74 Montessa Capra 125

[Tossa]

Hi Guys, have been offered one.  Are parts hard to find etc, it needs a total rebuild

regards

Barry

[All Things 414]

I wouldn't be planning on entering it into any races early next year Barry. Of all the cappras (motocrossers), they're probably the hardest to get bits for. I'm sure you'd get it finished but it'll probably take some time.... 

[montynut]

The Cappra 125s always suffered with marginal bigend bearings and fragile gearboxes. The gear change mechanism was very complex and difficult to set up. I believe that Lyall solved the bigend bearing problem by using another bearing or using parts from a different model.

The bikes handled well but where always down on power compared to the other bikes in the class.

[Nathan S]

I thought that the 18M was discontinued before 1974?

[holeshot buddy]

nathan could be right
barry post a picture
and yes 125 parts are very difficult to find :'(

[JC]

Barry,

Is it an 18M or a 38M?  Either way, its worth having.

18M was 4sp w right hand gearchange - bottom end v similar to 4sp 250 engines from the 60's. But it was discontinued in 73. Not real competitive in pre75 125, tho Ed Lancaster apparently won an OZ title on one in 72 or 73. Had fragile bigend end, but as stated above, Lyall Obrien replaced b'end brg w an off the shelf INA caged roller (fit straight in std rod & pin apparently) & had v good reliability.

38M was 6sp, crinkle-fin  & left foot gearchange, but didn't come out as prod'n model til 75-76. Factory models were around in 74 tho. If its one of them, its rare as. Much more modern engine design, but still had fragile b'end. However I suspect they would also take an INA caged roller. (I put one in myV75 Cappra too)

Either way, I'd grab it

[Tossa]

Thanks for the info guys, haven't got any photo's as still chatting.  matching engine and frame numbers 18M1682.  Bike is complete with spare cases, clutch and carbs, but basically a total rebuild, needs a complete new seat, he wants a 1,000 for it.

[frostype400]

sounds good for that amount

[All Things 414]

Buy it! 

[holeshot buddy]

i might sell my spare va125 maybe

[Brian Watson]

Barry, you should talk to Ron Tyers..he had one for some time when he first joined the VMX Club....rather slow tho... :'(

[Brian Watson]

I should also add that Ron's 125 was a grey tank model which was about 1970-71 ish...

[Tossa]

I should also add that Ron's 125 was a grey tank model which was about 1970-71 ish...

Spoke to Ron on Sunday will give him a ring tomorrow