And on the subject of jackd up HLs, I have some new in the box 81 490 Maico shocks that according to the Falcon website are only mm different in length difference.
I took recently took my 490 spec Ohlins off my HL and sold them and will replace them with a new set. If anyone else would like a set PM me. (I know the postage prices to Oz as well, can let you know and if required, get them straight off into the post)
Ohlins even list a spec for the HL (if you look you can find it....)
Unfortunately Maico shocks and HL are totally different in damping and springrate . They may have a similar lenght By the time you buy new springs and get them revalved they could cost a fair bit more . Our equivalent to the ones you are talking about ,cost incl GST ,in Australia $799 or less when the X mas sale is on .
Agreed. The guts of the shock is also rather important!
It is difficult to build the optimum set of shocks for an HL as they are all so different. People wanting different lengths, running different frames (as per this thread, Profab, NVT modified Husky etc etc) different swinging arms etc etc etc etc. What is a standard specification for an HL?!
The 490 shock is pretty damn good in it’s standard form so is a good universal shock for most people and most applications.
Tuning the shock for optimum length, damping spring rates etc is the way to go if you are lucky enough to be able to get this kind of help. Oz is lucky to have this kind of service.
In the UK there are a number of excellent suspension service centres that can help you set the bike up exactly to your requirements (at a price of course) and you are right that to do that work will cost big bucks, so try and get it right out of the box is the way to go.
For instance I bought 4 Ohlins springs the other day and they were £50 each plus tax ~ even the short ones cost that much, same price as the long ones which I cant understand, so £200+ for a set of shock springs ~that hurt. Even more so when my mate said he didn’t them need them....and sent them back!!
For most riders an out of the box set of shock will be fine. Start with a quality set of shocks at the beginning then you are off to a winner. If you are GP star and need optimum shocks then that service is available. Better still If you can have a custom built set of shocks then so much the better!
The VMX world is very lucky to have so many options!
Let's get back to the subject ~ HL Yamahas. Mmm nice!