Montesa Cota 301RR
When you see the title Cota 301RR, you can assure yourself that you are purchasing a genuine Montesa ‘Race Replica’. The RR is based around the machine of the 2019 FIM Trial2 World Championship winner from Spain, Gabriel Marcelli, and the 2018 world champion from Italy, Matteo Grattarola. Yes, it’s an evolution of the long-standing Cota 4RT model, but one which includes an increase in the engine capacity to 298cc which is the maximum displacement allowed in the FIM Trial2 class. As with all the Montesa Cota models like 4RT 260 and 4RIDE, the Montesa Cota 301RR is manufactured for worldwide distribution in the Montesa-Honda facility at Santa Perpetua de Mogoda, Barcelona, Spain.
It’s a fact that all the trials manufacturers are evolving their current models as opposed to producing brand new ones, and the latest Montesa Cota 301RR 2020 model is no different. Since 2003, the company’s successful CRF 250cc motocross engine (a 250cc singlecylinder four-valve OHC liquid-cooled engine), has been developed to provide a well-proven and reliable power unit that has taken Toni
Bou to his 26 FIM world titles. The engine is currently in the process made more compact and lighter in weight.
The engine capacity grew from the 250cc in 2013 with the introduction of the 260cc model before moving to the 300RR model with its engine capacity of 288cc in 2015 as we arrive at the Cota 301RR and its 298cc for 2020. It also enjoys a lightweight, simple integrated fuel injection system (PGM-FI) with a lower volume than a conventional carburettor. It comes in a single piece together with the throttle body and the ECU that performs instantaneous calculations of a wide range of variables such as the environment, engine temperature and atmospheric pressure. Presentation: Steve ‘showtime’ Colley
We are pretty sure that many people in the trials world and beyond will be familiar with our Steve Colley, aptly named ‘Mr. Showtime’ by the Sheffield Indoor Trial promoter, the late Neil Crosswaite. He has ridden factory-supported two-stroke machines from Fantic, Beta and Gas
Gas, having won at world championship level. He can add multiple British titles and Scottish Six Days Trial and Scott Trial victories to his name too! He needs no introduction.
Steve retired from mainstream trials a few years ago but is ever-popular with his trials demonstrations and shows which he carries out on a pair of Montesa Cota 300RR machines.
Steve Colley: “Not so long ago, moving from two- to four-stroke machines was a massive change for me but one I soon came to enjoy. The engine noise is enough to give you that feel-good factor; twist the throttle and enjoy.
I have watched the success of Toni Bou, and his 26 world titles, with much admiration therefore naturally delighted when I was invited to join him, and fellow test riders, at the official presentation of this new model in October with my good friend, and Trial Magazine editor, John Hulme.
Cool: “This is how I would describe the new grey ‘look’ for 2020. With the new modern aesthetics, the Cota 301RR has a more ‘racing’ and aggressive look, further endorsed by its angular lines and real ‘get on me and ride’ approach to its presentation.
“It starts for me with the new LED racing headlight moulding, and further new design has been applied to the rear mudguard, which is slightly higher than before. With two litres of fuel available in the aluminium tank, it’s been redesigned and, left behind, are the rounded shapes giving it once again that ‘racing’ theme.
“The model we have on test here is presented
in the grey colour scheme, which I believe is what will come to the UK market, but for the more nostalgic supporters of the Montesa Cota range, a red and black option will become available. The excellent aluminium frame and swinging arm are retained, giving it an overall weight of 73 kilos.
Quality: “The standard of build quality and components is second to none. In the clean, modern Barcelona factory all the processes are carried out by a team of dedicated and experienced engineers and fitters whose duties include the assembly of the engine, injection moulding of the plastics, the fabrication of the aluminium frame, swinging arm and fuel tank and final assembly. The fact that this is carried out in-house guarantees a high level of build quality in all areas. You only have to have a look at a Montesa that’s a few years old; they still sound good and with high-level components fitted they also last well. The strong point on any Montesa purchase has to be the residual value, which remains very strong even after all these years of production.
“To protect the crankcase, a new rubber has been placed between it and the sump shield to absorb impact. Sturdy and reliable Tech branded 39 Ø front forks offering 175mm of adjustable travel in preload and extension are fitted, while at the rear, the Showa shock absorber provides 170mm of travel and is also adjustable.
Performance: “Many people find the ‘braking’ effect of a four-stroke engine very intrusive in their riding style, but on this new engine the diameter of the crankcase breather is now 2.25mm, whereas before it was 1.9mm. It is identical to the machines ridden by Bou and Fujinami. Engine performance is more than ample but very controllable. The engine mapping was arrived at after many hours of testing. It also benefited from a series of changes in the ECU department, together with a redesign of the crankcase gas decompression system in favour of an apparent reduction of the engine brake to make it lighter and more manageable. It is very much tuned to suit all riders. I felt that the power was very usable, smooth and controllable.
“The new aluminium silencer has more back pressure which has been achieved by increasing the volume of the inner tube. All this, together with the other changes in the engine has resulted in a notable increase in torque, benefiting from up to 16% more power and torque in low and medium revolutions.”
Conclusion: “I loved it; from the super-smooth power delivery to the ‘plush’ feeling from the excellent suspension package to the powerful brakes. A very light feel to the clutch operating system propels you forward with a firm, strong, tractable feel, and the tried and tested gearbox selection with a choice of five gears has a very ‘slick’ operating feeling.
“I do one day want to return to the Scottish Six Days Trial without the pressure of knowing I have to win and, when I do, I can assure you it will be on a Montesa Cota 4RT — they are superb where reliability comes as standard.”