Montesa was formed in 1944 by Pedro Permanyer and Francisco Bulto (who later formed Bultaco) and built their first small batch of machines based on the very successful Motobecanes of the day. By 1951 their 125cc machines were entered in the ISDT, one of which was ridden by senor Bulto himself.
By the mid-50's Montesa was seeing considerable success in competition, with podium finishes at the Isle of Man. Production bikes were selling very well indeed, but economic difficulties led to disagreement between the partners and Bulto left the company in 1958.
A return to competition resulted in many national championship wins, with probably the most outstanding being Ulf Karlsson's victory in the 1980 World Trials Championship on a Montesas Cota. This should have been a boon for Montesa, but domestic unrest slowed production, sales were slow, and a share of the business was sold to Honda, which eventually came to own the whole company. By the mid-1990's Montesa motorcycles were built with Honda powerplants and many other components.
"My father was James (Jim) Bound, a well known racer and during the 1950's/1960's. He owned EMB Motors in Vicarage Road, Watford, and at one time, was the importer of the 125cc Montesa Motorcycle of Spain. This company was called Montesa Motorcycles GB which was owned by EMB Motors. The two main models imported were the Brio 110 Sports Roadster and the Sportsman Production Racer.
The Brio cost £168 whilst the Sportsman racer retailed for a massive £343 15s 8d including tax or £280 if sold in kit form. One of the leading riders of the time to campaign a Sportsman was in fact a sportswoman - Mrs. Margo Pearson. She was a well known figure on the 125 Montesa and competed in many 125 races during the 60's. Jim supported her in this vocation and she became a firm member of our group."
The Cota 49 apparently has a licensed JLO G50 engine. My son and I are restoring this bike and engine and could really use some documentation on the G50 motor. Also a good seller of parts would be great to know. Any diagrams and service manuals would be helpful to rebuild it.
Would anyone know the correct paint code for the tank cover/ seat unit .
montesa 248 cota - 1980?
Please use the valuations page.
Where can I find the VIN number on the frame - I found the motor number which is 23M0695 and was the front fender brace chrome or black?
Hello. I need some clutch spare parts of my montesa cota 25c.
Do you know how to get them worldwide?
Would you please be able to advise if there is a resource centre where i can obtain/download a work shop manual for a MH200 please?
I have a 1976/1977 Montesa cota 172 (serial No 19M0907) and looking for spares in South Africa.
I am refurbishing my bike and could use telesco stickers and racing stripes for my tank. Any idea where I can get them?
This bike was rode by Randy Buxton in LA, Ca. We would like to know if anybody knew him? We would like to know any history on the bike?
My uncle Kim Kimball Mr. "Viva Montesa" (Trailblazer Hall of Fame Inductee, 2008) passed on Tuesday, Feb 15, 2011. Our family is putting together a Memorial Service, and would appreciate any input for the photo/article project we are planning.
version. He initially used his own garage and then expanded to other premises. He began himself to participate in desert trials (popular at that time) and made the trademark known, beginning in California.
Kimball's, spent his days off riding a Montesa in the California deserts.
advancement, wanted him to find a Montesa at his front door awaiting his return.
Bought a 349 in bits. Ive managed to get most of it together but cant figure how to line up selector mechanism to the selecter shaft. There are marks on all bits but how do you line them up.
Getting back after 37 years the montesa I raced & got 5th place in the shell championships. needs rings or complete piston.
Estou procurando uma montesa em São Paulo. Se alguém puder me ajudar agradeço.
Try the classifieds directory at Bikelinks for sales.
My dad wants to sell late 70's Montesa to friend and clueless on price. Any body able to help me?
How much fork oil and what weight of oil?
Use a modern twostroke oil and 30:1 should be safe enough.
can you tell me what year and size this bike is?
It appears to be a Capra 250 1971 or 72. Ed.
answer! montesa 348 1978 trial.
Hello i have an montesa 348 machine,and wonder if you can help me,one question! which typ of oil in engine and how mutch should it be in there!i see there is two plug for oil filling in this engine.
hi,ive just got given a montesa 247 and when i turn the petrol on it just leaks out the back (the air filter end) any info greatly appreciated.
Almost certainly junk on the float needle seat. Ed.
my dad has very recently been given a 74 montesa king scorpion from a friend who's immigrating and intends to restore it, but we are struggling to find a place where we can get the parts to restore. we need things like both fuel and oil tank, possibly gauges, a seat, an d various other parts. if you know of anyplace where we can get these spares and could let me know, it would be greatly appreciated.
I have removed th clutch plates but can't remove the clutch basket on my Cota 242.Does it need a pulleror is there something holding it on that I haven't seen?
I need to fill my gearbox and find no level plug for gearbox. How much lube do I put in?
Very impressive site with considerable information of interest to the collector and restorer. Ed.
What is the right paint for this bike??
I am hoping you could give me an idea of what this bike would be worth.
I reluctantly must part with this beast. 1977 Montesa 250 Enduro M54 in original condition.
Engine is 300cc but compliance says 250 and numbers match.
See the page on Classic Motorcycle Prices Can you tell me why the engine of this bike has 300cc on the side yet the bike is complied as a 250? The engine number matches the compliance.
That possibly refers to the gearbox oil capacity. Ed.
Trying to find oil capacities (gearbox & forks} to suit this model.
Hi, i´m contacting You for a need spare parts for my old cota 123 (yearmodel 1981). Can yoy help me to find parts, or give me contact?
My dad is going to make the "old warrior" run again, but some parts in engine is missing.
I am looking for an engine for thi model,I would really like to complete this rare bike.
Hello, I am looking for a fuel tank for a VB 360 or a 360 H6 Enduro for sale. I think they are the same. Can any one help. I am living in Australia, but if some one hase a good tank am willing to to pay freight to Australia.
Engine revs increase and engine will not shut down even when throttle is closed. Only occurs on hillsides after climbing. cable is new. Slide does shut. Airleak somewhere?
Cable was not kinked BUT the right angle throttle cable feed to the carb had been disturbed from its correct position. This was rectified, the slider lubricated and the air-filter cleaned.
All now in order until I dump the Montessa in the stream again!
The link to the site with the numbers data base is not working for me. Can you assist with the capacity/age from the number 29M 02344 which seems to be both engine and frame number. I suspect a 247 from early 1980's Has the white tank seat unit and the "crinkly "engine cooling fins.
hi please could you tell me the year of this bike chassis/frame number: 20m0946 and reg number if possible many thanks.
Does anyone have the chain metric that goes to the cyntrifical clutch. I need about 15 inches.
Parts will not be easy to come by but the price is excellent. Ed.
hi i was wondering i you can help me out.im looking for a flywheel to complete my montesa can yous help please.
i have changed the clutch plates in my 248 because it draged badley and it didnt make any difference, any thoughts on the subject would be appreciated. just to check, how many clutch plates should there be anyway .
Hi All, I'm restoring a Montesa 348 and I'm having trouble replacing one of the crank seals. On the clutch side, I can't remove the drive gear to get to the seal, I have removed the flywheel but do not know how the gear can be removed. Any help greatly appreciated.
I found my problem, the drive gear is a taper fit to the crank shaft, I made a puller and the job is done. Just have to finish the rest of the bike. Happy Restorations.
I am trying to find a workshop manual for a 1977 Montesa 250 Enduro.
Also I am curious as to weather there are any montesa clubs in Sydney, Australia.
Am looking for owners of VF/VE 414's who are racing them or have in the past. Am after any info on them, photos or copies of tech/owners manuals.
Montesa , 123 i think??
Hi, i am from South Africa.I have a Montesa trials bike with Engine number:19M1369.If possible please tell me exactly what model it is an dyear make.I need to order parts.Busy with restoration.
The bike is a Cota 172, but I can't tell the year from the engine number. Ed.
Here are a few links on premix twostroke oils. There may also be information there about correct gearbox oil. Ed.
G/day Are 20" and 17" tyres still made for this great little bike anywhere? Thanks Jeff.
The front tyre in particular may prove hard to track down. Try the vintage tyre dealers listed at Bikelinks. Ed.
Can you please give me prices and delivery charges to Cyprus, I have also attached drawings for your reference and ease.
Here is a picture of the bike in question. From what I have found so far about this machine is as follows; engine and frame number -21M 22720 , Model, cota 247L ulf karson replica, Year 1975 , other bits of interesting stuff, 72mm bore, has headlight and taillight wiring present and also a steering or fork lock. I hope somebody out there can help.
I recently acquired a Montesa trials bike with the Serial #51M9883. My questions are: what year, what model, and engine size belongs to this serial number? Any information you might share would greatly be appreciated.
Hi Iam trying to undertake the restoration of a montesa cota ...frame number 39M02272 however I am having a incredibly difficult time locating parts etc even for the engine rebuild as such.Can you please put me onto anyone within Australia that may be able to help with required parts?
I have just bought this bike. Frame number is "21M-20990" What exactly is it?
21M identifies it as a 250 Cota, image indicates it to be about a 1976 model, possibly as late as 1980. Ed.
and scorpion / frame no: 44m2229 please relpy to ( johnnybgood42 at hotmail.com ) subject montesa .
I have recently been given an old montesa. I was hoping that you would be able to help me identify it. Tha chassis and engine number is 66M0960. I have been told that it is a VA360 about 1976 model. I was hoping that you could either confirm this or tell me what model it is. Also what are the availability of second hand or new parts as i was considering restoring it. Thanking you, Gavin Shields.
Try this page: www.amsracing.com/montesa.htm , which indicates it to be a Cappra 360 1976 or later . Ed.
He needs parts, engine bits - kick start - filters, etc. Any clues as to where I can source any or all of these?
salve,sono in possesso di un montesa cota 349 immatricolato nel 1980.
mi continua a perdere olio dal perno del pignone e malgrado abbia cambiato più volte il paraolio mi continua a perdere. forse monto un paraolio sbagliato, mi sapreste indicare il tipo esatto di paraolio e dove recuperarlo.ho un altro problema:dopo un po' che la moto e' accesa (al minimo) si spegne.ho cambiato tutto l'impianto elettrico ma il problema persiste, credo che il problema sia da imputare al carburatore che fa bagnare la candela.che tipo di consiglio mi sapete dare?
alve, they are in registered possession of montesa cota 349 in 1980. it continues to me to lose oil from the hinge of the pinion perhaps and in spite of it has changed più to times the paraolio continues to me to lose I mount a paraolio mistaken, you would know to me to indicate the exact type of paraolio and where recuperarlo.ho an other problema:dopo po' that an ignited motion e' (lessened) spegne.ho changed to all the system electrical worker but the problem is persisted, creed that the problem is from chargeing to the carburetor that ago to bathe candela.che the type of council me sapete debit? thanks beppe.
Many parts distributors carry a range of fork seals. Your local bikeshop should be able to order some for you. Ed.
can you date these 2 bikes for me??
I am in the possesion of two montesa motorcyles through a death in the family. I do not know anything about these two bikes but I have the numbers off of the engines and was wondering if you could tell me what they are. The numbers off the engines are as follows.
12m1214 I believe this one is a 175 Texas. but I dont know the year.
22m2294, I have no Idea what this bike is. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!