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I am a long time rider (125,000 miles) but not much of a mechanic so if I sound like I don't know what I am talking about ... I don't

I live in an area with very high winds and recently invested in putting a small sidecar rig (totebox style) onto my 2005 Virago 250 for stability. After installation it became apparent that I need to modify the shocks to support the extra load. According to the guy who installed the rig I need a stronger spring and possibly should add up to one-half inch of length to the shocks.

I am a student and trying to keep costs down. Is there any stock part that I could order or maybe find on a junker that would be compatible with the XV250? I don't even really know how to "describe" shocks so while I am willing to call around to junkyards what do I say I am looking for (style, length, etc)?

Shocks are designed with care for each application. When you start changing them, you either have to rely on folks who have experimented with various set-ups (mostly done on performance bikes) or your own trial and error.

A longer shock (with a stiff enough spring) will raise the ride height of the back end, putting more weight on the front wheel and can make the bike feel more twitchy.

A stiffer spring on stock length shocks can reduce wallowing, and this sounds more like what you are after. The internal valving will not change so the shock can start to feel bouncy as the valving can't control the spring's oscillations as well anymore. If you can find a shock with the same measurements as stock, but from a heavier bike, you are in luck. But Good luck finding a place that will help you on the phone. You will probably have to take your old shock down to a wreckers and sort through likely bikes yourself.

Off topic... can you post pics of your rig?

BuzZz:
Yep, "wallowing" .. that about describes it. Except when you wallow/sag on a sidecar outfit the bike leans away from the rig and that increases all sorts of bad stuff like changing the CoG, rapid wearing of tires and chains, etc.

storysunfolding:
I would be glad to when I get a chance ... might be a few as I will have to borrow a digital camera.

The first pics of my outfit are posted at the following website...

http://viragotechforum.com/phpBB/album_ ... er_id=4676

Its a 'standard' eye type shock so you should be able to get a set from a heavier bike with twin shocks. Stay away from shaft drive shocks though as the torque reaction means they are softer sprung than a chain drive bike. Just measure the length you have and the length you wan then its tape measure time at the breakers. If you have a caliper you can measure the spring wire diameter and count the number of coils. Thicker wire or less coils (or both) mean a stronger spring.
PJ

Wind Rider 2007 wrote:The first pics of my outfit are posted at the following website...

http://viragotechforum.com/phpBB/album_ ... er_id=4676

looks great!