Marzocchi forks

[Mike Lenz]

If you want to stay true to the intent of the Historic class I would stay away from the double leading shoe.  The conical KTM brakes from 79-82 work very well. I wouldnt buy the english or Itilain brakes that came on some 83's. I would also go for only 78 forks from a KTM.  That was the first year for 38mm for KTM and the tubes are the shortest I believe. If Can Am will need the measurments from 78 ktm to compare. Best set up if you are going to limit the travel to 9 inches so you are not eating the fork tubes as the longer the tube the more you will have to slide it up in the trip tree.  The actual best set up is the 80 or 81 forks using the 78 tubes.  80 and 81 had better bushings in the sliders, but any will work well with the fluted rods (or the Hi-Point kit from back then). If you really want to go all out the enduro models from 82 and maybe 83 had 38mm forks that had less underhang below the axle and look just like the 76-77 35mm forks(but the tubes are too long).

[Lloyd Boland]

Thanks Mike.
I feel like such a novice on this Penton/KTM and post vintage stuff.  I don't want to make a large financial error and get the wrong forks, or have pieces that don't match.  I noticed that dual action brakes are not allowed in the Historic class for AHRMA:

"12.5j) Disc brakes are prohibited (except OEM on Rokon and Yankee). Hydraulically assisted drum brakes are prohibited. OEM Yamaha and Honda motocross and off-road dual-leading-shoe front brake hubs are allowed only in the Gran Prix and Ultima classes."

So, I should be looking for 1978 KTM fork tubes, 1980-81 sliders, with fluted rods and look for 1979-82 KTM wheels/hubs/brakes.  Has anyone remanufactured the "Hi-Point kit"?  OK, if I get these parts, will they be interchangable, is there a danger that someone as stupid as me can't figure out how to put this all together without the wheels falling off, or is there someone out there that has special expertise in this?  I have rebuilt a few engines, transmitions, etc and have reconditioned several forks, I just don't have any misconception about my own ignorance.

As always, thanks for everyones support and input.

Lloyd Boland

[Big Mac]

If you're planning to run AHRMA Historic class, check the rulebook. Last I saw, forks were limited to 35MM max.

[brian kirby]

Historic is limited to 38mm.

Brian

'72 Six Day (on loan from Ernie P.)

[Lloyd Boland]

Big Mac, Originally I thought it was 35mm also but the rule book states 38mm if I am reading it correctly. ("d" below)

AHMRA Rulebook:
"12.1 HISTORIC—CLASSES AND ELIGIBILITY

The Historic classes are intended to represent the "first generation" of long-travel bikes that were commercially available in the 1975-77 period. The time frame is provided only as a guideline, as some 1977 models are of the second generation long-travel bikes that would clearly outclass the earlier models if allowed to run together. For this reason we do not classify motorcycles strictly by the year they were produced, but by some similar characteristics that were possessed by the majority of these first-generation long-travel motorcycles, such as suspension travel.

12.1.1 Historic classes technical specifications. The following specifications apply to all motorcycles, regardless of the year of manufacture, that fall within the scope of the Historic classes.

a) Regardless of original specification, no Historic class motorcycle may have more than 9 inches of suspension travel at the front and rear wheels. Period aftermarket suspension modifications, including shock reservoirs, are allowed in the Historic classes, provided they still meet the 9-inch travel limit.

b) No water-cooled motorcycles.

c) 35mm leading-axle Husqvarna and Betor forks are allowed, provided travel is limited to a maximum of 9 inches. Early 9-inch-travel Simons forks are allowed. Fox Factory Forks are prohibited.

d) 38mm is the maximum diameter of fork tube allowed for the Historic classes."

(I had this nightmare last night of going off a jump and having both front sliders fall off the tubes in midair.  I woke before the landing.  Good thing, I hear if you die in your sleep you won't wake up.  I think I am thinking too much about this stuff.  Any good psychs in the group.)

Thanks for the warning.

Lloyd


Brian, thanks also.

[brian kirby]

Yes, 38mm is the max, but they mention the later longer than 9" travel 35mm Husky forks as OK to retrofit if they are limited to 9".

Brian

'72 Six Day (on loan from Ernie P.)

[DKWRACER]

Hi Lloyd, you once told me you could'nt draw a straight line with a ruler, kiss the ruler goodby. I think I have a pair of 38mm Zokes from a 78, will ck.

BFN,
Tom Brosius

[Lloyd Boland]

Tom,
I think I said that 3 years ago when you were doing the new side panels on my MC-5.  Wow, what a memory.

Thanks for looking for the shocks.

Lloyd

[Mike Lenz]

Lloyd, To keep things simple just look for a set of 78 forks.  I have an extra set of the fluted rods for you. Other than changing the bushings in the bottom of the fork tubes the fluted rods go right in  (I have the bushings also).  When you get the forks email me at [email protected] and I will talk you thru it. Usually numerous forks in the ebay stores under "vintage KTM" or "1978 KTM" after the general listings. Make sure you ask if they have spun the tubes to assure they are straight!  FYI Terrycable also made a fork kit for the 78's.

[jon]

Have  a nice set of 38mm Zokes from a Can-am Qaulifier 40.5 inchs in lenth. More then likely need seals, but very nice. Have thriple clamps and maybe wheel. Thanks

[Lloyd Boland]

Thanks everyone.

Tom is sending a set of '78 forks Zokes off a KTM.  

Mike, I will email you about the fork tubes.

Jon, thanks for the offer.  Let me see how these work out.  I will let you know.

Happy Holidays everyone.  

Lloyd Boland

[DKWRACER]

Lloyd feeling a bit of the blues, Dan Fogleberg died

Souvenirs

Here is a poem
That my lady sent down
Some morning while
I was away.
Wrote on the back of
A leaf that she found
Somewhere around Monterey.

And here is the key
To a house far away
Where I used to live
As a child.
They tore down the building
When I moved away
And left the key unreconciled.

And down in the canyon
The smoke starts to rise.
It rides on the wind
Till it reaches your eyes.
When faced with the past
The strongest man cries...cries.

And down in the canyon
The smoke starts to rise.
It rides on the wind
Till it reaches your eyes.
When faced with the past
The strongest man cries...cries.

And here is a sunrise
To set on your sill.
The ghosts of the dawn
Moving near.
They pass through your sorrow
And leave you quite still...
Sitting among souvenirs.  
 

[tooclose racing]

Wow - I didn't see the Fogleberg Obit.  Cripes - I must have worn out my turntable's needle on that Souvenirs album. Played it endlessly.  Saw him in concert at Vanderbilt in Nashville in 1975 or so.  Like my third or fourth real date.  She was reeeallly impressed by, um, my concert selection.  

For me this is one of those obit moments where you call your high school best bud that you haven't talked to in 5, or 10, or 15 years and say hey.

I know it wasn't your intention, and we are waayyyy OT here DKWRacer, but thanks.