1981 YZ465 PROJECT BIKE

The vintage/post vintage market is a significant part of our business. We get lots of requests to make custom G3-S Shocks for models that are not listed in our database. This bike, the 81 YZ465 was no different.

This customer already had his front end modified with Gold Valve Emulators and Hi-Performance Fork Springs. It worked so well the customer wanted to see how good we could make his YZ465 with a new G3-S Custom Shock.

Note: The shock bodies on a lot of bikes in the 70s and 80s are worn out because they are not anodized. We offer replacement shock bodies, reservoir hoses and reservoir conversions for many models. More Details on Conversion.

Gold Valve Shock Conversion Kit with Dual Rate Spring Kit

Todd Davis, our in-house shock specialist came up with 3 shock variations. His first, to make a Piggyback Reservoir style shock that is completely adjustable, then a fully adjustable Remote Reservoir shock, and finally, a Non-Reservoir rebound adjustable shock.

Testing Update: August 31st

"The testing of the Gold Valve Conversion Kit went awesome. The shock worked great, super plush on the small chop and killer bottoming resistance. I felt like a true hero on the bike. I was able to clear all the jumps. I came up a little short a few times and the shock sucked it up like nothing. I also tried the G3-S, it worked well and it needed to be a bit stiffer. All around it worked great. Really plush and like I said just a bit too soft. We are going back out this week with some different settings. I think well be able to put this baby to bed after the next test."

Race Test: October 5

Nailed it! Ryan Chapin Vet Expert Motocrosser of the Fire & Police Motocross Nationals had this to say after racing the G3-S and Fork Gold Valve Emulator equipped YZ465, "One of the best suspensions I've ever been on. It worked better then a new stock 450 four stroke.

NOTE: We no longer make the Piggyback version of this shock as it required chopping up the airbox and left the shock shaft exposed to the roost from the rear tire. However we do make a G3-S Remote Reservoir Shock with both Hi and Lo-Speed adjustability that works awesome! 

 G3-S Remote Reservoir Shock (available)

1981 YZ465"The Beast"