Vintage Dirt Bike Q & A

Ok, I took blew out the passageways in the carb and gave it a spin. I did not see any difference. so I took the bike for a long run. Around 10 miles through some trails. I did find the bike pulled along nicely, but the power-band (not sure if i am using the term correctly) was not very wide. From 4000 to 5500 the bike pulled great, but below and above that there was not much power. Is this normal?

This bike is a blast to ride. When she does hit the sweet spot in the revs she pulls like a train. I am going to have a lot of fun this summer

After my run I noticed that one of the rear shocks were cracked off. The slider is still intact, but it is wobbley. My intention is to restore this bike to original, but I would like to put on some more modern shocks as well. Can someone recommend modern (or kind-of modern) replacement shocks for this bike?

Thanks once again,
Newfie

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Newfie
1974 MT250
1974 MR50
1975 CB750F
http://spaces.msn.com/members/andrewmer ... photoalbum

I have other bikes, a rotory valve Kawasaki and two reed valve Yamahas. All pull better from idle and have a wider power band then the Honda. The MTs aren't bad, just sudden rush of power when they hit that sweet spot.

IMO: Unless you are seeing other problems like over heating or pinging it's time to just enjoy riding it.

IIRC the MT shocks have dampening on rebound only so just about any after market shock would work better. Be prepared for sticker shock when you see the price on them since they will cost more then you paid for the bike. Even used ones in need of rebuild commonly go for $60-$100 on eBay. Just measure the center to center distance between the mounting holes on a shock with no load to get an idea of what you need.

Stock shocks on the MT were pretty much junk, I wish I changed them sooner. I had some Falcon shocks built to my specification by B&J Racing. Bob Grinder is the contact. What a difference. It used to ride like a pogo stick. If you need the measurements I have the written down.

http://www.bjracing.com/

You can try progressive at:
http://progressivesuspension.com/appvie ... Number=624

Progressive may want you to purchase through a distributor.

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74 MT-250
06 Husky TE-450

I hauled the original rear shocks off the bike and both were cracked off!! No wonder she was riding like a pogo stick. I have an aftermarket set of 14inch shocks coming.

Now I am going to have a look at the front shocks. Any recommendations on a weight of fork oil I should use? I am pretty sure the seals are leaking. Time to troll ebay.

Newfie

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Newfie
1974 MT250
1974 MR50
1975 CB750F
http://spaces.msn.com/members/andrewmer ... photoalbum

I tried some Honda 5 weight and it was way too light. Changed to Bel-Ray 10 weight and it seems about right.

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74 MT-250
06 Husky TE-450

Thanks Jake.
I have already put in BelRay 15. I will check it out and post back the results.
Newfie

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Newfie
1974 MT250
1974 MR50
1975 CB750F
http://spaces.msn.com/members/andrewmer ... photoalbum