Questions on Ohlins Shock VS WP, which rear linkage, WP forks or Husky????

OK, this is one I'm hopeing you guys with some real long time Husky experience can help me out with.

I've got this 85 500XC basket case project, that I'm gathering parts for to rebuild from the ground up. I'm on a tight budget, so every used part that I can re-use from other bikes is being incorporated into this build. I am also updating the bike to the 87 and later specs in some regards.

On the suspension, starting with the rear, I'm occasionally seeing what I guess were later OE application White Power shocks for sale. How do these compare to the OE Ohlins rear shock???? Again, since I'm piecing this thing together, I can make some choices when buying stuff.

I'm also curious on the rear shock linkage, as the different styles in some cases require a shock with a different bottom mount style.

My bike will use the 85 500XC's original frame. I have currently on hand for upfitting the bike, a 88 style 430XC swingarm, and shock linkage. I bought a 87 shock, that has the proper bottom mount, that fits over the outside of the little zerk fitted knuckle the later linkages use. The shock I got, has some issues the owner didn't disclose. So I'm thinking about ditching it and getting another. This is when I spotted today, for the first time, yet another variation of the rear shock linkage. I spotted a WP rear shock from a WR 250, that has the 86/85 style bottom mounting style, and the linkage has a variation of that little knuckle I have not seen before. Where the knuckle now has two little tangs or bracket extensions sticking up, so it can use the more common eyelet type bottom shock style. All the little knuckle later linkage types I've previously seen had the shock fitting over the outside of that knuckle. This latest knuckle I spotted retains the later link design, while going back to a shock inside of the knuckle mount style. Guess perhaps I should gather some pics.

So, I'm wondering about how the shocks compare, and then I'm wondering if I might be even better off with this latest knuckle style linkage I spotted. Just really want the best design I can readily adapt to my bike, that is both durable and easy maintanance/lube wise.

I'm also curious about the front forks on these too. Currently have 86 XC forks on the roller, and I understand they can be upgraded to work awesome. However, I keep seeing the WP upside downs too. SO I'm naturally in my position of parts gathering, wondering about whether I should be updating my triples and forks to the later WP's as well. Or just stick Husky on the front end. I kinda like the looks of the upside down forks, but I understand maintenance is much more strict as compared to older conventional designs.

So, several items I'm seriously needing experienced input on here. Really appreciate any help. My Franken bike is kinda of being built almost like a forum bike really. Really relying on input. I've got fair fab skills, and a good brain for working around problems, but have no prior experience with Husky's, and really only limited with the Jap bikes. Thanks for any input/help you can offer

Here is the latest linkage I spotted. Which actually looks like the most improved to me. Not sure if I can just bolt it on, or would have to do a bit of fab work, but I kinda like it. Any good????

Wonder if it would work with my 88 swingarm.

Uh oh, just noticed it say's Cagiva on it. I hadn't spotted that. That's a negative, isn't it lol.

Seems that I'll stay Ohlins out back at this point. Like the idea of staying more true to the Swedish brand.

Did Ohlins ever make a USD? Just curious.

So yeah, forget the rear shock question. I'll stay Ohlins there. But what about the linkage. Anybody know if in 88 or 89 the Cagiva link changes made any improvments in any way????

THen, what about Ohlins USD forks???? Anybody looked into useing those on one of our loved old Husky's???? I read the Cannondale's came with Ohlins USD's, that can be setup to be awesome plush from the sounds of it. And apparently the forks from a Cannondale can be had often cheaply. Especially for the forks potential.

Hi 1Tuff500XC,

As far as I am aware only the '84 works machine was fitted with Ohlins up front. When the production models came with USD they were WP. Opting for WP can make life easier but it depends on what you want to achieve and the price that comes with it.....

Whatever you decide I would suggest making sure that the front end is all from the same year and manufacturer. You may have to pay more to get a complete front end but it will save you a lot of hassle.

Stu

Thanks, and I agree. I could even see buying a parts bike, just for the front end.