Montesa Trials 348 Malcolm Rathmell Replica

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Launched to the public in January 1976, the Montesa Cota 348 had been developed during 1975 by DID Montesa in partnership with top rider Malcolm Rathmell.

A works contracted rider competing in world championship rounds, Rathmell acted as development consultant on the model which made features available to the general public on the 348 that were derived directly from his own experience of top level competition. The partnership of Montesa and Rathmell flourished with many national victories, a victory in the Scottish Six Day Trial and runner up spot in the World Trials Championship twice – hence the Cota 348 gaining the designation ‘Malcolm Rathmell Replica’.

Thought to date from around 1976, this largely original Cota 348 MRR has not been trialled in recent years although we are told by the vendor that it has been started fairly recently. He advises that the front forks are very stiff through standing and may require attention. The carburettor has been replaced with a period modification, namely a Mikuni item which was a common mod to replace the prone-to-wear Bing carburettor fitted as standard, but all other features appear to be original right down to the opaque Montesa mudguards.

Bidders are advised that there are no documents or registration papers with this machine and, being an off-road model, it is possible that it has never been registered.