The proliferation of Classic Trial fans is not due to a fashion or temporary circumstance, but it could even be said that there are as many lovers of vintage motorcycles as there are of current ones. To attest to this, it is enough to attend a race of the Spanish Classics Championship or see the capacity of a territorial to convene. In this environment we find classic motorcycles of strict series, without traps or cardboard, together with others modified to a greater or lesser extent.
When we look back three or four decades later , we are aware that many things could have been done better or simply that with today’s technology the performance and effectiveness of these bikes could be improved. Let’s not forget that, at that time, the amateur used his Trial motorcycle practically daily for all his chores and the specialty, given that there were no environmental limitations, was more popular at the level of excursions than competition as we understand it today.
When an amateur prepares his classic bike, the first thing he does, after the general set-up, is to optimize the chassis part. You can play with oils and springs on forks, but it’s not common to replace this component; However, the opposite is true for the rear shock absorber system. Aware that the double damping system and the adjustment limitations in the standard systems must be maintained, it is advisable to replace them in order to gain in comfort, performance and effectiveness in riding.
Although the range of shock absorbers is wide, neverbefore had shock absorbers such as the Rockshocks been manufactured, designed with the technology used in Formula 1 and with the possibility of configuring them specifically for each driver in a multitude of parameters. In addition, the company ARS Trial Parts, which is exclusively dedicated to the world of Trial motorcycles, offers the user all its experience in the sector to create shock absorbers to suit each enthusiast. The wide range of internal components and the technical ease with which the shock absorber is removed allows the enthusiast to easily play with all the settings.
To test the Rockshocks first-hand, we organized a test day with ARS and two very significant bikes among fans of the classics: Honda TLR 200 and Montesa Cota 330. ARS has handcrafted specific anchors so that any classic Trial bike can equip them.
Dynamically, the sensations are truly surprising. What stands out the most is the progressiveness and traction it brings to the set on any type of terrain, as it makes the most of its entire travel and optimizes it to the maximum. In other shock absorbers, as soon as you get on or overcome a small obstacle, we already use more than half of the travel, leaving very little margin for the most critical moments, where we usually find the uncomfortable “bumps” that feel so bad on the rims.
Obviously, every rider has a riding style and a build, but for any type of audience we highly recommend these shocks. In addition, in case of changing motorcycles, we can always easily disassemble them and take them to the new motorcycle, even if this requires new anchors, since as we have pointed out, they are easily removable and the anchors can be replaced.
Top riders in the UK such as Len Hutty and Neil Gaunt are already using Rockshocks.
Here’s a breakdown of all the technical secrets of Rockshocks:
Rockshocks have several features that make them one of the most sophisticated products available for classic trial.
* Springs with certified stiffness characteristics. The very wide range of springs for Rockshocks, from 40 to 100 pounds, allows them to be perfectly adapted to the individual needs of each user. It is manufactured with very precise tolerance margins that ensure performance and durability.
* The body of the shock absorber and its internal components are made of aluminum alloy. The shank is 12 mm in diameter in hard chrome-treated steel. The finish of all machining is of the highest quality. Its manufacturer, John Bull, has been a supplier to the best Formula 1 teams for many years and applies all its experience to the design of the Rockshocks.
* The shock travel exceeds 100 mm, which is not at all common.
* The shock absorber piston operating system allows numerous possibilities for the adjustment of the hydraulic circuit, both in compression and extension, by simply varying the number of blades placed on both sides of the piston.
* Depending on the spring chosen by the customer and their driving preferences , the operation of the shock absorber can be adapted, always starting from the basic setting recommended by the manufacturer.
* Rockshocks do not require gas to operate. Oil only. This makes it very easy to dismantle. It is enough to unscrew the locking seal holder from the body of the shock absorber to have access to the interior of the shock absorber and to be able to replace the oil or the parts that may require it.
* Replacing the shock absorber mounts with more c ones
Longer or later , we can adapt the Rockshocks to any motorcycle. In this way, when changing motorcycles, it is possible to replace the components that are necessary to mount the Rockshocks on the new motorcycle.
ARS Trial Parts, the distributor of Rockshocks in Spain, carries out the maintenance of the shock absorbers for 30 Euros, but it can also be done by the user himself. If any component is damaged in a fall, we have the necessary spare part for immediate repair.
The Rockshocks range covers all trial models.
The recommended retail prices (including VAT) are as follows:
Bultaco Sherpa, Montesa Cota 123, 172, 200, 247, 348 and 349, OSSA MAR and TR 80, SWM and Fantic 200, 240 and 300 and Merlin as well as most British pre-65s: 240 Euros.
Honda TLR and Cota 242 and 330: 270 Euros.
Comments by José Franqueira of ARS Trial Parts
We have decided to distribute Rockshocks in our country because we have been impressed by their quality and performance. John Bull has worked in Formula 1 and it shows in the completion of all the parts of the shock absorbers.
On the other hand, it is very curious to see how simple the hydraulic system is and how well it works. The classic look, and durability, offered by the chrome spring also seems to us to be an important commercial argument. In addition, the springs are of the highest quality, something that is not visible to the naked eye, but which, over time, becomes very important.
The availability of spare parts and the support of John Bull in everything related to the set-up finally decided us. At ARS we are constantly striving in customer service and both spare parts and technical support are essential when distributing a product.
On the team’s bikes we have been using the Rockshocks since mid-2010 in a very satisfactory way.
Text: David Quer & José Franqueira / Photos: David Quer / Action: Alfonso Sánchez
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