Montesa 247 Cota year ID?

[colin jay]

I am going to have a look at a 247 Motesa Cota after work tomorrow with the intention of making an offer to buy it. The guy who has it had it given to him a few years back and knows nothing about Montesa's. Is there any thing in the engine or frame numbers that gives a clue to the year model of these bikes? Or are there any other visual give aways that can be used to determine the year model?

Thanks,
CJ

[David Lahey]

Have a look at the gallery in http://southwestmontesa.com/gallery.html

Yes the frame and engine numbers can be helpful but with Montesas they did not allocate a number range for each year - they just used serial numbers in sequence and the 247 designation was used for many years, all with the same ID number prefix 21M.

Be aware that some 247s nowadays are an amalgam of parts from various Montesas of different time periods in the model run. Also be aware that there were quite a few of the 247T models sold (big tank and double seat) which can complicate identification.

If you take some decent photos and post them up you will be able to benefit from the knowledge of many people familiar with 247s.

[FM350]

The very early large brake hub 247 (68-69) was if I remember right referred to as the Mk1, with the subsequent smaller hub bike known as the Mk4 (or Mk4B possibly), this bike was uprated with a slimmer tank seat unit and some other detail changes and called the Mk5. Bikes following the Mk 5 were essentially modified versions of this, with slightly different tank seat units, and engine side cases, Ulf Karlson replica and 247T.

In real terms in everything but small detail all the bikes following the Mk1 were pretty much the same, and most parts will fit all models. Before buying an old Montesa though it is worth checking parts availability, as while some parts are still being made, others have been out of production for many years, and may be very difficult to find.

http://www.southwestmontesa.com/gallery.html shows the various bikes, but as outlined earlier unless you are looking at a Mk 1 they are pretty similar.

The only major variation related to 250cc Montesa trials bikes was the 248, which used a smaller capacity version of the 6 speed motor used in the 348-349, and can be easily identified by the twin down tube frame, and the distinctive crinkle finning of the cylinder and head.

[Jon V8]

I have a mk1 247 Cota with the big hubs etc,its in poor condition and is about number 4 on my project list....
What has been a big help is Don Morley's book, Spanish Trials bikes - ISBN 0-85045-663-0. its an old book,I got mine off E-Bay.

[FM350]

Mk1 is pretty rare, and I would think is very collectable. Spares might be a problem though, as I seem to remember they were only made for 2 years, which might mean parts wont be that easy to find?

[colin jay]

Well, I picked up the Monty on the weekend and here are some pictures;





From what I have seen on the net, I think it is probably a 1979 model. Anyone want to confirm or refute that?

I took the head off, and the bore looks good and there is not to much slop in the piston. I did notice that there was no head gasket. My '78 Husqvarna doesn't use a head gasket, are these Montesa's the same?

After I cleaned out the carbie and cleaned the points, it started up fairly easily and ran will no more rattles than my 350 Sherpa's have, so the motor sound like it could be servicable in the short term. I have a bit of work ahead of me with the frame and cycle parts, but nothing that money can't fix.

CJ