I have a pair of Works Perormance NOS shocks from the seventies with the black body with fins on top and schrader value for nitrogen charging, the shocks were rebuilt by works last summer so these shocks are in very good condidtion. Also, the shocks are 14.25 inches from eye ot eye.
I also have a rebuilt pair of the marzoochi shocks with the ten mm shafts that are the standard length. The rebuild included new seals and "piston rings" and the internal rebound springs. I considered this to be through rebuild.
The question is which pair of shocks would you use, originality is not important as the bike is truly a collection of parts?
Also did Penton go the leading axle forks on the GS models? And if so when?
Thank You
John
Hi John, I have a 76 250 GS with the 'Zokes" on the rear with the purple springs and I have leading axles zokes on the front also.When I started my rebuild all the guys were saying if I was going to ride it I should go with the Works Shocks but I like the zokes because they were the original shock of the time.I guess it all comes down to what you are planning on doing with the bike,if you are going to be racing every weekend maybe the Worx is the way to go.The forks also people were telling me to get away from the leading axle because it didn't turn well but so far I haven't had any problems at all and the woods don't get any tighter than her in the south.I know that this doesn't help much but if you own the both sets of rear shocks already try them both out and see which ones feel better.I would call this a matter of choice considering both are good.
Thomas Carmichael
Thomas if you want those leading forks to turn sharper. I will let you on an old trick back in the day!!:D On your plastic fork stops where the allen head hits. Cut stop back so the allen head clears the stop. This gives a shorter rake, you will notice a difference. If you have an old pair,it is not quit half the stop. Take a look and see what you think. This is just my two cents, I have cut back all of mine.:D:D Gary
Thank You Gary ! I will check it out !
Mone works off frame stops with platic caps on them,is this what you are talking of?
Thomas Carmichael
Thomas , Yes that is what I am talking about. I can send you some photos if you wish. Gary
Jdbglover
The 10mm shaft Marzocchi shocks were not the most reliable units. Seal longevity was not the best and sometimes the shafts would bend too. The 12mm shaft shocks were much better. If you are going to da any racing, I would suggest not using the 10's.
Rocket
Good Point Rocket ! Mine just so happenes to be the 12mm shafts.
Gary,
Thanks I will check it out!
Thomas Carmichael
The Works Performance shocks are far superior to the Zokes.
IMHO,
Dwight
Dwight Rudder
7 time ISDT / E medalist
8 time National Enduro Class Champion.
there are a couple of things that can be done to make the bike turn better with out modifying anything. First and by far the easiest. move the fork tubes up into the triple clamps. On the 35 mm Marzokes you can not move them too far... the tubes will hit the handlebars. this will not reduce your over all travel of the forks. next. Change the front tire. the old tires were harder than the newer ones. but then still last a long time. the newer tread designs and or the newer compounds are far superior to what we had back in the day. you should be able to find a tread design that looks vintage if that is a concern. I am on my second season on the front tire on my 250. I think that even the cheap knock offs are better that what we had back in the day. Next,check to see what weight of oil you are using. It may be too thick. It may not allow the front end to dive into the corner the way that it should. Too soft is not good either. It if is too bouncy over the rough stuff then it is too soft. but when you hit a corner the front end should drop a couple of inches. this all depends on how agressive of a rider you are. make sure that you get all of this sorted out before you hit the track. It will reward you with a better finish.
Thom Green,Still crazy after all these years!
76' 250 MC5 (orginal owner)
78' 400 MC5