That is interesting because that might give me the clearance to mount those shocks with the Reservoir at the top.
You have a link to the shock you ordered? I’m right behind you on this project. As soon as I’m done with my lithiums… this will be next. Super curious on your updates. Thanks for posting
1 Like
I like the shocks I ordered but the arm holding the Canister does not fit in the top mounting bracket. So I had to install upside down. I am looking for the same type of shock now that doesn’t have the side canister.
Here is what I purchased
Mallofusa 13.5 Inch 340mm Pair Motorcycle Shock Absorbers Air Rear Suspension Universal Compatible for Honda Suzuki Yamaha Kawasaki Red https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GPLC4QZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VUzTDbSPNDY9J
If you want to try the nev bracket, I’d split the cost with you. You’re doing all the labor and research, if you figure it out will save me time down the road 
Only thing about extending the top mount out it would change the angle of the shock to angle inward instead of outward.
Here is a cheaper option that would work
Look at my pic. You will understand the angle of the shock would drastically change and not sure how that would ride
After searching all day I think I will try these next. However they say they max out at 660 pounds which is over kill for my lithium gem but what I might do is take out a lot of the air and see how they do
Wotefusi 1 Pair Shock Absorbers 340mm 13.4 inches Round Ends Motorcycle Replacement Universal for Scooter Atv Quad Dirt Sport Bike Go Kart Honda Suzuki Kawasaki Yamaha Ducati Grey https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L4NYSJS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_w9GTDb7HASVKC
I really only need max 300 pounds per shock on the front end and that would be max.
Finding shocks that are 350mm or 13.5 in length that will fit and with a lower weight compression has been hard.
1 Like
I, like others, am following this thread fingers crossed you or someone will solve this. It seems most everyone finds are too stiff, was wondering if you considered starting with weight needs (maybe 3-400# capacity each) and finding the longest stock shock available and then fit?
Right now ride is my only issue.
Brian
I have found many shocks that are 320mm with 300 to 400 pound max weights. However 320 is one inch shorter while I know that isn’t much but I like the right height and a inch would mean a lot when I have to go over speed bumps. It is a thought to go lower and increase tire height but that might not work either because the tires might hit the wheel well
All thoughts. I might try the 320mm as well. And see what happens
These are 320mm with 420 pound max. They do have adjustable mounting so I might be able to unscrew them 1/2 inch to raise the height. And adjust the air to make them softer. Think I might just pull the trigger
Still thinking about this. If I get smaller shocks would that change the pitch of the wheels. Wouldn’t that pull the wheel closer to the center of the gem causing more wear on the outside
Just thinking ahead
I’ve made some progress on this front as well. I’ve been working with QA1 to spec out the proper shocks for my 2013 E6 (lithium powered). I started out by purchasing four digital bathroom scales to determine the corner weights of the vehicle.
Empty vehicle weight (two child car seats installed in middle row):
378.0 lbs front driver corner
356.0 lbs front passenger corner
383.6 lbs rear passenger corner
345.5 lbs rear driver corner
734.0 lbs front
729.1 lbs rear
723.5 lbs driver side
739.6 lbs passenger side
1,463.1 lbs total empty vehicle weight
The scales I used have a 440 lb limit so I don’t think I’ll be able to get measurements with passengers in the cart. I’d guess these numbers have a +/-2 lb variance. As you can see the cart is surprisingly balanced. I have the 28s LiFePO4 cells sitting up against the passenger side of the rear battery tray. There is nothing under the middle seats.
Prior to weighing the car I had replaced all of the front control arm bushings with new OEM bushings. This helped to smooth out the ride more than I would have expected. Almost to the point that I may have just kept the current shocks however the front of the car rides too high causing severe positive camber. To achieve a neutral camber I need a shorter shock.
For measuring the shock length I put the front of the frame level on jack stands then removed the existing shock which I think is too long. I used a floor jack to lift the wheel to the point that the tire sat perpendicular to the floor (using a level clamped to the face of the wheel) and measured the distance between the shock mount holes. That distance came out to ~232mm. I still need to measure the rear shock length but that should be simpler as it’s a solid axle.
After providing QA1 the weights and front shock length they asked for the additional measurements shown below to determine the motion ratio and angle.
I still need to take these measurements along with the rear shock length. I’m hoping to have some time over the next week to collect these additional measurements. Based on the info I’ve provided them so far they think the QA1 Proma Star Coilover Shock DS302 will be the likely choice. It looks like a nice setup with some adjustability. They’ve said the available rates for the springs in the length I need are going to be on the stiffer side since they only go down to 250mm. They think this will be ok and with the motion ratio on the front it might be even a bit better. Since we carry six adult passengers from time to time which adds considerable weight they say the heavier springs will cope with that better.
I’m interested to see how this all turns out and will probably reach out to at least one other company for comparison once I have all the measurements. I’m not sure how much all of this info will help others given the specifics of my GEM but hopefully some find it helpful or at least interesting.
you think someone could send them a stock shock for them to measure spring rate ?
Possibly, but it might be easier for someone to find a local shop to check them. @bundcur mentioned doing that at his buddies race shop earlier in this thread:
I’m not sure but there may also be a way to get a reasonable estimate of the spring rate based on the dimensions, gauge and number of coils.
Well that changes up my trial and error
Do you suggest for my 2002 I give this company a call and go thru the same process or do you believe that this shock in a longer length would do the trick on my older 2002
I don’t mind calling and going through the same process just was wondering what they said
Thanks for going through all this
Tyson
I’d recommend getting in touch with QA1 directly as the suspensions are quite different between our model years and they may ultimately recommend a different shock for me once they have all my measurements. I’ll send you a message with the contact info for the rep I’ve been working with.
The QA1 shocks aren’t as cheap as the ones from RFY and others so I’m sure some portion of the community will appreciate someone finding the right fit at that price point but it may require a fair bit of trial and error (and money lost on return shipping).
While I did purchase another set of shocks, for $79. I will try these out and at the same time get all my measurements so i can call QA1. I don’t mind spending a few extra bucks to get a better ride and not wear out the outside of my tires. I have the same wear pattern on my tires as you do. in the long run if we can get the ride height correct and save money on replacing tires all the time it might be worth a few extra $$
I suspect the toe is off on my alignment as well so the tires are really getting chewed up. I want to buy new wheels and tires but need to get the suspension and alignment sorted first. I’m close to chording the fronts so I plan to rotate them to the rear. Unfortunately the rear tires are a slightly smaller size thanks to a previous owner.
The toe in will be way off if you don’t have good A-arm bushings. Now that you have replaced your bushings the toe in may be ok
I thought about it but those RFY shocks, we’re still to Stiff. The driver side shock that I did get on when I stood on top of the vehicle I could barely compress it with my 200 pounds. I have another pair coming today I will try those this weekend