Wazza looks at some ideas fondly remember and some best forgotten. You can read the full future in ADB issue #457, on sale now.
WORDS // WARREN JACKS PHOTOS // ADB ARCHIVES & PHIL AYNSLEY
BOOT SAVERS
Featured in ADB #34 back in February, 1982, Boot Savers were long, tapered nylon tubes that went on a rider’s legs just below the knee widening as they went down to cover the boots.
RHINO SKINS
These were large plastic panels that replaced the radiator shrouds and sideplates. They were big enough to cover the entire side of the bike. Not only did Rhino Skins (ADB #177) look out of place but they reduced airflow quite a bit around the engine.
ANTI-DIVE
Anti-dive suspension has been tried on road bikes but not much has been done in the dirt. Famed accessory manufacturer Preston Petty, who built his reputation on plastic guards and headlight/numberplate units, tried to solve the problem.
LONG-TRAVEL KIT
Long-travel suspension was a game changer and the benefits were obvious to all, even Stevie Wonder could see that. It was started by Maico with the 1974½ model and other factories were quick to follow.
MOUTHGUARDS
Clip-on mouthguards stopped riders from having too many dental appointments but needed press studs on the helmet to mount it to.
BOOTS
As we became more sophisticated, Dunlop safety boots gave way to the real thing. Some of the early designs had so many belt-type buckles to do up, as many as seven on each side, that you could be running seriously late for a race start just trying to get your boots on and tightened properly.
MOVEABLE FRONT AXLE
Kawasaki experimented with variable front axle positions on the F7 175 trailbike offering, three spots to mount the spindle depending on whether you wanted fast trials-type turning, neutral trailbike steering or raked out desert sled stability.
REAR SUSPENSION
Bultaco experimented with parallelogram rear suspension but it never went beyond the prototype stage. It involved two swingarms, one above the other with the shocks in the usual position on the lower one.
