Author Topic: RM 125 B forks & alloy swingarm  (Read 8044 times)

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Offline KTM47

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RM 125 B forks & alloy swingarm
« on: June 25, 2013, 09:44:48 AM »
Has another purchased a set of RM 125 B forks through eBay from the US.  Are there any pitfalls? I have an RM 370 B and I know that it was common practice in 1977 to change to the 125 B forks. Are there any available in Australia.

Also does anyone know where to get an alloy swingarm from.  I know that they were available through Suzuki in 1977 but for some reason MA has not approved them. Where do you get the Thor ones from?

Kevin
MAICOS RULE DESPITE THE FOOLS

1999 KTM 200, 1976/77 KTM 400,1981 Maico 490

Offline Davey Crocket

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Re: RM 125 B forks & alloy swingarm
« Reply #1 on: June 25, 2013, 10:02:13 AM »
Kev, the alloy 125 B arm is OK, I don't know if it fits the 370 as the axles are different sizes and the length may be shorter....talk to Johnny Kittle....it's probably easier to get a thor arm or DG.....the DG ones are quite a bit lighter.
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Offline KTM47

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Re: RM 125 B forks & alloy swingarm
« Reply #2 on: June 25, 2013, 10:06:37 AM »
Thanks John. What about the forks have you had any experience with them?
MAICOS RULE DESPITE THE FOOLS

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Offline Davey Crocket

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Re: RM 125 B forks & alloy swingarm
« Reply #3 on: June 25, 2013, 11:39:33 AM »
There's forks around, Johnny will know what springs to use.
QVMX.....Australia's #1 VMX club......leading the way.

oldfart

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Re: RM 125 B forks & alloy swingarm
« Reply #4 on: June 25, 2013, 04:36:47 PM »
Kevin .... I have a set on my 250 B and 370  and it is a straight forward job if you use  a 125 B triple's as well, as  Rm 250/370  have tapered forks   36mm bottom x 35 mm top clamp.
 If you set up a jig you could reem or drill/ mill the top clamp out to 36mm.

Take the 125 springs out and replace them with 250 / 370  .... job done 

Offline Husabergpete

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Re: RM 125 B forks & alloy swingarm
« Reply #5 on: June 25, 2013, 07:12:29 PM »
Kevin,

Not sure why you would change 77 RM370 forks out for a set of 77 125 B model forks.

I have a 370 and have owned RM 125 A and a pair of C's. The C had an alloy swingarm.

I know 370's have been fitted with the later model RM 125 C from 1978 front forks. But it is said that it makes the bike illegal for Pre 1978 racing.

Perhaps the Suzuki race guys could set us straight.

Pete
KTM 250 1980,  Maico 250 AW 1977, Husqvarna CR 430 1981, , CZ 250 1973 and a 550 Husaberg

Offline 09.0

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Re: RM 125 B forks & alloy swingarm
« Reply #6 on: June 25, 2013, 07:37:35 PM »
I think it's because the 125 is leading axle.

Offline JohnnyO

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Re: RM 125 B forks & alloy swingarm
« Reply #7 on: June 25, 2013, 08:08:59 PM »
All the B models have leading axle forks, the 125B forks are better than 250/370 forks that's why the pros used them on their 250/370's back in the day.
Kevin I'm using nos harder S&W springs bought from the US in my forks but I can get harder springs to suit locally. I have original DG and Thor swing arms on my 370 & 250 again from the US, if you look hard you'll find one..

Offline KTM47

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Re: RM 125 B forks & alloy swingarm
« Reply #8 on: June 26, 2013, 09:20:51 AM »
Thanks everyone for your replies.  Back in 1977 it was common for the dealer supported riders to use the 125 B forks. They have a longer section below the axel so they are probably stronger.  In another post there is photos of Anthony Gunter's 370 B with them on.  He also has a factory alloy swing arm, it is painted black.  They are a genuine Suzuki item, but there is a post http://ozvmx.com/community/index.php?topic=24891.0 that says MA does not except them as legal.  Does anyone know if this has changed.

Also has anyone purchased 125 B forks from the US and is there any pitfalls.
MAICOS RULE DESPITE THE FOOLS

1999 KTM 200, 1976/77 KTM 400,1981 Maico 490

Offline Davey Crocket

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Re: RM 125 B forks & alloy swingarm
« Reply #9 on: June 26, 2013, 09:38:40 AM »
The 125"B" optional alloy arm is OK Kev, talk to Tanner if your worried....I have never seen for sale a 250/370 optional alloy arm (gen Suzuki). If you buy a set of forks out of the states, get them to pull them apart so the package is smaller...probably pay 100 bucks for a set and the same for shipping....they do come up for sale here now and again. I'm thinking the arm on Gunters bike was a works one....they where more square on the sides than the optional one. 
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TM BILL

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Re: RM 125 B forks & alloy swingarm
« Reply #10 on: June 26, 2013, 04:14:20 PM »
Kev I have a genuine optional alloy arm for 250 / 370B complete with brake lug and still some of the black paint on it , could be convinced to sell it .

I also have a PDI swinging arm of the Gods I could be convinced to move on for the right offer  ;)



125 B forks are better than 250/370 B forks .

Offline maico67

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Re: RM 125 B forks & alloy swingarm
« Reply #11 on: July 01, 2013, 01:09:29 PM »
Hey Kevvy ,
I've got a pair of 125 B forks , if you what to buy them , they'll need totally restoring though

Montynut

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Re: RM 125 B forks & alloy swingarm
« Reply #12 on: July 01, 2013, 04:44:01 PM »
The RM125B forks had more travel than the RM250/370 from '77 they can also be adjusted to give the full Pre78 legal 9" of travel which the RM250/370B can not. That is what I have been told ;)

Offline JohnnyO

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Re: RM 125 B forks & alloy swingarm
« Reply #13 on: July 01, 2013, 05:49:59 PM »
Any of those forks can have the travel amount adjusted with spacers or different length top out springs, they're all much the same inside.

Offline Slakewell

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Re: RM 125 B forks & alloy swingarm
« Reply #14 on: July 01, 2013, 07:12:50 PM »
Kev I have a genuine optional alloy arm for 250 / 370B complete with brake lug and still some of the black paint on it , could be convinced to sell it .

I also have a PDI swinging arm of the Gods I could be convinced to move on for the right offer  ;)



125 B forks are better than 250/370 B forks .

Hey Bill are those KYB shocks?
I have a manual for those if want a scan?
Current bikes. KTM MC 250 77 Husky CR 360 77, Husky 82 420 Auto Bitsa XR 200 project. Dont need a pickle just need to ride my motorcickle

Offline KTM47

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Re: RM 125 B forks & alloy swingarm
« Reply #15 on: July 03, 2013, 09:22:31 AM »
Kev I have a genuine optional alloy arm for 250 / 370B complete with brake lug and still some of the black paint on it , could be convinced to sell it .



Bill I have sent you a PM

Kevin
MAICOS RULE DESPITE THE FOOLS

1999 KTM 200, 1976/77 KTM 400,1981 Maico 490

Offline Vintmxman

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Re: RM 125 B forks & alloy swingarm
« Reply #16 on: July 03, 2013, 11:44:40 AM »
Not sure if your still looking for a set of 125 B forks , if so let me know ...I have two really nice sets , one is complete with clamps , the other is just the forks...

TM BILL

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Re: RM 125 B forks & alloy swingarm
« Reply #17 on: July 03, 2013, 12:18:45 PM »
Kev I have a genuine optional alloy arm for 250 / 370B complete with brake lug and still some of the black paint on it , could be convinced to sell it .



Bill I have sent you a PM

Kevin

Hi Kevin will reply Bill