Sidecar versus Solo springs

jwonder · Post by **jwonder** » Mon Dec 16, 2019 1:57 pm

Hello again BMW aficionados,

My R51/3 was riding what I thought was a little on the hard side even though I don’t really know what it “should” ride like versus a /2. Today I lifted the rubber gaiters and measured the springs and I seem to have sidecar springs, not solo springs on the motorcycle. They measure 6.5mm thick wire.

My question is if it really makes that much a of difference in the ride quality. A friend of mine, who knows plungers, told me that the ride on the R51/3 is always going to be that way. He did not know I had sidecar springs at the time though.

I am seriously considering buying solo springs and going to them but if the money is not worth it I will keep it as is. I would LOVE your thoughts and your ideas!

Thanks!!

James

wa1nca · Post by **wa1nca** » Mon Dec 16, 2019 5:52 pm

Hello again BMW aficionados,

My R51/3 was riding what I thought was a little on the hard side even though I don’t really know what it “should” ride like versus a /2. Today I lifted the rubber gaiters and measured the springs and I seem to have sidecar springs, not solo springs on the motorcycle. They measure 6.5mm thick wire.

My question is if it really makes that much a of difference in the ride quality. A friend of mine, who knows plungers, told me that the ride on the R51/3 is always going to be that way. He did not know I had sidecar springs at the time though.

I am seriously considering buying solo springs and going to them but if the money is not worth it I will keep it as is. I would LOVE your thoughts and your ideas!

Thanks!!

James

The solo springs are 5.5mm and I would think it would be a softer ride
Vech has them at Bench Mark
3141 2054 252
$27.00 each plus shipping

You also may have sidecars springs in the rear
Tommy

Beemer100 · Post by **Beemer100** » Tue Dec 17, 2019 6:35 am

I think the plunger will never ride as smooth as the /2 Beemers. I find them more agile simply because of the lower weight.
I wouldn't bother too much with the sc springs. As Tommy mentioned, you might as well have the sc springs in the rear.
It depends probably also a lot of your own weight and if you drive the bike with a passenger or alone. Also road conditions ... a lot of potholes and I would prefer sc springs on both ends.

Klaus

808Airhead · Post by **808Airhead** » Tue Dec 17, 2019 9:51 pm

My R51/3 had them,and I put solo springs in.....much better!