hrc1 Posted February 8, 2008 Report Share Posted February 8, 2008 I recently got a couple of 348 monts. This one is registered 1980. I've not found an original pic of 1 1980, if it is a '80 348 even. Chassis looks like a 349, but what do I know! Chassis no: 51M17604. Its got a Mikuni carb too. Was that standard in those days? And some sort of air forks. So, knowledgeable twinshock gurus - is this a last 348 or some sort of mongrel? I've also got a 1977 Rathmell replica in similar, but slightly worse condition. It's mot'd & was taxed. I'm probably going to sell that once I've given it a look over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barnesy Posted February 8, 2008 Report Share Posted February 8, 2008 Hi, I dont confess to be any sort of twinshock expert but to me it looks like a 349 with a 348 tank/seat units and tailpipe! Cheers B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinm Posted February 8, 2008 Report Share Posted February 8, 2008 I vote the other way....348 with a 349 frame. Its a 348 front end (349 front wheel had a conical hub) 348 Motor (349 engine cases were different) 348 Exhaust system (349 large back box) 349 Frame (348 had a rear frame loop and frame tubes/wire mesh instead of a bolt on sump shield) Hope this helps Martin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cynical Posted February 8, 2008 Report Share Posted February 8, 2008 Agree with MartinM, don't think Mikuni was OEM, but probably a good mod. I had an ex-Rathmell '77 348 with right side gear shift, he put a Mikuni on it too. Pretty bike though ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kt-milly Posted February 8, 2008 Report Share Posted February 8, 2008 It could be a Julian Wigg modified 348. Something he was doing to them when he owned the shop, and long before the factory brought out the 349...... he always prefered the 348 to the 349. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
348mate Posted February 8, 2008 Report Share Posted February 8, 2008 That chassis number is well into 349 territory, double check the inlet manifold between carb and barrell, 348 stub is part of barrell , 349 is a 2 bolt on stub. Whats ebgine number? looks like a mongrel of 2 or more bikes to be honest! S_M. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
feetupfun Posted February 9, 2008 Report Share Posted February 9, 2008 I just had to add my two cents worth. The forks and front wheel on the bike in the photo were used on all 348s and the first two models of the 349; the 1980/81 red tanked model 349 with the sight guage tube in the side of the petrol tank and longer swingarm, and the 1981/82 white tanked model). During the white tanked model run, 349s started to come out with the horrible (prone to failure of the spoke flanges) conical Honda design hub. The fork tube spacing was narrower on the white tanked model 349 compared with the 348s. This doesn't really matter but may help with identifying which model triple clamps you have. Not sure about the first red tank 349 fork spacing. If you intend riding the bike in competition, compare the swingarm length of your Monties. You may have the swingarm from the first model 349 which had a longer swingarm than the 348 and the later 349s. The long swingarm is great for hillclimbing and the shorter one is great for tight stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vintagecota Posted February 9, 2008 Report Share Posted February 9, 2008 I agree that it's a 349 chassis with 348 parts. I suspect the engine is 348, at least the sidecovers are. The rear silencer is 348 but has been modified to mount on the 349 frame with the 2 bolts further apart on the 349. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hrc1 Posted February 9, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 9, 2008 Great info guys, thanks Its engine no 51M14964. I'll check intake stub etc later. Were the air valve fork tops standard? Any ideas on the correct pressure? Ta, Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hrc1 Posted February 9, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 9, 2008 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vintagecota Posted February 9, 2008 Report Share Posted February 9, 2008 Yes the air forks were standard fitment to late 348s and 349s. The forks are meant to be aired up to about 8psi with a max of 12 psi. Any more and the fork leg may split. The engine is 348. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hrc1 Posted February 9, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 9, 2008 Yes it seems its a 348 motor - cast in intake stub. It has the one inch longer swingarm too, compared to the earlier MRR 348. So looks like a bit more mix 'n' match is in order. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hrc1 Posted March 3, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 3, 2008 Another question - both these bikes have twin plug heads. I assume the centre plug is the "correct" one. Would a decompressor have been fitted in the other plughole? Is a decompressor of any use - other than for making a great farty noise? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swooshdave Posted March 3, 2008 Report Share Posted March 3, 2008 Another question - both these bikes have twin plug heads. I assume the centre plug is the "correct" one. Would a decompressor have been fitted in the other plughole?Is a decompressor of any use - other than for making a great farty noise? I use my decompressor to great effect. It will slow you down on a downhill so perfectly, especially when you are in loose soil and braking would cause you to wash out. I'm surprised more people don't use them. And the farty noise puts a smile on the older riders. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaan Posted March 4, 2008 Report Share Posted March 4, 2008 Anyone know where to get a good decompressor for my Montesa Cota 348? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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