1982 RM465 rear shock into 1983 RM125?

[Tex]

I took the rear shock out of my 1983 RM125D, and I have a shock from a 1982 RM465 that came in a box of spares that I thought I could install in its place on a temporary basis. I’ve never really compared the two, aside from checking that they were the same eye to eye length, and the eye diameters were similar.

Once the 125 shock came out it became apparent that this was not a straightforward swap.

The top mount part of the 465 shock is significantly thinner, and I don’t know that using spacers to make it fit snugly is a good idea.
Also, the point where the hose joins the bottom of the 465 shock protrudes a bit, whereas on the 125 shock it is flush. The 465 shock appears to clear the 125’s swingarm ok, but the difference concerns me quite a bit.   

My initial observations lead me to think I’d be better off NOT putting the 465 shock in. However I’m curious to hear if anyone else has successfully done this swap?

Tex

[D project]

Should bolt straight on if you wanted to make up some spacers. 82 onwards 125 shocks were a smaller dia to try and save some weight
Bottom clearance would not affect it as all the swing arms had the same bottom mounting bracket 81-83.
Got a top mount assembly if you want a swap.
Hate to think what your 125 one is like, last time I saw it you were pogoing around Wonthaggi

[Tex]

...Should bolt straight on if you wanted to make up some spacers... Bottom clearance would not affect it as all the swing arms had the same bottom mounting bracket...

Well there you go. Thanks for the info!

Hate to think what your 125 one is like, last time I saw it you were pogoing around Wonthaggi

That was more to do with my unique riding style than any fault with the shock! I've only ridden the 125 once since then, and that was on relatively flat ground!

Tex

[RMJJ]

Your right D Project the shock will bolt straight on with spacers at the top but some of your details are wrong.
The bottom bracket is different on the 83 than the 81 83. It's shallower in height. the clearance from the bolt hole to the swing arm cross member is the same so the shock will still clear it.
You can't just swap the top bell crank as the 83 is completely different in its angles to the shock and push struts. The bell crank is curved to marry up with the shallower bottom bracket on the 83 to keep the shock length the same. The bell crank to push rod mounts are angled differently to marry the longer 83 alli push rods plus the mount is wider, steel push rods won't fit.
Basically if you mix and match parts the leverage will be all wrong from what Suzuki designed.
The 81 and 82 swing arms are 25mm shorter than 83 and the push strut mounts are in a different place on the arm.
And that as they say is that. LOL

[D project]

Re the top mount, I was meaning I had a 83 shock shaft assembly for a 250 which could go in the 465 body
Another bit of trivia I found out when pulling them apart, is the shock shafts had a course thread into the top mount on the 82.And fine on the 83.Also the shock piston style changed throughout the models.
I thought I could build a good one out of two bad one's. Should have known