from the engine and chassis numbers, probably late 1979 early 1980. The numbers are: 51M 18186. I would prefer an age related registration number rather than a Q plate if possible. Thanks in advance. Andrew

I thought the early 349s didn't have the chain tensioner fitted as standard. Is it an easy MOD?

Sounds a cracking buy. I bought mine for the fun of the rebuild (how wrong you can be) and to ride some twin shock trials. maybe go to work on it if the suns shining. Its currently in boxes waiting for me to get round to building it. Not without problems though (see the thread on footpegs). All the best Andrew

Keep posting your progress on the DVLA side as I intended to register mine for the 1st time after completing it. I've heard that it can be tricky now with the local licensing offices closing down. May be different in Scotland though. Andrew

Sandifords used to offer an age certificate service for UK supplied Montesa. Not sure if they still do but its got to be worth a try. Andrew

Hi, a word of warning if wanting to lower the pegs on early 349's. The rear brake pedal is 'outboard' and will foul on the bottom of the footrest bracket. Being a chump I've done this and now face the dilema of taking the brackets off and replacing in a different position or file (neatly) a small 'V' in the brake pedal to get the correct pedal height, which may weaken the pedal. At least I checked before having the frame powder coated. Andrew