Skoalman
Husqvarna
AA Class
Michel, I have a 1974 Rokon RT 340. Mike Murphy built this for me this past summer. He and I have been good friends for nearly 9 years, and during the first several years of our friendship I (along with whole lot of other people) always chided him about Rokons. He always took it in stride -- an would say well John (me), one day you'll understand. A few years ago I bought 73 Rokon 340 and posted it up on here. Regrettably, I only rode it for about 15 minutes, and sold it (along with my 74.5 Penton Mint 400 and 77 Hercules 250 -- which were both fully restored and titled!!!) because I simply ran out of space in my garage. Well, I moved and bought a new home with much more storage space. So Mike kept on pestering to buy one from him b/c he said that he would build it to my personal taste. So last spring, I finally agreed and I picked up the bike late this summer.
Mike is The Rokon Guru -- make no mistake about it. As Brian pointed he purchased two of the largest Rokon inventories in the US over the past 3 years. So if there is a part you need or want -- he has it. If there is bike you need or want, he probably has one or can build you one. Over the past few years, you really don't hear anyone really cracking jokes about Rokons anymore, as they highly sought after now. I'm certainly a Rokon believer, now.
Michel, I can't tell you how they compare with Husky Autos, as I've never owned or ridden a Husky Auto, but would like to at least ride one some day.
With respect to engine/motor braking. There's really none to speak of, but there are little tricks to help the motor downshift, if you will. For example, let's say you carry alot of speed up a hill that you know has fast down hill. Once you reach the crest of the hill you simply quickly twist then chop the throttle just as you hit the crest and this will cause the Rokon to downshift, and hence you will have a small degree of engine braking. But really what it comes down to is just learning how to modulate front and rear brakes as your going down hill. I got to it after about a half day of riding, and it actually taught me how to carry more speed when riding a bike with a regular transmission.
The beauty of a Rokon in my opinion, is that you don't have to think about shifting...you accelerate hard, brake hard, repeat. You're always in the right gear, no matter what you do -- it's a pretty awesome concept in my book!
Mike sells has many customers overseas -- England, France, Norway, South Africa, Italy, etc, etc...I know for a fact that he certainly has sold at least 7 bikes to interested parties overseas in the last 3 years. As far price is concerned, it all depends on what you want. If you don't mind, I would not like to disclose what I paid for mine, but I can tell you that Mike is a very reasonable and knowledgeable Rokon builder, and the knowledge he has (factory tips, clutch, suspension, etc) and the particular care he takes in building is worth his asking price. If you would like more information about him and would like to contact him, then just click on this link:
http://www.vintagemxracer.com/rokonrenew1.html
Tell him that I (John, aka Skoalman) referred you. You can contact Mike at RT340Auto@aol.com
Had a race today and rode my 83 HUS 430WR, and tomorrow I'm taking my Rokon for a spin!
