Richard Simpson wrote:
Cheers...there was also a Montessa Honda 4 Ride: anyone got one of those?
Yes I also have a 4Ride and think it is fantastic. Mainly used for LDT's and a bit of greenlaning.
Being a honda engine its mega reliable and starts first kick every time (keep the throttle closed). Tank range is circa 55 miles, however I use a 1 litre MSA fuel can in the cubby hole under the seat which pushes the realistic range up to 70 miles + still enough room for tool kit. Rear wheel is tubeless (a work of art!), so just carry a front tube.
It's 85kg fuelled and has superb steering lock. Excellent quality components throughout. I am sure Kevpg won't mind me saying, the suspension is much better on the 4ride than the Xride (we ride together quite a bit). I've recently swapped out the front pipe (catalytic converter) and that has really livened the bike up even more.
The 4Ride's downsides are IMHO that the air filter involves a 30min strip down of the box beneath the seat to access. It only runs around 0.5litres of sump oil, so you don't want to be ragging it on the lanes all day long (I have another bike for that!!) and it will need changing fairly regularly. On standard gearing (best for LDT) you don't want to go over 50MPH.