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 Position	Type	Preload (inches)	Next 1" Travel (inch/lbs)	From 2-3" (inch/lbs)	From 3-4" (inch/lbs)	Average spring rate (inch/lbs)
Front	Solo	0.5	50	53	62	55
Rear	Solo	0.5	90	90	104	95
Front	Sidecar	0.5	58	60	78	65
Rear	Sidecar	0.5	130	150	170	150

Factory Recommended Position	Type	Wire Diameter(mm)	Length (mm)	ID (mm)	OD (mm)
Front	Solo	6	287	36	48
Rear	Solo	7.1	277	37	52
Front	Sidecar	6.3	274	37	49
Rear	Sidecar	7.7	272	37	53

Factory Recommended Position	Type	Part No.	Scottie's Price
Front	Solo	31 41 2 054 007	31.95
Rear	Solo	33 53 3 054 284	38.45
Front	Sidecar	31 41 2 054 009	34.95
Rear	Sidecar	33 53 3 054 286	40

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.