shedracer

Not that close to you, but Munch will be able to help you, at M Sport. I think he's up at Stevenage?

It's difficult to say what Honda Montesa have done to engine to make the engine braking less. But I don't think it's the camshaft that's involved. As far as I can tell its to do with the crankcase breather system, but no one will know until someone explores the new engine and I'd thought most new owners won't want to be dismantling their new engines. Montesa didn't go into too much technical detail concerning it at the press launch, it may well be something very easy to do to the old engine, or it may not be economical to do, as it might need major modification or expensive new parts. i believe the new camshaft is more to do with the increase in engine capacity, its part of the HRC 260 kit.

Agreed, but sadly they probably don't care.

Only my personnel opinion, but more often than not, peeps want to buy a bike from a dealer that is pretty local. So they don't have to travel miles to get it, or spares, but it also helps in local economy, employment and taxes etc. Having to drive three to four hours either north or west to collect a bike, is not something you might look forward to, when your local dealer is just an hour down the road! I am completely baffled by Honda's decisions, but also annoyed. Personaly, I think Honda UK aren't that bothered in selling the Montesa/Honda, which reflects on some of their decisions and maybe they didn't want to sell them, but Honda Europe told them they had to? Which ever way you look at it, they haven't helped the people that matter most, the customers!

Ok Andy, i see Nigel has done it already, thanks.

I'm I allowed to post a link to their web site Andy? Nigel just type in google search, honda uk news room, then select motorcycles. That should do it.

Official uk prices and list of distributors can found at Honda UK! As johnny said, prices are not as we expected, standard 260 is about 8% cheaper than the last standard one, so why did Honda Montesa say it was going to be 15 to 20% cheaper, its obviously is a big let down for their customers. I guess a lot who might of been tempted by the 15 to 20% cheaper quote, will now not bother. Personally I think Honda Montesa made a complete balls up of this launch of the new bike. Show the new bike, dangle a big carrot (15 to 20% cheaper) in front of the customers, don't tell them who they can buy the bike from and then kick sand in the face of the customer when they announce the price. The locations of the dealerships/distributors are kind of what might expect, apart from the one in Cornwall. That seems a really odd location to distribute from, surely somewhere in the central south would of made far more sense. I think the marketing executives who are responsible for this mess, wants a bloody big boot up their backsides. However, that aside, I still love the 4RT, so I personally will still buy one, but I'm sure some will be put of it.

Very nice indeed, if I wasn't such a fan of my bike, the jotagas would be my next choice. Very nice.

I do think at world championship level, there should be professional FIM observers, who travel to every round. That's where you would get consistent and accountable observing, as they would be FIM officials.

I am sorry to hear this, but I am not surprised. I have never observed at this level, having only done club trials and the Wallace and the Downland. But even these events, you can get abuse from riders, having given up your day to help the event organisers, the last thing you want is abuse. Maybe all observers should say, we aren't going to do this anymore, you riders are going to have to do it yourselves. So the scenario goes like this, when riders arrive at the trial (WTC, BTC, etc), they can have a draw on which riders are going to observe that day! Maybe then, the riders might appreciate the voluntary observers more. I know it's been said before, but there would be no trial event without the hard working volunteers, who organise, prepare the sections, observe, do the admin etc, etc at all levels of events. Many rider just don't appreciate it, just expect it. How many of the crowds watching at Penrith, would be prepared to do the observing! At the end of the day, observers are not machines, they do the best they can, if you think they have done a crap job, then please do take their place and have a go! Otherwise show your appreciation and support them.

Why thank you Gordon for those kind words, it was a pleasure to deal with you. I hope you enjoy the bike as much as I did, all the best to you.

Emailed them about six weeks ago, still waiting for their reply!

Hi, there's plenty on "off road mart" on this site, like the 4rt HRC RTL special, currently for sale. Or new, it's now Honda UK who are distributing them.

Cracking RTL joelewis.

Your right, but it's what's behind the cover that counts and we can't see that.

Yes this is a new development this year, i believe one spark plug fires at low revs and both fire at high revs, improving power.

I see Fuji was using the other (new shape) clutch cover, obviously developing the bike, Honda must be keen to stay in Trials.

With the issues of bike theft and trying to prevent it, what are your views and recommendations, when selling a bike. I did think about not allowing buyers to come to my house, rather meet them somewhere like outside the local Police station, but won't this raise there own suspicions? Anyway what do people recommend, how have you gone about previous bike sales?

Agreed. For me, they are a very rewarding bike to ride, suspension is brilliant, lovely four stroke engines and great quality and reliability. Great sound and no oily smoke. ;-) These are the qualities, that make me loyal to the Honda/Montesa brand.

Previously thought Craigs Motorcycles was new distributor, but this apparently is not true. Honda UK are importer and distributor, which makes perfect sense.

Have agree Steve, although maybe there should be another model, a Factory Rep RR 300, with Magnesium crankcases, dual map throttle body and a complete Titanium exhaust system. That would satisfy the elite riders, but also, I think others would buy it (at a very competitive price). One thing I think Honda Montesa should have done, on the Repsol Rep, it should have come with the dual map throttle body, as standard and maybe a Titanium header pipe, would of been nice touch. Most of the other manufacturers, fit them to their Race Reps.

I recon that will be fairly easy, though the tank area of the rear mudguard may need modding, but it will make the older model, look similar to the new one, for not too much money. ;-)

Thanks Andy.

My understanding of the price reduction, is for the standard 260, 15 to 20% , which is why it has the cheaper components over the Replica Repsol. Could be wrong, but that sounds about right.

Honda UK are the UK importers, Craig Motorcycles are the distributors. Nigel, why do you continue to rabbit on about it being the old bike, we are not disputing that. We know its just an updated version, but if that's what it is, that's what it's, I'm still interested in it and many others are. Under the current global financial climate, Honda Montesa have obviously decided on this course, maybe a brand new bike will appear in a year or two, or maybe never, who knows, only Honda do. As for riders in the National series, we did have JR and Harry last year (but due to his injury and Pidcocks closing of their Honda dealership) we nolonger have. However with the attention of the revised model, hopefully Craigs Motorcycles will be promoting it and sponsoring riders to do the National championship. Lets wait and see. The bottom line is how much will they cost, waiting in anticipation. Anyway get over it and move on, as they say. ;-)