Ns125f front suspension help

Kit352 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 14 Oct 2019 Karma :

Does anyone know which bikes share the same front suspension as the ns125f? I am rebuilding front and my springs are in poor shape and I would like to try and get some stiffer ones while I am replacing them. None of the companies I have talked to have records for the bike any longer for a replacement spring so I am hoping I can look for other bikes that share the forks as well.

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hiya

Not sure any bike shared the forks with the ns, or at least not that are anything like as common

All the best

Katy
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

Kit352 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 14 Oct 2019 Karma :

Yeah, its seems like the forks are fairly specific to this bike and no one knows of a stiffer spring. I'm going to put some 15w oil in it and maybe make a preload spacer and see where I end up. I am quite big for this bike so I need to do something.

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

While none are listed, springs are reasonably standard . Although you might need a different size spacer

Might be worth asking someone like Revs Suspension to see if they can match it up.

Thicker oil will just makes it move more slowly, but ultimately just as far. Might be better to just reduce the air gap slightly

All the best

Katy
____________________
Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

Kit352 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 14 Oct 2019 Karma :

I've talked to Rev's and they do not have anything listed for an ns125f so I gave them springs dimensions from my old set and they are going to see if they can match anything.
Ive also discovered that one of my fork caps was cut down for some unknown reason and needs to be replaced. They are no longer carried anyway and none have shown up on ebay in a long time so this bike may be sitting for a long time until I can source one. Anyone know of places to try?

kramdra · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 Oct 2010 Karma :

Your fork caps seem to be a plain hex top with no preload or other adjusters which is much simpler. Can you get a photo of both correct and cut down? It is likely other bikes with the same tube diameters may have the same thread and possibly even the same part number.

So the features are hex top, o ring grove and the OD thread. I can turn an identical copy out of 6082 T6 aluminium, for some beer money. You'd have to post one so that it can be accurately measured.

Or take it to a machining shop but I'd not expect any change out of 100 quid.

Nobby the Bastard · Harley Gaydar Joined: 16 Aug 2013 Karma :

Kit352 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 14 Oct 2019 Karma :

This is the what they look like. Yes they are basic. I cant seem to find a cross reference for anything on these forks though. They seem to rather unique to the ns125 despite its low budget. The suzuki gn125 seems to be close but without one in my hands I cant be sure.
https://www.cmsnl.com/honda-ns125r-1987-h_model50040/plug-frfork_90127kr1761/#.XuT-d5LTWdM

The one that is cut down has had the lip below the hex nut removed and a po has threaded it down well beyond it's designed stop so the whole thing is messed up.

Thank you for the offer to machine one for me miranda. I may just take you up on that. I'm going try to see if I can find a replacement first. I enjoy the hunt sometimes. However, if you have the ability to turn down and thread some grade 5 titanium rod I could have a little project for you. It's pretty simple and you could make a few bucks.

kramdra · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 Oct 2010 Karma :

Kram, not miranda Shocked

I have not tried titanium, should be fun to try. I'm told the swarf likes to make fire Very Happy

Kit352 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 14 Oct 2019 Karma :

Silly autocorrect. Apologies.

Yes titanium can be fun. It's just a simple turn down and thread so it's no issue with quality tooling and cutting fluid. I just dont have the tools at hand and I would rather not ruin my stock with poor equipment.

kramdra · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 Oct 2010 Karma :

What is the part for? Titanium means your going for very light weight.
I do all my threading with carbide inserts, got most metric pitches, plus some TR. Message with details if you want.

Robby · Dirty Old Man Joined: 16 May 2002 Karma :

Is this going to end up being some kind of rather special NS125? If so, pictures. I had one when I was 17, it always seemed to be a good base to make a cool 80s bike.

If you can get it up to 20hp, get cartridges in the forks, a decent shock and a better front caliper it would be a nice bike. Bear in mind the rear shock linkage liked to wear out 20 years ago, so by now it has probably eaten through the bearings and into the linkage itself.