Vintage Dirt Bike Q & A

Hey gang, a question. I have an old set of WP shocks, they have a boss for an air valve, but they are not tapped for it. Short white spring on bottom, tall blue spring on top. My question: After removing the springs, there are a series of 4 metal spacers on the shock body, one 1/2 thick, the other 3 areabout 1/4. They ride up and down the body, i just don't know what they do? They don't appear to be effective enough to protect the shock from the springs, if so, why not one large on, vs the multiple ones? thanks

Hey MR,
What you are referring to are the crossover spacer rings, they are there for the first spring on the shock “the small one”. Depending on how long and thick those spacers are dictates on how much your first spring will compress. Once it has reached its full compression do to those rings it will then crossover to the longer spring for the next step in the compression stroke. If you chose not to use the rings, you would feel that the shocks become plusher and have a lot more bounce to them. Plush I’m fore, Bounce I’m not, so I would keep the rings in so the shocks will work properly. GO BRUINS!!!

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Don Brooks
Vintage Elsinores
Ventura, CA.
http://www.elsinores.com

Maybe both of you can help me! Purchased an old 74 250 elsinore and it came with some old works shocks. they have a little pittings and the springs are somewhat rusty. Is is worth rebuilding these or just buy some new one for 380. where would I get parts and who does this? thanks

Hey Hotrodlincoln,

God that brings back memories, “The lines on the road look like a picket fence” or “My Pappy said boy your going to drive me to drinking if you don’t stop driven that Hot, Rod, Lincoln” Great Song! Well anyway about those shocks, it all depends on what you’re look to do with the bike? If you’re going to race it you might want to consider a new pair. The time is takes to re-chrome the shafts, powder coat the springs, and rebuild the shocks, your probably look at spending more money on the old ones. But if you're just looking to restore the bike for that period time, than that’s the way to go. We sell the shocks here, and restore them as well, or you can go directly to Works Performance, you would be looking at about a two to three week turnaround for a new set. If you have any other question you can contact me at my shop (888) 722-3869

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Don Brooks
Vintage Elsinores
Ventura, CA.
http://www.elsinores.com

Don, although that song is way before my time it is embedded in my mind. Now, I really don't care how these shocks look just want them to work. Regarding my race bike, I probably should just go ahead and get a new pair. I'll call you soon . Jon

Hey Jon,

I think that's the best way to go, talk to ya soon

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Don Brooks
Vintage Elsinores
Ventura, CA.
http://www.elsinores.com