Just got this Suzuki rl250 trials bike, from what i understand it is a 1976 model, the bike has a sound engine and no nasty suprises, only problem i am having is with the front brake, no matter how i adjust the brake it seems to slip under pressure, the shoes seem fine but i have heard the front brakes on these were not great anyway.

I had one that year, from memory the brakes were as good, or bad, as anything else of the period. Could try chamfering the leading edge of the lining material with a file to make the brake as effective as possible.

The problem seems that the shoes are pulling open and just as ther biting the piece inside the drum that opens the shoes is slipping, ive ordered new brake shoes to see if that solves the problem but would like to just try and change front wheel all together as my one is buckled

Sounds like knackered shoes then, or worn brake drum. New shoes may well sort it.

Was trying to work out what fork clamps these are, have never seen them on a suzuki and not sure where they have come from

Quite nicely fabricated, one off set maybe?

Couldnt say, they look really well made so perhaps they are a one off

Ok so done a trial on it sunday just gone and i think ive got more work ahead of me than anticipated, the forks were bottoming out so would like to try and source some heavier springs perhaps? The front brake is still rubbish and the front wheel is buckled so would like to try getting the wheel refurbed and brake relined, will change throttle for a domino one as mines quite heavy and the rear brake pedal is off a road bike and isnt very nice to use. Oh and the rear frame loop has cracked where its previously been welded

And if anyone can reccomend some new rear shocks that would be great

Make sure you have the correct pre-load spacers in the forks, they should be quite long

 

I use NJB rear shocks on my beamish

Hello, I am probably wrong but I think those fork clamps/yokes look like the type fitted to the Beamish sidecars.

If so the geometry may be slightly different to suit a sidecar.

Hope this is helpful

 

 

 

Sorry for late reply but i agree this may be the reason, i have just bought a later frame with the original fork clamps so i am going to use them instead

Im sure I have heard/read that the front brake mod of the day was to fit an RM m/xer front drum,twice as big and prob heavier but works..

I heard that as well, apparently a 78 rm 125 wheel fits but as always its a case of finding one which is easier said than done