Rubber torsion suspension

[mark stevens]

I need to change the suspension on the sidecar. It now has a small leading arm with a motorcycle rear shock and spring. The setup is not great, and is now bent.
What are your views on rubber torsion suspension. One of these units would be easy to fit and if any thing happend to it I could buy another off the shelf and replace it. Also it would be a trailing arm which in my humble opinion would be alot better.
Please give me your views, before I go out and purchase one of these units.
Thanks
Mark.
PS sidecar runs a mini wheel.

[Mr. Cob]

Originally Posted by mark stevens

I need to change the suspension on the sidecar. It now has a small leading arm with a motorcycle rear shock and spring. The setup is not great, and is now bent.
What are your views on rubber torsion suspension. One of these units would be easy to fit and if any thing happend to it I could buy another off the shelf and replace it. Also it would be a trailing arm which in my humble opinion would be alot better.
Please give me your views, before I go out and purchase one of these units.
Thanks
Mark.
PS sidecar runs a mini wheel.

Howdy Mark,

Contact "Redmenace" he uses small trailer torsion bar type swing-arms on his sidecars perhaps he could give you some guidance.

[Steve In Ireland]

The cheaper Squire sidecars, like my ST2, have such a rubber torsion suspension. Works OK but is bouncy compared to a proper shock absorber. If you are going to go that route I reckon it would be worth considering fitting some form of damper as well.

[3legs]

G'day,

I've used a Flexitor suspension units for years (although I now use a shock but thats just because I ride on a lot of dirt roads) and have never had a problem with them. I have heard of some of them failing but that is extremely rare. If you are going to use it primarily for the bitumen and a little dirt you should never have a problem.

HOWEVER (here's the but), if you intend to use a 15" wheel on it I probably wouldn't use the flexitor as it will have too much unsprung weight. All DJP sidecars used them with a mini wheel which weighs bugger all. They use a 200 kg Flexitor unit and you can also get a 300 kg which is what I use as a spare in case my shock suspension fails (I have the chassis set up to use either suspension system).

If you dont have a lot of ground clearance on your sidecar they will be perfect with a mini wheel. If you carry a pasenger I would suggest you get the 300 kg unit. As far as Im concerned they have never affected the way the chair handles although it can be a bit bouncy on dirt roads.

You should be able to buy them from any trailer place and from memory they cost around $250 for both the block and swingarm.

Hope this helps.

3legs

[mark stevens]

Thanks Guys
You have put my mind at ease. Will go out and aquire one this week and fit it.
Three legs, no dirt here the goldwing don't like it . In Melbourne trailer spares catalog they have a 250 kg and a 600kg, i'm thinking 600 would be too strong? what do you reckon?
Thanks again guys
Mark
Just finished having another look on the net, 600kg is for both sides, just over $300, no worries thanks 3legs

[NortwestRider]

So what do you guys think of this ??.I'm wondering if this would work..

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Torsi...item518fa059c8

[Rockman]

I built a sidecar around an ALKO rubber suspension unit (ex Melbourne) a few years ago. Under $300 from memory including a Ford hub and cable operated drum brake. Easy to fit and worked ok. Got it from a trailer parts supplier.
Phil

[fullmetalscooter]

You could find ones like this which might be more suited to sidecars I think : http://www.amazon.com/Reliable-Rubbe...5239668&sr=1-1

[RedMenace]

I suggest you find one which has the "swingarm" attached to the pivot via splines and a pinch bolt. You can adjust the axle height with these, which is a real advantage over the fixed models with a welded pivot or square shaft.

[mark stevens]

Thanks to all
Am going with the flexiride 300kg unit with the adjustable swing arm, that way I can allow for mistakes in leveling.
Northwest rider,saw them and they look prety good.
Rockman(Phil) Sounds like you got a bargain
Fullmetalscooter The adjustable ones look nice and solid, and a good price.

[PunkinHead]

Originally Posted by RedMenace

I suggest you find one which has the "swingarm" attached to the pivot via splines and a pinch bolt. You can adjust the axle height with these, which is a real advantage over the fixed models with a welded pivot or square shaft.

I've been looking for one and have only found them in pairs. Since they're adjustable, can the "swingarm" on a left one be turned to make a right one? If so, I'd be willing to split a purchase with someone.

For example: These come in different weight ratings.

[mark stevens]

Thanks Redmenace, hoping you would chime in as I think it was Irish steve wrote you build your sidecars with this type of suspension. The adjustable one is the one I'm going for.
Mark
Sorry it was mr cobb

[moonlite]

hey mark,
how's it going? hope ya have a great new year.

i know y'all have a lot of truckers over there, just get one of them to get ya a rubber block hendrickson suspension off one of them kenworth road trains, that should do the trick,, just messin' with ya pal, don't want to steal the thread but wanted to know how that car tire is working out? take care and ride safe.
mike aka moonlite

[mark stevens]

G'Day Mike
Nice to hear from you.
Car tyre is fantastic. Bloke I bought them of rang me the other day said he was getting rid of his stock, selling them for $25 each. Dam no room in the shed for any more.
Planning a trip over the next few months, down to Tassie and then up the center,turn right after Tennant Creek and across to Townsville, then up to Cairns and back down the east coast.weather and flood damaged roads permitting About 14,000ks that should test the tyre out.
Hope things are going well for you .
Mark

[BJDRAGON_03]

Originally Posted by Rockman

I built a sidecar around an ALKO rubber suspension unit (ex Melbourne) a few years ago. Under $300 from memory including a Ford hub and cable operated drum brake. Easy to fit and worked ok. Got it from a trailer parts supplier.
Phil

Hey Phil do you have a contact for this set up my number is 0421579996 cheers.