Hi folks- anyone out there have any advice on modifying the suspension of an older (2002) DL1000 for sidecar use? I bought one, hitched to an '08 Ural chair by DMC, but given the dramatic sag when I hop on I strongly suspect that the bike's suspension is stock. Hoping to find some guidance on fork spring rates, aftermarket shocks, etc.
Langdon, whilst someone will be along in a few hours, because those people in the US are still in bed....I will give you some basic info about upgrading the original suspension on your '02 V-Strom 1000.
Yes, most likely you are dealing with the original suspension, on a "now" 24 years old bike, that didn't have superior suspension to begin with, then someone added a steel bodied Ural sidecar to the bike, without upgrading the suspension.
Whilst there is sag to be considered, I am going to start with the basic necessity of replacing the front fork springs with a kit from Progressive Suspension, heavy duty springs, Progressive wound springs, and the kit will possibly come with a 3" to 5" lengths of tubing, either steel, or aluminum, or hard plastic, or you can make your own, cut to the length you need, to compress each spring in the fork tube, so that you get that initial preload on the spring, as you are installing the cap on the fork tube.
Progressive Suspension will give you a measurement of how much fork oil to put in each fork tube, and the measurement of how high inside the fork tube that fork oil should be....as a distance from the top of the fork tube.
They will also suggest a fork oil weight....and whilst I always mix my own fork oil weights, to get the weight I want, I am going to suggest that you simply go with a 15w fork oil....just keep it simple....buy a quart of 15w fork oil.
On the bike's rear shock...Simply replace the shock with a heavy duty shock from either Progressive Suspension, or Hyperpro.
After you read this....then those lazy peeps in the US will be awake, and someone will explain the "World of Sag"
Two Million Mile Rider
Exploring the World in Comfort
Had a 2006 650 vStrom .
Changed front springs and rear shock unit complete.
Couldn't tell you the weights are, but some here may know.
Or if you have loaded wheel weight measurements then contact the suspension people.
It will be more than 50% heavier than stock or more.
On my Guzzi it was the heaviest that fitted.
The other thing I did was fitted raked triple trees.
It was awesome then.
@laingdon I had an 02 DL1000 for four years. I sold it in April because I was short on space and the Goldwing/Champion Daytona was meeting all my moto needs.
A little about the DL1000 was that it had been set up by a guy built like me. I'm Shrek's body double. Heavy rear shock and spring, upgraded forks. It was the best handling bike I've ever operated and while I was sad to see it go, it was time. It was the only chain driven bike I've ever had and my brain just never got in sync with that drive mechanism.
I never considered adding a hack to it, but it would have been a good tug. What Flyin Monkeys advises is good counsel. Get the heaviest springs and shocks you can find. It'll be a wicked good outfit and with the extra beef in the springs, won't add any unexpected issues created by the tub unexpectedly bouncing the bike.
Illegitemi non carborundum est!
@miles-ladue Thanks for weighing in. I understand the issues and process of modifying suspension, having done it on a few other bikes. I'm hoping that someone might have recommendations for specific spring rates, etc. Heavy duty/progressive fork springs are definitely on the list, but there are many to choose from, and I'd prefer not to end up buying multiple sets in order to find the ones that work well.
@brstr I do have the DMC "leading legs", I think they're called. They're basically struts that move the front axle forward a bit in the same way that increasing rake would do. Appreciate the thought.
I would recommend a conversation, at least, with Jeff Favorite, over at Ted Porter's TheBeemerShop.com.
He will want to know your weight in normal gear, and the weight on each of the three wheels. Hint, two cheap bathroom scales from a thrift store, with a board across them, then add the readings together, will get you close enough.
FM's advice will get you 90% of the way there. That last 10% of suspension perfection is a little tougher, but well worth it, once dialed in.
I run an Ohlins rear shock that I dont hate on my Africa Twin, after taking the spring rate up from 95 N/mm to 120 N/mm, derived from Jeff's math.
Run a TFX fully adjustable shock on the DMC Expedition chair, and a couple TFX fully adjustable shocks on the Chuck Loftin Leading Link. Spring rates dialed in by Jeff, for weight and ratio of wheel travel to shock travel.
I really like how it handles, both street and off road.
@miles-ladue Thanks for weighing in. I understand the issues and process of modifying suspension, having done it on a few other bikes. I'm hoping that someone might have recommendations for specific spring rates, etc. Heavy duty/progressive fork springs are definitely on the list, but there are many to choose from, and I'd prefer not to end up buying multiple sets in order to find the ones that work well.
Unfortunately there isn’t any one right solution to the setup of a sidecar rig. Most of those who have built one have built that one at least twice due to the iterative process. There aren’t a lot of gen 1 VStroms out with sidecars attached so we’re all cheering you on hoping the right combination of experience and advice will be perfect.
Illegitemi non carborundum est!
Leading legs do the job steering effort wise so that's a good start.
Being an older machine does it already have an aftermarket rear shock?
If so the spring may have its weight rating written on it?
Clutching at straws I know
Funny I still have the stock 650 shock with a heavier spring sitting on a shelf
Here in Western Australia.
Pop by and we can try it..........
They differ from the thou depending on year etc.
The one on the rig when I sold it was heavier again if I remember correctly.
Found the picture if you can read the numbers.
Thanks again, folks, for chiming in. The info and support is much appreciated. I'm working away from home for a bit, so progress on this will be slow, but I'll come back when I have something to report. Ben, I will certainly get in touch with Jeff at the BeemerShop (had heads done there for my old R80, years back, and a fine job it was); Brstr, if I ever make it Down Under, yer on the list, mate.
