10 Interview with lifelong Montesa trial mechanic Paco Mateo |
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My boxer dogs name is called Ronaldo. In 1979 Montesa give this motorcycle to me When you prepared the bike for the Honda president did the Impala need a complete restoration ? Yes all all all Impallas now sell for much money. I was offered 18,000 euros for my impala and I no sell. |
Paco's 1983 Montesa Impalla. I love the wheels. They remind me of a ........ ;)
A vented magneto
Impallas now sell for much money. I was offered 18,000 euros for my impala and I no sell .
What other bikes do you have in your collection ?
As well as the impala I have a honda Montesa tlm 2 stroke. This is one model that is special. Honda send this bike from Japan to Espania to test and to try in many different ways to make sure it is good. We make all of the tests and after the bike stays in the factory and still stays in the factory . When I leave Cierra is given one and I am given one . It is prototype. This was present from the Japanese.
What other bikes do you have in your collection ?
As well as the impala I have a honda Montesa tlm 2 stroke. This is one model that is special. Honda send this bike from Japan to Espania to test and to try in many different ways to make sure it is good. We make all of the tests and after the bike stays in the factory and still stays in the factory . When I leave Cierra is given one and I am given one . It is prototype. This was present from the Japanese.
One thing that i do not explain to you that many years ago in 1962 i prepare the bikes for operation Impalla. Montesa wants to to their bikes are very good. The boss he decide to send 3 men on 3 bikes across Africa. Just these men , nothing else , no mechanic. The journey take 3 years to complete and the bikes have no problem. It was incredible time for Montesa . Here are the photos of the operation impala. One of the 4 riders who make the expedition makes and wins the first race 24hrs Monjuic riding with the Bultaco. The day before the adventure starts I am given the bike to make adjustments and I take the bike to my house when I keep until the next day when I go the factory on the bike I crash on this bike. There were 3 bikes in preparation impala and I crash one but I damage only a few things ha ha ha .
Operation Impalla was a huge Montesa publicity success with the press following the motorcycles all the way across Africa.