Hi all!
I'm really loving this forum and getting lots of great info for my entry into the world of VMX. As per my introduction ....
http://ozvmx.com/community/index.php?topic=6818.0I am going to have a go at pre85 racing and have finally found myself a bike, but after taking it bush over the long weekend, I realise that I need to set it up a bit better than it is and I am hoping that some of you experienced Suzuki guys may be able to pass on some of your wisdom and previous experiences so I get it right the first time.
The Bike.......
Lots more pics click hereAn 1981 RM250x. The link shows the photos that the previous owner took for me to purchase online, unseen, interstate and the brief was the following...
New bottom end, new gearbox bearings, New .5 over wiseco, new reeds, new swingarm bearings, RAD rebuilt rear shock, fork service with seals and new wheel bearings.All this had only an hour or so on it. Also got a spare complete engine/trans (2mm over) and swing arm.
All of the above I am sure is true after getting the bike. I got all the old parts and I reckon the bike starts, goes great and handles OK (For 1981). Clearly it needs plenty of cosmetic attention, but before I go there I have the following setup issues that I need to address.
1. The seat. You just slide straight towards the tank when sitting. The foam is soft and the old cover is shinny and slippery. Its not bad when you are in the tight stuff cornering as it keeps you right up the front but to get to the standing position is harder from there and when you need to be on the middle to rear it is almost impossible to stay there. Is this a common complaint with this bike? Can any one give me some ideas how to fix this? I'm thinking a new foam with a gripper cover but not sure if this will be enough.
2. The front end. Wow! The full floater rear is a great but the front... Blah! On Flat corners the front wont grip. Admittedly the front tyre is a bit cracked but I played with tyre pressures down as low as 8 but it always feels like its got 30psi. One fast 4th gear flat corner where the rear normally slides the whole bike was sliding sideways. Landing from small jumps it wallows and takes a second or so to feel stable again after rebounding a bit. Smashing it at high speed throught rocky, rutty crap is not too bad. Plenty of rebound and head shake but it actually feels OK in a scary kind of way.
I have no idea of what to do here? I do have a nice set of YZ490j 43mm forks, twin leading brake and wheel that almost matches the rear. Or is this blasphemy towards the Suzuki gods? Legal in pre 85?
3. Footpegs. I don't mind the skinny pegs but the springs are toast. Before taking it out I bodgied the left up with a spring from something else and the right sorta works but the spring in pressing from the rear brake pedal. The springs are No longer available. Any ideas here?
Thats the main things, there are a few other little things like heavy clutch, bars and controls that need attention but I should have those under control then I plan on new tyres, plastics, (any comments here would be appriciated). Maybe tidy up the frame and engine paint but I don't want to get into the trap of "well that bit looks goods...I better just tidy that bit up" and end up with something I'm too scared to scratch.
Sorry for rambling on. Any advice you can give me would be great.
Cheers, Chris