HOW COMPETITIVE ARE YOU?
The fact that our test rider owns and rides his own Cota 4RT does help immensely with this comparison between the 2017 Montesa models. Phil has been a fan of the four-stroke machines for many years and rides a Montesa Cota 4RT. He rode both the 2017 production models we had, the Cota 4RT260 and Cota 4RT260 Race Replica, and what he found makes quite interesting reading, as you will find out, with the only question to ask is how competitive are you?
Both machines look winners and are very well received in the trials world. The fact that Toni Bou rides one also helps a little! As with any sport some riders prefer two-strokes and some prefer four-strokes. I have ridden many machines of both configurations but always end up back on a four-stroke as I simply love riding them. Both these models come with reliability envied by the other manufacturers, such is the high standard of components and build quality. The down-side of any four-stroke trials model though is the weight, which you cannot get away from, as both models are slightly heavier than their two-stroke rivals.
If you get the chance to try both machines I am sure it is how much hard-earned money you have to spend that will determine which model you go for as once on board the weight factor soon leaves your mind as the exhaust note makes you think Toni Bou and world champion.
COTA 4RT260
It’s the change of colour that catches your eye with this model as the new silver frame certainly works well giving it a much ‘lighter’ look, but for me the other black components such as the wheels and front fork bottoms spoil this theme. As with all the four-stroke Cota 4RT models the starting procedure of a gentle depression of the kick-start lever with no throttle fires the engine into life.
I had a play to warm up both the machine and myself up before taking the machine onto more serious hazards. The whole package of engine and the suspension works really well together and the smooth feel really surprised me as I am more used to the Showa suspension package that is on my own machine.
The Tech branded front forks are very much a standard item on some of its two-stroke rivals, and I fully understand why as they work so well absorbing heavy use in a very smooth fashion. It’s the same at the rear with the R16V shock unit which consistently worked very well on the rocks giving good rider feedback. The only down-side to the machine’s performance is the fitting of the Dunlop tyres. The feedback and performance are just not on par with the Michelins, which is a very important factor as the tyres provide the all-important grip.
Performance-wise I cannot fault the four-stroke motor as it’s just so good. As with all the Cota 4RT engines gear selection and clutch action are second to none at my level of riding. Price-wise it’s excellent value for money at £1,000 less than the Race Replica.
CONCLUSION
+ Excellent value for money – Dunlop tyres
COTA 4RT260 RACE REPLICA
A pure factory supplied machine is the first impression you get from the Repsol themed Cota 4RT260 Race Replica. The orange wheels complement the Repsol theme but I can’t see why they have the black frame as its gives an impression of being heavy. On board the feel-good factor continues with the Renthal handlebars, which give a feeling of control to the hands, and the use of the carbon fibre protection to the most vulnerable parts is very welcome.
Both models have adjustable engine mapping via a small control unit on the handlebars. Two settings are available: one offers smoother power delivery over the other, and it’s worth getting used to what suits you best to your level of riding ability.
I am still not sure why but performance-wise I liked the 4RT260 more as I felt it gave a smoother power delivery. Maybe this is due to the more ‘firm’ feedback from the Showa suspension at the front and rear. The setup of the Race Replica is aimed more at the rider who wants to push the limits of their ability and gives a much better feel of stability on the harder hazards. With the Michelin tyres at the front and rear you can feel the machine holding its line better, such is the adhesion level, and it tracks better, giving the rider more confidence.
For myself, once you are riding the weight factor becomes irrelevant due to the attributes of the superb four-stroke Cota 4RT engine. This machine’s feel good factor inspires you all the time, bringing you back to question of just how competitive are you? Is the Race Replica model worth £1,000 more than the 4RT260, you bet it is — just so you too can be Toni Bou.
CONCLUSION
+ Standard of equipment – Experts only