Montesa 4Ride: A Trail Riding Revolution?

For many motorcyclists, the world of trials bikes remains an intriguing, yet inaccessible, realm. Their minimalist design, focused purely on competition, often lacks the creature comforts, like a seat, that make a motorcycle appealing to the broader audience. So, what if you're drawn to the agility and capability of a trials bike but desire a more accessible and practical machine for exploring off-road trails? Enter the Montesa 4Ride, a machine that Montesa, Honda's Spanish trials bike subsidiary, boldly claims "reinvents the off-road concept." This "adventure trial" machine, as it's dubbed, is essentially a trials bike reimagined for a wider range of riding experiences, offering a blend of agility with newfound practicality.

The Genesis of the 4Ride

While the 4Ride might feel like a novel concept, it's not entirely unprecedented. Montesa previously explored a similar path in 1991 with the Evasion, an "excursion" machine based on their trials models of the era. The 4Ride, however, revives and refines this idea, drawing heavily from the successful Cota 4RT260 trials bike. It shares the same robust aluminium frame and a potent 259cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine, renowned for its torquey delivery of 17lbft at 5,500rpm. The aluminium swing-arm also makes the transition, promising a familiar feel in terms of handling and feedback.

Key Enhancements for Trail Riding

To transform a pure trials machine into an "adventure trial" bike, several key modifications have been implemented:

• Taller Gearing: Gears one through four have been adjusted to be taller, providing a more relaxed cruising experience and extending the bike's usability beyond the extreme low-speed demands of trials. Fifth gear, the highest, remains unchanged.
• Revised Suspension: Both the front and rear suspension have been raised, offering increased ground clearance and more plush travel. This is crucial for absorbing the bumps and irregularities encountered on trails.
• Increased Fuel Capacity: The aluminium fuel tank has been significantly enlarged, growing from 1.9 litres on the 4RT to a more substantial 4.4 litres. This allows for longer rides without the constant concern of fuel stops.
• Integrated Luggage Space: A clever design feature is the inclusion of a sizable luggage compartment beneath the seat. This space is perfect for carrying essentials like sandwiches and a bottle of water, enhancing the bike's adventure touring capabilities.

The Riding Experience: Agility Meets Accessibility

The 4Ride isn't designed for blistering speed or long-distance touring. Instead, its forte lies in its ability to tackle technical terrain with remarkable ease. The seat height, while not low at 885mm, is manageable for riders of average height, especially given the bike's exceptionally narrow profile. This accessibility means that even riders without extensive trials experience can confidently place both feet on the ground, a significant confidence booster compared to larger, taller enduro bikes.

Whether standing or seated, the 4Ride offers exceptional control. Its ability to trickle over obstacles in a low gear, aided by the soft-compound trials tyres that find grip in the most unlikely places, is truly impressive. The engine's readily available torque allows riders to ascend steep inclines with confidence, often with the rider remaining comfortably in their seat. While it won't magically imbue an average rider with professional trials skills, it undeniably empowers them to navigate challenging obstacles and terrain that might otherwise be considered insurmountable.

Who is the Montesa 4Ride For?

This is where the 4Ride sparks debate. Its unique positioning raises questions about its target audience. Weighing in at a mere 85kg fuelled, it's incredibly light, though 12kg heavier than its 4RT sibling. Serious trials riders might find it lacking the ultimate precision and feather-light feel of a dedicated competition bike, which offers superior performance for showcasing advanced techniques.

Conversely, novice riders might be put off by certain ergonomic quirks inherited from its trials heritage:

• Gear Selector Position: The gear selector is positioned quite far from the footpeg, requiring a deliberate foot movement off the peg to shift gears.
• Brake Lever Ergonomics: The relationship between the right footpeg and the rear brake pedal necessitates a similar adjustment.
• Side Stand Placement: The side stand is located on the right side of the swing-arm due to the chain being on the left, which might feel unconventional to some.

Furthermore, while the gears are taller than on the 4RT, they are still relatively short by conventional trail or enduro bike standards. A smaller displacement enduro machine like the KTM Freeride 350, for instance, will easily outpace the 4Ride on open stretches. Road riding is possible, but the gearing necessitates rapid upshifts, akin to a moped, and the bike tops out around 60mph in fifth gear. The mirrors, designed to fold back for off-roading, offer limited rearward visibility.

Practicalities like the absence of a traditional ignition key and lock are also notable. Starting is via a kick-start lever, which is well-designed and generally easy to operate, often firing up the engine on the first kick. The digital display, showing speed, odometer, and trip meter, comes to life with the electrics.

The Verdict: Fun Over Functionality?

Ultimately, the Montesa 4Ride is a machine that prioritises fun and accessibility in off-road riding. It's not about setting lap records or covering vast distances; it's about the joy of exploring challenging trails, employing trials-inspired techniques, and experiencing the light-footedness of a trials bike without the constant need to stand. At a price point of £6,249, its appeal might be niche, but for those seeking a unique off-road experience that bridges the gap between trials and trail riding, the 4Ride offers a compelling proposition. It provides a level of control and capability over technical terrain that surpasses many conventional off-road machines, making challenging obstacles feel more approachable and enjoyable.

Key Specifications: Montesa 4Ride

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is the Montesa 4Ride suitable for beginners?
Yes, the 4Ride's light weight, narrow profile, and accessible seat height make it more approachable for beginners than a dedicated trials bike. However, some of the trials-derived controls might require a short adjustment period.

Q2: Can I use the Montesa 4Ride for road legal riding?
The 4Ride is primarily designed for off-road use. While it may be possible to make it road legal in some regions, its gearing and lack of typical road-going equipment would make it a less than ideal choice for regular road riding.

Q3: How does the Montesa 4Ride compare to a KTM Freeride 350?
The 4Ride excels in technical, low-speed obstacle negotiation due to its trials-derived chassis and tyres, offering superior agility in such scenarios. The KTM Freeride 350 is generally better suited for slightly faster trail riding and offers more conventional ergonomics and gearing for keeping up with faster traffic or covering ground more quickly.

Q4: What kind of maintenance does the 4Ride require?
As with any off-road motorcycle, regular maintenance is crucial. This includes checking oil levels, cleaning the air filter, inspecting the chain and sprockets, and ensuring brakes and suspension are in good working order. Due to its trials heritage, specific attention may be needed for clutch and throttle cable lubrication and adjustment.

Q5: Where can I find parts for a Montesa 315?
While the article focuses on the 4Ride, information suggests that parts for older Montesa models like the 315 are available from various specialist suppliers. These can include genuine decals, performance upgrades like titanium parts and exhaust systems, as well as general maintenance items such as brake and clutch oils, chains, and sprockets.