Marzocchi rear schocks

[Mark Schmidt]

I have a 1975 250 Hare Scrambler with the rear Marzocchi reservoir shocks laid down with the lower shock bolt mounted back by the rear axle and the top in the hole towards the air box (lower than the very top hole). Is this legal to run Vintage MX and Hare scrambles with? All the Pentons I have had prior had shocks mounted almost vertical. Also while I'm asking what's the best way to check for the 4" of rear travel?  Thx Mark

1974 250 HS Penton
1975 400 Mint Penton
1974 XL412 Honda
1976 MR175 Honda Elsinore

[Richard Colahan]

If you are referring to AHRMA Vintage MX or XC...the 1975 Penton is classified in the Post-vintage Historic Class (section 12.1.3).
BTW...the AHRMA Handbook is available on-line at their web site: //www.AHRMA.org


Richard Colahan
1969 V1225
Upper Black Eddy PA

[Carl Hill]

The best way to check the travel is to remove the spring from the shock and install back on the bike then measure. You will likely have about 6 inches with the shocks in the lay down configuration.  I have heard of folks running that style frame in the vintage class with the shocks mounted in the "standard " position like the 73-74 models but I would verify with AHRMA.  You can always run historic 250 class.

[Mark Schmidt]

Thanks for the info. This bike would NOT be very competitive against bikes with 38mm forks and 9"travel front and rear. It has 35mm Ceriani and 7" travel front and not sure just yet on the rear travel (will check). Looking in the AHRMA handbook under Sportsman 250 (11.1.12) pg 82 it says models through 74'and like design 1975 models included. I cant tell any difference from this 75 and the 74-250 I had other than it had the vertical shocks not the laid down model shocks like the 75. I'm not sure if the bike (1975 model) came with the laid down shock or not? Sounds like I need to check with AHRMA before I get to involved in the suspension end of it. Thx Mark

1974 250 HS Penton
1975 400 Mint Penton
1974 XL412 Honda
1976 MR175 Honda Elsinore

[Richard Colahan]

You'll note in 11.1.12 the 1975 Penton is NOT included as an eligible like-design 1975 model.
However, as Carl Hill mentions...there is certainly some "grey area" when folks mount the shocks in the "standard" position that matches the 73/74 models.
IMO the Handbook could use a little clarification on this issue because it does come up from time to time.
So...if your 1975 frame/swing-arm has that shock mounting option and you want to enter Vintage then I'd agree that it's worth checking with AHRMA.

Richard Colahan
1969 V1225
Upper Black Eddy PA

[Toolsurfer]

1974 1/2 250 Harescrambler came with 5 in travel shock mounting position through 7 in  the Layed down @ 45 degree . If you look at the Keeping track August 1974 all that tech info is there as well as chain set up for your variation of shock mount . I had Zokes and original Corte Cosso shocks . Still have nice set of Zokes . William

[Larry Perkins]

74.5 and 75 Penton is Vintage legal if rear shocks are in the normal position under like design. Have passed inspection hundreds of times. You can not forward mount or lay them down.  A attached reservoir shock is also legal.  Can not be remote reservoir.

Larry P

[Daniel P. McEntee]

It's been  along time since I have had to pass an AHRMA tech inspection, but I think I had to install some sort of limiter on the rear shocks of my '75 250WR Husky to ride it in Historic Class in the ISDTRR. I installed some heavy, hard rubber grommets to act as a bumper and limit the travel to 4 inches. Might have even been Vintage class? Do they still mandate that practice?
   Type at you later,
  Dan McEntee

[Larry Perkins]

Only if you are over 4 inches which your 75 Husky was Dan.

Larry P

[Carl Hill]

I wonder how much travel those $1,000 shocks have that I see one the starting lines in vintage class?

[skiracer]

At this level of riding, it has more to do with the right wrist than anything else.....

quote:Originally posted by Mark Schmidt

Thanks for the info. This bike would NOT be very competitive against bikes with 38mm forks and 9"travel front and rear. It has 35mm Ceriani and 7" travel front and not sure just yet on the rear travel (will check). Looking in the AHRMA handbook under Sportsman 250


(11.1.12) pg 82 it says models through 74'and like design 1975 models included. I cant tell any difference from this 75 and the 74-250 I had other than it had the vertical shocks not the laid down model shocks like the 75. I'm not sure if the bike (1975 model) came with the laid down shock or not? Sounds like I need to check with AHRMA before I get to involved in the suspension end of it. Thx Mark

1974 250 HS Penton
1975 400 Mint Penton
1974 XL412 Honda
1976 MR175 Honda Elsinore

1976 250 MC5 Original Owner
1976 Penton 175 XC

[Mark Schmidt]

Skiracer- speaking of that....does anyone have a longer travel right wrist for sale . The older I get the less travel it has it seems. Thanks for all the info guys I have sent AHRMA an email on this but Larry P. I believe what you said will be the answer....as long as I get a set off vertical 4" travel shocks I should be good.

1974 250 HS Penton
1975 400 Mint Penton
1974 XL412 Honda
1976 MR175 Honda Elsinore