76 Ceriani forks on a 74.5 JP?

tooclose racing · October 01, 2014, 09:05:04 PM

I should probably just clean them up and sell them, but I have a set of the (black lower leg) 35 mm Ceriani forks that I removed from my 76 MC5 (and replaced with shortened 38mm Zokes).

I was reading/viewing that excellent 75 Mint 400 resto when people started pointing at the 76 Ceriani forks mounted on it. And I thought to myself..."Self, would it make any sense to shorten those Cherry's (to AHRMA vintage legal travel) and mount them on my Gary Ellis sourced Jackpiner 175?"

As you all know, all the CMFs used 35mm in-line Ceriani forks beginning in 74 (I think). Which is what mine currently has.

I'm lazy and haven't looked at the rules book yet - but THAT aside:

Pro's:

1. I probably CAN run them a little longer in travel? [8D]
2. They might slow down the steering (response)a tad.
3. Most important - they would look VERY cool.

Con's:

1. They probably weigh more (haven't checked, but I'm presuming lower casting is aluminum,not mag)
2. The might slow down the steering a bit.
3. I'm too stupid to shorten them myself, so will probably pay one of the local suspension guys to do it for me.

Other thoughts from my POG racing brothers and sisters - OTHER than the usual cheater bike/anything to win/buy a clue remarks that I am already very accustomed to?

Thanks - hope everyone is having a nice Autumn. We've had a great couple of weeks (no rain!) in the Empire state.

454MRW · October 01, 2014, 09:53:29 PM

They are magnesium.They are probably longer travel and they might not pass inspection. Mike

Michael R. Winter
I enjoy rebuilding and appreciating Pentons!
1974 250 HS Pentons-1980 KTM 175-400'S
1975 Can Am 175 TNT & 77 250 Black Widow
1979 Husqvarna OR390
1976-78 RM & 77-79 PE Suzuki's
1974 CR250M 07 CR125R 79 CR250R

ALB · October 02, 2014, 11:24:21 AM

To shorten those leading axle Ceriani forks would be a sin.

They are excellent forks to put on a post vintage race bike.
Yes, they are Very cool looking.

Alan Buehner

454MRW · October 02, 2014, 11:38:02 AM

Al is correct. I have a nice set of 74 straight leg Ceriani's that I would trade you for them though. Mike

Michael R. Winter
I enjoy rebuilding and appreciating Pentons!
1974 250 HS Pentons-1980 KTM 175-400'S
1975 Can Am 175 TNT & 77 250 Black Widow
1979 Husqvarna OR390
1976-78 RM & 77-79 PE Suzuki's
1974 CR250M 07 CR125R 79 CR250R

brian kirby · October 02, 2014, 11:52:12 AM

No, they will not be legal even if reduced to 7" travel. The only leading axle forks legal for AHRMA vintage are Betor (Bultaco Alpina/Sherpa T), Elsinore 125 or Maico, no other leading axle forks are Vintage legal. You could put them on the bike with the shocks in the 45 degree laydown position and race Historic 200, but you would have to use the straight triple clamps that go with it, the straight leg triple clamps will make the bike ride the Peter Fonda's bike in Easy Rider.

Brian

tooclose racing · October 06, 2014, 03:49:53 PM

Thanks guys. I have regained my senses. We'll stick with the 35mm straight legs that are already on my JP.

But - next best thing? If I can't bring my leading axle forks to the Jackpiner - I'll bring my Jackpiner to the forks (so to speak). I'm talking to Gary Ellis about building an MC5 175. Maybe we'll use the leading axle Cerianis...

Get along, little doggies![8D]

brian kirby · October 06, 2014, 06:44:08 PM

That's what I would do.

Brian

454MRW · October 01, 2014, 09:53:29 PM