Forgotten Suspension Technology

We have a look at some of the suspension technology in Motocross that we don't see around anymore. Skunkworks, Boysen and Ribi technology lost. Suspension Roger Decoster, Bob Hannah and JoJo Keller liked.

[@glassmakerx]

Interesting video that brings back memories. I actually had the Skunk Works GP suspension on my '74 Husky 125 WR enduro bike. It was the cheapest way to increase rear travel as suspensions started evolving very quickly back then. More than a few of my friends laughed at the way it looked, but it worked pretty well.

[@johnsmotorcyclemania7039]

Interesting to hear it worked. I have never had anyone who actually used it before

[@glassmakerx]

@@johnsmotorcyclemania7039 The pivot points were fairly flimsy, but it did increase rear travel and help smooth out the bumps.

[@andrewg6116]

Great info. Great video. So cool to see the ingenious engineering! Thanks you!

[@johnsmotorcyclemania7039]

Thanks for the comment

[@stubryant9145]

Love this! Truly fascinating. I had no idea of these developments. I owned a 1972 DKW with the Earles forks and for the most part loved it. Dick Boone of VanTech made some custom enduro frames with Earles or maybe better a long these lines. Main issue with the Deek's Earles was that travel was limited, though the forks dealt with it better than the swingarm in back. Was an absolutely awesome hill climb machine for a 125. Would have loved to experience these truly enhanced leading links. How we used to beat ourselves up not knowing any better before suspension improved so much! These innovations look like they might be worth bringing back even!

[@johnsmotorcyclemania7039]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it. There is so much tech out there that has never seen the light of day. Honda has shelved the Ribi system with all the other copy rights they have bought and hidden from the world.

[@earlytw]

Great to see this technologi.

[@thatalaskaguy]

I'm so glad I stumbled upon your channel, great info and video! Liked and subscribed.
: )

[@johnsmotorcyclemania7039]

Thank you so much for this comment. Glad you enjoyed them. I have a few special ones planed. Just got to make them happen 😂

[@thatalaskaguy]

@@johnsmotorcyclemania7039 Right on, I’ll be keeping my eye out for them. 👍

[@70sport37]

Rodger won that race I believe with that funky and groovy front end ?!.

[@martycech5844]

Rodger DeCoster had a shoulder injury and was not 100% healed. Suzuki built the MX bike with RIBI front suspension at his request!

[@andronouts]

Insane technology

[@rusty6314]

Lets not forget "Thorks" from Rich Thorwaldson,

[@johnsmotorcyclemania7039]

There are many of them out there. These were just my favourites.

[@criticalmass181]

Great video, mate. Super interesting.

[@johnsmotorcyclemania7039]

Thanks

[@edwardclark3980]

There's a reason why its forgotten.

[@johnsmotorcyclemania7039]

Many reasons in some cases