Maico Spider shock spring info ?

[Stevo17]

Does anyone have any knowledge of what the original spring rates were on the 83 Maico's?  I can't track down any info on them at all. Can anyone suggest a suitable replacement?  I know the 82 was about 12 or 13kgs and looked like a truck spring but the 83 is much more normal. 

[Stevo17]

Thanks Wasp, I am pretty sure the 83 and 84 are the same. I have the original and can take some measurements to double check your specs.  I will take it off and get back to you. thanks steve

[evo550]

I think '83 and '84 had different canister mounting positions. '83 on front downtube (similar to monoshock Yamahas) and '84 was on main downtube behind right leg. I think shocks would be the same. I had a race tech spring fitted to my '84, although it was slightly shorter than standard and needed a spacer made up.
There are online calculators that can determine the spring rate for you...although I'm sure Wasp could also help you with that.

[Stevo17]

Thanks Evo,  I think the shock is the same on the 84 but as you say, the 84 has the reservoir on the side frame rail above the chain. The 83 is on the front down tube. I am working with wasp at the moment to come up with a solution. I am kinda lucky that my bike is all original, albeit in a rooted state. So we can figure out what it should have.

[Stevo17]

Na, I think the 84 has a short hose and mounted on the side frame rail above the front sprocket?

[Stevo17]

83 shock in bits...

[firko]

As stated earlier the '82 had a spring like it was out of an FJ Holden but even though the reservoirs are different I'm pretty sure the Ohlins shocks and spring rates between the '83 and '84 are identical. There may have been a different rate between the SC motocrosser and the Enduro however.

Didn't the '82 have a Corte & Cosso shock and an outlandish rocker ratio as well?

[evo550]

'85 had a piggyback canister. Although one would fit to an '84.

Have you had yours on an '84 for any length of time Wasp? Not questioning the quality of your product, just curious to see how they hold up against the fabled Maico shock breaking issues.

[evo550]

. The original problem of braking was also addressed .   . 

What did you consider the original problem to be ?

Never heard back from either of them .

A sure sign all is well 

[Stevo17]

I thought that the chain might chew out the piggy back reservoir?  I have seen some bikes that have had a piggy back shock fitted and they have added a roller to the frame between the frame rails - above the footpeg.

[firko]

Walters YSS '84 Maico shock
                                                              

[Stevo17]

Looks great Firko, how does it cope with the chain in close proximity ? What sort of money are we talking about Walter?

[evo550]

It was a clearance problem , thats why we went to the fixed reservoir . Firko has a pic of the shock and if he wants to share it , I have no problem with that .

Where was the clearance problem ? I had two shocks bend the bottom mount where it meets the shaft on '84 models, and have my own "backyard" theory.I'm interested to see how far off I was 

[evo550]

It was a clearance problem , thats why we went to the fixed reservoir . Firko has a pic of the shock and if he wants to share it , I have no problem with that .

Where was the clearance problem ? I had two shocks bend the bottom mount where it meets the shaft on '84 models, and have my own "backyard" theory.I'm interested to see how far off I was 

Is this a closely guarded secret?

[Maicoman]

Very common for the 84 shocks to break at the lower mount. Mine had done it once that I know of and yes the chain can hit the union fitting on the shock cannister. Had mine rebuilt by Sigra Technology at Penrith (worst shock rebuilders ever) 4 months later it came back with nylon truck air line on the reservoir and leaked within 2 months at a price tag of $400+.
  Try Sean at SOS suspension Penrith, he sets up Laurie Alderton and GB's Maico's and give Paul stacker a call he sells a shorter lower mount that fixes breakage issues.