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Clubroom => General Discussion => Topic started by: holeshot buddy on November 16, 2008, 10:50:09 pm

Title: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: holeshot buddy on November 16, 2008, 10:50:09 pm
i will start with
83/84 kx500 of course 8)
rm500 ;D :P
rm250z
rm250e
rm125 z d e
84 kx125

thats enough ;)
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: frostype400 on November 16, 2008, 10:59:05 pm
enduro 1980 PE400 mx 1983 CR480 although all big bore 2 strokes are really good.  Michael.   :)
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: Maico31 on November 16, 2008, 11:15:32 pm
I'll go with '83 CR480 and '84 CR250.
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: 090 on November 16, 2008, 11:35:58 pm
Same, '83 480, '84 250 and '84 cr125 for the small bore.
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: TM BILL on November 17, 2008, 06:57:05 am
1984 KX 125
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: STW996 on November 17, 2008, 07:02:44 am
I'll go with '83 CR480 and '84 CR250.

Well I am with John on the 84 CR 250 and I will just have to get that 83 480 out of the bar room and try it out because both Paul and Brad speak so highly of them otherwise the 84 CR500 is a good thing (Yes Holeshot save for the gearbox >:()
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: BJJ on November 17, 2008, 07:08:40 am
YZ 490L
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: suzuki27 on November 17, 2008, 07:40:26 am
I'll go with my RM 125 E. followed by Liz Hurley - I have only thrown a leg over one of them. but I wouldn't be surprised if Liz was a better mount.
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: E74 on November 17, 2008, 08:45:08 am
1984 KTM 250MX, 1984 KTM 495MX         ;D  ;D
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: VMX Andrew on November 17, 2008, 09:54:21 am
all the 84 model honda CRs....but yer the 83 model CR480 appeals to me also..
anybody got a cheap one for sale.... ;D
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: Hoony on November 17, 2008, 10:17:32 am
What Andrew said, (i would like a 1983 CR480RD also)

and Suzuki RM500
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: firko on November 17, 2008, 10:32:25 am
Yeah I know, I'm supposed to hate pre '85 bikes but if the truth be known, I reckon that the 80s produced some of the most interesting and revolutionary bikes in our sports history. One of the more interesting bikes of that era is the ATK560. Developed by Horst Leitner, these gems were a decade ahead of everyone else in suspension and braking technology. Check out the linkless, single sided rear shock and you'll see where KTM got their ideas from. They had Whitepower USD forks, and heaps of other features not seen on other brands for another decade. A similar bike to the '84 560 ATK shown below is enroute to the Firko Collection as we speak. I may not be going to motocross race it, at nearly sixty I'm way past my useby date for wrangling a 55hp open classer but may put a guest on board it for the Nats and will look forward to myself punting it around the odd dirt track and Vinduro poker run.
                             (http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-8/1062154/ATK560a.jpg)
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: VMX Andrew on November 17, 2008, 10:40:00 am
 nice bike...could i be a guest...pretty please buddy ol pal firko... ;D
no seriously that atk doent look much different to say the mid 90s atk...save for a back disk brake...cool :)
could be a pre 85 killer...
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: firko on November 17, 2008, 10:56:55 am
Thanks for the offer Andrew but I already have my surprise guest rider lined up. He and the bike will take some beating I'd reckon  ;). The '84 ATK does have a rear disc Andrew, the difference is that it's mounted on the countershaft, not the wheel as you can sort of see on the below shot of a later 604cc version of the same bike. The photo I placed in the previous post shows a bike that's been modified with what looks like a Yamaha rear drum. The countershaft brake wasn't a real good idea if you threw a chain.
(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-8/1062154/atk604.jpg)
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: Maico31 on November 17, 2008, 11:35:18 am
That's a pretty cool bike Firko, wasn't Brad Lackey supposed to ride one in his one-off USGP ride in 1983 but he ended up riding a production YZ490 instead? I've ridden a '96 ATK 560 and it doesn't look a lot different to that one.
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: firko on November 17, 2008, 11:49:11 am
Actually, I've just been informed by somebody who knows such stuff that the bike I've shown is an '85 model. Here's a shot of an '84 model I googled. Mine is supposedly an '84 but it's got USD forks and disc brakes but a drum back  ???. My mate who sold it to me insists the frame is stamped with an '84 prefix so I'm guessing that the changover from conventional to USD forks must have been not long after the initial model. A glance at the Americandirtbike.com model gallery www.americandirtbike.com (http://www.americandirtbike.com) and by the look of the below '84 model, shows there isn't too much difference bar the forks and front brake. It now seems that the first one I posted has the correct rear brake. Sorry for the confusion but I'm on a learning curve here. :-[
                    (http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-8/1062154/ATK54084.gif)
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: worms on November 17, 2008, 12:45:56 pm
gee, Firko talking about pre 85 bikes, whats next, you will be on a pre 90 ;D

Sorry, couldnt help myself :D

Cheers Trev
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: BETRIC on November 17, 2008, 02:16:59 pm
 My 83 RM250D till it decided to dump me on my arse in the pits at Glenbawn last Saturday ??? and damage it's near new DG pipe, not happy >:(.
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: firko on November 17, 2008, 02:33:15 pm
Quote
gee, Firko talking about pre 85 bikes, whats next, you will be on a pre 90
I'd rather roll in dogshit Trev. A man must have his limits ;D
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: Marc.com on November 17, 2008, 04:46:13 pm
My RM500D, while length of service was short, they have a high intimidation factor. Suzuki really missed the boat not building the monoshock PE500....what were they thinking about. 
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: Evil Rudy on November 20, 2008, 11:52:24 am
I would say the 84 YZ 250. The fact that Rick Johnson took it to the mx title in the US as a stock bike was beaucoup cool. The Simmons anti cav fork kit and Ohlins rear shock ads were fantastic. The fact that he beat the hand made Hondas, Suzukis and Kawasakis should put him up with Johnny O beating everyone at the MXdes on a 125, but sadly gets lost sometimes.

Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: magoo on November 20, 2008, 07:16:54 pm
1983 CR480RD and and 1984 CR250RE. Sweeter than Harro I'll tell ya.
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: Mick on November 20, 2008, 07:53:55 pm
81 RM 125
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: firko on November 21, 2008, 12:39:59 pm
Yep.......It'll be a cheats paradise.  ::)
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: Tim754 on November 21, 2008, 05:53:13 pm
Does not have a lot of heart and soul does it............ Thanks for the ATKs, but most of the rest where heading fast down the same path just different paint.
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: Nathan S on November 22, 2008, 11:26:21 pm
I've got my 84 YZ125L. I like it a lot, even if I've been too lazy/tight to rebuild the engine.
Would love a 250L, but I know I'm faster on a 125...
Watercooled, twin shock Husky WR400 rates highly too.
And I want an 84 KTM125MX - but I'll stop short of calling it a favourite until I've ridden one (that's a hint Dennis!:) ).

Yep.......It'll be a cheats paradise.  ::)

Different to pre-75, how?

Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: Doc on November 23, 2008, 12:01:18 am
I have the mellow yellow '84 TSX250E which I plan on removing the road going trash and ride it very sedately (think that's all it's capable of and me too! ;D) It's a contentious one though (I love contention :P) an '84 jap import which has the powervalve and front disc the RM250's didn't get till '85 and after the cutoff ;)

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1248/860831341_d885c49266.jpg?v=0)

not that I think anyone will care except I may get in the way when I'm being lapped  :D
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: Mick on November 23, 2008, 01:33:02 am
A mate at the time brought one of these new and im pretty sure he had a class win at Hattah Dessert Race on it, or was that Sea Lake  :-\   nice find Doc.
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: Doc on November 23, 2008, 06:38:38 am
Thanks Mick, the biggest downfall with the TSX was they broke frames and being a stop gap model they received little development and remained virtually unchanged for 4 or 5 years ;) not overly concerned as my frame has been repaired and I've a spare for just such a nasty occassion. Maybe a little underestimated but with proper attention some serious RM250 type HP can be had from these engines. They were one of the lightest 250 trailies you could buy at 111kgs in stock trim so I'd reckon I'll be able to drop it to about 105 which is not far off the full blown RM250 at 103kgs ;) shhhh..trying to kid myself i have a decent ride but fact is she'll be pretty slow as it won't be modified  :D
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: asasin on November 23, 2008, 08:29:53 am
I had one of those ts 250 as a trail basher for a few years .it was really good in the tight forrest as the power was super smooth and the handleing was point perfect .Youll love it in those types of riding.Its a nice one Doc . Pre 85 I have just done a swap of my 250 T for one of those ATK things, should be a hell of alot of fun!
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: Maicojames on November 23, 2008, 08:30:45 am
For 500s-83 490 Maico, 83 CR480, 81-82 RM465.-any 83 or 84 YZ490 with modified head.  

 For 250s 83 CR250 Honda, 82 RM250, 84 RM250, 83 Maico 250

For 125s..well 230lb riders like me do not ride 125s LOL
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: LWC82PE on November 23, 2008, 09:37:49 am
ive always liked those TS 250's. its what took 16 yr old Andy Haydon (also 3rd in Paris dakar rally in 98?) to a outright win in the SA 24 hour trial in 1984. He beat all the older guys on the bigger 500/600 cc bikes.

yours looks in perfect original condition Doc
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: Doc on November 23, 2008, 01:23:34 pm
Leith the TS is pretty close to original and it's tidy but it is ridden and mainly patina. It has the genuine yellow fork/disc protectors fitted now and PE blinker set so looks a little neater than the pic. I'm surprised at the number of this model still popping up for sale left right and centre so if nothing else I guess they are pretty reliable as there's plenty still getting around and they wean't huge sellers in the first place ;) I've only ridden it seriously a few times and as Asasin said the handling is pretty much spot on..so much in fact the ride became a little boring as nothing unexpected happened :( bit different to the pre'75's that spit you off if you give a sideways glance :D also means if I do feel the need to mod anything it'll only be the engine for a few more ponies I'd guess. The floater design on this model is a 1 off and different to all other Suzuki's so it was a unique model in a few ways back in '84. I know Walter has mentioned he's rebuilt a shiteload of alloy bodied TSX shocks so I'm hoping that's not an achilies heel. Will run it and see ;) 
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: LWC82PE on November 23, 2008, 01:34:20 pm
there were heaps of these in SA through the 80's, very propular bikes. no doubt Andy Haydons win helped boost sales of these bikes in SA.

so the early jap models had power valve? the first couple australain models didnt have this. how did you get a jap model? the sales brochures/suzuki australia ads i have of the 84 model never showed a disc cover fitted. i almost bought one of these a few years ago for about $800 but once i arrived at sellers place he said he just sold it to someone else. you used to be able to get a fair bit of stuff to make these bikes better. WP shocks/shock spring, fork springs, HPF mufflers, Twin air filter, Boyesens etc. Trevor Flood specialized in selling aftermarket parts for these, and even sold them set up with this gear fitted and ready to go. Good knobbly tyres were also a must needed change.

there was even a watercooled TS 125 but not every states got them.
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: Doc on November 23, 2008, 01:47:58 pm
I haven't seen any W/cooled 125s but I know they existed in Tasmania ??? weird sales logic. I can't rave about the bike and sure as eggs I'd prefer it were an RM250D  :-\ which in retrospect is the pick of the pre 85 models for mine ;)
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: LWC82PE on November 23, 2008, 02:50:07 pm
watercooled TS125 X's are out there. we at least had them in SA. i worked on a 84 or 85 model a couple years ago. still had drum brake front though. someone near me has a white one. In the late 80's/early 90's this then became the TS125 'R' which was different agian.

i dont know why they didnt make them a bit more hardcore enduro and call them a PE 250???. there was a big gap until the 89 RMX
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: suzuki43 on November 23, 2008, 03:15:04 pm
Coming in late to this topic,my favourite Pre 85 bikes are as follows:
1981 RM 125X (I have one)
1982  RM 250Z (owned one now have a 250D)
1984 RM 500E dont own one  :-[
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: Marc.com on November 23, 2008, 04:35:15 pm
another Suzuki vote

rm500D/E ....

I also have early TT600 with YZ suspension that is really good fun to ride.

Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: Doc on November 23, 2008, 06:18:22 pm
Suzuki43, would that be an '80 model RA125 in your icon? looks flash, twinshock/liquid cooled..Everts bike?? 8)
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: suzuki43 on November 23, 2008, 07:51:49 pm
Hi Doc,
Yes its a Eric Geoboers bike from back in the day.
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: Tim754 on November 23, 2008, 08:04:05 pm
 OK pre85 Hmmm plastic tanked Jappos? Naa, Euros and North Americas? warmer...  Arhhh yes Anything from the Alan Clews stable of raw beauty. The BSA or Rotax powered Clews Competition Motorcycles aka CCM  ;)
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: vmx42 on November 24, 2008, 10:59:56 am
Hey Suzuki 43,
Sorry to hijack the thread, but could you send me a copy of the Geboers RA image [and any others you might have]? My email is [email protected]
I've been doing a bit of research on that model and any additional images I can get would be really helpful.
Thanks
VMX42
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: holeshot buddy on November 24, 2008, 09:29:37 pm
looks like suzuki is winning
this post as most popular so far ;D
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: LWC82PE on November 24, 2008, 09:37:41 pm
i reckon i have several images of that bike in magazines and maybe even a small article. dont know whose they are but they are works RM (RA) 125 with watercooling and twin shocks from about 1980

it would be like this one

http://www.mxworksbike.com/Suzuki_RA125_Geboers_1.htm

http://www.mxworksbike.com/Suzuki_RA125_Geboers_2.htm

http://www.mxworksbike.com/1980_RA125_1.htm

http://www.mxworksbike.com/1980_RA125_2.htm

or

http://www.mxworksbike.com/Suzuki_RA125_Everts_2.htm

http://www.mxworksbike.com/Suzuki_RA125_Everts_1.htm
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: Husky500evo on November 25, 2008, 08:15:33 am
I was looking to buy an RM500 a few months back for a pre '85 race bike , but anyone I could find who had one didn't want to sell it ( & didnt want to ride it either ). I think that maybe the '83 CR480 Honda is a better bike overall than the Suzuki , but I just had fond memories of the full floater rear suspension & would have liked to have had an RM500 in my shed . Interesting that most guys who own both '83 CR480 & '84 CR500 Hondas seem to prefer the 480 , because they are a bit more mellow & easier to ride .   
Title: Re: whats your favourite pre 85 bike
Post by: Marc.com on November 25, 2008, 11:05:14 am
I find the RM500 pretty easy to ride, compared to some other big bores, at the time the magazine tests described it as peaky, but I think Suzuki avoided building a farm tractor of an engine and gave you one that will rev. Much better than my YZ490 which was all mid range and hell to ride in sand whoops.