scoobie Posted January 7, 2007 Report Share Posted January 7, 2007 Hi, What do you think of the above as a first bike for a 13st adult compared to a Sherco 250 2004 or a 99 Cota 315 RX? Are the R and RX the same bike? Any known faults to look for? Thanks, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malibudon Posted January 8, 2007 Report Share Posted January 8, 2007 I have a '98 315R and I recommend it to anyone. It has ultra-smooth power and reasonable weight. The suspension and handling are outstanding. Plus, it's as reliable (though considerably lighter than) an anvil. Eventually the linkage will go south, so that's about the only think to look for. As far as the RX goes, I've never heard of that model. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monty_trials Posted January 8, 2007 Report Share Posted January 8, 2007 Any of the montesa 315r bikes are pretty much the same, the 1998 one was the 2nd of them. Each year they changed slightly, if you are looking to by a bike a montesa is probably the toughest bike so for a novice its probably the best one. The rx is year 1999 which had different jet settings to the 1998, only thing with the 1998 one is the clutch can start to whine after a bit, but over all its a good bike to start on, probably a better bike if you put the 1999/2000 jets in it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monty-python Posted January 8, 2007 Report Share Posted January 8, 2007 My first bike on my return to triasls was a 99 Mont, It did well, putting up with my ham fisted abuse for about a year and a half. I was so impressed, i bought the company another, this time an 03 model. since replaced with , yes you guessed it a 4rt. Anyway, as said the clutches are a bit suspect, and the lower linkage gets a hammering, but once you replace it, keep it regularly greased up , with a good quality grease, and it will last a few seasons. They are an excellent first bike. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scoobie Posted January 8, 2007 Author Report Share Posted January 8, 2007 Hi, Thanks for all the replies. How do you tell if the lower linkage is 'on it's way out'? Thanks, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malibudon Posted January 8, 2007 Report Share Posted January 8, 2007 To the layman, there are two ways to find out if the linkage is bad: 1. Pull it apart and inspect it. 2. Compare it to a bike with new linkage. To Honda's quality control credit, even when the linkage is trashed, it still works decently! But, once replaced, the suspension action improves greatly. Ask if the linkage has ever been serviced. If it hasn't, it's probably bad by now...9 years later! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monty_trials Posted January 9, 2007 Report Share Posted January 9, 2007 I have just bought a 03 montesa, its my 4th one lol, If there is play in the linkage then it is starting to wear, but its still ok for a bit, depending on how much play is in it. The way to find play in the linkage is to put the bike on a ramp, so that the bash guard is on the ramp and the rear wheel is hanging down so the rear shock isnt compressed at all. Then move the swinging arm up and down. If there is any move ment with out the rear shock moving then the linkage has started to worn. A little play is ok for a while but if there is more than about a inch and a half of play then your better off changing the linkage Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scoobie Posted January 9, 2007 Author Report Share Posted January 9, 2007 Thanks all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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