1981 GS850 with a sidecar - looking to upgrade front rear and sidecar suspension

[Guest]

So this one is kinda confusing.

I'd like to upgrade the front fork springs, rear shocks/springs and the sidecar shock. But this isn't a normal motorcycle, it's heavy (all the extra framing and sidecar weight) and I'm not entirely sure where most of the extra weight sits.

I'm not sure how to calculate the spring rate on a rig like this. Has anyone gone down this road before? Do I just get the most heavy-duty stuff possible?

[Steve]

Contact Rich at Sonic Springs for the fork springs. Not sure whether they do shocks.

He is also a member here, so you can also send him a PM. Username is RichDesmond.

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[head]

You want to set up a sidecar. Go to a sidecar person. This road is very well travelled for those in the know. Best modification for the front end is a leading link set up. Makes the beast a lot more enjoyable to ride. Uses rear shocks on the front ! Go figure.

[Notz]

A sidecar like this...



is probably more suited for a BMW.

You'd want a mini-mini Previa for a GS850

and for a Triumph Triple perhaps a Cooper mini-mini-mini

And I suppose a Harley would be best matched with...I dunno, a DODGE.??

[mikerophone]

Nah, BMW and VW are German, you'd want a Ducati for that sidecar!

Or a Suzuki Sidekick (Sidekick Sidecar!?) or Samauri for the GS850?

in all seriousness OP, what info do you have on your sidecar? My daughter has always told me I need to get a sidecar for one of my bikes, that way we could ride 3 up.