PROJECT POLAND BUILDING SUSPENSE(ION)
With the Quattrini engine nearing completion it’s time for Stan to think about upgrading both his brakes and suspension.
Although it’s served me well, the DL’s front drum brake is really only a way of letting the scooter know I’d like to stop at some point, preferably in the near future. As I’m expecting around 25bhp from the Quattrini, I need an upgrade.
Unfortunately I also want to keep things looking standard, after all, that’s the charm of my DL. Having considered the options and my riding style I’ve plumped for a standard cable operated inboard disc. If that sounds unusual I’m taking my cue from Pat at Saigon Scooter Centre who runs his Targa Twin with that set-up and it seems to work well for him. Finding a suitable unit was something of a challenge and it was Pat who came to the rescue during my Vietnam trip. He’d recently scrapped a TV175 and its disc accompanied me back to the UK as part of my hold luggage. Now refurbished by Russ at Chiselspeed and powder coated by Trev at Midas Touch, it’s better than new. Admittedly the standard disc isn’t the most powerful of units, and this time next year I may be looking for a hydraulic unit, but I think it’s worth a try, if only for the sake of originality.
With the disc’s arrival I also needed to change the drum links over. Not my favourite job but it’s much easier with the forks removed. My tip for replacing the rubber buffers, indeed any grommet, is to soak them first in a mug of boiling water. It softens the compound and makes them much easier to manipulate. The links I’m using have been remade to Innocenti’s original specifications by Tino Sacchi (around £150) and being forged in Italy are of exceptional quality. When fitting the nylon bushes it’s worth remembering that they should be a tight fit to the link but the inner sleeve should rotate freely. I found the best way to fit the bush into the link was by warming the link with a hairdryer. This expands it slightly but doesn’t generate enough heat to damage the bush. A drop of Vaseline on the bush helps get things started and I then use a g-cramp to ease it home. Just pray no one drops in to find that combination on the workbench…
For front dampers I’m using a set of BGM’s Pro F16 Sports (£170), they’ve served thousands of scooters well and I’ve every confidence they’ll do the same for me. Because my DL’s in original condition I want any modifications to be reversible, so welded brackets aren’t an option. In their place I’m using a set of BGM’s bolt-on clamps (£50). Having measured a set of TV forks at Armando’s I’ll start by fixing them centred at 165mm (or 6.5in in old money) above the fork cut out, this seems to be a good point to measure from as it’s a good, fixed position. Once in place the shock mounts centre at 215mm, which is line with those quoted in various sources.
This only leaves the rear shock and I’m looking forward to trying Readspeed’s adjustable rear damper (£149.99). While visiting Jerome and the Readspeed team last year I was impressed with their attention to detail and quality of manufacture. If this performs well it represents fantastic value for money.
While messing around with the forks I’ve also fitted a set of SIP Performance cables (£40) which are clearly in a different league to the generic examples I removed.
With a family holiday, a couple of trips for touring features and the Scarborough rally to fit in I’m very conscious that time’s running out. There’s a real risk the planned 1000 mile bedding-in period may not happen before setting off for Poland and the prospect of 3000 miles on a completely untested engine isn’t one that fills me with optimism. Still, what could possibly go wrong?