Leaf spring rear-end!!!
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Leaf spring rear-end!!!
So this whole idea started when i took off all the excess weight (aka dresser stuff) off of the rear section of my 1984 Goldwing Interstate. To me, the look of the frame was fairly stretched! So the only logical thing to do was to cut off the rear shock tower section.
So i connected with my local spring shop Florida Spring and Axle Inc. and got some advice. After alot of questions and tilted heads they were on board. It helps that the owner just so happens to own the exact same model Wing. I also hooked up with a great machine shop willing to take on this task and put up with all of my hair brained ideas.
I have the new axle turned and temporarily installed to get the springs right. My next step is to get the hand cut springs rolled @ the proper measurements. I am going to use nylon races as to not screw up the brand spanky new threads on the axle....plus it will be nice and quiet!
So i connected with my local spring shop Florida Spring and Axle Inc. and got some advice. After alot of questions and tilted heads they were on board. It helps that the owner just so happens to own the exact same model Wing. I also hooked up with a great machine shop willing to take on this task and put up with all of my hair brained ideas.
I have the new axle turned and temporarily installed to get the springs right. My next step is to get the hand cut springs rolled @ the proper measurements. I am going to use nylon races as to not screw up the brand spanky new threads on the axle....plus it will be nice and quiet!
- Attachments
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- New axle installed.
- IMG00003-20110115-2331.jpg (183.61 KiB) Viewed 2006 times
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- Rough cut spring.
- IMG00004-20110115-2331.jpg (211.3 KiB) Viewed 2006 times
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- IMG00005-20110115-2331.jpg (196.2 KiB) Viewed 2006 times
- Old Fogey
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Re: Leaf spring rear-end!!!
Sure is a different way of doing things! Might make shaft and rear drive maintenance a little difficult, not to mention when you get a puncture.
What are you using for spring damping (shock absorbers)?
What are you using for spring damping (shock absorbers)?
"Impossible Is Just a Level of Difficulty!..."
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If I'd wanted you to understand, I would have explained it better! (Johann Cruyff)
I’d give my right arm to be ambidextrous!
- robin1731
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Re: Leaf spring rear-end!!!
My thought too. All the springs do is hold the rear end up. Or front end on some four wheel drive trucks. You still need shocks to dampen the ride.Old Fogey wrote:What are you using for spring damping (shock absorbers)?
This should be interesting.
1976 Goldwing Super Sport
1985 Honda Elite
1976 KZ900 Dragbike
1992 ZX7 Dragbike (KZ900 style motor w/NOS)
and a rotation of various purchases
Randakk approved Carb Rebuilder
1985 Honda Elite
1976 KZ900 Dragbike
1992 ZX7 Dragbike (KZ900 style motor w/NOS)
and a rotation of various purchases
Randakk approved Carb Rebuilder
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Re: Leaf spring rear-end!!!
I am getting alot of help from the spring shop. They claim that with the right spring, temper, and shackle arrangement that you can make them act differently when they are compressesd and relaxed. I am leaving this engineering aspect to the experts.
As far as ease of maintenance, the springs are only held to the axle with one bolt on the shackle and the other end is held by one bolt and a u bolt.
But if all else fails, and it ends up being a rigid then the leaf sprung seat should absorb some shock!!!!
As i dont think this has ever been done, that i can find anyway, it should be a learning experience for all involved. Just cause it hasnt been done, doesnt make it impossible, just really damn difficult LOL
Thanks for keepin me thinkin.
As far as ease of maintenance, the springs are only held to the axle with one bolt on the shackle and the other end is held by one bolt and a u bolt.
But if all else fails, and it ends up being a rigid then the leaf sprung seat should absorb some shock!!!!
As i dont think this has ever been done, that i can find anyway, it should be a learning experience for all involved. Just cause it hasnt been done, doesnt make it impossible, just really damn difficult LOL
Thanks for keepin me thinkin.
- gregforesi
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Re: Leaf spring rear-end!!!
On a one-off job like this the best expert should be you. Looks kinda wide right where your foot is gonna go.
2006 GL1800 (Brutus Maximus)
1978 GL1000 (White Trash - 2012 BOTY
(If you want to discuss the Trashmobile, Webers, Rearsets, Clubmans, or other stuff then send me a PM.)
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1978 GL1000 (White Trash - 2012 BOTY
(If you want to discuss the Trashmobile, Webers, Rearsets, Clubmans, or other stuff then send me a PM.)
"Getting old ain't for sissies" - Phyllis Diller
"So how much you gonna spend to win that $5 trophy?" - Cyborg
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Re: Leaf spring rear-end!!!
I like seeing something done "just because". Thanks for the photos, and looking forward to more.
I found the end of the internet
---- Bradshaw Bikes custom polishing for your wing. Visit us on facebook!
1978 Learning Experience
1980 County Road Hauler "Brain Damage"
1978 Cafe Custom Gl1000 "Vyper"
1977 Bulldog Inspired "Vaincre"
1981 Street Fighter GL1100 "No Quarter"
1983 Supercharged Street Drag "Anubis" (in worx)
1983 gl1100 mint restoration "Kristen"
1985 Aspencade..pondering.
---- Bradshaw Bikes custom polishing for your wing. Visit us on facebook!
1978 Learning Experience
1980 County Road Hauler "Brain Damage"
1978 Cafe Custom Gl1000 "Vyper"
1977 Bulldog Inspired "Vaincre"
1981 Street Fighter GL1100 "No Quarter"
1983 Supercharged Street Drag "Anubis" (in worx)
1983 gl1100 mint restoration "Kristen"
1985 Aspencade..pondering.
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Re: Leaf spring rear-end!!!
bitchin!
- Fred Camper
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Re: Leaf spring rear-end!!!
Very interesting concept, Corvette used a single plastic leaf spring up front in the 1990's and it saved weight and performed quite well. This will be an interesting build as it is a 50-50 risk imo.
Proud member of the NGW Cartel (Rochester MI)
1977 GL1000 BADDOG (April 2012 BOTM)
1976 LTD - '993 LTD...and so it begins'
You should remember that it's peace of mind you're after and not just fixing the machine. R.Pirsig
1977 GL1000 BADDOG (April 2012 BOTM)
1976 LTD - '993 LTD...and so it begins'
You should remember that it's peace of mind you're after and not just fixing the machine. R.Pirsig
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Re: Leaf spring rear-end!!!
Yep....to all! I decided to turn the springs over to where they arc up. I think this is going to act as a better way to follow the natural motion of the swing arm, not to mention looks a little better. Got the mounts a little better formed. I decided to go with a little more form to the function.
- Attachments
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- IMG00015-20110117-2254.jpg (186.41 KiB) Viewed 1826 times
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- Kinda flows......I am gonna put fish tail tips on the stock headers to follow form.
- IMG00016-20110117-2254.jpg (198.62 KiB) Viewed 1826 times
- wilf
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Re: Leaf spring rear-end!!!
shure looks bitchin. kinda wondering how you are going to mount the shock?
wilf
wilf
79 naked wing - not so naked anymore
80 interstate project very naked now
90 1500 heartbreaker
80 interstate project very naked now
90 1500 heartbreaker
- bladredhead
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Re: Leaf spring rear-end!!!
are you putting a leaf on the left too?Sacrilege84 wrote:
Broken 1976 gl1000... and a few others
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Re: Leaf spring rear-end!!!
Yes a leaf on both sides. Wilf, i am not gonna use shocks. I think with playin around with different stacks and spring thicknesses that i can get a good spring rate where i dont bouce off the bike everytime i hit a bump! The way i look at it, Indian did it without shocks, why cant i?
- Hal
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Re: Leaf spring rear-end!!!
Well....why not? I've got no springs on mine!Sacrilege84 wrote:Yes a leaf on both sides. Wilf, i am not gonna use shocks. I think with playin around with different stacks and spring thicknesses that i can get a good spring rate where i dont bouce off the bike everytime i hit a bump! The way i look at it, Indian did it without shocks, why cant i?
(Just a little nitrogen....)
"The Moving Finger writes, and having writ, moves on,
nor all your Piety nor Wit
can lure it back to cancel half a line...
so....probably best use Tipp-Ex in future?"
1977 GL1000 in bits
1978 SR 500 Yam
1995 Harley Sportster/Buell street-tracker
1992 Grinnall Scorpion SC3 prototype
2002 Caterham SV 220 Evo (4 wheeled motorcycle)
Hal's Nalbum
nor all your Piety nor Wit
can lure it back to cancel half a line...
so....probably best use Tipp-Ex in future?"
1977 GL1000 in bits
1978 SR 500 Yam
1995 Harley Sportster/Buell street-tracker
1992 Grinnall Scorpion SC3 prototype
2002 Caterham SV 220 Evo (4 wheeled motorcycle)
Hal's Nalbum
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Re: Leaf spring rear-end!!!
Man those are nice and clean.....I like it. If i would have know those exsisted i may not have chopped off the rearend .....oh well. Ka Sera Blah Blah
- ericheath
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Re: Leaf spring rear-end!!!
Doesn't that have a spring on the inside? Along with the gas.
Whatever I suggest here should be given ample time for a moderator to delicately correct. I apologize in advance.
77 WING, 1200 engine with 77 heads, cams, gl1100 foot pegs, Magna V65 front end, 764A carbs, [-gone Suzuki M109 monoshock--, replaced with gl1100 shocks] gl 1200 swing arm, gl1500 final drive, wheel and rear brakes Valkyrie seat, Meanstreak tank, Sportster pipes, Power Arc ignition off crank.
77 Wing. black
83 Wing, in pieces
"Continuing education is important even if the subject matter is fairly useless (as in this case)."---Greg Foresi
77 WING, 1200 engine with 77 heads, cams, gl1100 foot pegs, Magna V65 front end, 764A carbs, [-gone Suzuki M109 monoshock--, replaced with gl1100 shocks] gl 1200 swing arm, gl1500 final drive, wheel and rear brakes Valkyrie seat, Meanstreak tank, Sportster pipes, Power Arc ignition off crank.
77 Wing. black
83 Wing, in pieces
"Continuing education is important even if the subject matter is fairly useless (as in this case)."---Greg Foresi
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