Aluminuim swinging arms?

[Chris Stevens]

Lovely bikes by the way. Were they proper works bikes or the ones HRC were selling to the public? Was at Penrith last year at the world trials championship, had a great day out with the kids. Still see they wear Montessa badges

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Bou's bike is the real deal, full factory, bigger capacity, special frame, trick suspension, and I would be very surprised indeed if one of the HRC factory bikes, didnt cost more than all the rest of the bikes in that event put together! The stock 4RT production bike is not really very much like the factory ones, other than appearing the same cosmetically at first glance.

 

[blenkie1]

Bou that day was in another league. Yes others were clearing the obstacles he seemed to do it with ease. Nice that they still wear the montessa badge. Are 4 strokes an advantage over the 2 stroke or both have the pros and cons?

 

[Mick Annick]

I ride classic twinshock from the 1970's so all two stroke, but did ride a Honda TL125 4 stroke for a while back then and found it gripped a lot better. Also had a spell on a Honda TLR250 a few years back which also found grip where others wouldn't, though was a pig to steer as it always wanted to go straight on. It could be cured by steepening the head angle but I could never bring myself to do it so sold it - Chris can no doubt explain far better than I can.

I currently ride a 1975 Ossa MAR, not to everyone's liking but I love it.

 

[blenkie1]

I have a gas gas jtr250. Never get the time to go it though. My daughter (4) is wanting a Osset after trying one. She has a quad now but them little bikes seems a good way to start off

 

[Chris Stevens]

I ride classic twinshock from the 1970's so all two stroke, but did ride a Honda TL125 4 stroke for a while back then and found it gripped a lot better. Also had a spell on a Honda TLR250 a few years back which also found grip where others wouldn't, though was a pig to steer as it always wanted to go straight on. It could be cured by steepening the head angle but I could never bring myself to do it so sold it - Chris can no doubt explain far better than I can.

I currently ride a 1975 Ossa MAR, not to everyone's liking but I love it.

Jon Bliss pit bike powered twin-shocks grip better than any other bike out there, and worked so well they ended up getting banned by the ACU! TLR250 motor is too far back in same position as the 200, which makes front end overly light, and steering very poor. Lowering the rests and moving them forward improves things a lot, and isnt that difficult to do, parts are difficult for the 250 though, and modified 200 works lots better.

Customer of mine is into the old Spanish bikes recently found him a replica of very special Bultaco which was built by Comerfords (UK importer) in the early 80s. Seems to work quite well, but like all Spanish bikes is very heavy and not that suited to modern day events.

 

[Mick Annick]

Chris

I'd love a 1974/5 Ossa Explorer if you ever come across one

 

[Chris Stevens]

Whats your budget, and are you looking for basket case or something fully restored?

 

[Mick Annick]

Chris

I'd like a tidy one but happy to restore providing the main bits are there - clutch cover not cut down for instance, hubs intact, frame not chopped. Not bothered about cosmetic stuff as most of it is readily available.

I'd go over to Spain if I could speak the language and knew how to get one back, tidy ones come up regularly on milannuncio for 2500-3500 euros - there's a lovely restored Copa Pepsi in a dealer in Alicante for 2950 at the mo, which is quite tasty too.

 

[Chris Stevens]

I would suggest contacting James Brown (Retro Trials), as he has many contacts in Spain and is often over there, could well assist with finding a bike.

 

[Mick Annick]

Chris

I'd not thought of James, I know him through the Alton club, will have a chat with him.