Description
Rare and unique opportunity to own one of these that genuinely has had very little use from new. Starts first or second kick every time.
This bike has done so little it is not a "restoration" project so everything that's been done are mods that were done to them back in the day and make it a pleasure to ride. I competed on 3 of these in the early 80s up to centre expert level so I've made this as competitive as possible based on my experience and the help and guidance I was fortunate to receive at that time from a very well respected "works" rider and as a result I feel I know a little bit about these bikes.
When I bought it the engine had never been apart from new.... the give-away was the slot screw heads used by Montesa on all the casings were unmarked. However due to the years of standing the mains were noisy so that was the first job I did along with crank seals of course. When I bought the bike it still had the original Pirelli MT13 tyres on which they were supplied with from new and the anodised Akront rims are virtually unmarked (no tyre lever rash). The old tyres were hard and perished so also replaced.
Hard to believe but the real give-away as to low use is the original "Montesa" stamped rear sprocket and Joresa chain.... still in perfect serviceable order.
The mods done are mainly works development rider Rob Edwards inspired like the cut-away drive case which makes cleaning front sprocket and chain area access easy, removal of lower chain tube and fitting of second chain tensioner just helps keep things in-line and on track especially in muddy ruts or through narrow rocky sections.
The front pipe is again a mod from the past gives expansion chamber effect and is complimented by the new Mikuni carb, giving clean jetting and that bit more low down performance always a bonus on a small engine (these are 173cc not 200) I'll happily swap back to the standard front pipe, which has no dents, if the buyer prefers the standard look, at no extra cost.
For a softer ride the rear swing arm has been extended slightly and coupled with the excellent slightly longer Falcon rear shocks gives more ground clearance and a lovely 'feel' to it.
Because of these mods to the rear I've deliberately not changed the steering head angle, and as can be seen in the pics the footrests have been lowered and moved further back which is a fairly usual mod on an old twinshock, and it turns nicely.
When preparing to present for sale I noticed a broken rear spoke, which must have happened during my limited riding time, so I had the wheel re-spoked with stainless spokes and nipples and the hub blasted and coated just to make a job of it. The front wheel and spokes are original and still look new.... another indication of the bikes low use from new.
Most wear and tear items have been renewed on a 'good working practice' basis for example brake shoes, wheel bearings, cables, and fork seals, although apart from fork seals weeping slightly, which you might expect there was very little wrong with the other stuff.
The old mudguards were showing their age so have been replaced. Renthal bars and grips for strength and durability as the original steel bars were prone to stress crack and failure at the brace welds. The stickers are a personal thing and add to the period factory look of the time but of course can easily be removed if preferred.
Since the work was done I've competed on the bike twice so the tyres still have edges as new and sadly due to ongoing work and family commitments and a need to create room in the shed this bike now deserves an owner who will use and enjoy it in the way it was intended.
Call Ian for a chat
Or nearest offer
