From: Stuart Ulph
Date: 21 Jul 2002
Time: 19:25:58
Remote Name: 193.237.136.145
Bill's comment on much improved handling with clamped on overload springs made me think. I wonder if there might be two factors here. The obvious one would be stiffening up the spring would reduce roll at normal speeds, so the dreaded roll oversteer (on standard springs) would happen differently. I don't know enough to comment on what happens when you alter the relation between front and rear spring rates, but I would think it was the roll consideration that led the works to fit van springs to Nippys, etc. The second point is that Bill Williams used to fit extra clamps on the flattened rear springs of his specials. He thought the springs moved or distorted sideways on cornering. I suppose this would also be increasing frictional damping between the leaves of the spring. To investigate this, I've made up some flat rear springs with extra clamps for my 33 Tourer. The plot is to fit a 3 piece rear axle with the casing upside down to retain the ride height. Haven't got round to fitting it yet, though! Will report if I survive, but it could be a while; another special to finish first. Regards, Stuart