73 Eldorado / Jawa sidcar

[Wink]

I attached a 74 Velorex Jawa sidecar to my 73 Eldo. The front fork springs are now

 too weak. Has anyone fabricated a preload or found stiffer springs that solve this issue? I have my forks disassembled for rebuild and hate to spend money on springs that won't solve the problem.  thank you for any help

[DoubleGuzzi]

It's the big pillion that's the issue! 

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I attached a 74 Velorex Jawa sidecar to my 73 Eldo. The front fork springs are now

 too weak. Has anyone fabricated a preload or found stiffer springs that solve this issue? I have my forks disassembled for rebuild and hate to spend money on springs that won't solve the problem.  thank you for any help

If they're the original springs, then they are well past due for replacement. You can try the repro stock type springs which I've found to be quite firm: https://www.crustycycle.com/products/moto-guzzi-fork-spring-set-ambassador-eldorado-v700-12526600 . Or the Wirth progressive springs: https://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=197_199&products_id=1147

With either, use more fork oil than the factory spec. of 5.4 oz., I use 8 ounces. With the factory amount there is more than an inch of travel that is totally undamped. The extra amount also reduces the "air gap" in the forks, effectively increasing the spring rate.

[Wink]

Thank you for the advice. The springs still measure 9” so I thought they were still in good shape. I’m going to order the progressive worth spring tonight. Think I should use 30 weight oil or automatic transmission fluid?

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Thank you for the advice. The springs still measure 9” so I thought they were still in good shape. I’m going to order the progressive worth spring tonight. Think I should use 30 weight oil or automatic transmission fluid?

I've used 30w fork oil, 30w motor oil and 80w90 and they all work well. Never tried ATF,

[Perazzimx14]

I've used 30w fork oil, 30w motor oil and 80w90 and they all work well. Never tried ATF,

ATF is reported to be equal to 10w so it'll be light in this application.