Now that I have had my Dl1000 rig for almost a year I have decided it is time to sort out the suspension. I already had to replaced the shocks on the tub and leading link as they were blown and leaking on the front and bent on the tub. I chose to go with Hagon shocks as they fit my budget best and their support is great. I think the front end ended up a bit over sprung but thankfully that should be easy to figure out with some measurements and math.
The place I am struggling the most to figure out is the rear spring rate. I have an Elka Shock on there now and it was tuned for me as a solo rider without the sidecar. As I've been riding for the past year it has more preload that I would like and the sag is significant. Both of these things tell me I need a stiffer spring.
What I don't know is how to figure out the correct spring rate. I reached out to Klaus and understandibly he was not interested in helping me figure out spring rates for shocks he does not sell. I have calculated corner weight for just the outfit, but need to find better scales to before I can get figures with rider and monkey/Load.
Luckily I have a Dl650 solo bike too. While it is a slightly lighter bike I'm using it as a guide to compare front to back weight distribution. I am hoping it will help me figure out how much the side car weight adds to the solo bike, and will give me an idea what proportion of the sidecar weight and load transfers to what end of the bike.
If anyone has been down this road before any experience would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Brian,
Your profile doesn't tell us where you are. BUT... If you come to the USCA rally in Corning this summer I am bringing a set of scales that will give you individual wheel weights, total weight and percentages.
