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[Kombivan]

Squeamish is the nicest looking suzuki trials bike I have ever seen.

[JC1]

Agreed! Even more so when you look closer at the detail. A real credit to you Greg.

[David Lahey]

I'm thinking it might be a good time to put in my 5 cents worth about Greg's 250 Squeamish after a test ride at Conondale

The quality of Greg's workmanship in the restoration is excellent
The steering has a light and neutral feel (similar to Suzuki Beamish 325 and standard TY250)
The motor felt like a standard RL250 ie good power with a medium flywheel effect (ie suits Aussie trials sections well)
Ergonomics were great (I'm a similar size to Greg)
Front and rear suspension are well matched to each other in both spring rate and damping
Handling good in tight stuff (not too long)
Handling good in straight line (not too short)
Suspension front and rear set up with heavier damping both ways than what I am used to, which is perfect for Greg who rides at a higher level to me and rides bigger obstacles
Brakes are standard RL250
Clutch action is a work in progress
The front trials tyre was the type that comes on the KTM Freeride and it worked well

Is anyone going to have a go at naming what mods Greg has done?

[paulo]

TM clutch
Swingarm lengthened and brace added
Rear sprocket lightened slightly!
Longer shocks?

Can't tell if the steering head has been modded but it looks standard

[JC1]

OK, Greg gave the clue of 2015, particularly 15 & admitted to moving the swingarm pivot forward & down 15mm, so here goes:

15:1 top gear ratio? - must be close with that humongous rear sprocket

15cm rear wheel travel with the relocated bottom shock mount? - also must be close

15mm more ground clearance (at rear of engine cradle)? - also must be close

Diff longer swingarm (perhaps off late TS125/185) - approx 2x15mm longer??

Footpegs widened - approx 15mm?

Footpegs moved back - approx 15mm?


Several more subtle ones but that'll do for a start

[Greg Harding]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks Brains Trust, there is no pulling the wool over your experieced Eyes!

David, you were the only one to take up the offer of a ride at Conondale and I am glad you enjoyed it, thank you.

I am going to try something different here as there is so many things to reply to, I will add BLUE text into your quotes as I think it is the easiest way.

TM clutch Cover and actuator, standard RL clutch Basket
Swingarm lengthened and brace added Swingarm is not lengthened and brace was fabricated from old pitted plate to match the patina of swingarm and frame.
Rear sprocket lightened slightly! See photo for my inspiration and yes lightened as it came to me as a blank with 1 hole
Longer shocks? Yes 350 mm between centres. You may also recognize the chain Tensioner?

Can't tell if the steering head has been modded but it looks standard Steering head is how it came out of factory unmolested.

OK, Greg gave the clue of 2015, particularly 15 & admitted to moving the swingarm pivot forward & down 15mm, so here goes:

15:1 top gear ratio? - must be close with that humongous rear sprocket Not sure how to work this out, but final drive is 11 T and 54 T making that close to 5 :1.

15cm rear wheel travel with the relocated bottom shock mount? - also must be close This was the target but I fell short of the mark, close but no Cigar!

15mm more ground clearance (at rear of engine cradle)? - also must be close Actually it worked out more than 15 mm.

Diff longer swingarm (perhaps off late TS125/185) - approx 2x15mm longer?? Ah you have had your thinking cap on, it is not a swingarm, it is however from the same era and a Trials Bike!

Footpegs widened - approx 15mm? Spot on John

Footpegs moved back - approx 15mm? This one Too!


Several more subtle ones but that'll do for a start

Personalized near Coffs Harbour!

1447581409910.jpg (140.41 KiB) Viewed 4807 times

[David Lahey]

Just worked out - swingarm is from a Honda TL250

[David Lahey]

Still trying to work out the bananas. Maybe where Greg lives is 15 degrees south of the equator? But hang on those must be Queensland bananas because they have a bend. Maybe the bananas have a 15 degree bend?

[David Lahey]

The lightening holes in the axle cams and sprocket guard are in a similar spiral pattern to the sprocket holes?

[David Lahey]

Maybe the first swingarm Greg tried with a moved-forward lower shockie mount bent like a banana?