Can I make this handle off-road like a modern bike

mick oliver · Feb 12, 2019

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Nsb37DWrfNaqTTxw6

Am i chasing a non existent dream thinking I could get this to be an enjoyable off road ride 92 r80 GS paralever I currently ride a KTM 690 and 1150 gsa off road .I have been off roading for 40 years so roughly know what I am doing or will I devalue it and have to keep putting more and more money into it but never getting that right riding feeling or has anybody got something already sorted want a swap

Tetley · Feb 12, 2019

10k should do it. Check out Moorespeed, HPN et al

nick.ct · Feb 12, 2019

Have a word with Mikeyboy on here.

JohnnyBoxer · Feb 12, 2019

I had one once
Wreford has the bike now
Yam WR 450 KYB forks/yokes/front wheel and brakes
100mm extended swingarm and shaft
Ohlins Rear shock

Good off-road

tuftywhite · Feb 12, 2019

Mikeyboy will sort you out. Just look at the posts going back in this section.

Beemerboff · Feb 12, 2019

All you need is HPN inserts and a Stock Ohlins shock with the #20/ 450 lb spring.
Works better than any Frankenbike you will ever meet! Got to stop calling them Wankmobiles----------.
Or just get the Ohlins and let a suspension expert set the fork springs and damping to match the Ohlins - the springs for the HPN inserts are still available and you have compression and rebound in different legs so it is not that difficult!

If you want an off road bike best to start with something at least 130 kg lighter than a Paralever.

Never tried Wilbers shocks , but if Richie Moore uses them they should be OK, and he would probably have a fork set up to match.

ChasF · Feb 13, 2019

It will never handle like a modern off roader but can still be made very capable with improved suspension, decent tyres and some weight reduction. Unless you’re racing old school slow steering is much easier to ride and if you don’t make the suspension too stiff it will be even better. Weight is the limiting factor.

Edit: If you want to go fast a better rear brake would be nice!

mikeyboy · Feb 13, 2019

Tetley said:
10k should do it. Check out Moorespeed, HPN et al

Do you think so?
Last time I spoke to Richie Moore,he said he wouldn’t build another special for less than £30k

Unless the OP wants to start out with serious mods he is prob best to go down the route that beemer boff is suggesting

mick oliver · Feb 13, 2019

Has anybody got anything already sorted want a swap .I keep watching Mikey's build which look excellent but they look to good to be abused off road .my mate had a very old tenere and he would always manage to get most places we rode just took him a bit longer .if I could get something to handle close to my 1150 gsa that would be good enough for easy green laneing .. I have a 85 g/s which is lighter but scared to bend it

Wreford Miles · Feb 13, 2019

...it was 10 years ago but it came 2nd in its class which included 690's and XChallanges - A modified GS is no EXC but it’s a very capable machine with surprising traction.

It once got a very inexperienced me around the dawn to dusk circuit

mikeyboy · Feb 13, 2019

mick oliver said:
Has anybody got anything already sorted want a swap .I keep watching Mikey's build which look excellent but they look to good to be abused off road .my mate had a very old tenere and he would always manage to get most places we rode just took him a bit longer .if I could get something to handle close to my 1150 gsa that would be good enough for easy green laneing .. I have a 85 g/s which is lighter but scared to bend it

Building this st.
Would certainly tick most of your boxes
1000cc
Upside down forks
Extended swing arm.

Could do a deal on your para

mikeyboy · Feb 13, 2019

Or this,
Will be more of a long distance trials/scrambler
650,low geared

mikeyboy · Feb 13, 2019

Or this but it wouldn’t be cheap

1000cc race pistons
Fast cam,fully rebuilt RS heavy flywheel motor,40mm carbs.
Extended swing arm,engine lifted and tipped.
V.fast :bounce1

ChasF · Feb 13, 2019

As Wreford says, one of the most surprising things about both paras and monos is the traction. I love the slow steering, battering ram approach to off roading - by comparison my 690 is twitchy and requires a lot more rider input than either airhead, but is probably much faster over rough terrain.

Weight is a big downside but can be less of an issue once you gain confidence in the bikes stability - point it and open the throttle then weight is your friend, usually

mikeyboy · Feb 13, 2019

ChasF said:
As Wreford says, one of the most surprising things about both paras and monos is the traction. I love the slow steering, battering ram approach to off roading - by comparison my 690 is twitchy and requires a lot more rider input than either airhead, but is probably much faster over rough terrain.

Weight is a big downside but can be less of an issue once you gain confidence in the bikes stability - point it and open the throttle then weight is your friend, usually

The red bike above is only about 25kg heavier than a 690
And close to same power poss more
I’m guessing the st will be be 185kg

Tetley · Feb 13, 2019

Tetley said:
10k should do it. Check out Moorespeed, HPN et al

and Mikeyboy...soz

ChasF · Feb 13, 2019

mikeyboy said:
The red bike above is only about 25kg heavier than a 690
And close to same power poss more
I’m guessing the st will be be 185kg

I think mine is similar but it still has two great big jugs sticking out in front of your legs. Steering and ‘maniabilty’ (to use a French term) will never be like a modern 690 or exc but, for me, that’s a plus point.

@ OP, I had an 1150GS and the 100GS was/is much better off road (IMO)

mick oliver · Feb 13, 2019

mikeyboy said:
Or this but it wouldn’t be cheap
1000cc race pistons
Fast cam,fully rebuilt RS heavy flywheel motor,40mm carbs.
Extended swing arm,engine lifted and tipped.
V.fast

I will be in touch cheers Mick

Shurv · Feb 15, 2019

I have a full on Moorespeed monolever I may be selling as I don't ride it much.It'll all Moorespeed, no expense spared, built up by myself.PM me if you are interested.It has a big metal tank, so for major off roading I'd put a plastic one on.Other than that it has done 3,500 miles since being built.I will add some pics to this thread when I get home tonight.

mick oliver · Feb 15, 2019

Shurv said:
I have a full on Moorespeed monolever I may be selling as I don't ride it much.It'll all Moorespeed, no expense spared, built up by myself.PM me if you are interested.It has a big metal tank, so for major off roading I'd put a plastic one on.Other than that it has done 3,500 miles since being built.I will add some pics to this thread when I get home tonight.

Great look forward to see the photos of it

Can I make this handle off-road like a modern bike

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