USD forks

[FourstrokeForever]

I just picked up a rolling frame (I think 1987 KTM125 MX, has rear disc brake) and it has a TLS drum brake USD fork on it. Date stamp on the Nordisc rim is 12/1983.

Anybody able to help with what year/model this front end came off?

[KTM47]

I just picked up a rolling frame (I think 1987 KTM125 MX, has rear disc brake) and it has a TLS drum brake USD fork on it. Date stamp on the Nordisc rim is 12/1983.

Anybody able to help with what year/model this front end came off?

1984 model KTMs came fitted with white power USD forks with TLS front and rear brakes.  Something that is strange 1983 had a front disc brake.

[Nathan S]

Yep, 84 KTM. Semi-desirable among the people who think USDs are automatically better.

The rear disc marks the rest of the bike as 86+, FWIW.

[skypig]

I had a brand new 1985 250 MX. (Almost certain it was an '85)

Although the US model had USD (for the first time), mine came with conventional forks, a disk front and TLS drum on the rear.)

[FourstrokeForever]

Thanks guys. I thought 1984 but the TLS threw me off track because I thought they were disc in '84.

Was the USD fork on all models or just a select few?

[bigk]

'84 MX models had USD twin leader, I don't think the enduro's did. They work pretty well. I have an '85 conventional disc front if you want discs both ends. You'd be able to unload the '84 USD set up relatively easily I think.
K

[skypig]

Thanks guys. I thought 1984 but the TLS threw me off track because I thought they were disc in '84.

Was the USD fork on all models or just a select few?

As I said, my '85 MX came brand new with conventional forks. The Aussie tests featured bikes with conventional forks. The US mags featured bikes with USD forks.

So I assume different markets received different spec. Still the same with KTM in 2016.

[LWC82PE]

With the 84's some had the WP USD and some had Marzocchi conventionals.

[evo550]

The USD fork/twin leading shoe drum combo was unique to the 1984 495 mxer and some of the 4 strokes only.

[FourstrokeForever]

All good info. Thanks blokes!

Does anybody have a need for the complete front end? It's in great condition with the only exception being some corrosion on the spokes. The rim appears to be spot on.

I have no need for it. I only picked it up to save it from the dark depths of old mates shed while I was there picking up a couple of other bikes.

[Slakewell]

I have an 84 495 with the USD twin leader combo so a spare for bits would be great. PM the details thanks?

[FourstrokeForever]

Sold to a forum member