Combat Wombat vs Super Combat Forks

[bchappy]

I am starting the restoration of a Combat Wombat and just had a thought. I have a set of Super Combat forks that would slide right into the triple tree of the Combat Wombat. Does anyone out there have first hand knowledge if the Super forks are worth the conversion. Looks like most of the fork part numbers are different. I have these extra forks as I converted my Super to the 03 forks a couple years ago and the Super forks have just been laying there.

[BrianZ]

I am using the stock 99 Road Toad forks on my Toad hare scrambles bike and in my opinion they're not too bad, and definitely better than the earlier Combat Wombat forks. According to the parts list, the Toad forks are the same as the Super Combat forks except the springs are from the model 98. I did find that they were too soft so I put a preload spacer (about 1.25") above the springs. Your forks will have the model 97 springs of course, and I'm not sure what the difference is between the model 98 and 97 springs. I suspect the 98 springs are softer than the 97 springs, but maybe someone here knows for certain. Like I said, In my opinion they are an improvement.

Brian

[rough rider]

Hello Bill, I have also used the later model 30mm forks (97,98,99,01.02) on my Combat Wombats and work well for me. The advantage of these is better dampening due to the new location of the three oil passages on the inner tube and the longer full length spring. The 97 model spring is 16-1/4" and the 98-02 model springs are all 18" length. I use 5 oz. of 20W fork oil and an ounce of oil Lucas oil treatment. I also use a piece of Schedule 80 PVC pipe to adjust the preload. Bill Cook sells a fork extension kit that give you some extra travel and also a choice of standard or heavy duty springs. (sorry Paul) This should keep your Combat Wombat jumping. Richard

[bchappy]

Exactly what I needed. Guess I will drag out the 97 forks and order some new seals.
Thanks Brian and Richard

[racerclam]

On my origional super combat that I have owned for 37 years I had installed shrader valve in the fork caps , a small shot of air took care of the pre load issue , how ever I believe my 1971 rat forks worked better and were less prone to top out . I still have those forks too. But they are on my combat wombat .

Rich

[Pep]

So will the 97 internals (damper rod, springs, etc) work with 95 forks (upper and lower tubes)?? If so, excellent.
I didn't realize there was an internal difference.
-Laurie

[rough rider]

Hello Laurie, Yes, you can use the 97/98 dampening rods and springs in the 95 forks. Another modification I have done was following the old Resonator article modifying the 95 forks for more travel and dampening. Remove the rebound spring on the dampening rods, plug the old oil passage and drill three new oil passages as the 97/98 inner forks. I also replaced the 95 springs with the 98 springs. It works if you don't have a complete set of 97/98 forks. Richard