Showing posts with label Suspension. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Suspension. Show all posts

Friday, May 12, 2017

BMW /2 Suspension Spring Specifications

BMW produces four different suspension springs for the /2:  There are different springs Front and Rear.  And for each position, BMW produces a spring designed for either Solo or Sidecar use.

The length and geometry of the front and rear springs is pretty close. You can use a front spring in the rear and vice-versa. For example, a little extra firmness in your suspension can be obtained by installing rear solo springs in the front and rear of your motorcycle.

A little extra firmness can also be obtained by running Scottie's Workshop Dual Valve High Pressure Gas Shocks.

Big thanks to Michael Cecchini and Ted Porter for his research on spring rates.



Factory Recommended PositionTypePreload (inches)Next 1" Travel (inch/lbs)From 2-3" (inch/lbs)From 3-4" (inch/lbs)Average spring rate (inch/lbs)
FrontSolo0.550536255
RearSolo0.5909010495
FrontSidecar0.558607865
RearSidecar0.5130150170150



Factory Recommended PositionTypeWire Diameter(mm)Length (mm)ID (mm)OD (mm)
FrontSolo62873648
RearSolo7.12773752
FrontSidecar6.32743749
RearSidecar7.72723753



Factory Recommended PositionTypePart No.Scottie's Price
FrontSolo31 41 2 054 00731.95
RearSolo33 53 3 054 28438.45
FrontSidecar31 41 2 054 00934.95
RearSidecar33 53 3 054 28640


Sunday, September 21, 2014

Scottie's Workshop Shock Absorbers for /2 Motorcycles

In case anyone is in the market for a new shock, I have been working with Works Performance on developing a new shock for /2. The requirements of the shock were to address the shortcomings of the current choices: Boges are soft at low speed, but wallow at greater than 65 mph, whereas the Koni's are somewhat the opposite: hard at low speeds and better at high speeds. My main complaint with the Mobile Traditions shocks are they they tend to "wallow" on bumpy sweepers at much higher speeds - over perhaps 65 mph. If you like to travel at higher speeds and want the high speed control and stability offered by the Konis, but want a normally plush ride at lower speeds, you'll like these shocks.

These new shocks are handmade in California with an aluminum body, viton seals, much thicker chromed shaft, and they are rebuildable. The dampening is quite soft at low speeds and much firmer at higher speeds. I have eliminated the "mini doughnut" cushions in favor of a high compliance progressive cone. I have been really pleased with the performance both around town and on high speed runs. 

Each set (2 front and 2 rear) are $950 per set, plus shipping. Call the shop at 408-475-2696 for more info.