Classic twin shock trail bike restoration.
 

hi all.
currently restoring a pair classic twin shock trail bikes back to there original showroom condition.
both are beamish suzuki's.
one is a 1980 RL250 the other is an 1980 RL325.

the 250 is complete and runs, not bad condition overall, but does need work to make it in some sort of show condition.
the 325 was a complete pile of bits and needs total restoration.

problem I have is this, parts are like hens teeth, even more illusive than classic duke parts.
I've managed to get hold of a large quantity of parts which fit both, but need a piston for the 325 to get the engine back together.
Having tried all known sources to man they are just not around, either as a suzuki part or 3rd party item.
also need to get the frame swing arm and other parts re-chromed.
Is there anyone on this forum who can point me towards a repuitable source for this work.
same situation for the piston and complete wheel rebuilding service etc.
I have seen loads of adds etc for services etc but would be nice to get someone recommded so I know that the end job will be as expected.
any help gratefully recievied.

Rob

Have you tried Redrose for parts? http://www.redrose-retrobikes.co.uk/

I just had a few bits off the Laverda I'm restoring chromed, I used Quality Chrome in Hull who weren't cheap (£120 for a set of Jota bars, 2 big fork/headlamp brackets and chain adjustors) but the job seems good. It takes a while though, 3 -4 weeks!

I've got another few items to do and may use RS Chrome in Manchester to see how they compare.

Rob, could you post up some pics of the 250. I used to have one in 1980. I sold it to buy a Montessa Cota and still wish I had both bikes.

Crooks Suzuki. Telephone : +44 (0)1229 82212 Ask for Martin.

Rob,

I may have a contact for you. He has a twin shock Honda which he races (or plans to) and is a master engineer/fabricator.

Drop me a U2U if you want the details.

Guy

You could try Sammy Miller Motorcycles.

If you get truly stuck give me a call, I've been riding twin shock trials since 1972**, currently running a 250 and 325 Bultaco. Got plenty of contacts in the trials scene.


**Yes, I'm old........

PS) Might be able to supply the piston you need, too.......

If you are on Sherpas or Pursangs you've probably got/had those awful chrome lined brake drums. We do an iron liner fitment for both the 125mm and 140mm versions if you need them sorted.

You're being very kind when you call them 'awful'........

Well I'm a very kind person :lol: :lol:

Seriously though the iron liners make a mountain of difference, I did some for a Bultaco that Sammy Miller was restoring for Damon Hill and have done quite a lot of other drums for him.

Started out when I wanted to improve the brakes on my own Sherpas when I rebuilt them, people wondered how the hell I'd made the things actually stop and it just went on from there really.

I'll be wanting some of those brake liners when I finally get around to restoring the Montesa Cota 348 that's in my shed. It was running OK until I stopped using it around 4 years ago, but it needs the frame powder coated and a lot of TLC

There's a nice one on eBay at the moment - not quite original but what the hell