john b

I have a Montesa 172 which is just about finished in terms of a rebuild, with a fair bit of money spent on it. It's very very original and a lovely bike. The problem is gear selection. When I bought the bike it would go in and out of first OK, but into second and above was very notchy. With the engine, all I've gone is a top end freshen up (it's still on original bore), but now it's all back together there is a problem with gear selection. I've tried everything I can (and I'm resonably mechanically minded) but it will not go into second or above. Clutch operation is also very very heavy. Im sure to solve both of these is very simple for someone who knows older Montesa engines, but I'm at a loss !!!! What I was after was is there anyone out there (preferably in the North East) who can have a look at it, or recommend someone to have a look at it. Any help on this would be very much appreciated - I don't want it doing for nothing, but also I dont want to pay main dealer prices ! Yours hopefully ......................!!! cheers John

I moved from MX to Trials a few years ago and bought a new GG Pro 250 - Big mistake ! - the bike rode me ! I then moved to a Scorpa 125 4T - one of the very first in 04 - that brought my riding on no end ! then moved to a Beta 200 - and I'd agree - excellent bike. From the Beta then to a Scorpa 250 2 stroke - again excellent for a novice - and now (and I'm no great rider !) a Beta 250. Summary for me (especially from a MX background where throttle control is non existent, and I was a far better MX rider than I am a trials rider!) - Beta 200 or Scorpa (either 4T - the more recent 175, or 250 2T) cheers John

I was there as well...Yes the engines running are a pain...........but not as much as people (got to say - normally experts) who park the bike at the front of the queue to look at the section (normally they are on their first lap as most people are on their second or third.....) and then jump on the bike at the front of the queue and ride the section ! Not all experts though I have to say - some play by the rules but some seem to think they are above normal queuing. Soapbox put away - look forward to next week ! cheers John.

Great Trial feeling it now tho................!!!! And sick of the sight of rocks.......and more rocks.........and more rocks.........and a few more !!!!! Thanks for a great trial!!! cheers John

Hi Have you any more details on Penshaw Hill ? Where do you get in ? Who do you see ? Any help appreciated ! cheers John.

Recomend Ghost from Trialcast as well Changed my 08 Beta ones from new and in almost a year they've hardly worn. They are also slim (due to being cast) so give that bit extra clearance. cheers John.

Thanks for that That's possibly the reason the only one's I can find are from Thailand etc - where copyright means not a great deal ! thanks again John.

Going to get my helmet painted 'Red Bull' blue and silver. Anyone any idea the best place for Red Bull Decals ? I've had a look on e-bay and there are some from Thailand or Canada - but thats it ! Any help appreciated ! cheers John.

Thanks for that Guys - I'll try both I'll post some pics when it's complete - it's almost there ! cheers John.

Hi Im currently rebuilding a Montesa 172 and need a new set of standard bore rings (60.9mm) I've tried a few places in the UK, but am struggling ! Can anyone help ? cheers John.

Hi Im rebuilding a one at the moment. Try In Motion Trials (01784 440033) - I've just ordered a load of bits off them today - they seem really helpfull. cheers John.

Thanks for those. I rode the trial and managed to find one of me on there ! All in all probably the ideal trial.......... No-one hanging around looking at sections for hours, so no (or very little) queues Sensible sections (I rode easy and there was only one real mark taker - but still some which could catch you out) and ............it was next to a pub, so a pint afterwards... why can't every Wednesday night be like this

Thanks for all the replies - lots of useful info ! I think there has been a problem at some point with the kickstart shaft, as its been milled square, and a square section bottom welded to the Montesa kickstart. Sounds like a bit of a bodge job, but it's been very well done ! Am I right in presuming everything is the same as the 123, except the fact it's got a larger barrell and piston to 156cc? Looking forward to getting it sorted.....

Much Appreciated ! In Motion in the UK seeme to have everything I'll ever need ! thanks again John.

Hi I've just bought a 1975 Montesa 172 for renovation. Any advice on the best (cheapest) place for spares (gaskets / seals / bearings etc etc) cheers John

Hi Jon I had one of the very first TYS125's (from Nov 03). I removed all of the restrictors and it ran no problem for the 2 years I had it, so personally I wouldnt worry. I know Birketts recommend leaving one restrictor in. All the restrictos are are around 6mm dia rods welded through the perforated tube. They are spaced down the length and they circulate the exhaust gas as it exits. cheers John.

Agree totally on SY250 Bulletproof, stable and easy to ride. Depreciation is not too bad either. For that price (at the top end), looking at a very good 04/good 05. Engines have basically never changed, and although tweaks along the way very little chassis wise has changed so I wouldn't worry about the age - go for a nice clean trialled example. Ref. Boots, I had my gaerne's for 6 yrs and just changed. After much debate, decided to try a 'cheaper' pair. Eventually got a pair of 'Askew' boots from Trials UK, which were very resonable. Two trials in they are comfortable and do the job (and look ok!) - whether they will last 6 yrs is debatable but they seem good value for money. cheers John

Just to add my comments.... I started out trials 5yrs ago on a Gas Gas 250 pro - but the bike was just too much for me - especially coming from MX - I was a bit throttle happy ! Then moved to a Scorpa 125 4T - improved my riding no end. Then a Beta 200 - excellent bike - loads of traction and very very well built. Moved to Scorpa 250 which again, is an excellent choice. This year moved back to a Beta with a new 250. Main reasons - build quality and rideability. Not knocking Gas Gas in any way - but my choice would be Beta (200 or 250) - or Scorpa 250.

Agree completely - a worthy winner ! Gordon works tirelessly - you can plan which trial you want to ride trial - you know whats on when compete, enjoy it - then the results and normally photo's as well on in the next day or so thanks Gordon cheers John Barnett

We're the same ! - complete traditionalists, and well hooked Same seats booked for the past 5 years or so... Hotel booked (City Centre) Get there 12ish... Wetherspoons for Dinner and a few pints get changed - get along there on the tram - watch a great spectacle Back for a couple of pints Full English next morning Drive home.... What could be better !!!!!! John.

Hi Took the bike out to try practicing, and there were a few drips at first - then stopped. Bike ran like a dream, so thoughts are that there must have been a problem - more than likely fixed with the Cylinder Head gasket (as I mentioned there was some 'browning' on one of the water jackets on the Cylinder head) - and the few drops that came out were just the radiatior finding it's own coolant level (apparently quite common to spit a little water out until it finds its level). Anyway - sorted now - bike runs fine. Thanks for the input ! cheers John.

Noticed it's in Consett (North East) I'm sure I've seen it at a few trials up here If it is (and I'm sure it is) the bike certaily goes as well as it looks !!!!! cheers John.

Update......! Replaced the radiator cap - still dripping Did a trial like this - the bike ran no problem - just the odd drip from the overlow. Phoned Nigel Birkett (who have been very helpfull) and decided to bite the bullet and replace the head gasket. Good tip from Nigel - to avoid taking the engine out, replace the studs in the barrel and replace with Alan bolts. Stripped down - looked like this was the problem, as there was an area where it looked like either the coolant was leaking, or it was blowing past as there was slight 'browning' inside the water passage. Put back together - fired up - sounds very crisp. Ran for a minute or so....................THEN STARTED TO DRIP !!!!!!!!!!! Completely unsure where to go now - nothing left to replace ! Water pump seal must be ok - no water in the oil - oil is clean as a whistle replaced one hose - other is ok Radiator ok - no leaks replaced rad cap replaced head gasket aaaaggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!! john.

Update .......... Replaced the Radiator cap - speaking to Nigel Birkett, next port of call is the cylinder head - but very unlikely to be this. Trial teasterday - and it's still dripping !! Not vast amounts - and the bike runs as well as ever - fan kicks in and out - bike runs great. Have had a look at some threads on here, and there is mention of dropping the engine out to change the head gasket ? I've had a quick look, and although it looks tight, looks like it can be done. Any help on either the coolant dripping issue (is now the only option the cylinder head ?) or replacing the cylinder head would be appreciated. cheers John.

At a trial this afternoon, and arrived at the first section (right next to the car park). Coolant was coming out of the overflow (I have the overflow pipe cable tied to the frame, directed at the exhaust). Didn't think a great deal - rode to the second section, and it was the same, and the third and so on. Not constantly coming out, but regularly. Finished the first lap and topped the water up - there wasn't a great deal had gone out. Second lap - exactly the same - regular overflow of coolant - and (couldnt figure this out) - the fan was constantly on....... After the second lap, decided to retire - Im not a quitter, but engine preservation was top of my list! Had a brief look - took the rad cap off, started the bike up and coolant was circulating. No gunge in the oil, so water pump seal presumed to be ok. However, regarding the rad cap, you can blow through it from the rad side, with no restriction (it is restricted, - but mainly due to the fact you are blowing through a 5mm bore pipe !) Surely the rad cap should be sealed, and open under water pressure when water is boiling ? Thinking about it, after last weeks trial, when I was washing the bike, noticed the overflow tube was detatched from the rad cap. Snapped it back into place and never thought anything about it ? - Is this linked or a coincidence? Summary ...... I think it's the rad cap which is not letting the water get to pressure, and allowing it to come out of the overflow pipe. Is the fact the rad is not getting to preddure the reason why the fan is constantly on ? Help would be appreciated ! cheers John.