2013 R1200GS with sidecar build and installation by Fred Wynn of Soddy Daisy, TN. Bike has 31,268 miles.
Contact me at gwnyktas@gmail.com or by text to (513) 314-1931 George Nyktas
This is a go anywhere long distance road and offroad rig. There is plenty of storage in the rear of the car with lockable top and bottom boxes. Also, there is a glovebox for handy access of smaller items.
MOTORCYCLE MODIFICATIONS FOR THE SIDECAR
The front suspension has been modified to lessen the load on the driver’s shoulders when maneuvering turns and curves. The aluminum ball joint mount bracket supplied by DMC Sidecars that the A-frame attaches to and the fork tubes run through is the part that was installed. It moved the front wheel forward, making the wheelbase longer and easier to turn. This allows for one hand steering at highway speeds.
The rear wheel has been changed from a motorcycle tire and wheel to an automobile tire and wheel. This required an adapter from the BMW wheel bolt pattern to an automobile wheel bolt pattern. The tire used on this bike is a BF Goodrich 155/80/R15 automobile tire.
Regarding the Set Up:
The toe-in on setup is 1/4 - 3/8 inch using an 8ft straight edge.
The lean is 1/4 - 1/2 inch on a 2ft scale.
The sidecar tire leads the back wheel of the motorcycle by 10 inches. This motorcycle is set up at 10 inches to strike a happy medium between pavement and off-road use.
SIDECAR DESIGN & BUILD
Electrical System
Unlike many other sidecars – this one has its own battery and is separate from the motorcycle.
A sensing wire is spliced into wiring for the motorcycle taillight. The same electrical charge that turns the motorcycle lights on translates through the sidecar relay to light the sidecar taillight. The same is true for the headlight, brake, and turn indicators. If anything should not operate as expected, troubleshooting is easy since the two systems are separate.
The headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn indicators on this sidecar are powered by the sidecar battery and operate seamlessly with lights on the bike. Sidecar headlights and tail lights sense when the motor is running and light accordingly.
The motorcycle’s alternator is only used to charge the battery in the sidecar.
Braking System
The motorcycle has two master cylinders mounted side-by-side. Both master cylinders are mechanically hooked to the foot pedal. The first goes to the motorcycle, the second one goes to the sidecar. The master cylinders are the same for ease of maintenance and replacement as needed.
The brake caliper is a standard (common) Ducati rear wheel caliper.
A standard utility trailer bearing (1’ or 1 1/16’) , hub, and 8-inch brake disc were used.
Torsion Bar
The unique torsion bar suspension provides a smoother ride with more stability than other designs. It does not require a shock.
Disconnecting the sidecar for service to the bike
Four bolts, the quick disconnect brake line and electrical connection take a few minutes to allow for full servicing to the bike. All service on the bike has been performed by Motohio European Motorbikes in Columbus where it was purchased and BMW Motorcycles of Greater Cincinnati. All service is up to date. Removal of the sidecar allows for complete servicing of the bike.
MOTORCYCLE ACCESSORIES
The bike has Clearwater Lights, Billie Brake Light, Adaptiv Technologies Radar and Laser Detector, Touratech Mounting brackets [Touratech cases are not included], Bill Mayer saddles and numerous other items.
