Panda 100HP Suspension Mods?
Discussion
After a month's ownership I love the little HP to death but the harsh ride is starting annoy me - North London's corrugated roads, Sleeping Policemen and bottomless potholes do not suit the Panda's suspension.
My question to you is has anyone experimented with modified dampers or springs on this model? I was thinking along the lines of fitting a set of adjustable Konis or Spax shock absorbers. I'm told the factory-fitted items can be notoriously variable in their quality and performance. Obviously I do not want to do anything deterimental to upset the excellent roadholding and I fully appreciate low profile tyres do not offer the smoothest ride but a softer set-up would make my daily commute a tad more enjoyable. Over to you..
My question to you is has anyone experimented with modified dampers or springs on this model? I was thinking along the lines of fitting a set of adjustable Konis or Spax shock absorbers. I'm told the factory-fitted items can be notoriously variable in their quality and performance. Obviously I do not want to do anything deterimental to upset the excellent roadholding and I fully appreciate low profile tyres do not offer the smoothest ride but a softer set-up would make my daily commute a tad more enjoyable. Over to you..
From what I can glean, the problem with the Panda 100hp is the vertical 'pogo' motion of the rear suspension.
This would, I believe, generally suggest that the springing is too stiff in relation to the damping. Stiffer dampers would, I think solve the problem to some degree.
As you suggest something with a variable rate (with fixed ratio) would probably be the best option.
Alternatively, softer springs might work. I have had custom made springs fabricated before at very reasonable cost (circa 100quid) from www.coilsprings.co.uk a very good job and, basically, they can make you a spring which doesn't alter ride height etc but is a different rate to standard.
Might be worth a call to them to discuss.
If it was me, I'd investigate the softer springing option first but that will probably rob some of the front end's turn in.
This would, I believe, generally suggest that the springing is too stiff in relation to the damping. Stiffer dampers would, I think solve the problem to some degree.
As you suggest something with a variable rate (with fixed ratio) would probably be the best option.
Alternatively, softer springs might work. I have had custom made springs fabricated before at very reasonable cost (circa 100quid) from www.coilsprings.co.uk a very good job and, basically, they can make you a spring which doesn't alter ride height etc but is a different rate to standard.
Might be worth a call to them to discuss.
If it was me, I'd investigate the softer springing option first but that will probably rob some of the front end's turn in.
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