Hello,
I have a Spirit of America Eagle sidecar. I'm in need of a shock for it. I believe the shock is 13" eye-to-eye. I had a few questions:
1. Where can I get a relatively inexpensive shock the fits?
2. What spring rating would be appropriate?
I'm aware I can get one built, but I'm not ready to spend >$300 for 1 shock.
Thank you
Try a cycle salvage shop. Get one the same length. You may have to change the end bushings from metric to the original SAE ones, so try to match the bushing holes with your OEM ones.
Pick a shock from a smaller or larger bike depending upon what your tug is. Probably costs $20.-$30. So you can experiment a bit with little cash outlay.
Lonnie
I am re-doing my SoA (although i think it has a calif body, it's fiberglass and no support ribs.)
Anyways i used this, slightly shorter eyes were the right diameter and i wanted black. (shock on my was 12" these are 11", we'll see if or how much it changes lean, it might even make it straighter, have to see when rig back on.) He claims they're for light bikes and not heavy cruisers, so i'd think they're close. My rig will be heavier what with wood floor and all.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/231633089632?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Here's the frame with a bracket i added so the beagle/daughter doesn't touch the exhaust.
I like running Hagon shocks which can be purchased from the importer Dave Quinn 203 393 2651
Jay G
DMC sidecars
www.dmcsidecars.com
866-638-1793
One thing to look for is the diameter of the top part of the shock spring. Mine sat pretty close to the sidecar body (tower could of been bent though).
I am with Jay. Call Dave Quinn and he can set you up with the exact dimensions you need.
thank you for the replies!
I'll give Dave a call next week. In the meantime, I'm scouring fleabay and the local salvage yards
cortcomp - 11/22/2015 2:09 PM
I am re-doing my SoA (although i think it has a calif body, it's fiberglass and no support ribs.)
Anyways i used this, slightly shorter eyes were the right diameter and i wanted black. (shock on my was 12" these are 11", we'll see if or how much it changes lean, it might even make it straighter, have to see when rig back on.) He claims they're for light bikes and not heavy cruisers, so i'd think they're close. My rig will be heavier what with wood floor and all.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/231633089632?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Here's the frame with a bracket i added so the beagle/daughter doesn't touch the exhaust.
That is some fine work!
I wish I could weld.
B5, thanks! My father in law lets me use is 110v mig welder, it's perfect for these projects. Honestly, i bet anyone here could have done that bracket, simple cheap tubing bender, some tube, some all thread, and a welder/grinder with a sandpaper wheel on it. I used to think welding and body work were magic. If you have guidance (and who doesn't with the internet), just go try it! Never to late to learn something new 🙂
I ended up going with some generic fleabay units. seem pretty good quality and are damped well.
Anyone want the other shock for $30 shipped, let me know
What length did you go with? I used one that was 1" shorter than what was on it, it was a bit too short, some decent lean to that side now, need a longer one to get close to good height back, maybe even 13"?
I went with the 13" length. Seems to be OK and not lean, but my sidecar tire looked crooked when new due to the weird fender cut.
I found an adjustment issue that fixed the lean. I'm pretty sure mine are 11.5" eye to eye. Bike leans out about 1/2 a degree with my weight on it and sidecar is straight, but i might do a 12" shock if i want more lean out if it seems needed (hopefully not.)
Thanks for responding so i know what worked for you!
